Total posts : 45366
Marshall,
It was not my intent to “bash” amateur radio repeater coordination, but rather to point out that since without coordination of some form an extended range radio service in not workable and that coordination itself can lead to problems. Repeater coordination was only an example of how such regulation could evolve. I have been the trustee of a 2 meter and a 220 MHz. repeater, and I have served on the state coordination council and what you state regarding shared effort between the applicants and the coordinators agrees with my experience.
When the FCC opened the 2 meter “sub-band” for repeaters, I recall there was a scramble for the new frequencies and coordination was not organized. The thinking at the time was that repeaters on the air at this time would be grandfathered so clubs with the resources quickly put systems on the air pretty much using all available pairs. Those slower to react lost out. Within a couple of years, coordination became effective but pairs in metro areas were scarce. Necessarily, not everyone who wants a coordinated pair can get one. I believe the same thing will happen with increased power microbroadcasting and it will no longer be a simple matter of finding a quiet frequency and operating as we now do on part 15 AM.
It was my observation of this startup period which lead me to my vision of what could happen with microbroadcasting AM if, as we seem to agree, some form of frequency oversight is required. Part 15 AM is now available instantly to anyone who wants to use it. Due to the limited range, there is room for hundreds of thousands of stations. I oppose the use extended range AM since if frequency oversight is needed there will be far fewer opportunities for the hobby use of the band. One need only consider LPFM to see where this could go.
I do not see a way to provide 5 to 10 mile range for stations without excluding many others who want to use the band for hobby activities. Those who desire to community broadcast have other options such as streaming on the internet. Those who enjoy experimenting with radio and yardcasting have no options. (Amateur radio is great for experimenting and emergency service but broadcasting is prohibited.)
I appreciate your response to my post and I am in general agreement with what you said regarding the mechanics of coordination. I don’t want to crush anyone’s dreams but I believe realistic discussions of what has or could happen are useful. Perhaps someone wiser than I can suggest how a new extended range AM service can accomodate the needs of all.
Neil
