[GreenKeys] RTTY channel context

[Gary Chatters]

On Tue, 4 May 2004 telegrapher@att.net wrote:

> Reading all the talk about transmitting bulletins, this is pretty
> redundant with W2QFR and W1AW bulletin transmissions isn't it?


The idea is to get some activity on a specific channel that people can
monitor with autostart equipment.  The bulletins provide an initial level
of activity while getting started.

As far as ARRL bulletins are concerned, I don't think W1AW wants to have a
monopoly on transmission of them.  The ARRL used to and may still have
Official Bulletin Stations whose task it is to retransmit the bulletins.


  I'd
> think taht if these were done as part of a QSO, say someone wanted to
> hear the latest blab on sunspot numbers etc, then it might be ok.  But
> to have an outright bulletin transmission aren't we stepping on some
> service already provided?

Not sure what the point is here.

  And if its done in the blind, then its
> essentially "broadcasting".


Yes.  I recommend downloading Part 97 from the ARRL web site.  It clearly
states what types of one-way transmissions are legal for amateurs.
Broadcasting is illegal unless is consists of "A message directed only to
amateur operators consisting solely of subject matter of
direct interest to the amateur service."

Someone in a previous email mentioned tranmitting bulletins of interest to
non-hams.  This section indicates that might not be legal.


  I'd like to know if W2QFR has special
> authorization to do his weekend broadcasts or how thats set up.


Is he not meeting the requirements of Part 97?


  If
> we're gonna do it, then he may decide there is no longer a need for him
> to do the same thing and after all these years of providing this
> service, i'd hate to offend him because he has been there.

I wasn't even aware of W2QFR's bulletins.  Does he retransmit ARRL
bulletins or does he have his own?  I'll have to tune in and see if I can
copy him.

Some of the proposed bulletins for the autostart channel are related to
the use of the channel itself, and would not be of interest to W2QFR or
W1AW.

If it turned out that all the activity on the autostart channel consisted
of bulletins, then the group would have failed to generate activity.




73,
Gary