[ARC5] And then there were none.

[Robert Nickels]

On 12/5/2019 8:57 PM, Waldo Magnuson via ARC5 wrote:
>   The FAA seems to be determined to get rid of NDBs.

Yeah, which as a long-time NDB DX-er, sucks.   There are decommissioning 
notices posted all the time, yet DX-ing these 25 watt transmitters are 
great sport for those who enjoy experimentation in a part of the 
spectrum where everything is a compromise.

I have had this wild notion that volunteers amateur radio licensees 
could take over the maintenance and support of NDBs. Even if that were 
to include paying the electric bill, it would be trivial if accurately 
allocated, and most likely would just be absorbed by the airport 
management.   There could be a requirement for annual checks of 
frequency, modulation, power, etc just as is done now, but no government 
resources would be required.   Same for maintenance.

It just seems a shame to take down yet another piece of radio 
infrastructure that still serves a purpose, even if it is more 
hobby-oriented.   There's also the potential to add value by 
incorporating new digital modulation in addition to the standard CW ID.  
Hams are already authorized to operate beacons,  there's no demand for 
spectrum in the longwave range, and there's no downside to leaving them 
in place if there was no cost to the government.  So why not?

73, Bob W9RAN