The asymmetric propagation case is impractical to address, whether the stations involved are attended or unattended; fortunately, its not common. The case we can address is that of the unattended station that could, if suitably equipped, detect an already busy frequency and thereby avoid QRMing an ongoing QSO.
The busy frequency detector in SCAMP was a first-cut "see how it works" implementation -- yet expectations were exceeded. From my email exchanges with Rick, it was clear that there remains plenty of opportunity for improvement. Appended below is Rick's post to the ARRL bandwidth committee, in which he characterizes SCAMP's busy detector. This was originally made available on the SCAMP reflector, to which you may not have access. 73, Dave, AA6YQ Rick Muething KN6KB's post to the band width committee: I want to take this opportunity to update the bandwidth committee on recent progress made in the testing of a new digital mode called SCAMP (Sound Card Amateur Message Protocol). This sound card mode incorporates integrated ARQ (Automatic Retry reQuest) and dynamic encoding levels to deliver error-free digital data at respectable speeds (3-4 Kbytes/minute) over 1.9 KHz HF channels. One objective is to provide performance comparable to Pactor II and III using low cost sound card/PC technology and standard voice grade radios (HF and VHF). On March 19, 2005 we began initial beta testing of SCAMP with Winlink 2000 with the exchange of test messages on 17 meters from the client program Paclink SCD W5SMM (Vic Poor) to WL2K SCAMP Server KN6KB. This will be continuing for the next few months using KN6KB's SCAMP Server and one or two additional WL2K SCAMP Servers in selected areas. This marks the the third phase of on-air SCAMP testing which started in November 2004 ( http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/12/07/6/?nc=1 ) Since SCAMP is a "wide band" digital mode (1.9 KHz) SCAMP servers are operating only in the narrow HF forwarding sub bands shared with HF Packet, Pactor III and other automatic/semiautomatic wide band modes. These sub bands were envisioned many years ago as a compromise to permit unattended HF forwarding between HF packet stations. Clearly the abundance of new digital modes including digital voice, data and images has exceeded the narrow limitations of these sub bands (only 5-10 KHz on some bands) The SCAMP clients and servers also incorporate an effective channel busy detector to significantly reduce QRM from either the careless operator or the hidden transmitter (3rd station not heard by the station manually initiating the connection but detected by the automated server). While there is and continues to be much comment from groups that would like to banish all automated (full or semi) transmissions these automated modes have proven to be a very useful and popular. These modes have also proven to serve best and be most efficient and reliable in times emergency when sufficient control operators are not always be available. The attached screen capture GIFs from the WL2K SCAMP server show that while not perfect the state of the art in automated busy detectors has improved considerably. The following GIFs were all made at fairly weak signals...Signals barely moving the S meter above the background noise. The SSB signal is about 1 S unit over the noise. Clear channel display (reference) Weak CW (about 1000 Hz on the display) PSK 31 signal at about 1000Hz with a weaker CW carrier below Pactor II signal near the bottom of the Pass band Pactor III signal showing mode transitions SSB voice at about 1 S unit over the noise There is no question that the integrated use of these types of busy detectors can substantially mitigate QRM from automated or semi automates stations even in difficult "hidden transmitter" scenarios. This combined with reasonable partitioning by bandwidth (clustering like bandwidth signals in band segments) will allow a peaceful co existence of the myriad of modes now in use in amateur radio including the semi automatic transfer modes now so popular. It will also foster an environment to experiment with and expand the use of digital technology...an important aspect of keeping Amateur radio healthy. I think it is also important for the committee to consider that the US is only one country and that several other countries have adopted a policy of minimal regulation of bandwidth and modes. Canada for example permits all HF digital mode < 3 KHz (1 KHz on 30 meters) with virtually no restrictions as to mode, or automation level. I would suggest the committee consider the following in developing a band plan to submit to the FCC. 1) Generally minimize the complexity of band restrictions by mode,bandwidth and level of automation. The Canadian model is a good example of such simplicity. 2) Allow semi automatic operation while encouraging the use of technologies like smart busy detectors that reduce QRM both for the manual and automatic station. 3) Use a simple metric (e.g bandwidth) to segregate modes if required yielding a regulation that is flexible and viable for many years to come. 4) Move with leadership toward a fast resolution of the current antiquated band plan and propose it for fast track adoption with the FCC. Thanks for your consideration. I am at your disposal to answer any technical details of the SCAMP effort and its implementations. 73, Rick Muething KN6KB --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, "Jose A. Amador" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Dave, > > Well, I was aware of SCAMP, but maybe not well informed about the results. > I have never seen it in action, as I was not one of the beta testers. > > Nevertheless, it is a formidable task, and I know that Rick did work > hard on it. > > But as SCAMP has not been in public distribution and not released after > the tests, > it is still only hope, as far as I can see. Besides what Rick and team > did, I know of > no other similar efforts. > > And you are right, the perfect is the best enemy of good. But even then, > good operating > practices are needed, as assymetric conditions will not disappear > and people with > good detectors may be run over by those who don't use them or defeat them. > > So, let's wait and see, hoping for the best. > > 73, Jose >