[Elecraft] For those who are concerned (Internet linking to HF)

[Leigh L Klotz, Jr.]

I suspect he misunderstood your question.
It loks like the answer was about a VHF to HF link with the Internet in 
the middle.  The problem there is the VHF and HF mix, not the Internet 
link.

The FCC has written opinion letters that specifically say that "remote 
base" is not defined for them, and is an amateur invention, and that 
their concerns are proper operation of the station and proper use of the 
spectrum.  The FCC doesn't care about the Internet for control links.   
They just require that you properly control the station.

You cannot use ham frequencies for remote control except as you note, 
but the FCC is likely changing the restrictions to allow 144MHz control 
at the request of Kenwood.  Part 97 specifically defines non-ham radio 
links as allowed, subject to the other requirements of control link and 
to the requirements of that service.

Internet control of an HF stations is OK, as long as you can fulfill the 
duties of a control operator.  If you are 6 inches away ot 6 miles away 
from the antenna, they don't care, as long as you are able to fulfill 
the duties of control operator.

If internet control of HF were not OK, then Echolink would be ilegal.  
And the ARRL knows about E.cholink and supports it.

If internet control of VHF were not OK, then IRLP, would be illegal, 
ditto.

What you can't do is use 2M to control your HF rig, at least not yet.  
You can use UHF though, as long as you can control the rig and prevent 
unauthorized transmissions.

Leigh / WA5ZNU
On Fri, 29 Apr 2005 5:40 am, Web Williams wrote:
> Apparently more people are concerned about this that I had realized. 
> So,
> for brevity, here is the text of the message I sent to John Hennessee, 
> and
> his answer to me. Please don't slay the messenger! (Me!)
>
> My inquiry is at the bottom, and John's reply to my inquiry is at the 
> top.
>
> 73, -KR4WM
>
> (ARRL-related SPAM removed for brevity.)
>
>> Hi Web,
>>
>> You are correct on all.  Such devices are actually crossband repeaters 
>> and they are not legal below 29.5 MHz.  See 
>> http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/faq-aux.html.  73,
>>
>> John, N1KB
>>
>>  John C. Hennessee, N1KB
>> Regulatory Information Specialist
>> Field and Educational Services Department
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Web Williams [mailto:kr4wm at earthlink.net]
>> Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 7:21 PM
>> To: reginfo
>> Subject: Seeking rules clarification
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have a question concerning "remote base" operation on HF frequencies.
>> I am in conversation with a person who has a remote base set up using
>> an internet connection from home to a different location where his HF 
>> radio
>> is set up. He's using the internet as a control link to access the 
>> various functions
>> and controls on the radio and the antenna rotator. This system is very
>> intriguing to me, but in reading the FCC rules, such type of operation 
>> is
>> not allowed on frequencies below 29.5MHz, if I'm reading the rules
>> correctly.
>>
>> I think you must have an RF control link above 222.15MHz, a direct
>> wire-line control from door-to-door, or a dedicated unlisted telephone
>> number with a direct wire connection to the control device for such an
>> operation to begin to be legal, and even then, shouldn't such a system 
>> be
>> incapable of transmitting below 29.5MHz?
>>
>> These types of system seem to be becoming commonplace, but I find
>> no authorization for this type of system anywhere in the rule book. Is
>> this something where the FCC is simply turning a blind eye unless some
>> type of conflict occurs?
>>
>> Thank you very much for any clarification you may provide. If such a
>> system is legal, I'd be interested in setting one up for my personal 
>> use.
>>
>> Kindest regards, -Web Williams, Myrtle Beach, SC
>>
>
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