Xref: utzoo rec.ham-radio.packet:943 rec.ham-radio:3955 sci.electronics:2170
Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!bellcore!decvax!ucbvax!agate!saturn!ucscb.UCSC.EDU!matthew
From: matthew@ucscb.UCSC.EDU (73550000)
Newsgroups: rec.ham-radio.packet,rec.ham-radio,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: low power license free packet?
Summary: Why not CB?
Keywords: packet, license free, CB
Message-ID: <1983@saturn.ucsc.edu>
Date: 16 Feb 88 08:04:49 GMT
References: <8802111609.AA16271@decwrl.dec.com> <440@n8emr.UUCP>
Sender: usenet@saturn.ucsc.edu
Reply-To: matthew@ucsck.ucsc.edu (Matthew Kaufman, KA6SQG)
Organization: University of California, Santa Cruz
Lines: 46


The topic of license-free packet radio has been floating around for
some time. Several ideas have come and gone, including the 52-54 MHz
"reallocation" and the use of 49 MHz license free bands.

Why not class D CB (27 MHz)...

The power limit on this band is sufficient to set up a reasonable
packet network (i.e. doesn't require lots of close-together low-power nodes).

The radios are cheap (<$60) and come with simple speaker and microphone
connectors, suitable for connecting a comercially available TNC.

The bandwidth available is sufficient to support at least the 300 baud
HF modem standard, and almost certainly will also support the standard
VHF 1200 baud (202) standard.

The channels already exist and, even better, already sound as bad as
packet channels would to voice users.

Contrary to popular belief, packet WILL work on AM. In fact, it may
work better than voice on the same channel, because heterodynes
with existing carriers are usually NOT within the modem filter bandpass.

A reasonable license-free packet network seems to be needed, and,
setting it up on existing personal radio channels would alleviate
complaints from users of other spectrum space (such as amateurs)
that would otherwise be reallocated to provide for such a service.

The only restriction that currently exists is FCC Part 95.627
which states that:
d) Digital emmissions are not permitted in the GMRS or the CB radio service.
e) The transmission of data is prohibited in the Personal Radio Services.

---

I am interested in finding out what other opinions exist regarding
the expansion of CB to include digital packet radio. Certainly if
enough people are interested, the FCC can be persuaded to modify
these existing regulations.

Please indicate your opinion by posting, or by e-mail.

Thanks,
Matthew Kaufman
matthew@ucsck.ucsc.edu, ...!ucbvax!ucscc!ucsck!matthew