[BC] Citizens Broadcast (WAS:Ramsey fined...)

[WFIFeng@aol.com]

In a message dated 01/26/2006 12:30:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
paul at amtower.com writes:

> We already have that service.  It is located right around 27 Mhz, and can
>  use AM or SSB.
>  and is pretty much worthless.

You're right about it being pretty worthless... but it isn't a broadcast 
band, either. (Just *try* keying-up a CB for hours on end, doing a "broadcast"- 
people would start keying over you, and someone will surely RDF you, and throw 
something through your window... or worse.)

CB is supposed to be for two-way voice comms, only. No music (Ha!) or other 
digital modes... of course, I really don't see the FCC cracking down on someone 
running a P95 *legal* rig, transmitting PSK or SSTV on SSB... but I would 
imagine he'd get a lot of malicious QRM from the uninitiated clowns all around 
him. PSK on CB SSB would actually make for a far better use of spectrum. Just 
assign one channel to it, and dozens of QSO's would fit. Personally, I think it 
could make a nice "initiation" to potential future hams. Not likely, tho.

Of course, to get the full benefit of such modes, all one needs is to get 
their Ham license, which is nowhere near as difficult as it used to be. Right 
now, learning 5 words per minute CW is the "toughest" part, but trust me... it is 
NOT that hard to get that speed! They may soon dispense with it altogether, 
anyway. Stay tuned...

Someone else mentioned that there should be a 100mw legal limit for 
micro-power FM license-free broadcasting. I agree. As long as nobody's signal is being 
interfered with, it shouldn't be a problem. It seems like our Gov't is 
starting to take precident from other Nations, so who knows... maybe seeing it work 
elsewhere (100mw FM) will open their minds to a well-reasoned proposal. Then 
again, maybe not.

Willie...
N1NKM