[Icom] ICOM REP IN ERROR

[Cletus W Whitaker]

de WB2CPN South Central Pennsylvania  2003.06.07

ICOM has been modifying radios for MARS and CAP
operation.  I'm USAF MARS, and I've been using
ICOM radios on SHARES and FEMA in the 5 - 6 MHZ
band for years.  Perhaps it's something to do
with type acceptance for amateur use, or other
legalities, that makes ICOM take the position
they're taking relative to 60 meters.  It appears
they do not have a modification that will permit
only the five frequencies, and they are not about
to open the whole 1.6 - 30 MHz up on a radio
unless the owner has the appropriate MARS or
whatever documentation.  I'll have to agree with
ICOM, anything they do will open more bags
of worms.  And, my thoughts are that the 60 meter
band as now configured is anything but ham radio
as we have known it.     73  Clete