[CW] ARRL Band Plan

[Steve WD8DAS via CW]

 Naturally there are varying opinions on the merits of band plans... I understand where everyone is coming from but I stand by my original statement.  In my view the plans cause more trouble than they are worth - especially when attempts are made to make them the law of the land. 

Even voluntary band plans cause stress among hams:  "You should not be operating on this frequency with that signal!", "You're too wide!"  etc.  I've known two beginning hams that were met with harsh attacks from established operators for not exactly following the voluntary "guides" of where we are supposed to do what.  They were not breaking any rules.  Both gave up the hobby after these on-air assaults.

Only a few years ago the ARRL and IARU sought to adopt a new bandplan for Region 2 which among other things included voice mode bandwidth limitations which would have supported appliance operating with "approved" modern, narrowband equipment at the expense of vintage, homebrew, and experimental gear.  And it would have completely eliminated the use of AM.  I think the strength of amateur radio is in the variety of operating styles, modes, and equipment.  Narrowing things down to the lowest common demominator is not for me - I like wide options, and it think it serves our service well.

On a side note - it is interesting that the examples of people operating outside of band plans that have been offered in this discussion show that the current plans are not fully obeyed anyway!



Steve WD8DAS

sbjohnston at aol.com
http://www.wd8das.net/
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