Hi John, While the EasyPal program is primarily used on HF for image transmission, since it can send data in most any form, the Third Symbol does matter here in the U.S. since you can not send image (fax) in the RTTY/Data portions of the bands unless 500 Hz or narrower and EasyPal is closer to a phone bandwidth in size. Many countries have no specific rules like we have and while it is true that there are a number of scofflaw hams, the better way to handle this is to change the rules rather than violate them. Or at the very least, have a bureaucratic interpretation which then effectively has the force of law unless overridden by higher authority.
The land mobile services do not follow Part 97 rules so these rules do not apply to radio amateurs. If the FCC ignores certain rules (and they clearly do, based on what can only be described as stonewalling on some of these issues for quite some time), then it is difficult for them to argue when any rules are not followed. Not a good thing in my view and hopefully the view of most law abiding hams. But just because most of us follow the rules, (or try to t the best of our abilities), does not necessarily mean we agree with them. Unfortunately, the majority of U.S. hams do not support changes to these rules:( My preference would be getting the FCC to agree that any files that could be sent by a program such as EasyPal would then be legal to use in the Phone/Image portions of the bands. I suppose sending a petition would be one way since they do not respond to those of us who have asked for an interpretation. I am guessing that they are betting that no one will petition them, which would be a 100 times more paperwork for them than just responding to a request. Otherwise, you would think that they would respond, as best they can, to avoid a petition. I would like to see it decided one way or the other. 73, Rick, KV9U John B. Stephensen wrote: > EasyPal uses DRM so there are multiple subcarriers and its facsimile > as it displays an image on the screen so J2C seems appropriate. The > FCC definition of facsimile allows the image to be stored in a file > before or after transmission without affecting the emission > designator. If it is used to transmit a file that it can't display > then the third symbol might have to change to D but the FCC probably > doesn't care at this point as it allows data in broadcast TV > transmissions and RTTY mixed with voice transmissions in the land > mobile radio service. > > 73, > > John > KD6OZH
