[Laser] SVHFS Conference Call For Papers

[Glenn Thomas]

James -

The best way to answer your question is to submit a summary of the 
paper you suggest and see what happens. I suspect that many of the 
techniques used for weak signal optical work will be equally 
applicable to weak signal microwave work - differing only by a 
somewhat shorter wavelength. Photons is photons...

Besides, issues I've seen discussed here on the [Laser] group that 
also appear in the list of suggested topics include Propagation 
(Sporadic E, Meteor Scatter, Troposphere Ducting, etc.)
Digital Modes (WSJT, etc.), Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and 
Software Defined Radio (SDR).

73 de Glenn Thomas
WB6W


At 01:28 PM 10/26/2009, James Whitfield wrote:
>This is an unexpected and pleasant surprise.  I would not want to jinx the
>opportunity that it does represent, I wonder if SVHFS has a specific policy
>toward activities that are in the region "All above 275 GHz".
>
>I have given some thought to trying to submit a paper to some organization
>about some of the unique qualities of optical communications and how to
>adapt sound card digital modes.  Not that I think that I would be good at
>writing it or that it might have any real technical merit.  I have generally
>gotten the impression that it would be decidedly un-welcome.
>
>Not so long ago there were some derogatory and down right crude comments
>made about light communications.  These were published quotes from someone
>celebrating a new distance record.  I am sure that the team had put a lot of
>hours into the equipment and record attempt.  Probably more dollars than my
>last tax refund. too.  I can understand the feeling of accomplishment, but
>not the need celebrate by a put down of a totally unrelated section of the
>communications hobby.  The fact is, their celebrated "record", for all their
>effort and expense, contributed nothing to the art and technology of
>communications.  I could probably take two Tenderfoot Boy Scouts out in a
>field some night, each with a $5 flashlight and a piece of paper with a
>chart of Morse Code, and with that double the distance of the "record".  On
>a sunny day, double yet again with pocket mirrors.  To do so would not get
>the Scouts names into any record book, but it would provide an equal amount
>of communication.
>
>I took the time to look at the list of suggested topics and a quick look at
>the web site.  I didn't find interest in, or a welcome for, optical
>communication experimentation.  Maybe this inclusion in the call for papers
>is an indication of good things.
>
>James
>  n5gui