[Fists] Maritime Radio Historical Society

Thu Aug 12 23:53:19 EDT 2010

The World Radio Conference 2012 (WRC-12) is to consider removing
authorization in the Maritime Mobile Services to remove emissions of WT -
Wireless Telegraphy on medium frequency 410-515 kHz including the distress
and watch frequency of 500 kHz that prior to January 31, 1999 was guarded
for distress 24 hours a day by ships and by manual watch at least 8 hours a
day.

The USA has several stations that are still on the air for the few ships
having WT (Morse) facilities and for museum ships.  These stations are KPH
and KSM in San Francisco, CA, KLB in Seattle, WA, WNE in Massachusetts, WPC
in Florida, (I am not sure of that call), WSC in New Jersey, WLO in Alabama
all of which are licensed to use one or two working frequencies - WLO has
436 and 438 kHz as well as 500 kHz.

Many people think that USA should retain commercial stations such as these
in case of emergency and for training others in historic commercial Morse
proceedures and traffic handling.

KSM handles traffic free of charge for ships of any nationality and sends
weather reports for the Pacific Ocean and California coastal waters by Morse
WT and radioteleprinter.

73

David J. Ring, Jr., N1EA
Former Radio Officer, US Merchant Marine
-30-

On Thu, Aug 12, 2010 at 11:35 PM, nancy at tir.com <nancy at tir.com> wrote:

> Sending CC's may delay your post. If you feel that your post needs to go to
> more than one destination please send them separately.
>
>
>
> Joe, KJ9M, sent this to me 11 pm tonight (August 12). There isn't much time
> to reply since the deadline is August 13, but I wanted to post it so someone
> who wants to file a comment has the opportunity.
>
> Since I just found out about it, I haven't had a chance to do any research
> on it, so please direct questions to Joe, or the forum web page listed
> below.
>
> By the way, the Roster issue of the Keynote went into the mail yesterday.
> You know how bulk mail is, but hopefully you'll be receiving it soon. Keep
> in mind it is current as of the time it went to press about a month ago, so
> people who have rejoined or became new members since that date aren't
> listed. Direct corrections to Ed N7CFA at the address on the web page or in
> the Roster Issue.
>
> Lots of FISTS activities are planned for September, both in the US and the
> UK, but more about that later! Check the web page for details
> 73
> Nancy
> WZ8C
>
> COPY OF THE EMAIL FROM JOE FOLLOWS HERE
> _________________
>
> Nancy...Looks like they could use our help.  CW ops unite to help save a
> landmark service.
>
> 73, Joe, KJ9M  #10472
>
> http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=259549
>
> Maritime Radio Historical Society needs your help
>
> I'm an avid supporter of the Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS) in
> California.
>
> The MRHS have restored the old RCA America receiving and transmitting
> stations in honour and continuation of the Morse and RTTY Maritime service.
> They have a license for station KSM and the transmitters are activated every
> Saturday and on special occasions. They can often be heard in the UK on
> 12MHz band.
>
> I've visited the TX and RX stations and their work and dedication is truly
> impressive.
>
> Given the almost complete lack of historical activity of this kind in the
> UK and most other countries, I think their activities are of World Class
> importance.
>
> They are calling for help as proposed changes in WRC-12 would make digital
> data dominant in the maritime service to such an extent that KSM and other
> historic stations could be forced off the air.
>
> Public comments in support of KSM are needed
>
> But Time is short - the deadline for comments in 13 August 2010
>
> Richard Dillman, the Chief Operator of Coast Station KSM at the Maritime
> Radio Historical Society writes:
>
> Every few years an international radio conference is held. The next is the
> World Radio Conference 2012 (WRC-12).
> The FCC is the US representative to these conferences.
>
> For WRC-12 the FCC proposes to support recommendations that would make
> digital data dominant in the maritime service to such an extent that KSM and
> other stations could be forced off the air.
>
> Here's what you can do:
>
> In a Public Notice the FCC has solicited comments from the public regarding
> the recommendations to be supported at WRC-12. You can file a comment on
> line to recommend that KSM and other stations using A1A (Morse code) and
> NBDP (Narrow Band Direct Printing or RTTY) be allowed to continue operation.
>
> Time is short!
>
> The deadline for filing comments is 13 August 2010.
>
> If you'd like to help keep KSM on the air, follow these steps:
>
> 1. Read the FCC Public Notice HERE:
> http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publi...-10-1408A1.doc
>
> 2. Read the comments the MRHS has filed with the FCC HERE:
> http://ddillman.home.igc.org/Radiomarine/Comment.doc
>
> 3. File your comment on line in support of KSM. You can do this by
> uploading a prepared document like the comments the MRHS has filed. Or you
> can use an on-line form to file brief comments.
>
> The proceeding number is 04-286. To file a prepared document go HERE:
> http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=lg4h3
>
> To file a brief comment go HERE:
> http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list?z=g4v1a
>
> If proceeding number 04-286 is not listed click on the "click here" option
> to add it.
>
> Suggested text:
>
> If you wish to upload a prepared document like the comments the MRHS has
> filed we've provided suggested template for your use. Add your own name and
> address and modify the text to include your own words as needed. The
> template may be found HERE:
> http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list?z=g4v1a
>
> If you wish to file a brief comment you might use wording similar to this:
>
> "My name is xxx xxxx. I'm writing to support the comments filed by the
> Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS) regarding WRC-12. Specifically, I
> agree with the MRHS position that the FCC should not support those portions
> of the recommendations for WRC-12 that would adversely effect MRHS station
> KSM and other stations in the maritime service."
>
> Full information may also be found on our Web site:
> http://www.radiomarine.org
>
> Thanks and VY 73,
>
> RD
>
> Please do what you can to help!
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