I put the MF and HF VarAC freqs into a spreadsheet to plot out which Slots would cause potential QRM to other users such as the Packet 105 Network, NCDXF Beacon Network, Voice segment. Also annotated are Slots that would put you out of band. I am using the US allocations for this, so your country could be different.
I didnt even tackle 60M due to that huge mess.
The exception to Part 97.221(b) is when the Control Operator is at the station. Then the station is under direct control. Using 2300/2750, relay requests and messages can pass with Control Operator oversight.
When in 2300/2750 mode VarAC or VARA Chat, any automatic function other a beacon would need to be INSIDE the 97.221(b) windows unless under direct control.
Maybe have the "I am Away" button disable initiating any RF traffic, including the beacon.
Be Safe to All,
Bret n4bta
The Automatic Control Windows specified in FCC Part 97.221(b) applies to modes wider than 500 hz. Any US VARA 2300/2750 or Pactor 3 WL2K RMS can only exist inside these windows. Note 40 meter window is only 5 khz wide.
Please move all 500 hz traffic outside these windows.
Also be aware that many of the features of VarAC are legal in the US on 500 hz but would fall under the FCC Part 97.221(b) rule when in 2300/2750 mode.
Thanks for developing a great tool,
Bret n4bta
Are you aware of the Automatic Control Windows specified in FCC Part 97.221(b)?
All Winlink RMS stations must be located in this window, and I see many of the frequencies you have chosen are in this same window.
From FCC part 91077.221(b)
Automatically controlled digital station.
A station may be automatically controlled while transmitting a RTTY or data emission on the 6 m or shorter wavelength bands, and on the 28.120–28.189 MHz, 24.925–24.930 MHz, 21.090–21.100 MHz, 18.105–18.110 MHz, 14.0950–14.0995 MHz, 14.1005–14.112 MHz, 10.140–10.150 MHz, 7.100–7.105 MHz, or 3.585–3.600 MHz segments.
I undrerstand no one owns a frequency or a set of frequencies but the WL2K RMS can only operate inside these windows. Please move VarAC to an area outside the Auto-Control Window specifies by the FCC.
Bret n4bta/nna4ba
NICE chart. I just printed it out. So now we can see the other staked out frequencies. Thanks. 😎 73 de w8nsi Jim
I believe that all administrations in all countries of the world consider Radio Amateur Frequencies to be used in a 1st come 1st served basis by Radio Amateurs in the bands where we are the primary users! Nobody has the right to say that this Frequency belongs to Network105, or any other group because it doesn't! Radio Amateur Frequencies are not like Commercial Frequencies where the user pays for their assigned frequencies and of course they have the right to claim ownership in a juristriction. Radio Amateur Frequencies are free for every licenced Radio Amateur to use provided they listen 1st and if the frequency is clear then they can use it the way they see fit, of course within the rules of law in their juristriction. Nothing more nothing less!
Sounds to me that everyone has carved out a "Don't Touch Me/Reserved" frequency somewhere so that this tower of babel will keep everyone from talking across boundaries. Then it will be said "Why don't I hear anyone else?"
Simple: They are all on different frequencies because of "DTM/R" frequencies that do not coincide. 😎
As new kid on the block, there will be interference no matter where we try to land. Choose a freq and use it. There are NO reserved frequencies in amateur radio.
Slots 13, 14 and 15 can QRM PACTOR operators badly and they have been there for many years before VarAC. Also Slots 14 and 15 have been used by WINLINK operators for many years before! I think they should also be in Red! Why should Network105 have special treatment?
73 de Demetre SV1UY
would it be possible to post the Excel sheet to adjust for other regions? thank You for the good idea!
Good to know.
As a user of Network 14105 LSB packet, that would helpful to have VarAC users leave that frequency clear. 73, K7QB
There may be potential interference on 24.930000 Relating to the beacon network. I hear this one most times on 12 metres. Revisiting these slot frequencies is a good thing. 😉