>>> Several others have written in support, and >>> I only wish more would have done so publicly.
I wasn't going to reply to this thread when it started because I feel quite strongly about the subject and didn't want to say something I would later regret. However as I feel I need to show my support for Drew's decision, here goes. First of all I think Drew was right to do what he did, over here in Europe things are pretty much the same, in fact I have heard worse than the recording posted here earlier in the week. I have experienced the same frustration that I imagine Drew did when he had others deliberately stomp all over him, it's not nice, especially when it's the same stations day in and day out. While I dont always agree with Drew's attitude to people here on -bb, on this occasion I do support him in what he did - and appreciate both his efforts in looking after the sat and those of the other command stations (and of course others behind the scenes who dont always get a mention) There has been a lot of talk about what can't be done to rectify the situation.. we need to have a more positive approach to this and look at what can be done. Our license states that it is an offence to cause interference - If it is intentional or not, it is interference - some people have compared it to a HF pileup, yes there is that side to it, but that doesn't mean we cant do something about those regular users who continually make a nuisance of themselves by stomping all over other stations, be it deliberate or not - it is interference. If you cant make a contact on the sat without regularly causing interference, then it's either time to look at asking for help with your station setup and operating practices or consider another aspect of the hobby. The ham radio governing bodies (ARRL, RSGB etc) are perhaps in a better position to offer assistance to contact those who don't hang out on here or have contact details on QRZ.com etc. For those people who choose to ignore the advise and continue to cause interference by stomping all over users then perhaps if a few complaints were lodged with the licensing authority it may help. I know it won't cure the problem totally but wouldn't it help? - those who are that way inclined will think twice before making a total nuisance of themselves on the air, and those that choose to ignore the thought of having their license revoked may well just get a letter forwarded to them by their national Amsat organisation via the ARRL or RSGB etc, or repeat offenders from the licensing authority. To reiterate, i'm not talking about the new operators, we were all new once. I'm talking about the regular offenders who are just plain rude and cant wait their turn, or greedy and think it is their right to have X amount of contacts per pass no matter how much interference they cause. Just some suggestions, it may take a little time and effort but also it may well pay off in the long run. Here in Europe there are several stations who pass after pass just stomp all over other users and make AO-51 in particular not a nice place to be. I would certainly never consider using AO-51 as a satellite to do a demo on to beginners when these guys are around. However, the last few days on AO-51 have been a pleasure to work since the switch and if it continues like this (doubtful) then a demo on AO-51 would most definitley be a possibility. Remember, the use of AO-51 is a privilege, not a right. Treat it, and it's users with the respect it/they deserve. Ok, rant over. Keep up the good work Drew, Mark, Gould and all the team at Amsat-NA 73 Pete 2i0VAX _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
