[Laser] Lasers vs LEDs & ARRL contests

[Zack Widup]

On Fri, 18 Jul 2008, Glenn Thomas wrote:

> Hi Jon.
>
> My thoughts below...
>
>> Contest
>> rule 1.12  that states "1.12. Above 300 GHz, contacts are permitted for 
>> contest
>> credit only  between licensed amateurs using coherent radiation on
>> transmission (for example,  laser) and employing at least one stage of 
>> electronic
>> detection on  receive."  This rule requires that the contact be made by 
>> licensed
>> amateurs  and that the detection requires at least one stage of 
>> electronics, that
>> much  seems fairly clear despite whether you agree or disagree with that 
>> part
>> of the  rule.   What is less clear is the requirement that the source use
>> "coherent radiation" and "(for example, laser)".  How coherent is coherent 
>> ?
>> 
>
> The requirement for an Amateur license also seems superfluous because there 
> is (so far) no license required for optical communications. Given this, 
> restricting recognition to licensed Amateurs only runs against the purpose 
> for the Amateur Radio Service stated in 97.1(b), (c) and (d) of the FCC 
> rules.
>
>> Again, your  comments and perspective are most welcomed.
>> 
>> 73, Jon
>> W0ZQ
>> Dakota  VUAC Rep
>
> You're welcome!
>
> 73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W
>


Look at the above again.  It says "contacts are permitted FOR CONTEST 
CREDIT only byetween licensed radio amateurs ..." (emphasis mine).  Why 
would a non-amateur be participating in an ARRL amateur radio contest? 
AFAIK, ANY ARRL contest requires a ham license to participate.

73, Zack W9SZ