[UK-CONTEST] more spectrum for data

[Daniel Schlieper]

Dear Contesters,

the data section of the RSGB 80m Club Competition is happening within 
20 kHz. According to the bandplan, 10 kHz (3.580-3.590 MHz) is reserved 
for modes using 200 Hz or less. That does not include RTTY, which has the 
other 10 kHz assigned (3.590-3.600 MHz).

10 kHz are just enough space for 20 RTTY stations. When the bandplan is 
ignored, there are another 14 in the segment 3.583-3.590 MHz, which is 
within the rules, but not within the bandplan. Are the rules older than 
the bandplan?

What about this idea:

Wouldn't it be nicer if we spread out a little bit? We could change the 
rules and allow up to 3.620 MHz (or so) for RTTY. The bandplan has "all 
modes" for this segment.

That would not only improve the operating conditions on RTTY, but would 
also give 10 kHz to the narrow band modes (PSK31 and PSK63 for the 80mCC), 
a vast improvement on the 3 kHz segment reserved for PSK now. Actually, at 
the moment, it is 3 kHz minus the QRM of some frustrated RTTY operators 
who end up in the PSK section, seriously spoiling the party.

With 10 kHz for PSK, working QRP could be fun (and very successful). A 
wide band segment would promote the use of PSK far more effectively than 
the current rule with one point per mode.

What do you think?

73 de Daniel M0ERA, Surrey