View Full Version : Petitions Posted for Comment
ae4fa
10-09-2003, 12:12 PM
The FCC has posted seven more petitions dealing with Amateur Radio examinations. They are:
RM-10805 by Charlie Young
RM-10806 by Frank Napurano
RM-10807 by Harry, NØPU and me, AE4FA
RM-10808 by Joe Speroni
RM-10809 by the Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League
RM-10810 by James Roux
RM-10811 by FISTS
To file a comment, go to http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ecfs_alt.html
In the upper right corner of the page are several links. The one labelled "Submit a Filing" is the one you would use to submit a comment. Remember to type in the petition number EXACTLY as shown above, and follow all the instructions.
If you actually want to read the petition before commenting, select the link labelled "Search for Filed Comments."
Have at it, guys. The comment period ends 7 NOV 2003.
N8CPA
10-09-2003, 12:39 PM
I went to the site and downloaded all the pdf files of the petitions you listed. I saved them in my document files and will read them at leisure. I'll comment on all that strike my fancy. Thanks for the announcement.
!!
AE4FA: #Just finished reading your petition and appreciate the amount of effort and thought that you and N0PU put into it. #It makes numerous common sense points that I believe you correctly portrayed as reflecting the prevailing opinion of many amateurs.
Your code testing compromise might be the only light at the end of this long tunnel that US hams can't seem to get through. #Blessed be the peacemakers or something like that. #
I was intrigued at the W5ALT analysis of cw use in amateur radio. #It is an interesting presentation and I think he squeezed out all the data that he could from the sources he used. #Frankly, it's good to see any sort of report on modes being used in ARS. #At the same time, dx cluster spot data tells more about modes used in dxing than overall mode use. #Confidence was lost at this QTH with the indication that SSB is down and CW is up on the 80/75 bands which I operate extensively. #For decades 80 has been a vast wasteland of underutilized spectrum with exception of dx pileups in the Extra portion and the occasional contest. #I sincerely invite anyone who cares to monitor 80 this winter when the atmospheric noise is low and propagation is good. #If you can locate more than one American QSO for every 25 kHz of spectrum (during non-contest periods) I'd be amazed.
If this data influenced your band plan recommendations, there might be room for some adjustments. #But overall, I think your petition is bold by going ahead and spelling out specifics. #Maybe it will be the genesis of much needed changes.
73, Mike W8MW
w5alt
10-09-2003, 09:14 PM
You are correct that the data only represent a segment of ham activities. How representative are DXers who use clusters of hams as a whole? I'd be interested in knowing. About all one can conclude from the data is that in the groups represented by the surveys and the DX cluster spots, the data do not support the hypothesis that CW is dead. If there is other data that does support the conclusion, I haven't found it.
What prompted me to do some checking was the statements of many anti-CW people who claimed that CW was dead. I tend to operate a lot on 30m, so my view is obviously distorted - there are no voice modes allowed there. (I wonder however if digital voice could be used as a digital mode on 30m. Might be interesting to find out.) However, during the time that a letter appeared in QST and other comments were being made elsewhere, I worked about 3000 CW contacts. Damn, I've got a great antenna if I can do that with 100 watts on dead CW bands! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Actually, I was using indoor antennas.
So I decided to try to find some data to see if there was anything behind the statements. So far I haven't found anything to support those statements other than anecdotal evidence by people who don't like CW testing.
For whatever it's worth, I was actually surprised that the numbers showed so much CW activity and not much evidence among that group of declining activity. In view of the data, I was forced to change my opinion. I really thought there would be a higher percentage of SSB spots on the clusters.
Those who don't like the numbers will be certain to point out that the surveys and data are unscientific. Those who agree will probably try to read more into them than is warranted. I still think it is more an emotional issue than anything else in ham radio.
If anyone has some other data, I'd really like to see it. Not opinions, data.
73,
W5ALT: Of course there are limitations to any form of survey or study. #It is always interesting to see how people respond to data that's been gathered and analysis that's been presented. #One of the most difficult things to do when we have a personal stake in the outcome of something is to learn from information rather than use it to support a preconceived notion! # When I worked in marketing communications I saw business leaders pay big bucks for research that they supported when it said what they wanted to hear and rejected when it didn't. Then there were those rare cases where the decision maker said I need to change my mind in light of this new evidence.
Agreed the code debate is fueled by lots of emotion and personal perceptions. #I operate cw and at the same time support eliminating the testing requirement. #But anyone with a receiver can confirm for themselves that cw is certainly not dead on the ham bands. #
I enjoyed reading your research and hope you will share any additional findings. #
73, Mike W8MW
KD7WHQ
10-10-2003, 12:12 AM
PU and FA, comment entered. Likely the only one I will make in this mess, BTW, failing someone coming up with something truely off the wall http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif lol
wb6bcn
10-10-2003, 01:03 AM
I have personally read all 26 pages of Harry and Bob's petition. I am going to read the others, and see how much in, or out of line I think they are. After I have read all of them I will post comments.
ai4ep
10-10-2003, 02:20 PM
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Gee, let me guess what at least 5 of the 7 petitions are about....no..... dont give me any clues or hints.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ....they ARE in relation to AMATEUR radio, correct ? ..Good, that narrows it down a lot !....almost thought for a minute one or two might have something to do with the " price of eggs in China !"...let us see....some one give me ONE " itty bitty clue "...can we allow that ?...... { can he use a life line and call one of his 2 friends ? } http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Can't say that I am not in illustrious company with this batch of petitions. #