NOT Ready for sending yet.

Comments to ke3ht@lmrgroup.com

Letter to the ARRL

Requesting definition or criteria for approval of digital operation in VHF/UHF contests

ARRL;

I have the personal opinion that it’s not the software, hardware or the mode that creates illegal operation, it’s the Operator. An example is a 2 meter FM rig. Is it illegal to use in an ARRL VHF contest? Yes, it’s illegal if on a repeater. Same could be said of AX.25. It could be legal by some interpretation of the rules IF it does not repeat and if it was used as a means to MAKE a contact not just for spotting.

I have an interest as a rover in AX.25, PSK31 or FSK441 to help Rovers with the sometime difficult task of accurately recording the QSO had while driving. I also like the idea of making the VHF/UHF contest an exciting way to get existing or new hams more involved with ham radio. 

I would like to have the ARRL publicly define the guidelines they used to "accept" BEACONet so some of us could use the other modes.

I would like to address in green some of the many issues and then propose a guideline in which digital modes and programs be considered for use.

I am awaiting a response from the Dan (N1ND) of the ARRL as to what part or all of BEACONet software collection they have officially “accepted”.  The announcement only stated “BEACONet”. BEACONet is a group of people and/or a collection of programs.

First I would like to cite a recent e-mail from Dan (N1ND) to the VHF reflector. See: http://www.lmrgroup.com/ke3ht/beaconetok.html . This e-mail specifies that BEACONet, a collection of programs, is now "accepted" by the ARRL for Contest use. As recently as December 2002 BEACONet was not accepted due to the transmission of the GRID (or equiv) see: http://www.lmrgroup.com/ke3ht/rover/beaconet-ng-arrl.html.

http://www.rochesterny.org/beaconet/cu2qso/cu2qso-faq.htm  attempts to explain why BEACONet was "accepted" by the ARRL. They cite:
  1. One must understand why APRS is not permitted in order to know how the CU2QSO system is approved.  While CU2QSO is based on the same technology that APRS is, it is configured much differently.  APRS relies on a series of digipeaters (considered 3rd party assistance) and Internet relaying stations called IGates (considered non-Amateur in nature).  CU2QSO (as it is configured in supporting VHF Contest operation) is all-Amateur and fully unassisted (simplex) in operation.  APRS like most other packet programs can be "configured" as BEACONet calls it. APRS also can be configured to operate simplex without digipeaters or any 3rd party assistance on any frequency the radio supports. 
  2. PacketCluster uses 3rd parties to relay information that would not otherwise be known.  It often also uses non-Amateur means of relaying this information.  CU2QSO uses all-Amateur means of communication.  What it communicates is done without relays or assistance from any third party.  A CU2QSO "CQ" is no different (functionally) than a digital voice keyer on a narrowband transceiver repeating "CQ contest. This is N1ND in Fox November thirty one November Mexico".  I can't argue with this one although I can't see why most digital modes or even APRS would use packet cluster to make a two way direct RF contact with another operator.     
In addition The ARRL stated in http://www.lmrgroup.com/ke3ht/beaconetok.html  
  1. After additional review and conversation The ARRL has come to believe that BEACONet is similar to an automated CQing system.  Most packet programs can also do automated CQ'ing.
  2. It facilitates the solicitation of contacts. Any mode or means that does a CQ would facilitate a contact.
  3. It uses a band that is usable in the particular contest, and QSOs are made on such radios.  As defined by the contest rules.
  4. It uses a mode that is acceptable for contacts in the particular contest.  SSB, FM, CW are all acceptable...
  5. BEACONet seems to comply with the letter and spirit of the contest rules. Since all of the stipulations seem to apply to most all programs then this must be the key argument.
In a previous e-mail from the ARRL   http://www.lmrgroup.com/ke3ht/rover/beaconet-ng-arrl.html  They cited problems being:
  1. Also, self-spotting on is not allowed under the same General Rules: "3.14. In contests where spotting nets are permissible, spotting your own station or requesting another station to spot you is not permitted."  So, spotting your self on the DX packet cluster, APRS, BEACONet, or other systems for the purpose of soliciting contacts is not permitted.  Calling "CQ" on a local repeater to try and solicit contacts to move to a valid frequency (since contacts on repeaters are not valid QSOs) would be considered self-spotting. The definition of spotting is to announce somewhere that you are listening somewhere else for a contact. You could also say that asking someone else to spot you somewhere else is also illegal. Calling CQ and listening for a reply on the same band, same mode and same frequency is not spotting ergo those means that support an exchange on the same band the CQ occurs should be acceptable..    
  2. In addition, use of a spotting network or predetermined operating arrangement (again such as packet, APRS, BEACONet, a DX net on HF) to find stations to work means that unless the contest in which you are participating has a Single Operator Assisted category, your entry becomes a Multi-operator situation (under Rules for ARRL Contests on Bands below 30 MHz "2.3.1.1. In those contests that do not have Single Operator Assisted class, this category includes those single operators that use any form of spotting assistance such as from nets or packet.")  Since assisted operation is not allowed for Single Operator stations in VHF contests (Rules for ARRL Contests on Bands above 50 MHz  "2.1.3. Use of spotting assistance or nets (operating arrangements involving other individuals, DX-alerting nets, packet, etc) is not permitted.") if you use any kind of spotting system to locate stations to work, your entry is a multioperator entry in VHF/UHF events. Predetermined operating arrangement. Does this mean a sched? on a certian freq? At a certian time? If thats true we would have problems on all bands and all modes. The catch is "involving other individuals" and "to find stations to work". The intent I think is when you use spotting devices/people to find stations to work you become a multi-op or single op-assisted but it is not permitted above 50mhz at all. Just because it is packet does not mean spotting is occuring.

Now to the difficult task of proposing a guideline for digital modes. Its difficult to put Spirit and Intent into words but let me try:
  1. Simplex direct point to point operation. No relaying, internet or networked systems. No digi's or repeaters!
  2. Contact must be made on the same band/mode you call CQ on. (? I have heard someone call CQ on SSB. Since they did not hear me I responded using CW. Not sure if that can happen in packet but it is less likly to work if youtried to?)
  3. Only use bands prescribed for the contest.
  4. Only modes acceptable for the contest are permitted. Generally SSB, CW and FM are permitted. Thus any of the programs that use these modes should be acceptable as well.
  5. You can not tell someone to tell others about you.
  6. You can not use message boards or other spotting devices to find stations to work.
  7. Currently on CW and Phone it is permissable to add to the CQ your GRID or location (KE3HT/R/FN32). Why not digital modes.
  8. Rovers can only have one transmitter on the air at a time.
  9. Above all Courtesy and fun encourages new comers to join in. 
Operations that can be considered if you configure them and operate them correctly?
There is no end to this list. This is just a sample. Personaly I think you should keep it simple. PSK31 can be done without BEACONet or other high level programs. APRS does more than you need also. I would stick with a simple TNC interface program for AX.25 or a direct access program like PSK31srv. At least until your more confortable with Digital operation.


Review the rules for the contest your participating in.
General ARRL Rules: http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/rules-all.html   
Above 50mhz: http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/rules-vhf.html    
And the specific rules such as the June rules: http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2002/june-vhf.html


Tim Ertl  2/16/2003