At 10:23 AM 4/20/2010, cybersapient wrote:
I'm surprised you didn't suggest that the analog FM users on simplex
simply put a PL tone on- it works in simplex, as well, you know.
Hi, Shane,
PL (CTCSS) "works" on simplex technically, of course. But it's not feasible
logistically.
CTCSS requires what I'll call a "cooperative effort" - everybody has to
know and agree to use it, and agree on a specific tone frequency. On analog
repeaters, cooperation is mandated, at least to access the repeater.
Keeping your own receiver quiet by using tone decode is your choice.
Do you think that kind of cooperative effort is possible across a broad
range of simplex users (such as you'll find on 146.58, or any of the
band-plan simplex channels)?
Do you think it can be imposed on simplex operators, as in, "Don't like my
D-STAR digital hash? Well, use CTCSS and don't bother me again."? (Do you
know how many hams don't even know what D-STAR IS yet?)
That contains all the ingredients you need for a range war, and everybody
loses.
Separate spectrum exists for simplex (while it is very had to come by for
repeaters). Let's use it, and be good neighbors. We will have to be aware
of packet or other digital activity in the 145.5-145.8 region, and dodge
that when we find it.
============
bruce mallon <wa4...@yahoo.com> wrote:
STAY OFF KNOWN SIMPLEX FREQUENCIES ! It's that simple.
Closer, Bruce, but here's the rub. Simplex channels (or, what I think you
really meant is "known simplex USE") are "known" mostly by the people using
them regularly, not by the general population surrounding them.
Here in my medium-size area (Raleigh-Durham NC, 29th TV market, ~1,000,000
population demographic), various clubs and ARES groups have suggested that
their members use of one or another simplex channel. There are some ad-hoc
groups of hams who end up on one channel for weeks, months, maybe years.
None keep the channels very busy, but most have a few hams who monitor them
on and off. I know that exists, but I couldn't tell you who's using what
across the region.
These simplex groups are all way too loose for coordinated CTCSS (except in
the mind of the dedicated urban planner). So I still think that, for now,
we're best off staying off ALL the band plan simplex channels, and
establish our own spot. Though if you think you know a spot above 146 MHz
that is truly vacant, well, enjoy it.
Maybe some day we'll be established enough to get a spot for digital
simplex in the band plan, but don't hold your breath (and the guys in the
know are now holding their sides and ROTFL - not because we don't deserve
the spectrum, but because they know just how likely ANY "band plan" changes
and recognition are for anything new or different, but that's a whole
'nother can of worms).
73,
Gary KN4AQ
ARVN: Amateur Radio//Video News
Gary Pearce KN4AQ
508 Spencer Crest Ct.
Cary, NC 27513
<mailto:kn...@arvidionews.com>kn...@arvideonews.com
919-380-9944
www.ARVideoNews.com
