[qrp-canada] RAC bandplan comment

[Robert MacKenzie]

     FYI, below is a submission I just made to the RAC bandplan group. >From FISTS mailings I understand that tits members are generally opposed to phone below 3.6 mHz.

Bob VA3RKM

RAC bandplan group:

    Regarding the bandplan proposals, I am concerned that the 80m allocation includes an apparent permission for phone stations to operate below 3.6 mHz. Not only is the FISTS CW calling frequency here at 3.558, but also the QRP calling frequency at 3.560.

    I am active in both of these groups. I am well aware that QRP signals are very sensitive to QRM from higher-power signals. Any further use of this part of the band would severely impede QRP CW, which is one of the more active users of the band for CW.

    In addition, the FISTS frequency attracts newer ops who are learning to operate CW. Increased interference would not encourage them to persevere in the hobby and become better operators, nor would it attract more news ops to find amenable code partners.

    The lower part of the band is more for higher speed code, contests, and DX and the higher part below 3.6 more for CW nets. Recent changes have meant that digital modes may also be using the higher section more often.

    I realize that there are no legal restrictions currently in place regarding where we can operate phone. However, the proposed bandplan changes would effectively "legalize" these frequencies for phone, to the detriment of CW ops.  And in discouraging CW ops it may well, in my opinion,  reduce the number of hams on the bands overall and put our exclusive use of the bands further in jeopardy as a result. Encouraging a 'sanctuary' for active newcomers and for the many fans of QRP would be a better strategy for them and for hamming in general.

    Best regards, Robert MacKenzie  VA3RKM
    (member, FISTS; member QRP-ARCI; board member, QCWA chapter 70)

cc: FISTS
    
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