[Lowfer] FCC Denies 136khz Band [Other Viewpoint]

[WA2BPE]

Actually, I am not sure that a complete reinventing of the wheel would
take place.  Yes, many just starting would be learning the appropriate
techniques, but that isn't anything new for someone starting in any new
area.  I think that most would really look for those with years of LF
experience for guidance as what has been done is invaluable.  What is
important is that this accumulated knowledge be spread around and I am
not convinced that this has been adequately done despite efforts by
some; it tends to reach a limited audience..  And, at the risk of
upsetting a few, I think it would bring new blood on the scene along
with new (good and bad) ideas - the same applies to VHF where I spend
most of my time.  Would some turkeys show up?  Certainly - you can't
legislate against terminal stupidity or arrogance.

It is $$ and politics that won out here; plain and simple.

73,

Tom - WA2BPE - FN12lf

Les Rayburn wrote:

> As usual, look for me to have a different viewpoint on all this.
>
> I submit that the FCC decision might be a good thing in the
> long run. Like most hams, I was disappointed initially by
> the decision, and the less than perfect logic that went into
> it.
>
> But let's face facts, the electrical utilities invest a lot of
> money into political contributions and have a strong
> lobby, opposed only by the ARRL. In the world of
> politics, money usually wins.
>
> But the other fact is that a 136khz band would have
> brought with it a lot of "reinventing the wheel" by
> the amateur community-most of whom would have
> ignored decades of amateur research into LF
> conducted by LOWFERS!
>
> You'd have been subjected to an endless debate of
> why a longwire really could be made to work within
> the antenna restrictions, or my favorite subject, "136khz
> from my apartment".  And hey, that whole "CW
> is the only logical mode" thing would have been fun too.
>
> In the end, you'd have had a few hams on both coasts
> who would have made successful trans-Atlantic and trans-pacific
> contacts via QRSS (much hyped by QST) and then five years
> from now, perhaps some real innovations by a handful of
> dedicated souls (most of whom would be the same group
> who have been subscribed to this list for years!)
>
> The only real downside is that we will lose some new blood
> in our ranks...hams who would have pushed the envelope.
> Those who would not have been happy with just running
> a QRSS beacon year after year, or trying to squeeze another
> .005db of loss out of some loop TX antenna.
>
> But the upside is that we still have this group, we still have
> 160-190khz...and it still isn't as easy as building a 100 watt
> PA and loading up a big coil. You still have limitations and
> restrictions, and those will continue to define LF experimentation
> in this country.
>
> I for one, plan on returning next season with a new beacon...
> and continuing with this obscure, insane pursuit for years
> to come. This is the real "Topband" gentlemen---no hams
> allowed.
>
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
>
> Les Rayburn, director
> High Noon Film
> 100 Centerview Drive
> Suite 111
> Birmingham, AL 35216
> (205) 824-8930
> (205) 824-8960 FAX
> (205) 253-4867 CELL
> http://www.highnoonfilm.com
>
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