[MRIC] Fwd: simplex changes to emergency communications

[wb0egr]

Gents:

Perhaps now would be a good time for us all to investigate what 
"non-traditional" two meter FM simplex frequencies could be used instead 
of the "traditional" two meter FM simplex frequencies.  For example, one 
could use the repeater output frequencies of repeaters that are not 
heard/used in a given area, or one could use other non-repeater input 
frequencies in the 145 - 146 & 147 - 147.99 MHz regions.

Additionally, groups could use 10 meters FM, 6 meters FM, 220 MHz FM, 
etc.  Lots of folks now have radios like the ICOM IC-706, FT-100, 
FT-897, TS-480, etc. series HF - UHF multimode radios or quad band 
radios like the FT-8900R, or the Kenwood TH-F6 or VX-7R HTs that are 
being underutilized.  We must continue to think outside of the norms in 
order for us to remain effective RACES communicators. 

Please remember, lack of activity on the 220 MHz band already cost us 
the loss of a couple of megahertz of prime RF!!!!  Let's not see the 
same thing happen on our other bands!

73,
Pat Scolla, WB0EGR
HARCO RO/EC

brettham at aol.com wrote:
> 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
>
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