[600MRG] Beacon Operation

[Brian, WA1ZMS]

Frank-
My comments below each question.
-Brian, WA1ZMS
iPhone

> On May 29, 2017, at 4:02 PM, Frank Lotito <k3dz at live.com> wrote:
> 
> 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?
That's true the way the Rules are today.
> 
> 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.
I talked with Bill Cross at the FCC several years ago (he in effect wrote what we know as Part 97 today) about beacons & remote control.  The bottom line is: So long as a licensed Control Op is at the Control Point of the beacon transmitter, Remote Control of a Beacon is allowed.  Refer to Part 97 for the definitions of the terms is exactly what Bill told me.  I had a unique case of a 2m beacon that I wanted to address at that time.
> 
> 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.
Correct. Automatic Control is when there is no Control Operator at the Control Point.
> 
> 73 Frank K3DZ / WH2XHA
As Bill said, the Rules were written to provide as much flexability as possible with out making it difficult.  As you know, Part 5 operations make no mention of these control modes or terms. So if/when we transition to Part 97 use we'll need to be more a little more carefull of how we run our stations when it comes to beacons on 2200/630m but it won't be that hard. Hopw this helps.
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