[UK-CONTEST] Digital modes and band plans.

[Dave Sergeant]

On 23 Mar 2009 at 7:16, brian coyne wrote:

> There is no doubt that Digital mode operation is increasing at a rapid
> rate and am caused to wonder whether there is any planning ahead for
> re-allocation of frquencies by those involved with the amateur side of
> ITU.   There is oceans of room on 80mtrs, likewise 15 & 10mtrs, we have
> the extra 100 khz on 40mtrs to be allocated but on 20mtrs, SSB has got
> to give. Do guys operate rtty on top band? I don't know but guess they
> will want the full set for DXCC.

You seem to be slightly out of touch Brian. The new Region 1 bandplan 
was published some time ago and comes into force next Sunday. So a lot 
of what you say is now academic - the CW allocation on 40m moves up to 
7040, the data chaps have the next 10kHz and SSB starts at 7050. How it 
actually works out in practice and how long it takes to become 
established remains to be seen - and whether the new 7000-7025 'contest 
preferred' section makes any difference...

I dabbled in RDXC myself - CW QRP but having to submit it as a MIXED 
entry as that is the only one for QRP (groan). Activity seemed not 
excessive and on 20m it would certainly fit easily in the bottom 70kHz -
 I view the permanent PSK window just above there as a convenient 
barrier to the CW band and don't normally venture above that except in 
CQWW where activity spreads more. 40m just about fitted in nicely in 
the bottom 35kHz and the RTTY chaps did seem to respect things and 
didn't drift lower - but I notice after RDXC finished they spread way 
way down.

I think the issue of RTTY contests and their demands on the bands needs 
to be given careful consideration. In particular organising a major 
RTTY event on the same weekend as a major multi mode CW/SSB contest 
seems irresponsible (and I for one have never been a supporter of dual 
mode contests). There does seem to be an attitude especially in RTTY 
circles that 'we will go where we like and tough on you others' and 
this certainly gives bitter feelings in some quarters.

73 Dave G3YMC

http://www.davesergeant.com