[Laser] Lasers vs LEDs & ARRL contests

[Kerry Banke]

  Here is my input on the subject of  using optical communications during ARRL contests. 
   
   I don't think that light spectrum width  or coherency should be specified at all. With the gear I have put together over time, I can send text transmissions using the Jason software many, many miles LOS  via High Preasure Sodium lamp, Mercury Vapor lamp, Incanescent lamp, and  even the filament glow of an 813 transmitter tube . This is done by FM modulating the AC power frequency used to excite those light sources in the 65 Hz range.  The more powerful of these sources work well for  NLOS transmissions over several miles using forward scatter.    Technical challenge  is something I have always seen as being a big part of Amateur Radio and I believe it should not be stifled.   I do believe some form of minimum modulation requirement may well serve to eliminate the concern for the blinking flashlight contact.  I see no need to limit the optical light source at all as I my gear  can  do the same text transmissions via laser or LED as well as those other sources mentioned. 
   
  73 - Kerry Banke -  N6IZW with the San Diego Microwave Group