[600MRG] Beacon Operation

[Larry Molitor]

>From FCC R&O 17-33 paragraph:
 29. Other Issues. We decline to prohibit automatically controlled stations from operating inthese bands, even though several amateur commenters support the prohibition of automatic control in thenew amateur bands. We find that the technical rules and notification requirements that we are adoptingobviate the need to prohibit automatically controlled stations from operating in the new amateur bandsbecause they address any concerns over co-existence of these two uses. Further, as proposed in theWRC-12 NPRM, we are adding definitions for the terms effective radiated power, isotropically radiatedpower and LF (low frequency) in Section 97.3 of our rules. Finally, we decline to permit previouslylicensed experimental stations – some of which have been authorized with significantly more radiatedpower than the adopted EIRP limits for these new amateur service bands – to communicate with amateurstations operating in these bands. Amateur operations in these bands currently authorized underexperimental licenses should transition their operations in accordance with the adopted rules and notcircumvent such rules by use of experimental licenses.


      From: Frank Lotito <k3dz at live.com>
 To: 600 / 630 Meter Group <600mrg at w7ekb.com> 
 Sent: Monday, May 29, 2017 1:03 PM
 Subject: [600MRG] Beacon Operation
   
The present on-line e-CFR edition for amateur radio communications has a section on beacon operation, 47CFR97 article 203.  I am having trouble interpreting subparagraph (d) which speaks of "automatic control" and specifies a minimum permitted frequency of 28.20 MHz for "automatic control."

QUESTION #1: Does this mean for all other amateur bands, including the pending 600 and 2200 bands "automatic control" is not permitted?

QUESTION #2: I assume beacon operation on "any" amateur frequency that the "control operator" (licensee) is authorized to participate on, beacon operation is permitted if the control operator is present and can "kill the beacon transmission" if something goes amiss?  For example, a beacon transmitting someplace on the anticipated 630 or 2200 meter bands?  Or on the 160 meter band?  30 meter band? 17 meter band?  It is understood a reasonable attempt is made by the control operator to insure non-interference with normal on-going transmissions for that band,  and as a courtesy, adhere to gentlemen's agreements for band plans.

Probably the key words in 47CFR97.203 is the FCC's meaning of the words "automatically controlled" and "control operator." For example, when I use my 630 meter transmitter in the beacon mode I use a dedicated PIC controller to key my transmitter and I use a DDS VFO system to establish the transmit frequency.  I also use my R-70 receiver to listen to my transmitted frequency.  Once everything is tuned up and properly operating I go upstairs to watch TV, or I hit the hay, and usually leave the R-70 fired up.  Needless to say the audio volume on my R-70 receiver is turned "way down" in amplitude.

QUESTION #3:  Is my transmitter "automatically controlled" when I get beyond earshot of my transmitter and monitor receiver?  I'm definitely no where around to monitor what is going on, and the "kill switch" certainly is not within reach.

73 Frank K3DZ / WH2XHA
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