[600MRG] 630 Meter Beacons

[Glen Zook]

47 CFR Part 97 Section 97.221(a) definitely states that the provision does not apply to beacon stations.  It also prohibits unattended digital stations below the 80-meter band.  As such, unless someone is sitting right by the transmitter, any beacon operation on the 630-meter and 2200-meter bands is a definite no no! Glen, K9STH 
Website: http://k9sth.net

      From: Larry Molitor via 600MRG <600mrg at mailman.qth.net>
 To: Posting 600m 600mrg <600mrg at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2018 5:23 PM
 Subject: [600MRG] 630 Meter Beacons
   
When I had the WH2XGP experimental grant, I happily ran my WSPR beacon 24/7. When the time got near our amateur authorization, I raised the question of unattended beacon operation. I was assured that it would be allowed.
When the R&O come out, there were definite words included that stated beacons would NOT be prohibited on 630/2200. I took that to mean WSPR etc.
When we actually got authorization, the Federal Register posting allowed that since Part 97 would be some time getting revised, we could operate under the terms of the R&O until it was revised.
OK, October came around and I went right back to 24/7 WSPR operation. That is, until it was brought to my attention that the newly revised Part 97 did in fact PROHIBIT unattended beacon operation on both 630m and 2200m. I didn't believe it but I ceased operation and downloaded Part 97. I spent 2 weeks studying that document  in order to fully understand what it was saying. It wasn't easy but I had to agree that unattended beacon operation of any type is indeed prohibited on our new bands. This includes WSPR, WSQ, QRSS, PSK, normal CW and anything else you care to come up with. In order to transmit on these bands, you must physically be present at the control point. 
So I quit WSPR since ATTENDED beacon operation is stupid and a waste of my time. If I am going to be sitting in front of the radio, I am going to use the time to actually make 2-way QSO's.
For those that wish to verify the above for themselves, I suggest you study Part 97. In particular pay attention to the definition of terms at the beginning. Webster's Dictionary helps with words like "immediate".  Specific parts to study:
97.3 (14) Control Point97.3 (31) Local Control97.7 Control Operator Required97.105 (A) Immediate Control97. 109 Station Control97.109 (d) 97.11397.203 (d) Automatic control of Beacons
Personally, even though the chances of the FCC actually enforcing any of this is highly unlikely, I believe it is not a good idea to run unattended beacons in light of the sociopath that is currently deliberately QRM'ing the 630m band with his unattended illegal "beacon". Doing so tends to legitimize his actions.
Do what you will.....
73 and CU on 630 m QSO modes!
Larry & W7IUV - ex WH2XGP
   
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