Considering the recent rules changes for ARRL VHF/UHF Contest regarding optical
communications, isn’t it time to also change the VUCC Award credits to better
reflect the current thinking (and state of the art for free space optical
communications?)
Currently, the VUCC Rules define this frequency range as “Laser 300Ghz and
above”. While the ARRL VHF/UHF Contest rules define these contacts as:
Above 300 GHz, contacts are permitted for contest credit only between licensed
amateurs using mono-chromatic signal sources (for example, laser and LED) and
employing at least one stage of electronic detection on receive. Laser usage
is restricted to ANSI Z136 Class I, II, IIa, and IIIa (i.e.; output power is
less than 5 mW).
A handful of amateurs are currently working to develop optical “transverters”
that would work with IF rigs like the FT-817 and others on full-fledged
transceivers that utilize one LED as both emitter and detector, which greatly
simplifies mechanical design and aiming. It would be a shame to see these
advances be ruled ineligible for VUCC credit.
How about it, Newington?
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
P.S. How do I order a VUCC lapel pin? I didn’t get one with my certificate, but
I’d really like one.
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