[NLRS] VHF Contesting - Use it or lose it debate (W9SNR)

[W9SNR - Jim]

Since the mid 70's my favorite ham activity has been UHF  & microwave 
experimentation.  Started with 432. now up to 24 GHz. After putting a lot of 
time, effort, and money into this activity, I would be extremely 
disappointed to see it all blown away by someone of influence who does not 
appreciate the value of keeping all the frequencies currently used by hams. 
Now, I really don't care what happens to the unused parts of the microwave 
bands, but I very much want to see hams retain the weak signal frequencies 
(2304 and multiples of 1152 MHz on the higher bands), and any other 
frequencies used for FM, ATV, EME, etc.  Hopefully we can reach such a 
compromise and not eliminate all future hope for those of use for whom 
microwave work is the primary reason we are still in this hobby.

73 - Jim
W9SNR

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:55:15 -0600
From: "Les Rayburn" <les at highnoonfilm.com>
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] [VHF] Use It or Lose It
To: <vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu>, "VHF Contesting Reflector"
<vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <5A207D943341432A869DAED37096A237 at LesN1LFPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original

It seems clear that another assault on our frequencies is coming. I'd be
willing to bet my next paycheck that the ARRL will cease this opportunity to
drum up contributions to the Spectrum Defense Fund, and fight any such move
tooth and nail. This "tried and true" approach may succeed, but if so, what
will really be gained?

Instead, I propose another course of action.

Instead of entering into bitter legal combat with corporate giants, why not
negotiate with both corporate interests and Congress instead? I'd submit
that there is so little activity above 1.2ghz  as to make the impact of the
loss of these bands unnoticeable to the amateur population outside the
members of these mailing lists. Even the majority of VHF Men wouldn't
directly mourn the loss.

If instead of fighting to retain these highly underutilized bands, let's
look at what negotiating a settlement might offer:

In exchange for all amateur allocations above 1.2ghz (with perhaps a small
allocation at 10ghz) we could ask for:

1.) Swift passage of legislation similar to PRB-1 that would allow
reasonable accommodation of amateur radio antennas, even those who live in
HOA situations.

2.) Legislative protection from any future encroachment on current amateur
radio allocations.

3.) An increased commitment towards resolving interference issues that
affect amateur radio.

4.) Allocation of spectrum on LF and MF ranges that are not nearly as
attractive to industry, and of greater interest to the majority of amateurs.

Some would argue that such an approach to "spectrum defense" would make more
sense in the long term, and that the gains to amateur radio would be far
greater. Alas, it won't serve the professional fundraisers who seem to have
the loudest voice in Newington these days, nor will it please those who
always prefer mortal combat to reasonable solutions, but the essence of true
leadership is in plotting the wisest course, not bending to the rule of the
mob--or the voices of a well-heeled few.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114