I think it will not be a "fun time" when we get to the point where HF
operating is like repeater coordination.
In repeater coordination (in congested areas) there are no available
frequencies. They're all taken by those that arrived before you. Your
only option is to wait for a club or trustee to give up the frequency, move
to another (usually higher) band, or operate an uncoordinated repeater (and
often take the wrath of all of the others who were there before
you). Repeater users operate simplex and have a limited number of QSOs,
or they use the existing repeaters and their channelization and talk to
more people. Repeater QSOs are often like contest QSOs, short and to the
point because it is a shared channel. For the most part it all works out,
but it isn't pretty.
In HF operating there are no channels, no expectation of a QSO without
QRM. When someone wants to operate on 20m SSB, or 40cw, even on a contest
weekend, there is room. The new person has a right to operate on the band
no matter how crowded it is. Everyone adjusts. Some change frequency,
some change or turn antennas, some decide the QRM is too tough and change
bands, some use higher power, some add filters. There is never a time
when a new signal on an HF band is one too many. (read that last sentence
again) Unlike repeaters and FM radios, HF radios and operators have lots
of options, and have generally proven their skills by passing a more
difficult license examination. HF QSOs get shorter as the band gets more
crowded. Contests make the bands very crowded sometimes. For the most
part it all works out, but it isn't pretty either.
People quoting government rules don't help the discussion in my mind. We
don't need government involvement if most of us agree that we share the
spectrum, that there is no guarantee of a QRM-free QSO, and act
reasonable towards each other.
73 Tom
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e-mail: frenaye@pcnet.com YCCC --> http://www.yccc.org/
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box 386, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444
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