Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 14:07:20 GMT
From: Brian G3YKB <g3ykb@onetel.com>
To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org
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Message-Id: <66a845f1.a7e52307.832da00@mail05.onetel.net.uk>
Subject: Re: LF: Linear modes
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Hi All 

Sorry if this lengthy message is a bit controversial but I 
feel I ought to comment on some of Mal's statements: 


>Normal RTTY would not be acceptable on LF this has 
>been discussed many times before.

As a newcomer to the band (only 18 months of listening and 
reading the Reflector) I guess I have missed all the 
discussions re LF RTTY. However, what I can contribute is the 
(perhaps obvious) observation that the band seems to be 
extremely underused - was it always like this? Even at "peak" 
times I have not seen any more than 300 Hz of the 2100 Hz in 
use. 

>I would suggest that those interested in LF should 
>learn CW. This mode is more likely to attract new 
>users on LF.

I know of two new LF operators who don't want to use CW and I 
suspect there are a LOT more who would be interested if there 
was an alternative to learning morse. Remember that in the 
past 18 months, many thousands of "code-free" amateurs across 
Europe have been given access to LF & HF. The fact that they 
did not learn morse to give them access to all the HF bands 
indicates to me that CW would be a DETERRENT rather than an 
attraction!
 
>Data modes are useful if there is a large volume 
>of traffic to move between stations. 

Agreed - things like describing station equipment, exchanging 
ideas and experiences....

>The average radio amateur only exchanges Name, 
>QTH, and QSA/QRK

I guess I'm not average! I prefer a longer conversation. I 
would venture to say that LF operators are FAR from average. 
LF is one of the few bands where you can be fairly sure that 
the chap (or chappess) at the other end has had to assemble 
much of his equipment and aerials rather than just write a 
cheque.

So, in the absence of a narrow-band medium-speed keyboard 
mode that can be transmitted through a non-linear amplifier, 
is it time to review how we make best use of our 2.1 kHz ?? 

Regards

Brian G3YKB