FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Charges:
from
The ARRL Letter, Vol 23, No 26
on
June 25, 2004
Website:
http://www.arrl.org/
View comments about this article!
FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Charges:
The ARRL says the FCC apparently has already made up its mind about
broadband over power line (BPL) and "wants no bad news" about the
technology. In reply comments filed June 22 on the FCC's Notice of
Proposed Rule Making in ET Docket 03-47, the League called on the
Commission to take "a fresh look" at BPL before enabling its deployment.
Again asking the FCC to put the proceeding on hold for a year, the League
recommended that the Commission in the meantime require BPL providers to
conduct FCC-monitored interference testing with all stakeholders. The ARRL
charged that while an overwhelming majority of comments oppose BPL due to
interference concerns, the FCC continues to rely on what the League called
"vacuous assurances that BPL would not cause harmful interference." Test
data and a growing record of unresolved complaints indicate otherwise, the
ARRL said.
"ARRL is of the view that this proceeding has been prejudged and will, in
the end, be decided not on the technical issues that should control the
outcome of this proceeding, but on the politics of the matter," the League
commented. "Given the evidence on the Commission's table, it cannot now
authorize BPL at the radiated emission levels proposed, and without
substantial restrictions."
Among those restrictions, the League recommended keeping BPL altogether
away from all Amateur Radio allocations, should the FCC decide to
authorize BPL under its proposed rules. As an alternative, the FCC should
guarantee that an interfering BPL system can be shut down immediately in
the face of a valid complaint, "not after a BPL provider has taken months
to discover that the interference cannot be resolved."
To date, the ARRL contended, the FCC has seemingly ignored the League's
BPL technical studies as well as the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) Phase 1 BPL study that clearly
demonstrate BPL's interference potential. Five additional technical
evaluations accompanied the ARRL's reply comments.
"The Commission is obligated by the Administrative Procedure Act to look
for fire where it is shown a good deal of smoke," the League said. "Here
there is far more than smoke in the record." Any decision in the BPL
proceeding "must be supported by substantial evidence," the ARRL asserted.
The League said the results of both its studies and the NTIA's "are
entirely consistent." Referring to the NTIA Phase 1 analysis, the ARRL
said it's "quite reasonable to assume that the interference potential of
BPL systems to fixed HF Amateur Radio stations is on the order of 460
meters (approximately 1509 feet) from the nearest BPL device." No
proposals address BPL interference mitigation for mobile stations, the
ARRL noted.
While commenting extensively on--and in some instances agreeing with--the
NTIA's late-filed comments, however, the League said they depict an agency
that must "balance dual and, in this case, conflicting roles" as the White
House telecommunications policy advocate. The League questioned the NTIA's
contention that BPL is a "win-win" situation and its deployment would lead
to lower power line noise.
"Not so," the ARRL countered. "Licensed radio services operating in the
sensitive HF environment should not have foist upon them a substantial
interference risk from unlicensed devices or systems whatsoever." The
League said replacing one interference source with another in the same
bands is "not in any way beneficial."
The ARRL also faulted the FCC for neglecting to acknowledge or respond to
a mounting number of interference complaints, most from amateur licensees
living in BPL field trials areas. "The Commission has, as of this writing,
adjudicated not a single one and has ignored repeated requests from
licensed radio amateurs for even a confirmation of receipt of their
complaints!" the ARRL emphasized. The League also expressed little
confidence in utilities that have failed to resolve power line noise
complaints to do any better with BPL complaints.
Earlier this month, the ARRL filed a well-documented and supported
complaint on behalf of Jim Spencer, W0SR, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The
League suggested such BPL complaints deserved careful analysis, but not
the Commission's cold shoulder.
"What ARRL is unwilling to tolerate is the continuation of the
Commission's sweeping of these complaints 'under the rug,' which is
exactly what has happened in this proceeding," the League commented. The
Commission must put its zeal over BPL aside and "take a fair look at them
before any action is taken in this proceeding."
"The Commission has not proposed any rules which would predictably and
reliably protect HF and low-band VHF radio systems from interference,"
ARRL concluded. "The interference resolution mechanisms that are adopted
should be real, rather than merely illusory."
Source:
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 23, No. 26
June 25, 2004
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by KF7CG on June 25, 2004
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The ARRL now has a well documented case of oversight agency oversight!
Where this is headed in a good question?
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KZ1X on June 26, 2004
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America is held hostage by special interests: powerful, industry funded lobbyists who have defrauded Americans of the democratic process.
BOTH major political parties are to blame.
If you didn't think so before, just watch your S-meter.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by K4RAF on June 26, 2004
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No class shown whatsoever in our name (not just members).
As with all things FCC, they will take the path of least resistance, just like the did in the Nextel 1.9GHz decision of late. The entire "70,000 mobile" BPL standard alone creates such an absurd damper on reason, they will walk away just to make it go away. Not many are being artful in their contact tempo.
Too bad so many are relying on politics to solve this & anyone who does is doomed to fail. Moreso when they don't know how to play politics in the first place...
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KC8VWM on June 26, 2004
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>>> As an alternative, the FCC should guarantee that an interfering BPL system can be shut down immediately in the face of a valid complaint, "not after a BPL provider has taken months to discover that the interference cannot be resolved." <<<
Yeah, I can just see it now... It will take years for all the proceedings to happen before they even consider "throwing the switch" in the off position
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KD5IR on June 26, 2004
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..........If, the FCC doesn't Adjudicate the valid complaints , on a fair and equitable basis with Part 15 Regs as the Datum for interference analysis , ....AND....BPL equipment is as sensitive as has been Previously stated , it is fair to conjecture that there is going too BE SO MUCH potential "Noise" that the FCC won't beable to hire enough "enforcers" to ferret out all the sources of such noise. If, THEY want to Play the game based upon political considerations and totally Ignore their own established reg's then , the Purveyors of BPL are going to findout JUST how technically Talented Some of us "Vacuum Tubers" can be at fighting fire with fire. This total disregard for the "Rules of the Road" by the FCC WILL NOT go unchallenged by the Amateur Community , regardless of the Pleadings of the ARRL.......kd5ir , sanford kuteman
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KG6AMW on June 26, 2004
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These BPL companies are contemptuous of anybody who will stand in their way including the NTIA and FCC. If you’re mad, give to the ARRL frequency defense fund. Round 1 is ending. The next step will involve pursuing valid complaints via the FCC and potential legal action to encourage the government to enforce their laws. Remember we are dealing with modern day pirates in expensive suits.
KG6AMW
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KG5JJ on June 26, 2004
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Frankly, at 70, the FCC is showing disturbing symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer's.
They are not immune to the power of political funds, either.
The very bureaucracy sworn to uphold and protect the rights of licensed radio services through technical and regulatory requirements, is now saying they don't want to hear any "bad news" on the BPL fiasco?
Adding insult-to-injury, we, as taxpayers are supporting this bureaucracy in its irresponsible endeavors.
They've thrown-down the gauntlet...they will be hearing nothing but "bad news" if they continue down this path of politically-funded, blind stupidity.
I've already filed comments, and contacted my representatives about this RFI trojan horse.
73 KG5JJ (Mike)
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by AG4RQ on June 26, 2004
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"This total disregard for the "Rules of the Road" by the FCC WILL NOT go unchallenged by the Amateur Community , regardless of the Pleadings of the ARRL."
There is strength in numbers. Our numbers are approximately 3/4 million individuals. One thing the White House, the Government and the FCC in particular fails to understand is that we are citizens (well, most of us, anyway). Standing together we have the power to decide the outcome of elections, we have the power to challenge the Government in court and we have the power to change laws (or prevent Government agencies from changing laws).
It is good that the ARRL is leading the fight against BPL. But, we as individuals shouldn't merely leave the fight to the ARRL. We need to do all we can by standing solid on this issue to fight it tooth and nail. That means filing comments on ECFS, writing to our Senators and Congresspeople, petitioning our local Public Service Commissions to warn them of the consequences of BPL, filing BPL RFI complaints with the FCC and our local power companies, filing individual lawsuits against the FCC and our local power companies, and getting information about BPL and its consequences out to the general public by way of the media (local and national). It is very important to present the facts to the general public. It is very important to get public opinion on our side and against BPL by informing the public that this particular avenue of broadband Internet comes with a price and severe consequences. Its not just ham radio. Its also vital services that could mean life or death. What's it going to take to scrap BPL and deposit it in the trash? A few air disasters and loss of several hundred lives? The general public needs to see hams as people who are knowledgeable about radio and knowledgeable about the consequences that BPL brings that will compromise the safety and security of the people and the nation. We are technically savvy and have scientific evidence to support our statements.
The laws of physics dictate that putting broadband RF energy out over a longwire antenna such as the US Power Grid will interfere with radio communications throughout the HF and low-band VHF spectrum. Harmonics may cause interference to frequencies much higher than 80 MHz. It is quite possible that the Aviation band, FM broadcast, TV, police, fire, medical and more could be affected. Once the next solar cycle peaks, spectrum pollution from American BPL will cause interference on the other side of the globe.
The idea of notching bands or "mitigating" interference is just more of the big lie that we're getting. When Cycle 24 peaks and BPL becomes a great embarrassment to the United States, then we will be forced to dismantle it. We (the United States) will be in violation of international radio laws and treaties. By then, the greedy BPL people will have made their fortune. Bush, the rest of his cronies, as well as all his puppets in the FCC will be long gone.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by K4XR on June 26, 2004
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I agree with AG4RQ's comments almost totally.
I imagine that the ARRL will wait for the results of the rule making before taking any legal action. I'm sure that they're trying to avoid poisoning the relationship with the FCC by entering the courts. I fully expect that if the FCC ignores the NTIA recommendations and rushes to release rules that are unacceptable, then legal action by the League will begin. If the NTIA's proposals are implemented either BPL will create much less interference than some of the existing systems or it will die as a result of being unable to meet their requirements.
The only question is - if the FCC ignores the NTIA and release inadequate requirements, will it be too late to stop the steamroller? I tend to believe that the best action may be for an individual, such as the Cedar Rapids ham to file a suit to force the FCC's hand. I'm sure that many of us will be willing to contribute to support his legal costs.
These are not easy decisions to make, because if anyone really knows which way the FCC is heading, they aren't talking.
I know most don't believe that we have much political clout, but in some critical states such as Florida with 37,000 hams, and many of them able to influence at least one more vote, it could make a difference.
Having said that, let me say I won't be voting for Kerry. I've voted in every Presidential election since Nixon's first and only voted for the Democratic candidate once (Carter the first time and I certainly regret that vote). I also agree that BPL as a single issue is not worthy of deciding anyone's vote. But the way this issue is handled will tell a lot about this administration's character. It is obvious at this point that the administration is aware of the problem. If they ignore the data and give the BPL manufacturers and energy companies everything they want, I won't be voting at all.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by AG4RQ on June 26, 2004
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K4XR said:
"The only question is - if the FCC ignores the NTIA and release inadequate requirements, will it be too late to stop the steamroller? I tend to believe that the best action may be for an individual, such as the Cedar Rapids ham to file a suit to force the FCC's hand."
No, it won't be too late to stop the steamroller. Litigation will stop it dead in its tracks, pending the outcome of the court's decision.
The best course of action for individual hams is to file a lawsuit against the FCC once BPL interference to the individual ham's station is documented and the FCC fails to enforce Part 15 rules within a reasonable time. A lawsuit against the BPL provider for damages should concurrently be filed. The same procedures should be taken for any interference suffered due to BPL, including interference to TV reception, baby monitors, broadcast radio, home theater, telephone (landline or cell), home medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, and anything that is interfered with by BPL. Of course, any interference to non-ham equipment can be fought by any member of the general public. When it comes to BPL interference and numbers fighting it, the more the merrier.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by AG4RQ on June 26, 2004
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As for TV reception, I use analog cable with my TV on channel 3, which is within BPL's broadband frequency range. Can you imagine what would happen if BPL interferes with reception of the World Series or the Superbowl? There's going to be a lot of angry people. Not just hams.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KG5JJ on June 26, 2004
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Well...switching parties has historically shown that one set of cronies is replaced by another set of cronies.
Political money crosses ALL party lines.
73 KG5JJ (Mike)
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BPL is sunk
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by L1D on June 26, 2004
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BPL is sunk. SBC wants to run fiber to the home. BPL is a 300 baud modem compared to fiber, ask any network guru.
Me, I'm going to practice my arc welding and play with my tesla coil...
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by WIRELESS on June 26, 2004
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It appears the current strategy of the Arrl is to piss off the agency who wasn't listening much to the Arrl before, now the FCC probably with say "ARRL who?".
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by KB1IVU on June 26, 2004
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Why don't they make a decision about restucturing as quickly
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by AE1X on June 26, 2004
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Because they won't have to.
This will cause so much trouble that they will be force to eliminate our HF priviledges entirely. That will make restructuring moot.
There is a bill that will be introducted later this year calling for a complete review of the Communications Act with an eye toward eliminating all public access to the electro-magnetic spectrum in favor of for profit entities. Another words, there is a move a foot to eliminate the 70 year old system of spectrum allocation and management.
Ken, AE1X
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by K2ACB on June 26, 2004
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I have a legal background. It seems to me that here are merits for a civil suit against those power companies that are now utilizing BPL. However litigation can be very expensive and time consuming not with standing the procurement of evidence and expert witnesses. I wonder whether the ARRL and the Radio Amateur Community are willing to put up or shut up and raise the funds for perhaps a long drawn out legal battle. Hopefully it will not come to this. But if this is are only alternative and we do not take it then our hobby maybe in peril. 73-Alan-K2ACB
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by W3LOW on June 27, 2004
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Things that are a MUST:
1. Support the ARRL. Whether you like it or not, they are the only organized voice for Amateur Radio.
2. Continue to write to your Congressmen. If it is not documented, they cannot help.
3. Continue to write to the FCC. Someone may indeed be listening.
4. Be calm and colletive if you're currently experiencing BPL interferrence. Contact the utility company and present your case. Document everything!
No one likes a hot head. We see far too much flaming here on eham alone.
5. Most of all get off the computer and get 'on the air'!
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KG6AMW on June 27, 2004
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BPL Prediction: 1) The FCC will complete its rule making file by declaring Part 15 rules unchanged, but that BPL providers must not cause interference. 2) BPL test sites will continue to increase and BPL companies will continue to gloss interference complaints. 3) The level of interference will continue to increase each month as BPL grows. 4) In 2007 the FCC will be overwhelmed with interference complaints and potential legal problems. It will then become a political problem also. 5) The FCC in 2008 will once again change the Part 15 rules this time to limit interference by BPL operations. 6) Although the FCC takes steps to limit BPL interference, BPL commercial failures will continue to mount and BPL will die out by 2010. 7) The utilities will have their BPL infrastructure in place and will be happy to use it for utility related business. 8) Investors will use BPL partnership failures as tax write-offs. So much for blind eye decisions.
KG6AMW
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by AG4RQ on June 27, 2004
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KG6AMW, let me add to your predictions. By 2010, even though BPL would no longer be used for broadband Internet, it would still be in use to monitor the grid and for maintenance purposes, and still causing interference. By 2010 or 2011, Cycle 24 will reach its max, causing spectrum pollution worldwide. This will bring great embarrassment to this country. With the United States being in violation of international radio laws and treaties, and with the number of complaints from other countries, the United States will be forced to shut down and dismantle all BPL operations.
Some countries were smart enough to kill BPL before it could be implemented. Other countries after implementing it scrapped it due to the interference issue. Because big business has the White House and the FCC in their hip pocket, our country will have to learn its lesson the hard way. The laws of physics rule.
One other thing to consider is that BPL is susceptible to interference from radio transmitters. When Cycle 24 peaks, powerful skywave signals from abroad will probably render BPL useless. Like I said, the laws of physics rule.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KF7CG on June 27, 2004
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On an international scale, BPL evangelists from both our BPL equipment manufacturers and in the form of representatives to various foreign governments and regulatory bodies are attempting to sell the world on BPL. It this occurs, there will be no Treaty problems.
The interference problems during propagation peaks could be enlightening however.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by AG4RQ on June 27, 2004
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Posted by KF7CG on June 27, 2004:
"On an international scale, BPL evangelists from both our BPL equipment manufacturers and in the form of representatives to various foreign governments and regulatory bodies are attempting to sell the world on BPL. It this occurs, there will be no Treaty problems.
The interference problems during propagation peaks could be enlightening however."
This will never happen. Interference is a big issue that won't be worked out in time to make it viable. We are living in an age where new technologies render yesterday's advances obsolete. Just look at how quickly computers, operating systems and software become obsolete. The future in broadband Internet is not BPL, but wireless up in the GHz range which won't interfere with anything. Who is going to want to be bound to an AC outlet when you can have wireless access from anywhere? Think about it. Broadband Internet access with a laptop at the beach, in a park, at a sporting event, in the waiting room of a doctor's office, on a city bus, on a commuter train, as a passenger in an automobile (I wouldn't recommend surfing the 'Net while driving ;-) Hi-Hi), and just about anywhere you use a cell phone! Fact is, look for the wireless providers to offer broadband Internet access from their cell towers and blow BPL and the power companies right out of the water! the Great White Elephant of the 21st Century (a.k.a. BPL) will quickly join the Beta videocassette and 8-track tapes in the Smithsonian. Some day BPL modems will be on display in the Smithsonian.
Interference to BPL, especially during solar peaks will put the final nail in BPL's coffin.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KD4AC on June 28, 2004
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"Well...switching parties has historically shown that one set of cronies is replaced by another set of cronies.
Political money crosses ALL party lines."
Very well said. I don't care what political party someone comes from... they all have their own interests in mind, or those of the special interests... ot at least it certainly appears that way. I've written to my Representative about HR 1478 (the CC&R bill) and this is the response I got:
"This legislation has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and while I am not a member of this committee, I will be sure to keep your views in mind should this legislation come before the full House for a vote."
There's no reason why he can't co-sponsor the bill or press for committee hearings. His response basically sounds like he doesn't care... or more likely, it's just that I'm one voice and barely audible over all the noise. And that may simply be due to the fact that most people like to complain about something but then don't take any action. I've asked THREE of my friends (two in CA and one in AZ) to write to their Representatives about this issue. I've even sent them the "form letter" that is available at the ARRL. But have ANY of them bothered to quickly "cut and paste" it into the e-mail page of their Representative and send it off? No.
This bill has been introduced to the House at least twice and both times, very little action has been taken. When this bill is discussed on some of the amateur radio forums I've been to, a lot of HAMS like to complain about HOAs, but very few actually take the time to quickly send off an e-mail to their Representative. Why? It only takes five or ten minutes. Then there are HAMS who don't care. HOAs and deed restrictions don't apply to them and they're reasoning of thinking is that if you don't want deed restrictions, don't buy a house that has one. They just don't get it do they? Deed restrictions are popping up in more and more neighborhoods. They're spreading like a plague. Some of us can't afford to live way out in the country with acres of land and some of us don't want to live in the "bad section" of town just so we can put up an antenna. Or, maybe we have the money but don't feel like fighting traffic 40 or 50 miles both directions to and from work. Beyond that, deed restrictions are about personal freedom to do with YOUR property as YOU choose to.
I've come to believe the amateurs that don't care about deed restrictions because they don't affect them actually WANT to see deed restrictions. It keeps most amateurs off the bands and gives those without deed restrictions more spectrum to themselves. That may be fine and dandy for the moment, but as fewer and fewer amateurs are active on the bands because of deed restrictions, the FCC will decide that the spectrum would be best used somewhere else.
Now back to the issue at hand... BPL. This is another example. A lot of people here will complain about BPL, but how many are actually going to DO something about it? Some people like to complain that they aren't a member of the ARRL because the ARRL doesn't represent our instrests well enough. Hey, they're only ONE organization and can only do SO much with the amount of money they have. And they're one rather SMALL organization when compared to the other organizations with DEEP POCKETS. To me, it's kind of like voting. If you're not going to vote, then don't complain about the outcome of an election. Same thing here, if you're not going to do whatever you can (and that means EVERYONE opposed to BPL) to prevent this from happening, then you have no right to complain when and if it does.
As someone said, other countries have tried BPL and then quickly shut it down because of interference. Why the U.S. (the FCC) has decided to overlook or ignore all the previous attempts in Europe and Japan that failed, I have no idea. But if they want to look like idiots, fine by me. Hey, they're not engineers... they're politicians so they're used to looking like idiots.
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by N6KEK on June 28, 2004
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KG6AMW is very observant of a very clandestine movement. Remember when the big electrical blackout last fall,( could easily be done by computer programming)occur earlier this year and suddenly the talk was our electric distribution infrastructure was in dire need of total rebuild. Was this an isidious plan hatched by the corporate giant that control the electric utility system and quietly passing the cost to the taxpayers by making the taxpayers suffer at their will loss of electric designed to so incite the public to force our politicians to do something playing right into the hands of the utility companies. BPL looks very similar. Make someone else pay for the infrastructute that was financed largely by the taxpayers. Hydroelectric facilities etc. Did you listen to the Enron recorded phone conversations boasting of controlling energy at their intentionally making the taxpayers suffer by causing inetntional blackouts and disguising them as technical problems closely resembling the big black out.
Or are the utility giants of this country way to ethical to do such a thing.
BPL will move forward and the agenda of corporate America will ride sidesaddle as it marches on. I invite you to see Fairenheit 911 for one point of view to digest.
Bob
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KD4AC on June 28, 2004
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"You were too busy protecting morse code and calling all the new or would be people stupid all the time."
Obviously from someone that wants a license just handed to them.
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by WA1RNE on June 28, 2004
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Writing to the chairman and ranking member of House Committee on Energy and Commerce might be the best way to go.
However, you have to wonder how much of a priority our needs are as Ham Radio operators and our perceived usefullness to the federal government. Think about it; what public services do we bring to the table right now that justifies our exclusive, unhindered use of all the band space we occupy? In the early days of radio, our contributions were looked upon as key to help solve technological problems and to help push the technological envelop forward. Later, during the cold war and the nuclear showdowns of the 50's and 60's we were looked upon as valuable communication resouces, i.e. Civil Defense communications, MARS, etc. before cellular and the extensive satellite communication capabilities of today. But what do we offer today that is so compelling as to cause the Fed's to stop electric utilities from offering low cost communication and entertainment services like BPL?
Our dedication to public service over the years is obviously admirable - and I was a part of it - but our real value today in this regard is becoming questionable - and I really doubt I am alone in the amateur community. Quite honestly, as technology moves forward and times marches on, I think we are being pressed to do more to justify our use of band space. For the most part, our use of the HF bands is probably perceived as mostly for purposes of hobby AND IS FUELING THE FIRE FOR BPL AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL CONTINUE TO EAT AWAY AT BAND SPACE. TIME TO STOP BURING OUR HEADS IN THE SAND AND WAKE UP TO REALITY>>>>>
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by N6KEK on June 28, 2004
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Sounds like HAMS_R_FAT_PIGS is a bit disgruntled with the proficiency requirements for a license. Probably fatigued a bit due to the many failed attempts at passing the test only to give up and critize the merits of a testing process he can't must the energy to pass.
Bob
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by KD4AC on June 28, 2004
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"I'll on Echolink with my new BPL modem and you better not interfere with it..."
No you won't. For one, you have to have a license to even use EchoLink (guess you better hit those books again), and second, since BPL modems are under Part 15, they must ACCEPT any interference. Therefore, any amateur interfering with your "precious" BPL modem will NOT be in violation. Sorry to burst your bubble.
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by K0RGR on June 28, 2004
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Mail this to a friend!
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All I know is that I have a set of cheap computer speakers that generates S9+20 QRM from DC to 2 meters, and very efficiently couples it into the power line. It does this whether the computer is connected or not.
I suspect that if this set of speakers is plugged in at my house, it would swamp out BPL for everybody on the same power line segment as me, and perhaps beyond. Yes, it also eliminates radio, but I can control when this happens by simply unplugging it.
The real test will be if FCC allows the BPL companies to jack up their power to overcome the millions of pieces of electrically dirty consumer junk attached to the power lines. Rather than thinking about how our transmitters will affect BPL, we should be thinking about these ubiquitous little nasties.
I've seen complaints that the current crop of Chinese-made PC power supplies are arriving with NO FILTERING at all, resulting in all sorts of broadband pollution on the power lines. A brute force line filter will keep that out of your shack, but not your house, and not the BPL receivers.
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by KG4YJR on June 28, 2004
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Mail this to a friend!
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I've wrote this before in another BPL thread so those that have read it already please bare with me again.
The most corruption in any government from local to state to federal is always in the organizations that have ENFORCEMENT or REGULATORY powers.
Think about it. Common sense should show you the FCC can't be the only "pure white" or "sqeaky clean" organization out of all the corrupt, us first, citizens last bureaucracies.
The FCC "wants no bad news"
Think about it.
Dave
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RE: FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL
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by N6KEK on June 29, 2004
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Mail this to a friend!
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HAMS_R_FAT_PIGS-
I am sure if you contacted a local ham in your area he would direct you to a club member or group that would be more than happy to give you the assistance you feel you need to so you can pass the examinations or steer you to someone. I know i would if I lived near you I have done it countless times. I welcome any an all newcomers to this wonderful hobby.
I really didn't mean to be so hard on you but your statement seemed designed to incite ham radio operators as opposed to offering an opinion to assist all us in this BPL delima at our hands.
Despite the opinion that hams may have,due to rapid advances in technology, reducing the need for ham radio communications in the way it has been the last 100 years.
Since the invention of radio there have been over 300,000 individuals that have applied and recieved an operators permit for the amatuer service and I believe this should stand out as something governments should take into consideration in regards to unlisenced users encroaching spectrum that has been traditionally reserved for licensed users. We deserve this protection. Despite advances in technology mans interst in the phenomena of radio frequency will not wane in the near future by no means.
Bob
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FCC Turning Blind Eye in BPL Proceeding, ARRL Char
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by W0FMS on June 29, 2004
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Mail this to a friend!
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SO who is going to come up with the first $50 25W HF CW Propagation beacon kit so we can all do propagation experiments 24/7?
I think we need thousands of propagation beacons on a single frequency on each band. Then we will know when the bands are open better than we do now.
(When the BPL doesn't work because of your beacon, they'll have to try to sue you to shut down your legally licensed beacon.)
Fred
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