[AMRadio] anti-AM comments re new band allocations

[Larry Knapp]

Jack - Extremely well articulated.....excellent job.  Could not say it better.
73, Larry KC8JX

--- w9gt at comcast.net wrote:
> Dear Doug,
> 
> First, let me begin by saying that I wish you no ill will, nor do I have any
> quarrel with you exercising your right to express your opinion regarding AM
> operation on the ham bands.  Evidently, you have had some personal bad
> experience with AM or interference caused by an AM operation.  I am sorry
> for that, but I have no way of knowing what your opinions are based upon.  I
> do, however, believe that you are sadly mistaken about the nature of AM
> operation and of its proponents.  Your comments are potentially very
> damaging and one-sided with regard to a mode of operation that many amateurs
> enjoy.  I also believe that it is truly a mistake to attempt to use the FCC
> as a mediating authority to resolve differences of opinion in the amateur
> radio community.  The FCC has repeatedly stated that they regard amateur
> radio to be a largely "self-policing" entity, and if we insist on their
> intervention in various disputes, we may get more than we bargained for in
> the form of increased regulation.  I am not sure, at this point, if I have
> any real desire or intent to utilize AM on any of the new proposed bands.  I
> do, however, feel that it is a mistake to request that the FCC build in
> restrictions on operations in those bands before the amateur community has
> had the opportunity to explore this new resource.
> I have been a ham for nearly 43 years and an Extra Class for 26 years.  I am
> proud to say that I enjoy AM operation and vintage (tube-type) equipment.  I
> am also interested in many other aspects of ham radio, including VHF, HF
> DXing and Contesting, CW, etc.   I own and enjoy "modern equipment" in
> addition to my boatanchors and AM operation.  Believe it or not, it is
> possible for one to enjoy so called state-of-the-art modes and equipment and
> at the same time enjoy preserving some of those modes and forms of operation
> that have been around since the beginning.  One of the truly great aspects
> of our hobby and of the "fraternity" of ham radio is the great diversity and
> tremendous opportunity for many different interests and specialties to exist
> under the heading of amateur radio.  It is unfortunate that some groups,
> such as AMers, seem to be continually on the defensive because certain other
> groups in the "perceived majority" disagree with their operation.  AMers
> have even placed certain voluntary restrictions on themselves with the
> establishment of very small "AM windows" and gentlemen's agreements to
> minimize problems or interference with other modes.  The percentage of
> bandwidth occupied by these "windows" is quite small compared to the total
> band space available.  Unfortunately, certain SSB groups who are generally
> anti-AM are very vocal in their opposition and regularly participate in
> malicious interference.  They crowd up to the edges of "AM windows" or even
> zero beat AM signals and then incessantly complain about how "wide" the AM
> signals are and how they are causing interference.  So-called "splatter" can
> sometimes be caused by improperly adjusted AM transmitters, however, there
> are a number of other causes for perceived interference which originate in
> the observer's receivers.  These include receiver overloading and use of
> certain noise blankers which accentuate interference from nearby strong
> adjacent channel stations.  Many of these interference problems could be
> simply and quickly resolved by picking an alternate frequency.
> Anyway, Doug, I just wanted you to realize that all AMers are not selfish,
> band hogging-nut cases that are contributing to the downfall of amateur
> radio!  There are many people who enjoy AM operation and wish to preserve
> it, and this group may be much larger than you think.  Please try to
> understand that the diversity which this represents is something that should
> be encouraged, not jeopardized by childish bickering thrown in the laps of
> regulatory agencies such as the FCC for resolution.  I noticed in your QRZ
> listing that you enjoy CW operation , as do I.  As an example, how would you
> like it if a group of phone enthusiasts insisted that CW is an outmoded form
> of operation that "has no place on the amateur bands?"
> Thank you for taking the time to read this.  My comments are offered in the
> spirit of positive and friendly cooperation and mutual respect.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Jack C. Shutt, W9GT



=====
May your days be full of sunshine and good thoughts fill your head.
From: Larry Knapp, KC8JX, St. Joseph, Mi  49085
  Best 73's

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