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Author Topic: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board  (Read 594 times)

W7XTV

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W6MK

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2020, 09:11:19 PM »

One assumes that the purpose is to recruit more entry-level hams (techs).

Is this purpose explicitly stated in any official ARRL document?

Is there any evidence that the band plan will have this (or any other relevant) effect?

Will there be data gathered to see whether the change brings about the desired effect?
What would the benchmarks be for establishing whether or not the changes are effective?

Is there provision for revising the band plan again if the changes do not bring about the desired results?
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W7XTV

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2020, 09:27:42 PM »

One assumes that the purpose is to recruit more entry-level hams (techs).

Is this purpose explicitly stated in any official ARRL document?

I haven't seen an official ARRL statement on the proposal.  The QRZNow article and PDF file from the league are all that exist as of now.  Nothing mentioned on the ARRL website's front page as I write this.  I would think that it's important enough to put something there, but it is a weekend.  Might be something on Monday.

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Is there any evidence that the band plan will have this (or any other relevant) effect?

As far as potential success/failure if this is adopted goes, time will tell.  Personally, I think that digital privileges on HF for techs are far more important than a few new phone allocations.

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Will there be data gathered to see whether the change brings about the desired effect?
What would the benchmarks be for establishing whether or not the changes are effective?

Benchmarks?  I have no idea.  Does it really matter?  It's not like this plan will be reversed if the FCC ever does adopt it.

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Is there provision for revising the band plan again if the changes do not bring about the desired results?

What's to revise?  That's putting the cart before the horse.  This is a proposal by the ARRL, not a Report and Order from the FCC.  I hope the FCC does adopt it, but it hasn't been submitted to them yet, AFAIK.
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W7XTV

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2020, 10:34:32 PM »

One assumes that the purpose is to recruit more entry-level hams (techs).

Is this purpose explicitly stated in any official ARRL document?

I haven't seen an official ARRL statement on the proposal.  The QRZNow article and PDF file from the league are all that exist as of now.  Nothing mentioned on the ARRL website's front page as I write this.  I would think that it's important enough to put something there, but it is a weekend.  Might be something on Monday.

And so what if bringing in new Techs is their intent?  My intro to ham radio was via my Novice license in 1970, and I've stuck around for 50 years.  The Tech ticket is the current entry-level license, but its day as the gateway to VHF/UHF has been dead for decades.  Allowing them digital HF privileges brings them into the 21st century.  The limited phone allocations don't hurt, but are not a big deal either.
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He speaks fluent PSK31, in FT8...  One QSO with him earns you 5BDXCC...  His Wouff Hong has two Wouffs... Hiram Percy Maxim called HIM "The Old Man..."  He is... The Most Interesting Ham In The World!

KG4RUL

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2020, 03:45:06 AM »

Utter, Total, Ripe, Rich, Steaming   BRAVO SIERRA !

Now ask me how I feel about it?
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W9IQ

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2020, 04:17:03 AM »

It gives Techs data privileges in the 80-15 meter CW bands

What CW bands? There is no CW only allocation on HF. CW can be used on any HF FCC allocated frequency.

This plan has been previewed and published in detail with input sought for some time. It has been discussed on eHam. It shouldn't come as a surprise if the board approves it.

After that, we will have a couple of years wait for the FCC allargando with more opportunity for public comment.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

W9IQ

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #6 on: August 01, 2020, 05:05:42 AM »

And it is official. From the Friday ARRL newsletter:

Accepted the final recommendations of the Band Planning Committee. Committee chair and ARRL First Vice President Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, introduced the motion to adopt the plan. An earlier draft of the plan was introduced at the Board's in-person January meeting. After the January Board meeting, the Committee received and considered hundreds of comments from interested amateurs. The final band plan can be viewed on the ARRL website.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

N8AUC

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #7 on: August 01, 2020, 08:18:10 AM »

Utter, Total, Ripe, Rich, Steaming   BRAVO SIERRA !

Now ask me how I feel about it?

I kind of agree with this. But maybe not as strongly from an emotional standpoint..
I am a League member, and I generally support what the ARRL wants to do (but not always).

But two things:
1) I think this is a bad idea. It removes incentives for new licensees to improve themselves and upgrade.
2) This is an ARRL idea at this point. It doesn't mean a thing until the FCC adopts it and revises 47CFR97.

73 de N8AUC
Eric
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W6MK

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #8 on: August 01, 2020, 09:42:45 AM »

If this is adopted goes, time will tell.

Benchmarks? Does it really matter?

What's to revise?  That's putting the cart before the horse.

I appreciate your replies. I am looking for responses about how ARRL goes about making decisions especially about band allocations. Where proposals come from and whether there are provisions for useful measurement of results.

Government law- and rule-making usually gives at least token mention of outcome measures.
Business decisions are probably more often data-driven because business failures are very costly.

ARRL is a good-sized organization. I've supported it for many years because I think almost
every endeavor regarding use of public resources (the RF spectrum) can be at existential risk due to the selfish interests of small, well-funded, aggressive, politically-savvy organizations.

My bias is that well-intended organizations which are vital to sections of the community can easily be at risk of going off their tracks. Clarity and rationality about strategic decisions is no doubt enhanced by setting measurable goals and having plan B (and C).
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N9AOP

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #9 on: August 01, 2020, 10:33:58 AM »

In this area there was recently a general-in-a-day class.  I don't like these and prefer an 8 or 10 day class so that the attendees at least learn something.  But my point in this post is that there were 11 that attended this class ages from 26 to 78 years old.  All passed so I wonder why the ARRL wants to push tech privileges when getting a general license is so easy.  I am an ARRL life member and also agree with most of their plans but not this one.
Art
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K4EMF

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #10 on: August 01, 2020, 03:49:20 PM »

Utter, Total, Ripe, Rich, Steaming   BRAVO SIERRA !

Now ask me how I feel about it?

I kind of agree with this. But maybe not as strongly from an emotional standpoint..
I am a League member, and I generally support what the ARRL wants to do (but not always).

But two things:
1) I think this is a bad idea. It removes incentives for new licensees to improve themselves and upgrade.
2) This is an ARRL idea at this point. It doesn't mean a thing until the FCC adopts it and revises 47CFR97.

73 de N8AUC
Eric

I'm with Eric on this one.
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W1RC

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #11 on: August 03, 2020, 08:57:14 AM »

It seems to me that the League wants to broaden the market for equipment to support their advertisers so they all can all make more money. 

If Technicians want expanded privileges let them EARN them just like many of us had to do.  The tests are easy enough nowadays what with the actual questions and answers available online at no cost.  They have been ”dumbing down” ham radio licensing for years what with removing the Morse Code requirement, etc.

My daughter got her General Class license at 12 and her Extra Class at 14. She is the first to admit that she doesn’t understand what it really means in practical terms.  However she is a good test taker and has a sharp memory.

Giving something for nothing in return generally results in the recipient placing little or no value on what they have received.  Our amateur privileges have great value and should be earned in order to be appreciated.

« Last Edit: August 03, 2020, 09:01:06 AM by W1RC »
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N9FB

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #12 on: August 03, 2020, 04:35:33 PM »

It seems to me that the League wants to broaden the market for equipment to support their advertisers so they all can all make more money. 

definitely smells like a bean counter focus. 

Quote from: W1RC
If Technicians want expanded privileges let them EARN them just like many of us had to do.  The tests are easy enough nowadays what with the actual questions and answers available online at no cost.  They have been ”dumbing down” ham radio licensing for years what with removing the Morse Code requirement, etc.

My daughter got her General Class license at 12 and her Extra Class at 14. She is the first to admit that she doesn’t understand what it really means in practical terms.  However she is a good test taker and has a sharp memory.

Giving something for nothing in return generally results in the recipient placing little or no value on what they have received.  Our amateur privileges have great value and should be earned in order to be appreciated.

Anyone with a General class or higher license gains nothing except more band crowding, and in a way it does a disservice to Techs too in that it implies the General exam is some kind of tough obstacle to pass.   Just me or does it make amateur radio, and the ARRL brass too, feel less smart?
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W7XTV

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #13 on: August 03, 2020, 05:25:56 PM »

It seems to me that the League wants to broaden the market for equipment to support their advertisers so they all can all make more money. 

You bet your bootie they do.  Not only that, but the FCC lives and dies by numbers, even though the HF bands have little monetary value to other services that might want those frequencies.  We're in little to no danger of losing the lower bands.  6 meters and up, however, is another story.

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If Technicians want expanded privileges let them EARN them just like many of us had to do.  The tests are easy enough nowadays what with the actual questions and answers available online at no cost.  They have been ”dumbing down” ham radio licensing for years what with removing the Morse Code requirement, etc.

The code requirement has been obsolete for 40 years.  Just because it still has plenty of users doesn't mean that it has to be a licensing requirement, any more than an elocution test would be for phone privileges.

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My daughter got her General Class license at 12 and her Extra Class at 14. She is the first to admit that she doesn’t understand what it really means in practical terms.  However she is a good test taker and has a sharp memory.

That's fantastic!  Congratulations to her.  Obviously she does have a serious interest in ham radio if she put forth the effort to get her Extra (She beats me out; I've been an Advanced for 48 years. ;D ).  Maybe she'll develop an interest in engineering, or even if she doesn't, she'll stay active just for fun.

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Giving something for nothing in return generally results in the recipient placing little or no value on what they have received.  Our amateur privileges have great value and should be earned in order to be appreciated.

As I said above, only our VHF-and-up privileges have monetary value to the Federal government and commercial spectrum users.  The HF bands aren't worth much, since they can't be used for cellular or very-high-speed data services.  That's what matters to the people that matter, and we need as many hams as possible. 

I wouldn't make the tests any less difficult than they are now, though.  In fact, the Extra probably should be toughened up a bit.  Last mock test I took, it reminded me of the Advanced test I took in 1972.
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He speaks fluent PSK31, in FT8...  One QSO with him earns you 5BDXCC...  His Wouff Hong has two Wouffs... Hiram Percy Maxim called HIM "The Old Man..."  He is... The Most Interesting Ham In The World!

KG4RUL

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Re: ARRL Proposed 80-10 Meter Band Plan Adopted by Board
« Reply #14 on: August 29, 2020, 04:40:51 AM »

Now the the FCC is proposing a $50.00 licensing fee, what will ARRL due to counter that?
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