The FCC classes all automatic stations as ... automatic. While they don't use the terms, semi-automatic and fully automatic, we hams find it convenient to use these short hand descriptors.
Part 97.221(b) indicates that RTTY/data emissions may be automatically controlled in the VHF and higher bands and also specific narrow HF sub bands. This is what most of us call fully automatic operation. The station can initiate transmissions without a control operator. 97.221(c) goes on to say that automatic control of RTTY/data emissions may also be transmitted on any frequency authorized for RTTY/data as long as it is responding to interrogation by a station under local or remote control _and_ is no wider than 500 Hz. This is what most of us call semi-automatic operation. If the "semi-automatic station is wider than the allowed 500 Hz, it must operate within the automatic sub band. That is why Pactor 3 stations operating under semi-automatic operation are only inside the sub bands. There are other Pactor 3 stations that are operating within the RTTY/data area but they must be operated by a control operator if they are being operated legally. If you do not use the terms fully automatic and semi-automatic, then what terminology would be better? 73, Rick, KV9U jgorman01 wrote: > The FCC carefully defines what "control" of an amateur station > consists of. They then go on to define control operator and automatic > control and what is required for exerting control. There are only two > catagories, a "live" station control operator (either local or remote) > and automatic control. That's all there is. Under the definitions, > another station CAN NOT control a station unless it exerting commands > that can adjust a transmitter. In this case the station is being > operated remotely. Consequently, the term semi-automatic control just > does not exist! > > You may define "semi-automatic operation" in relation to a > communication between a station with a control operator and one with > automatic control. Similarly, manual operation may have the > connotation of a communication between two stations with control > operators or full automatic operation to describe a communication > between two automatically controlled stations. These would all be > legitmate, but semi-automatic control is not a legitimate description > under the FCC Part 97 rules. > > Jim > WA0LYK > >
