One nice way to slam BPL

[NN3W]

Was thinking about the BPL issue in today's environment.

Given that the activities of DHS and DoD are a "third rail" in terms of exclusivity and protectiveness, I wonder how DoD and the FCC would react if a MARS station could not communicated with his or her net owing to BPL interference.

Would be very funny to see Comtek tell DoD that no, we're not interefering with military communications in Manassas City.

Perhaps its time for you Manassas hams to sign up for MARS!!

[K0RGR]

The military/government frequencies are governed by NTIA, not FCC. BPL is not allowed to operate on frequencies deemed critical by NTIA. I don't know if our 60 meter band falls in this category, or not. It would be ironic if the only 'protected' ham band turns out to be that one! Disgustingly enough, one of the reasons for our band allocations has always been that in time of war, it is easy for the govenrment to take them back. But since the military is using HF much less, the need for those frequencies has been eliminated.

[KD6NIG]

One thing I have wondered about:

With the current power situation occuring in California, I wonder how power surges affect BPL equipment. Considering that I had 3 short outages on Saturday, I wonder what those "turn-on" surges do.

A nice surge would be a way to 'slam BPL'....

[WA9CWX]

I really think the horror of BPL is slowly dying on the vine.
At least I sure HOPE so...

[KA4DPO]

I'm amazed at Comtek's attitude toward the FCC. They have ignored numerous warnings to clean up the system and when cornered, do a half hearted half baked test with dubious results. I still don't understand why the FCC doesn't shut them down since they can't seem to produce results.

[K4KWH]

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ July 25 2006,16:49)]I'm amazed at Comtek's attitude toward the FCC. #They have ignored numerous warnings to clean up the system and when cornered, do a half hearted half baked test with dubious results. #I still don't understand why the FCC doesn't shut them down since they can't seem to produce results.

Simple answer. $$$$$$$$&# 036;$$$ Ker-CHING! Unfortunately, FCC is now run by politicians instead of TECH-nicians. I do believe that this, too, shall pass and BPL will be unable to compete with wireless and other venues that will come our way. (Again, let's hope so&#33

73

[KB1KIX]

I still think the other approach.

Everytime I see an anti-BPL thread of this sort pop up - the same thought comes to mind.

Want to slam BPL?

2 words

Spark Gap



Jonathan

[K9KJM]

I agree with the posts that mention that the present day FCC follows the $$$$$ #(And also orders from "higher up")
I also agree that the big systems will fail on their own lack of merits. #HOWEVER, There is a new threat to hams, "Homeplug" where a mini BPL system is installed in EACH home!!!!
If these things ever really take off in popularity, It will be death to HF ham radio by a thousand cuts from them!
http://www.homeplugs.net/

[WA3KYY]

From what I have read about Homeplug they have very effective notching of the ham bands except for 60M which was not a ham allocation when they set up the notching.

Back to the topic, MARS allocations are adjacent to but outside of the Ham bands. #AFAIK, none of the notching schemes would protect MARS frequencies more than 10 or so KHz from a band edge. #There are quite a few HF MARS frequencies in regular use more than 10KHz from a band edge. #It would indeed be very interesting to see what the response to a DoD request to remove interference by BPL would be. #Especially since MARS is expanding its role beyond the military. #They have just signed an agreement with the US Transportation Security Administration to provide communication support in emergencies.

MARS to Support US TSA in Emergencies

If BPL interferes with these types of activities, good bye BPL.

73,
Mike WA3KYY

[AC0H]

14Mbps vs. 100Mbps wired or 54Mbps for wireless "G".
No thanks.