ARRL Spectrum Management Studies

From     :  Steve, NO8M @ NO8M
To       :  Great Lakes Division Amateurs
Date     :  February 8, 1990
Subject  :  ARRL Spectrum Management Studies
ATTENTION:  NEWSLETTER EDITORS

      During the January ARRL Board Meeting, the Board decided to study the
use of the amateur radio spectrum on two levels.

      The VHF Repeater Advisory Committee and the VHF-UHF Advisory Committee
will be studying the 144-148 MHz., 220-225 MHz. and 420-450 MHz. band plans
for potential changes.  Prior to the January, 1991 board meeting they will be
reporting to the Membership Services Committee.
      Here in NEOH, we recently were subject to two new repeaters using a non-
standard split.  We are also using the packet frequencies to beyond their
capabilities.  Other local area networks in adjoining states have moved into
the band 600 KHz. up from the normal packet frequencies.  Conflicts have been
seen between digital modes and the MIR Soviet Space Station activity.  Perhaps
it is time for defined packet keyboard-to-keyboard channels.  All these have
given us some insight into problems that need to be expressed to those
studying these bands.
      If you have been affected by these events or if you see that you WILL be
affected by others in the (near) future, now is the time to get your views to
the persons who are studying changes to our bands.  After these events happen,
when everyone is yelling and screaming, is far too late.  PACKET RESPONSES ARE
FINE!
      Address your comments to both of our area members.  (Neither are listed
in the packet white pages.  Packet responses can be sent to AB8P @ NO8M for
forwarding.):
     VHF REPEATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE     VHF-UHF ADVISORY COMMITTEE
     George Waldie, W8JRL                Dave Smith, W8YZ
     118 North Vine Street               530 Hollywood Drive
     Mount Gilead, OH  43338             Monroe, MI  48161

      On a second front, there is a possibility of a new committee.  This
committee would be a Spectrum Management Committee.  This would be an ongoing
committee with their tasks yet to be defined.  (There is no committee,
comments on issues are not yet in order.  What should the committee do?)  They
certainly have the raw material to work with.  Everybody has an opinion on the
issues above and on other issues.  The HF forwarding frequencies seems to
incite an opinion out of everyone.  Input on this one can be directed to the
Chairman of the Membership Services Committee:     John Kanode, N4MM
(Again, not listed in the white pages.)            RFD 1  Box 73-A
                                                   Boyce, VA  22620

      PLEASE, send a copy of ANY comments to our Division Director:
                        Allan Severson, AB8P @ NO8M
                        1275 Ethel Avenue
                        Lakewood, OH  44107