[160m] bandplans on 160 meters

[Tom W8JI]

As long as we are on the topic, let's look at some history 
of 160.

160 is a unique band because of the good nature and 
cooperation between operators. Those who "do anything legal 
because they can" quickly find themselves outcasts and 
unwelcome by most people. Bandplans are generally followed 
because it is good in the sprit of ham radio to do so.

The ARRL talks about this at:

http://www.arrl.org/band-plan-1

      1.800 - 2.000 CW
      1.800 - 1.810 Digital Modes
      1.810 CW QRP
      1.843-2.000 SSB, SSTV and other wideband modes
      1.910 SSB QRP
      1.995 - 2.000 Experimental
      1.999 - 2.000 Beacons


Looking at that we see digital modes in the USA should, if 
the operator is considerate, be below 1810 kHz. Beacons on 
the high end.

While I personally do NOT agree with the digital modes below 
1810 and think they should have been above 1835 someplace 
(because they use the SSB channel of a transmitter), they 
are what they are until the ARRL changes it.

My own opinion, and historically it has been shared by the 
vast majority of people on 160, is that people who do not 
follow bandplans because they "don't have to" are what can 
be considered as not really in the sprit that dominates 
topband.

As I look back over my past 47 years on 160, there have only 
been a dozen or so people who have intentionally operated 
outside of bandplans. All of them use the excuse "it is 
legal for me to do so".

I hope the spirit of 160 continues and we get beyond doing 
things "just because we can". Acting like that causes just 
as many accidents on the Ham bands and as many hard feelings 
and "collisions" as acting that safe selfish way on the 
highway.

160 always has been the gentleman's band, and I hope we keep 
it that way.

> Gentlemen; this is supposed to be a hobby, and fun. Please 
> !! let's
> not make it any less than that.

No truer words were ever spoken, and the best way to ensure 
fun is to follow traditional operating frequency guidelines. 
We have a widely accepted bandplan, and let's use it to 
minimize friction.

73 Tom