[NLRS] six meter au. & Broadband over Power Lines (BPL)

[Barry Malowanchuk]

Hi Jon,

My comments were specifically directed at the comments

"Power companies that use VLF (80 to 350 KHz) PLC on long lines are the
loudest objectors to the FCC allocation a US ham band at VLF. The power
companies believe they are radiating and that hams running "high" power
to minuscule antennas (maybe half a kw gets a watt or two ERP) will
overcome the direct connections to the power lines that the PLC uses."

I understand that this thread started with the ARRL announcement as it
relates to LF & VHF communications but it expanded to the VLF issue and the
above comments.

The original expressed concern with data over power wires is certainly a
concern, I cannot confirm if the few trial systems that exist are using UWB
(ultra wide band modems for a few Mbps, or modems with a high level
modulation to keep the frequency use low.  Again I repeat "Personally the
power line data communications threat I believe is greatly overrated....most
utilities can't be bothered.  More likely that Radio
Shack, etc will further exploit and we know how little power we  have with
the manufacturers."

I am going to a large utility telecommunications conference next week in
Houston so I will get a fresh sense of utility interest and check out the
technology if possible....only for technical curiosity....not because I
think its good for much.  I would be more afraid of the datacom
manufacturers embracing UWB  or power line communications in whatever form
for convenient data transmission within the home / office.

Best 73

Barry



----- Original Message -----
From: <w0zq@aol.com>
To: <ve4ma@shaw.ca>; <geraldj@isunet.net>
Cc: <mattda@hickorytech.net>; <nlrs@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2003 8:45 PM
Subject: Re: [NLRS] six meter au. & Broadband over Power Lines (BPL)


> Barry, its my understanding that our high voltage power lines have carried
> control & communication LF signals between substations, etc., for years,
but
> that the current discussion (no pun intended) is about HF/VHF signals on
our
> low voltage distribution feeds that run around our neighborhood.   Isn't
this
> a bit of apples vs oranges ?   I agree that our society is based on
reliable
> electricity, and I do appreciate how reliable our power system is, but is
> that related to HF/VHF signals on our low voltage distribution feeds ?
> Maybe I misunderstand .... that is very possible.
>
> 73, Jon
> W0ZQ
>
>
> In a message dated 5/1/03 7:19:12 PM Central Daylight Time, ve4ma@shaw.ca
> writes:
>
> > Soap Box time ....Sorry!
> >
> > I am one of those power company guys!  WE (I) am interested in
(dominated
> > by) reliability !  Life as you know it does not exist without a reliable
> > electric system.
> >
> > I support(ed) the hobby interests in the debate but not at the expense
of
> > the electric system!
> >
> > As much as you might find it hard to believe this PLC stuff is a
critical
> > system in the operation of the Electric system in the USA and Canada.
Most
> > electric companies (not my QRL) cannot afford microwave or fibre optic
> > communications systems. They are investor owned utilities and their
power
> > systems are smaller low cost operations. PLC they can afford and it can
be
> > (if properly engineered) be very reliable....very cost effective!  Take
> > part
> > of it away....for a hobby pursuit !?
> >
> > Ham Radio is only a hobby !
> >
> > From my company's perspective I could have accomodated a Ham allocation
> > without much of a problem but at some cost . We (Electric Systems
> > operationally )are risk adverse....it MUST be reliable....it must work!
> >
> > I understand  both sides...other companies many have been overly
> > protective.
> > And why not!?  They don't have the clout ($) in Washington (although
9-11
> > has changed that regrettfully (without $)) and cannot afford the other
> > options.
> >
> > You can poo poo the stance of the electric utilities (and I
understand....I
> > was disappointed) but please try to understand.  Your government
> > does....the
> > electric system is the heart of your economy...without it your world
stops!
> >
> > Best 73
> >
> > Barry VE4MA
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@isunet.net>
> > To: "Barry Malowanchuk" <ve4ma@shaw.ca>
> > Cc: "Matt Arthur" <mattda@hickorytech.net>; <nlrs@mailman.qth.net>
> > Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2003 9:04 AM
> > Subject: Re: [NLRS] six meter au. &Broadband over Power Lines (BPL)
> >
> >
> > >Power companies that use VLF (80 to 350 KHz) PLC on long lines are the
> > >loudest objectors to the FCC allocation a US ham band at VLF. The power
> > >companies believe they are radiating and that hams running "high" power
> > >to minuscule antennas (maybe half a kw gets a watt or two ERP) will
> > >overcome the direct connections to the power lines that the PLC uses.
> > >
> > >73, Jerry, K0CQ
> > >
> > >--
> > >Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
> > >Reproduction by permission only.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > NLRS@mailman.qth.net
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> >
>
>
>
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