> Andy K3UK wrote: > So, what about Propnet ? > Would this not also apply to their beacons?
Hi Andy, Beacons essentially are transmitters without receivers. Here's a good test to tell if a station is not beacon: Call the station, if it responds, it isn't a beacon. If you can QSO with the station, it isn't a beacon. If you can exchange data with it, it isn't a beacon. As I understand it, APRS stations and Propnet stations are using transceivers and communicating with each other in a net. Some of the data communications are automatic, or they make scheduled transmissions, but that doesn't make them beacons, it just makes them automatically controlled data stations. Both APRS and Propnet nets are operating in the HF automatic sub-bands. It is somewhat ridiculous to say that every repetitive signal, such as a station ID, is considered a beacon... that would include all contesters and participants in pileups... among other things, the second time you call CQ without an answer :) It is common for ham digital mode software to have an "Auto CQ" function. It continues to call CQ on a repetitive basis until it gets a response. Many PSK31 operators use this feature... Bonnie KQ6XA
