[MRIC] Fwd: simplex changes to emergency communications

[brettham at aol.com]

RACES Officers,

I attended a T-MARC meeting yesterday and wanted to make you aware that 
there is some consideration being given to giving up some simplex 
frequencies to digital repeater systems, and moving existing simplex 
channels. When I mentioned that reducing the number of simplex channels 
may adversely affect emergency communications, it was suggested RACES 
move to the simplex frequencies at 144 MHz. After the meeting I looked 
at the band plan on the t-marc.org web site and did not see any other 
simplex frequencies other than those being removed or relocated at 146 
MHz, so I sent the email below to the T-MARC board. I will let you know 
of their response. I just wanted to make you aware of what is going on 
in case you hear rumors.

Note that there is no motion at T-MARC to do this right now, it is just 
one proposal up for discussion. There may or may not be a vote on this 
late this year or early 2009.

FYI: There was a motion passed to temporarily allow digital repeaters 
at 10 MHz offsets between the existing repeater frequencies, provided 
there is enough geographical distance to not affect existing 
conventional voice repeaters. This is the same plan SERA adopted south 
of T-MARC. If it goes well, it will probably become a permanent change.

Brett Hammond - K3TAL
Chairman, MRIC

----- Original Message -----
From: Brett Hammond

To: t-marc at columbiaara.org

Sent: Monday, July 14, 2
008 9:19 AM

Subject: simplex changes to emergency communications

T-MARC Board,

I am the person that attended the meeting yesterday and expressed some 
concern about negatively impacting emergency communications if we 
eliminate the number of simplex voice frequencies available.

After our meeting yesterday, I went to look for the other simplex 
frequencies at 144.?? MHz that were suggested and could not find any 
voice simplex mentioned in your band plan, other than those being 
eliminated/moved at 146.??. For your convenience I have included your 
2-meter band plan from your web site below. Can someone please tell me 
what frequencies current RACES operations in Maryland should move to so 
as not to receive interference from anyone other than voice simplex? 
Sharing the frequency with a mode other than voice simplex would be a 
problem. During an emergency we can request voice move to another 
frequency if there is a conflict, but we can't do much about digital or 
repeater interference during an emergency. Your assistance would be 
much appreciated. Thank you.

Brett Hammond - K3TAL
Talbot County RACES Officer 

144.00-144.10 CW
144.00-144.50 CW, SSB, AM, Beacons, Satellites, (NO FM or digital 
operatiom)
144.51-144.89 Repeater inputs
144.91-144.99 Repeater inputs/ outputs "Replexers" (NO digital)
145.01-145.09 Digital
145.11-145.49 Repeater outputs
145.50-145.80 Digital
145.80-146.00 Satellites (NO FM or digital operation)
146.01-1
46.40 Repeater inputs
146.415-146.595 Voice simplex (NO repeater or digital operations)
146.52............ National simplex calling frequency
146.61-147.39 Repeater outputs
147.435-147.585  Replexers  (NO digital operation)
147.615-147.99 Repeater inputs