APRS QSY Final Report (pdf format 3.0, 157K)
View the changes between January 1998 and 1999 in this GIF movie
Images from Jeff Brenton, KA9VNV.
APRS QSY Proposal
Position Statements and Comments
Results from APRS QSY Questionnaire
Proposal
APRS/Manned Space Frequency Alliance
Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO
Problem
The Manned Space Community and the APRS community have a unique but common problem. Both require nationwide (APRS) or worldwide (manned space) frequency coordination to make their facet of amateur radio completely effective. Both have suffered significantly from 2 meter frequency interference and disjointed national and international frequency coordination. If the manned space frequencies are to achieve global coordination on 2 meters, they will require the use of 145.80 as a downlink frequency. This is within 10 kHz of the current 145.79 APRS frequency-resulting in a severe frequency interference problem.
Frequency interference for human-tended space vehicles is a tremendous problem. Many international organizations have complained about the frequencies selected for SAREX and MIR. To alleviate this problem, AMSAT-NA has worked with the ARRL and members of the IARU nations to help coordinate the human-tended space frequencies at the international level. The ultimate goal is to get a set of frequencies that will not require the space crews to switch frequencies from one part of the globe to another and that will accommodate simultaneous use of the Space Shuttle, MIR, and the International Space Station. However, global coordination of a common set of amateur radio frequencies for human-tended space vehicles has been very difficult. The three IARU regions (Region 1: Europe & Africa, Region 2: North and South America, and Region 3: Asia and Australia) each have differing bandplans. Traditionally, frequencies at VHF and above are used for line of sight communications. Therefore, they are usually coordinated at the local level with no concern for global coordination. This means that many countries within each IARU region has differing bandplans or "gentleman's agreements". In space, this "local coordination" becomes a problem because line of sight communications on the Space Shuttle and MIR overlap several countries or continents simultaneously. This causes interference in space and on the Earth and a violation of these gentlemen's agreements. To date, the 2 meter band represents the most challenging coordination effort because it is the most used amateur radio band and it is currently the primary band for SAREX and Mir. While SAREX, Mir and ISS expect to use higher bands (e.g. 70 cm) in the future, 2 meters will continue to be an "entry level" capability on these vehicles as well as an easy to use band for school student educational purposes.
APRS has a unique need for a single frequency nationwide. This is because unlike other packet radio systems that rely on connected protocols, APRS uses unconnected, or UI, frames to transmit its data. This is a much more efficient way of distributing data to the 100 or more stations in a busy area like SF bay or Atlanta. The UI frames are not able to be efficiently routed through multichannel backbone systems or between areas on different frequencies. Another reason for the single frequency is that many crystal controlled radios are used as stand alone trackers, and as they move from one area to the next there is no way to switch from one freq to another. The need for a single channel is not theoretical. People in Central California and Upstate NY, who have suffered with disjointed APRS frequencies, recognize that a single, nationwide APRS frequency is vitally needed.
Known Facts
- When viewed from a global perspective, frequencies in the 2 meter band are extensively used.
- The IARU region 1, 2 and 3 bandplans for 2 meters and other VHF and UHF >bands are currently disjointed.
- From a SAREX perspective, it has become increasingly difficult to find clear 2 meter frequencies to use during the school group contacts and for general amateur radio contacts (QSOs).
- The European ham community have lodged complaints regarding the use of >the 145.55 frequency for MIR and SAREX because it is one of Europe's primary call-in frequencies.
- There is no single, nationwide or North America frequency for APRS. APRS is primarily using 145.79 and 145.01 in the US and 144.39 in Canada
- 145.80 downlink is currently untenable for Shuttle, Mir and ISS due to terrestrial APRS ops
- In the U.S., AMSAT/ARRL recently cleared use of part of new OSCAR subband (144.30-144.50)
- The international manned space community is working with the IARU member nations to coordinate the following 2 meter frequencies for human tended operation on Shuttle, Mir and ISS:
- Primary Downlink: 145.80
- Uplinks: 144.49, 144.47 & 144.45 (worldwide) 145.20 (Europe only)
- Primary Downlink: 145.80
- When viewed from a global perspective, frequencies in the 2 meter band are extensively used.
Assumptions
- Use of the 145.80-146.0 OSCAR sub-band should be avoided for Mir, SAREX, and ISS if possible. This is a weak signal uplink and downlink medium for unmanned satellites. If FM operations in this sub-band is required, it should be used only as a secondary (backup) downlink frequency. The preferred international downlink frequency for manned space activity is 145.80.
- The worldwide CW/SSB weak signal sub-band (144.0-144.3) should be avoided for FM voice/packet operations.
- Use of the 145.80-146.0 OSCAR sub-band should be avoided for Mir, SAREX, and ISS if possible. This is a weak signal uplink and downlink medium for unmanned satellites. If FM operations in this sub-band is required, it should be used only as a secondary (backup) downlink frequency. The preferred international downlink frequency for manned space activity is 145.80.
Recommended Solution
With band crowding, there are very few solutions to the combined APRS/Manned Space 2 meter frequency problems. Steve Dimse, K4HG, Greg Jones, WD5IVD, and Frank Bauer, KA3HDO have proposed an alliance between the manned space community and the APRS community to help resolve their collective problems. This alliance would result in a true compromise that will provide more effective use of the 2 meter band and improved operations for manned space and APRS. As described above, the manned space community would QSY to a 145.80 downlink and uplinks at 144.45-144.49. APRS would QSY from 145.79 to 144.39. This will provide a single APRS frequency in North America and a clear downlink for manned space. Of course, this assumes others do not take up the 145.79 frequency vacated by APRS.
To accomplish these frequency changes, the APRS, SAREX and TAPR teams have proposed that these teams work together to garner the following:
- Obtain official, national recognition by the ARRL, TAPR and AMSAT-NA that APRS and SAREX are vital and exciting modes of amateur radio
- AMSAT-NA commitment to allow APRS experimentation and ops on future digital satellites, P3D and ISS
- Through AMSAT-NA and TAPR, work with ARRL and ham community to obtain: -Single, nationwide APRS frequency in 2 meter band -Previously suggested 2 m uplinks and downlinks for manned space
- Through TAPR, establish APRS-QSY donation pool and solicit donations
- Obtain official, national recognition by the ARRL, TAPR and AMSAT-NA that APRS and SAREX are vital and exciting modes of amateur radio
Discussion
Please note that the team is not asking the ARRL to coordinate the Manned Space or APRS frequencies, just to endorse the cooperative QSY activity as a way to more effectively use the crowded 2 meter band.
The establishment of an APRS QSY donation pool will help defer the cost of new radios, antennas, or crystals that may be required to move digis from 145.79 to 144.39. Since October, the 144.39 frequency has been evaluated across the U.S. to ensure the move by the APRS community will not seriously impact other activities. Except for some sporadic simplex operations, a few ATV users and a few 2 meter AM operators, the frequency appears viable for national use. These sporadic issues are currently being worked at the local level through educating the regional hams of the problems facing the APRS and Manned Space community and through minor changes in local/regional frequency use.
Through TAPR, a World Wide Web Page has been developed to present the APRS/Manned Space issues, provide an opportunity for comments and to develop a database of all APRS and PBBS stations that need to QSY. As part of this web page, APRS users requesting financial help to QSY would submit an application with expected cost requirements and, through donations, those needing help would receive the funding required to QSY their equipment
To date, TAPR and AMSAT-NA have endorsed the APRS/Manned Space alliance and the APRS QSY activity and have each pledged up to $500 to the APRS QSY donation pool.
Conclusions
APRS and Manned space activities are exciting and challenging facets of amateur radio. Collectively, they infuse new blood into the amateur radio hobby through outstanding educational opportunities for students and positive experiences to the general public. By working together, the two communities will forge a solid future for APRS, for manned space, and for amateur radio in general. It is hoped that the ARRL Board of Directors will also endorse this compromise as an example of cooperation between two different facets of amateur radio.
Proposed Resolution
Whereas the ARRL recognizes that APRS and SAREX/ARISS are vital and exciting facets of amateur radio and
Whereas the ARRL recognizes the unique needs of APRS and SAREX/ARISS for nationwide frequencies and
Whereas the ARRL supports the experimentation of APRS through various amateur radio satellites and the International Space Station.
Be it resolved that the ARRL endorses the concept of an APRS-Manned Space compromise as a mechanism to share frequencies in the crowded 2-meter band to minimize interference. Moreover, the ARRL approves a donation of up to $500 to support the APRS QSY initiatives once the fund is established.
Positions Statements regarding APRS QSY
- Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
- Mark Sproul, KB2ICI
- 1997 Midwest APRS Conference
- Mike McCauley, WB5MYY
- Don Rotolo, N2IRZ
- Ralph Fowler, N4NEQ
- Dr Thomas A Clark (W3IWI)
- Greg Jones, WD5IVD
- General Comments from APRS QSY Questionnaire
- TAPR
- AMSAT
- ARRL
Comments of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
The frequency issue is complex. As a life member of AMSAT, the ARRL and author of APRS my feet are in all camps. I have always felt that APRS will be best for everyone if it has its own dedicated frequency because it is a single mission application FOR MOBILES who wander nationwide. Unfortunately, 145.79 which evolved in many areas is still not gaining coordination in some areas and of course is not workable with future SAREX and manned space missions.
Actually the vacating of 144.39 from the old OSCAR band by AMSAT may make it available in many areas. Before it gets gobbled up by someone else, it could have potential as a continent wide single APRS frequency (is already APRS natinowide in canada). We need to ask for it NOW. Go listen, see if you can find anyone on the frequency. Maybe set a TNC to beacon there so if there are any existin users, they may contact you. . Might even be a fun 2m BAND opening indicator since until there are any DIGIpeaters there, EVERYONE will be DIRECT! Hummh!!! Perfect for Meteorscatter packets too! Meteors occur EVERY day, not just during rare showers! (keep em short)
The good news out of the TAPR/ARRL/APRS conference is that AMSAT appears willing to endorse APRS as a viable packet mode on future spacecraft and on the Space Station! Steve Dimse has a good idea in a contributory funding mechanism to help FUND the APRS movement to 144.39 for those who are unable to afford new crystals for major digipeaters.
BEST case scenario:
- We get a "blessed nationwide frequency", some APRS
Satellites, a full APRS station on the space station
and LOTS of fun
WORST case:
- Everyone makes a big fuss and nobody wins...
We continue with 4 splintered freqs we have
now and add 144.39 where available as a 5th?!
I think Stan Horzepa asked for EVERYONE that was seriously impacted to send FACTS, so we know how many APRS statons are XTAL controlled. In my case only 3 of my 6 one watt trackers are Xtal controlled. All else except for 5 more MFJ data radios are tunable. Maybe we could get MFJ or someone to bulk purchase 144.39 xtals for their radios?
I think it is a GOOD thing for APRS natiownide. In a few days, look for my spare rigs on 144.39!
Comments of Mark Sproul, KB2ICI
Steve [k4hg] has been doing a termondous amount of work discussing these issues with many people. He has put tremondous amounts of thought and effort into the affects it will cause on all of us. Steve spent most of his time at DCC talking to others and LISTENING to other peoples comments (including mine) about the issue.
The people from AMSAT have also put a LOT of time into this proposal, it is agreed that the "powers-that-be" MUST agree to it BEFORE we agree to it as a whole, but it will give us an OFFICIAL frequency that no-one can complain about and it will give us a lot of other benifits.
The change will be less than simple for many, I have 7 crystal controled Maxon radios for tracker boxes, many people have crystal controled digis, we know that it is not going to be easy and not going to happen overnight. As soon as I get an antenna repaired that blew down last month, I will be putting up a station on 145.39, this will be a second station and will not be my primary one, but I am going to put it there to see how things are going.
We ALL agree that if the top-dogs dont sign-off on this, then it wont happen, but I think (and hope) they will, and when they do, I hope that all of us can gracefully switch over with an attitude of cooporation with AMSAT, not an attitude of resentment.
Mark Sproul
Report of Proceedings
1997 Midwest APRS Conference
Held November 1, 1997, at Kansas City, Missouri
The 1997 Midwest APRS Conference was convened at Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, November 1, 1997.
Item V (Relocating APRS Operations Frequencies)
Debate and Discussion of the AMSAT request for APRS operations to vacate 145.79 MHz in favor of 144.39 MHz. Comments, both pro and con, were received from the participants. Prior to beginning the debate/discussion, KU0G stated the following:
"I have agreed to withhold my personal opinions on this issue until after all debate and discussion are concluded. This is my agreement with Mr. Dimse and the powers that be in APRS. I have promised to direct these proceedings in an impartial manner and will make no recommendation. The opinions I express are not intended to mandate or dictate the outcome of today's discussion."
Paricipants took time to read the papers presented by Frank Bauer, KA3HDO; Jim Duncan, KU0G; and Steve Dimse, K4HG. Additional pertinent information as received from solicited input from APRS users was also reviewed at this time.
Concerns expressed over the proposed relocation to 144.39 MHz:
There is no guarantee of the International Space Station. It will not fly any time soon.
A local change in antenna polarization by the amateur television group resulted in the loss of over half of the active ATVers. The change in frequency will most like result in a significant loss of people due to an unwillingness to change or lack of information. Issue: "Do we want to lose users?"
A change would probably be OK if the expense of changing over was reimbursed.
The QSY fund information specifically says "digipeaters", not users.
A frequency change at this time will serve to create splinter groups when some refuse to move while others already established on frequencies other than 145.79 MHz do not move.
Is the issue of a single, unified frequency sufficient to warrant a change in frequency?
How many people ACTUALLY spend time traveling long distances where changing frequency becomes an issue?
Better information dissemination on area frequency usage is desireable.
ARRL could publish a list of regional APRS frequencies in the annual repeater directory.
How were the frequencies originally chosen? (This question was answered by KU0G by paraphrasing the posting to the APRSSIG on TAPR by Tom Clark, W3IWI.)
For astronaut communication to succeed space must be permitted even if it is only one or two frequencies.
The issue of laying down plans in advance of I.S.S. is proper. AMSAT is looking at future use with the plan of not waiting until the last minute.
We were given a commitment by AMSAT that a satellite would be up and flying ten years ago (Phase 3) and where is it? We made the commitment to that but there are no results.
We DO have a large chunk of concrete in orbit now...
AMSAT should recommend moving ISS to the high end of the satellite subband. Could we submit a proposal for this?
After we've moved this time when will we have to move AGAIN?!?!?
We are setting a dangerous precedent if we do move that whenever somebody isn't happy with us being around that they'll want us to move!
The operations of MIR and SAREX are extremely itinerrant. Many times MIR isn't even accessible during good passes.
How much REAL likelihood is there that the average amateur will have an opportunity to work the Shuttle?
Most Shuttle operations are now limited to "pre-arranged" contacts with school groups using frequencies which aren't publicly announced to prevent other stations from interfering with the scheduled contact. Most of the amateur community never gets a real opportunity to work the Shuttle due to low orbital inclination or lack of availability of the station or the operator.
The issue of communications with the International Space Station is still 10 years distant. By that time technology may have cured this problem for us. Look at what has happened with VHF equipment in just the past 10 years. Technology WILL change. The possibility of spread spectrum communications or some other form not yet realized may eliminate the problem. We should challenge the designers and equipment manufacturers to work toward new technology such as extremely narrow-band transmission.
We are still in the infancy with APRS. We need to stay where we are for stability's sake. We're just now beginning to realize the impact that APRS is going to have on the future of amateur radio.
The debate was called at this point by KU0G with the question: "What is our purpose here today? Are we going to vote on whether to move, or not? I do not believe that it is time to make such a vote. Steve Dimse's correspondence to this conference states it very well."
(quotations from the correspondence read aloud at this point)
"I do not believe that we should begin to issue a regional opinion or recommendation until we can gather more input and information. How shall we proceed?"
The following 11 statements are the result of the challenge question by KU0G:
I. We wish to work cooperatively with then entire APRS family. We are not unwilling to cooperate. If all others change, we will change along with them.
II. There is no IMMEDIATE need to change frequency.
III. The only compelling issue is to get all APRS on one frequency. At this point we know where the other regions are operating and we have good communication of that information. While it is inconvenient from the standpoint of a mobile operation, it is not in insurmountable challenge. Most long distance mobile operations involve considerable advance planning. In most cases the APRS operator will have already investigated the area(s) of planned travel to KNOW what frequency to use.
IV. The issue of the cost factor to INDIVIDUALS has not yet been properly addressed.
The issue of administration of the proposed "QSY Fund" has not been defined.
VI. The change will likely have a negative impact on growth of APRS as we know it now. What percentage of our users, particularly the occasional user who may only activate once every couple of months, will be lost if we move?
VII. APRS is still in it's infancy. We do not need to kick the legs out from under it before it is fully developed.
VIII. Future technology may change or eliminate this issue altogether. We should encourage experimentation and development of ways to peacefully co-exist.
IX. The perceived benefits and cost factors (both financial and non-financial) are not currently conducive to a move.
We should encourage AMSAT to reconsider it's proposed allocation of I.S.S. operations to the top of the satellite sub-band. Europeans can still listen to the downlink even if Doppler shift of the signal moves up the band without violating their VHF allocation.
In conclusions, it is the consensus of this conference body that we state the following:
We do not feel that we can effectively speak for the entire region at this time. We wish to encourage further investigation by ARRL, AMSAT, TAPR and others of the full ramifications of this proposed relocation paying particular attention to the ten points that we have mutually developed here today. We will continue to solicit input from all APRS users in the Midwest and encourage other regional conferences, such as today's, to convene to debate the issues present before us now.
To the issue of relocating APRS, we are in agreement with Steve Dimse, K4HG, that our purpose now is NOT to vote whether or not to move, but rather whether to support the proposal or not.
We feel that the existing system, while not ideal, is workable at this point in time. The ramifications of advanced networks (such as those existing in Texas and California that are using previously existing networks leftover from previous packet development) attempting to relocate to a national frequency are a serious concern. We do not believe that it is necessary to "reinvent the wheel" nor do we feel that is appropriate to make changes to the system at this point in time.
We agree that space operations are a valuable, precious asset to amateur radio particularly in light of threats to the security of amateur frequency allocations worldwide. We wish to express our support for the manned-space amateur radio operations and commit to help foster goodwill among all amateurs.
We believe that it is premature to institute a national frequency change now in light of the potential for Congress de-funding I.S.S. However, should construction take place and it becomes obvious that the United States is committed to fly this station even without the financial support of other nations, we will be happy to cooperate to establish the best possible system which all can live with.
Again, we state for the record that we represent only a small portion of the APRS users in the Midwest. We do not purport to represent anyone who has not given us permission to do so already. The opinions we are now expressing are by our mutual consent and are made in the fervent hope that we may lead by example.
Finally, we wish to acknowledge the fact that there are many amateurs who are in favor and many who are vehemently opposed to the proposal for many reasons. We rejoice in the opportunity to take a leading role in these debates and encourage all amateurs worldwide to work together in a spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm for which amateur radio has a long-standing tradition.
Respectfully, and on behalf of the Conference,
James R. Duncan, KU0G
Comments of Mike McCauley, WB5MYY
Although APRS, coupled with other services such as RACES and the like, have the potential to serve the public good to a significant degree, the bottom line is that ham radio is a HOBBY. Given that a guy had the cash to pull together a APRS station from even the cheapest sources would clearly indicate that the individual has/had disposable income available to invest in a HOBBY.
If one of my buddies in Dallas who was very active in RACES came to me at the beginning of Texas storm season and asked for some help to stay active in APRS because he was in financial touble and really wanted to do some public service work, I'd most likely give him 2 or 3 $20's for some rocks and then come over to his house (obviously, for free) to help him retune his set.
On the other hand, I don't feel very given to send ANY amount of money to some central clearing house location so that some guy can use those funds for QSY expenses while he while he continues to save HIS cash for a new fill-in-the-blank (HT, HF rig, Bass boat, wide screen TV, WHATEVER) Further, I will GURANTEE that more of the cash from such a fund than ANYONE WILL WANT TO ADMIT TO will be passed out, WITH THE BEST INTENTIONS, to persons whose "need" is questionable, if not flatly nonexistent.
If said guy is so strapped for cash that his choices are either to put food on the table for his family or buy crystals so that he can stay active on APRS, I have no trouble stating that it is pretty clear that it would be best for him to put his HOBBY down for a while until he is in better financial shape. I have had to to this in the past, just as other ops that I know have. This is only good common sense.
For the above stated reasons, I _STRONGLY_ feel that any QSY decision should be based purely on technical and "best use" considerations and, after input based on such criterion are evaluated by those mose active and knowledgeable in the mode, the decision should simply be disseminated via all possible channels as the new "law of the land", period. Further, for the afformentioned reasons, I feel that a "QSY fund" is a BAD idea.
Comments of Don Rotolo, N2IRZ
At the 1997 Digital Communications Conference in Baltimore, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, presented what may be considered a radical idea by some: Move all APRS activity off of 145.79. However, this proposal makes good sense, and is backed by an unprecedented offer of help.
The main reason for this proposal is to significantly reduce terrestrial interference with space-based amateur stations. The reasons are many, but the fact remains: 145.79 is a bad place for a highly active channel like APRS. If we want to help ensure the viability of space-based operations, as well as Amateur Radio as a whole, then we should accept this proposal and show the rest of the world that we really can cooperate for the betterment of the hobby.
All in all, this is an excellent deal for APRS: First, instead of a de-facto channel for APRS, which isn't coordinated or protected in any way, we get a recognized 'home' for APRS. This will not only help the AMSAT folks, it'll give APRS a quieter, yet internationally recognized, channel. Second, AMSAT and TAPR have established a way for you to actually get money to help reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs for the QSY. Since when has /anyone/ ever offered you money like that? Simply unprecedented.
What a deal. Move to a quieter channel, recognized internationally, show the world we can cooperate, and someone will send you money to help. So, sometime on that first weekend in April 1998, turn the knob to 144.39. Oh, technical help is available, too, just ask.
Lastly, if you or your club has the resources, consider a donation to the APRS QSY Fund, or offer your technical expertise or test equipment for tune-ups. In my area (Northern NJ), I'm willing to help anyone with technical questions, and I have a Service Monitor that is willing to travel.
73, Don Rotolo, N2IRZ Packet Columnist, CQ-VHF n2irz@rats.org
APRS QSY Position statement of Ralph Fowler, N4NEQ
Owner of 3 APRS digipeaters and Two APRS Weather Stations in GA and NC. I speak for myself only, and not other area digi owners.
I don't understand the rush, willy-nilly to switch! I've recently been seeing bulletins on the air from USER stations who only have to flip a dial to QSY. They are ignorant of the rest of the picture- the network they use every day!
The 144.39 frequency has not even been verified as being clear Nation Wide yet. There are other users on or near the frequency now.
I know of very few APRS home users who would be financially affected by a move- most of them will flip the dial. The real burden will be felt by the network operators.
There is a major issue that NO ONE has even mentioned yet! That issue is QRM from APRS Digipeaters to VHF repeaters on the same site. Currently, we are well away from repeater input frequencies. Sure, we are close to some output frequencies now, but most of those repeaters were there first and we are used to having to deal with a little interference.
The users of the repeaters starting at 145.11 and going upwards will not tolerate anything they feel resembles intermod, desense, or interference from an APRS digipeater newly switched to a frequency as close as 120 KHz from their input! The first squawk and they will be at our door! A pass cavity (as if I could wish that all APRS digis had them) may not even help- a 144.39 notch may be required on the 2M repeater's input frequency. In our network, moving to 144.39 would essentially kill our chances of ever having a Downtown location, due to 145.41 and 145.43 repeaters being nearby. One of them is even at the *same site*!
I'm not opposed to having a unified, dedicated, clear Nationwide APRS frequency! It's just that a lot more looking and experimentation is ahead of us. Any move off of 145.79 in the near future would not be in our best interest!
Incidentally, my calculated cost of QSYing is approximately $1000.00. This includes replacement of digipeater band pass cavity filters that are already stretched to get them to 145.79, crystals for 4 radios, and replacement of at least one that will not do 144.39
Comments of Dr Thomas A Clark (W3IWI)
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 12:25:14 -0600 (CST) Subject: [APRSSIG:20324] QSY (in)sanity X-Comment: Tucson Amateur Packet Radio APRS Special Interest Group I have been sitting in the background, watching the great (grate?) QSY debate. I have become amazed/bewildered/appalled at the mis- information and vitriol I have seen flash by. I finally feel compelled to offer some comments. First, lets look at the legal situation: The task of allocating frequencies on an international basis falls to the ITU (International Telecommunications Union). The allocations tables are ratified at world conferences held in Geneva; the most recent was WRC-97, held Oct.27-Nov.21 1997. Amateur radio constitutes only a minor part of the ITU's deliberations, and yet the ITU has seen fit to be quite generous to us. The ITU recognizes two different amateur services -- the Amateur Radio Service and the Amateur Satellite Service. When two amateurs QSO direct, they are operating in the ARS; when they communicate via a satellite, they are ASSes. ITU allocations are made on a one-country, one-vote basis. Historically, the ITU's decisions are ratified by the US Senate as an international treaty. On an international, world-wide basis, the ARS and ASS are allocated 144-146 MHz. In some parts of the world (USA and Canada included), the ARS is additionally allocated 146-148 MHz. Thus we have a 4 MHz wide 2M band, while Europe and Japan have to squeeze all their 2M operations into half as much spectrum space. Now, in the USA the FCC has a 4 MHz chunk that belongs to the amateurs (except for the satellite operations in the ASS, which are confined to the international 2 MHz wide band). Based on requests from amateurs, they have allocated the bottom 100 kHz to CW, and given 144.1-148 to all modes. They further allocated the 144.5-145.5 and 146-148 MHz portions as available for automatic repeater operation. They directed the amateur community to perform their own spectrum management in the assignment of specific frequencies within these allocations. [ In the spectrum management community, there is a big difference between the words allocate and assign. Allocations are broad, general legal "walls". Assignments are akin to the specific placement of furniture within these walls. ] Now lets look at the assignments: As a parallel to the ITU, amateur radio has its own International Amateur Radio Union. Like the ITU, the IARU is a "one-country, one-vote" organization, with the national society (ARRL for the USA) holding that position. The IARU includes as one of its charters, international band-planning. In general, when an issue only affects individuals in one country, the IARU avoids the issue. In Europe, where one can travel a few hundred km and pass thru 4 countries, and where the 2M band is only 2 MHz wide, the IARU debates are hot and heavy. The USA & Canada are blessed by having sizes of thousands of km and a full 4 MHz at 2M. In the early days of setting up a 2M spectrum management hierarchy, allocation details were viewed as a local problem, with "cell" sizes comparable to the coverage of a single 2M repeater EXCEPT for the "DX" activities (EME, Meteor Scatter, Satellites etc., where the international pattern was followed). This gave rise to local repeater councils handling all the details for the "local" "turf" that they "owned". Repeater councils had the task of coordinating repeaters, and simplex activity was relegated to the "gaps" between the repeaters. All this pre-dated packet activity. Here we found the need for more- than-local coordination of long-haul networks that were able to use simplex (i.e. half-duplex) slots. Though the 1980's, packet activity grew at a rate roughly comparable to the spread of AIDS. Packeteers were viewed by the repeater mavens as uncontrolled anarchists. By and large, the repeater councils washed their hands of the matter. The ten channels (20 kHz spacing) from 144.91 thru 145.09 overflowed with BBSs, WANs, keyboard-to-keyboard QSOs, DXClusters, etc. Here in the Balto/Wash area of MD/VA/DC, local usage only gave us the 5 slots from 145.01 thru 145.09 and channel congestion was horrendous. We began working with TMARC (the local repeater council) and it was decided that packet activities should expand, picking up 15 channels in the 145.51 thru 145.79 range; some packet activity in the 147.5 MHz range was curtailed; a few existing AM users were asked (and agreed) to move. Since I had a foot in both the packet and satellite communities, and since I was one of the people who was doing the channel assignments, and since I saw the need for "elbow room" for experimentation, I put the top-most 145.79 MHz channel into our local band plan marked as "experimental -- not for permanent services". This gave a place for some of us working on better-than-Bell202 modems a place for testing AND insured a guard-band between the 145.800-146.00 international satellite sub-band. The manned-flight activities were in the doldrums because of the Challenger disaster, but we KNEW they would resume. In 1992, Bob Bruninga approached me with his proposal to try using unconnecteddatagrams between low-powered stations to establish a "cellular" system for emergencies. He wanted to test the concept in AMRAD by using the scheme to pass coordination info during some foot races. I said "Sure, Bob -- that sounds like a valid experiment and a neat idea. Why don't you plan to use 145.79". Little did I know that his "little experiment" would evolve into APRS, which would undergo an epidemic and anarchistic growth pattern! If only I could reset the clock! I tell this history to refute the argument "APRS has been here forever"; the total time scale for anything like "squatters rights" is ~5.5 years. Also, as one of the "framers of the constitution" who "established my inalienable right" to 145.79, the "original intent" was that 145.79 was definitely not intended as a permanent assignment for long-haul networking! Let me respond to some of the other comments that have been made. The ARRL is certainly a force in the spectrum management on 2M. As YOUR representative to IARU, they are responsible for the international coordination of the band. The existence and validity of the "DX" activities mean that, contrary to common wisdom, the coordination of 2M frequencies >>IS NOT<< simply a local issue. I have long felt that, when it comes to spectrum management issues especially related to packet radio's problems, the ARRL has been (and still is), a spineless, gutless organization which has a very rectal outlook. But they are MY spineless, gutless bastard! I was amazed/surprised to see that the ARRL Board decided it was time to step up to a real issue in their recent decision to assist with the coordination. And they did it in response to the initiative of Steve Dimse and Frank Bauer in less than 4 months since the DCC presentation. Truly amazing! Wonders never cease. For those of you with concerns -- sure, there will be some unique local problems. In amateur radio, NOBODY "owns" a frequency. There will be some technical challenges, but we are supposed to show off our technical expertise as one of the justifications for "owning" 4 MHz of valuable spectrum that would bring several hundred million dollars if it were put up for auction. Lets drop the sniveling, the finger pointing, the vitriol, and try to get back to doing fun and useful things. 73, Tom
APRS Frequency Change
Greg Jones, WD5IVD
If you are an active APRS user then by now you have heard and hopefully have read the information concerning the potential APRS frequency change. There will be more in depth information presented later in the PSR, but let me put my spin on the issue.
The issue of APRS and other packet users on the 145.79 frequency and Amateur Radio Man Spaced usage has been an issue for more than just the last few weeks. With the introduction of the ISS (International Space Station) several years ago and as amateurs within AMSAT and other groups worked on getting an amateur radio station on board the issue became more important. While the closeness in frequency between MIR/SAREX/ISS and APRS operations has been a bother to each other -- no proposals over the last four years was really acceptable to even put forth beyond simple discussion. Recently, things have changed. With the release of a satellite sub-band in the US that wasnıt usable in other parts of the world, the option of relocating APRS and other amateur digital operations on 145.79 to an area that should not have anyone else operating within it is now more than possible -- allowing a single frequency for all away from lots of potential interference issues.
Many ask, why doesn't MIR/SAREX/ISS move ? Why should all of us (APRS) move ? This is easy to answer, but sometime hard to grasp. Just think about how hard it was to find a frequency in your local area to do something recently for APRS ? Some found it to be a problem and others didn't. The issue of something that orbits around the earth in about 90mins compounds the problem enormously. Most of the problems for MIR/SAREX/ISS is that other parts of the world have much smaller segments in which they can operate. Region 1 and 3 have exactly half the 2 meter space we have in Region 2. Thus, the current frequency selection that we find man spaced missions using is really the only one they can use. (see Figure 1)
Figure 1: Region 1,2,3 band usage on 2 meter. Note the size of each.
A few weeks before the deadline for papers for the ARRL/TAPR DCC, Frank Bauer, VP of Man Space Operations at AMSAT, approached me with a paper concerning the issue. I immediately put Frank in touch with Steve Dimse, K4HG, to discuss the issue for its inclusion into the Friday APRS Symposium (first National APRS meeting now that we look back at it). During that time Steve and Frank discussed and began to get closure on certain issues and the current proposal. This is what was presented at the DCC and is available in full from TAPR APRS Freq Change web pages (http://www.tapr.org/tapr/html/aprsqsy.html). After three years of looking at different concepts, this proposal works. While it is not prefect for everyone, APRS and satellite person alike -- it solves the problem and has big pluses for everyone involved. Frank's paper on the web site outlines the pluses and minuses of the proposal and Iıll let that article speak on this issue. If you want a paper copy, contact the office.
What has to be weighed into this potential relocation is the benefit to the ARS (Amateur Radio Service) as a whole. The FCC is convinced that no group in the US can agree on anything like this -- sure would be nice to disprove them on this for once. Also, anything we can do as a small pocket of activity within the entire amateur radio hobby that benefits the high-profile man space related activity -- __HELPS US ALL__. Having a few hams/astronauts on the ISS operating ham radio will do more in the next 10 years to keep our frequencies in place then any new technology that we invent, deploy, or use. What we can all do to promote, experiment, or whatever pales to what the amateur radio Man Space programs can accomplish in the next 10 years. We have to take the long view on this issue, not that it will cost us all a little money now to do this. We have to think about having ARS around in 50 years so that future generations can enjoy it.
As Steve Dimse has pointed out, the issue could be about a lot of things -- but it comes down to that of moving from the current frequency to the new one. We have to leave our axes at home and not in other peoples heads as we debate on this topic.
I know that many of you out there in APRS land have emotionally bought into the current frequency selection via either fights over getting the frequency coordinated (when all it needed to be done was have it recognized), spending money and time building systems, or lots of other issues involved when building and growing something. I have done my share of building repeaters, digital networks, and lots of other things --- it comes down to the fact that frequency moves are a fact of life in a hobby that is RF based. Nothing should be or can be permanent. Frequency reuse and change has to be the issue. What is best in this situation is to at look at the move more on the international scope and its potential for big payoffs in the future.
The current proposal, while many are still asking lots of questions, is the best I have seen in three years now. Frank Bauer and Steve Dimse have done an excellent job in merging all the necessary issues into something that now has a chance to happen.
Like any good proposal that is evenly balanced. We all win something and we all lose a little along the way. While from the single view point of APRS it seems one sided -- it isn't. It is very balanced for everyone involved. If there was another way to do this -- then I think we would have already presented it to someone. I have read thus far many new ways to correct the problem since the initial presentation at the DCC, but they all suffer from the same problems that we saw in the past.
Take the time to read in detail the papers that Steve has pointed to as reference materials. Take the time to understand issues outside our IARU region with regards to frequency allocations. The issue is an international one for the ISS and a regional one for us. The proposal leverages off that fact and makes it possible for everyone to benefit.
As Steve Dimse, K4HG posted, "I think this is a great opportunity for APRS to gain visibility and respectability, not to mention a true nationwide channel which we can share with Canada. It also has the potential to make us look very selfish if we don't compromise. Please think about this seriously, and if you don't like it, try to come up with constructive alternatives."
Greg Jones, WD5IVD
TAPR Board of Directors Positions Statement
1) TAPR, in support of its APRS SIG and the organizations many APRS users, recognizes that APRS is a vital and exciting facet of amateur radio.
2) TAPR supports the experimentation of APRS through various amateur radio satellites and the International Space Station.
3) TAPR endorses the concept of a APRS-QSY Fund and will help setup and administer such a fund when the time becomes necessary to facilitate the potential QSY of APRS U.S. infrastructure.
4) TAPR approves a donation of $500 to support the QSY initiatives when the fund is established.
APRS QSY Update - January 21st, 1997
TAPR is pleased with the results of the ARRL BoD meeting. While this is a big step forward, it is not a guarantee. The ARRL has not coordinated APRS on 144.39. They cannot do this, any more than any other body can. However, the League's support will make it easier to deal with regional and local groups should a conflict arise. The TAPR questionaire will remain open for several more weeks in order to give everyone a chance to express their opinion.
In reference to Jim Duncan's post on setting specific dates for the QSY, we do not plan on doing this. We feel each area should decide when is the right time for themselves. We do believe that each area should be making that decision as soon as possible, and doing it's best to notify their users. Digi owners that are interested in moving should beginning looking more specifically at their requirements. TAPR will work on getting more current information regarding location and frequency of digis, and this system will remain after the QSY, providing a resource for travellers to obtain frequencies of APRS in their destinations. More information regarding the process will be announced shortly.
Once the QSY fund is established, we will be setting specific dates and procedures for the reimbursement process. When these are avaliable they will be posted to the TAPR website, as well as here on the SIG.
AMSAT BoD Position Statement
The AMSAT- also agreed (in cooperation with the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR) organization) to help an ongoing effort aimed at minimizing the impact of moving a large number of current Automatic Packet Reporting Systems (APRS) users off of 145.79 MHz. The Board agreed to donate up to $500 to a fund to help defray needed expenses of various fixed frequency APRS node operators in finding another "home" for their APRS operations in the USA. If the shift to another frequency eventually proves acceptable the APRS community, it would help resolve one of the last remaining issues in clearing 145.80MHz for worldwide use by MIR, SAREX, and ISS.
ARRL Board position statement on QSY
Full information on the Board meeting can be found at arrl.org. Refer to ARRL Bulletin 8 ARLB008 From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT January 20, 1998.
Whereas, the ARRL recognizes that APRS and SAREX/ARISS are vital and exciting facets of Amateur Radio, and
Whereas, the ARRL recognizes the unique needs of APRS and SAREX/ARISS for nationwide frequencies, and
Whereas, the ARRL supports the experimentation of APRS through various Amateur Radio satellites and the International Space Station, and
Whereas, TAPR and AMSAT-NA have endorsed the APRS/Manned Space alliance and the "APRS QSY Activity" and have each pledged up to $500 to the "APRS QSY Donation Pool,"
Be it resolved that the ARRL endorses the concept of an APRS/Manned Space compromise as a mechanism to share frequencies in the crowded two-meter band to minimize interference. Moreover, the ARRL pledges a donation of up to $500 to support the APRS QSY initiatives once the fund is established.
Results of APRS QSY information
Digi Owners and Users
|
Are you willing to QSY to 144.39?
|
The following stations have completed the APRS QSY information.
APRS QSY Responses |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Call | City, State | QSY to 144.39? | assistance from QSY fund? | donate to QSY fund? | WIDE digi owner? | total costs involved ? | crystal controlled radios | Comments |
| Bob Bruninga | WB4APR | Glen Burnie ,MD | willingly | No | 250 | Yes | - | Yes 10 | - |
| Keith Sproul | WU2Z | No Brunswick, NJ | definitely | No | 50 | Yes | - | Yes 7 | Comment |
| Mark Sproul | KB2ICI | -, - | definitely | - | - | - | - | Yes 7 | Comment |
| Greg Jones | WD5IVD | Austin, Texas | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | - | - |
| Steven Dimse | K4HG | Summerland Key, FL | definitely | No | 300 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Bo Kirk | N3OZB | Severna Park, MD | definitely | No | - | - | - | - | Comment |
| David G Borcher | K7NG | Tucson, AZ | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Doug Wetzel | K7IP | Seattle , WA | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Ken E. Nichols | KD3VK | Gaithersburg, MD | definitely | No | 100 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Clayton H. Owen | AA3JY | Kimberton, Pa. | willingly | No | 25 | Yes | 0 | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Stacy Hagerty | N9XPP | Hamilton, Indiana | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | 0.00 | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Mike McCauley | WB5MYY | Dallas, TX | don't care | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Evhen Tupis | K2IV | Holley, NY | definetely not | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Neil Lauritsen | KA3DBK | Clearwater, FL | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Samuel Lynch | KC7JRU | Scottsdale, AZ | definitely | No | 100 | - | - | Yes | - |
| Knut Finnevolden | N1QKP | Enfield, CT | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Tom Randall | KB2SMS | -, - | willingly | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Micheal Marshall | W2HE | Lansing, NY | definetely not | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Doug Woodruff | KM4HY | LaFayette, GA | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | NONE | No | Comment |
| Tom Richardson | KA1WZU | Durham, NH | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Clinton Peebles | VE7KNL | Salmo, B.C. | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Melvin Vye | W8MV | Akron, OH | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| David Kaplan | WB0WNX | Sioux City, Iowa | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Cap Pennell | KE6AFE | Santa Cruz, CA | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Robert Froelich | KA9MOM | Villa Park, Illinios | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| James Duncan | KU0G | Kansas City, MO | definetely not | Yes | 0 | Yes | $300.00 | Yes 10 | Comment 1Comment 2 |
| Frederic Clarke | W4OKW | California, MD | if everyone else does | No | 25 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Garvis Johnson | w6ikr | Santa Clara , CA | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | - | - |
| Steve Caesar | NH7C | West Carrollton, Ohio | definitely | No | 100 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Jacques VOISIN | KD4TWB | Orlando, FL | don't care | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| BILL HUTCHINS | KB6CYS | Cypress, Ca. | maybe | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Jeffrey Angus | WA6FWI | Gardena , CA | willingly | No | Other $10 | Yes | $0 | Yes 2 | Comment |
| John Blowsky | KB2SCS | Ronkonkoma, NY | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | $0.00 | No | Comment |
| Mike Walker | va3mw | Mississauga, ON | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Steve Smith | WB9HBH | Greenfield, IN | if everyone else does | No | - | - | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Tom Weeden | WJ9H | Madison, WI | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Chuck Reville | K3FT | Baltimore, md | maybe | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Jim Neely | WA5LHS | Austin, TX | definitely | No | 50 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Roy Bost | N5TAM | Granbury, Tx | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Thomas Doak | W3SOO | Audubon, PA | definitely | No | Other $5 | - | - | No | - |
| Ken Wolfe | N3MQV | Penndel, PA | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Richard Garcia | K4GPS | Jupiter, FL | if everyone else does | Yes | 25 | Yes | $600 Max | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Ernest Baldini | K4RBD | Cocoa Beach, FL | don't care | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Tim Barrett | WD9BIV | Pittsburg, CA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Frank Kiehner | WB3AVZ | Apopka, Fl | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Arte Booten | N2ZRC | Bronx, NY | maybe | No | Other What I can | - | - | No | - |
| Barry Rimmer | KG2LB | Summerland Key, FL | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| James Hayes | kd4olf | Orlando, FL | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | - | Comment |
| Jon Wondrely | kf4ieq | Largo, Fla | definetely not | No | 0 | No | 0 | No | - |
| Howell Rasor | kd4rcy | Pensacola, FL | undecided | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Roderick Hart | WA3MEZ | Randallstown , MD | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | - |
| David Martin | W4DSM | Brewton, Al. | undecided | No | 0 | No | - | - | Comment |
| Robert York | KF4FFN | Chunchula,AL., AL. | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Ron Wetjen | WD4AHZ | Sarasota, Florida | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Orlando Esquinaldo | KD4HOU | Lakeland, Florida | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| WILLIAM HAYDEN | WY8O | Pace, Fl | undecided | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Robert Cline | WB2NGZ | Ponce Inlet, Florida | willingly | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| Russell Chadwick | kb0tvj | Boulder , CO | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| James Allison | KB1UW | Florence, MA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Richard Gill | KQ6EF | Sunol, Calif | willingly | No | 50 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Ken Swaggart | W7KKE | Foster City, CA | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| richard howard | ve3doh | dunnville, ontario | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Demos Doulou | KR4US | Pinellas Park, Florida | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Daniel Latourelle | KT4DD | Cantonment, Florida | undecided | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| Lloyd Frink | KC2AGL | Wappingers Falls, New York | definetely not | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Perry Reh | N9MUC | Elgin, Il | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Paul Stump | N0LRF | Ottawa, KS | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Joe Loewy | KB4FO | Fort Lauderdale, FL | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Ron Parsons | W5RKN | Austin, TX | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Wes Johnson | KD4RDB | Port Wentworth, GA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | 0 | Yes | Comment |
| Norman Davis | WB6SHI | Shingle Springs, CA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Dave Aronovitz | K1LPI | Los Gatos, CA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Howard Coleman | W6HQA | Simi Valley, CA | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Don Hoffman | KC7YJA | Portland, OR | definitely | No | 100 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| JIM VOIGE | KB9KOZ | CARY, IL | undecided | No | - | No | - | No | - |
| Huey Fourquet | N1HF | Middletown, RI | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Louis Cruz | n4ldg | Miami, Fl | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | $0.00 | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Don Huckaby | N6YYK | Grass Valley, CA | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Evans Mitchell | KD4EFM | lakeland, Fl | willingly | No | Other 20.00 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Michael Nie | KB8VMX (ADDED INFO) | Cincinnati, OH | undecided | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| James Holley | KB8VDT | Defiance, Ohio | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| David Dunster | VE5DGD | Regin, SK | if everyone else does | No | 25 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Rick Szpyrka | WB8TIF | Bloomfield Hills, MI | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Phil Keys | KJ7ET | Port Hadlock, WA | maybe | Yes | 25 | No | - | Yes 1 | - |
| David Sloan | N0EOP | Colorado Springs, CO | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Steve Richbourg | KO4TT | Cantonment, Florida | undecided | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Don Rotolo | N2IRZ | Montvale, NJ | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Tom McGee | ka1tox | Braintree, MA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Mike Hardcastle | KB7TRJ | Boise, ID | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| John Wilson | kn4hx | Plantation, Fl | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 3 | - |
| Tom Rogers | KR4OL | Macon, Ga | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Leslie Edmonds | KB5ZUY | Richardson, TX | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Hector Figueroa | KE6VRL | Covina, CA | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Charles Elquist | w6jif | DeFuniak Springs, FL | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Gordon Fuller | WB6OVH | Fair Oaks, CA | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| John Reynolds | AD4DO | Crawfordville , FL | maybe | No | - | - | - | No | - |
| Jay Millard | KD1LY | Darien, CT | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | No | - |
| Paul Campbell | KC4VBT | Thonotosassa, Florida | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Brian Waligorski | N6RZR | Anderson, CA | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Ralph Milnes | KB2WBV | Chatham, NJ | definitely | No | Other 500 if Tax deductible | No | - | No | - |
| Jamie Dean | KE4HTM | Morganton, NC | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Andy ruppe | n4xcv | rutherfordton, n.c. | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Louis Cobet | K6MDH | Oakland, CA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Tom Preston | KQ6EO | Citrus Heights, Ca | definitely | No | Other | No | - | No | Comment |
| George Baustert | W3BLW | Pinellas Park, Fl | if everyone else does | No | - | No | - | No | - |
| George Burton | K7WWA/W6PKT | Willits, Ca | definitely | No | - | Yes | - | Yes | Comment |
| David Harris | N6UOW | Fremont, CA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Kenneth Mirabella | KM6YH | Brea,, CA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | $0.00 | No | Comment |
| Mike Dees | N3EZD | Ellicott City, MD | definetely not | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Robert Burton | KD4YDC | Fayetteville, Al. | definetely not | No | - | - | - | No | Comment |
| Kurt Jauss | KF6HJO | Selma, Ca. | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Mike Facciolo | KB8IFX | Milford, Ohio | definitely | No | Other $10.00 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Mark Wardell | N8LHG | Ostrander, Ohio | maybe | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Tom Kinahan | N1CPE | Framingham, Ma | definitely | No | 25 | No | 0 | No 0 | Comment |
| Tom Mortell | KO6YJ | Costa Mesa, CA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Dill Fouts | KD4EXQ | Mossy Head, Fl. | undecided | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Dale Reed | W8ABZ | Northfield, Ohio | definitely | No | 25 | No | 0 | No 0 | Comment |
| Bob Nimmerfroh | KE6MDJ | Woodland Hills, CA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | 0.0 | No | - |
| Frank Schmidt | n8uvi | Greenville, Mi | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Brian McCarthy | N7TUQ | Peoria, AZ | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | Yes 3 | Comment |
| JOE DELEE | KB6JC | TRUCKEE, CA | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Jon Brazelton | N4VRN | Kenmore, WA | don't care | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Mike Saculla | WA6FQM | Stockton, CA | willingly | No | 25 | - | - | - | - |
| Arthur Martin | N2QAE | Long Valley, NJ | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | 0 | No N/A | Comment |
| Robert Winingham | kc5ejk | Dallas, TX | definitely | No | 100 | No | - | No | - |
| Clifford Boand | WA0JTW | Columbia, TN | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Francis Feeney | wb2ems | -, - | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Mark Rennebaum | KC7KMP | Chandler, AZ | maybe | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| James Temple | KF4ICZ | Louisville, KY | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Tom Shaw | W7HOF | Brewster, WA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Marc Pichette | VA3DRV | Ottawa, Ont. | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Brian Klier | N0QVC | Faribault, MN | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | $0 | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Frank Claude | KB0NYN | Plymouth, MN | willingly | No | - | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Harold Hanson | WB6MFV | Manteca, CA. | definetely not | No | - | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Wayne Jauss | N6TBQ | Seaside, CA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Paul Knupke | KR4YL | Largo, FL | undecided | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| William Blohm | KC7JSD | Nampa, ID | definitely | No | - | No | - | No | Comment |
| David Gudewicz | KB9KDA | Grayslake, IL | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | - | - |
| Carl DiPaolo | W7EXH | Eugene, OR | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Mark Humphrey | KE3XY | Chester Springs, PA | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Ron Hutchison | W4ET | Murray, Ky | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Rich Weinkauf | N8QLT | farmington, MI | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| John Ackermann | N8UR | Bellbrook, OH | definitely | No | 50 | - | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Barry Winkler | kc6wya | Pittsburg, Ca. | if everyone else does | Yes | 25 | Yes | $195.00 | Yes 3 | Comment |
| Byron Smith | wa6ylb | Exeter, Ca | definitely | No | Other unknown | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| john mc hugh | ku4gy | miami, fl | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| John Harmon | N4OKL | Charleston, WV | definitely | No | - | No | - | No | - |
| Ken Hall | KE6HPW | Rolling hills Estates, CA | willingly | No | - | No | - | No | - |
| Chris Shustak | N1AUP | Holden, MA | definetely not | No | 0 | No | - | - | Comment |
| Roland Hoffman | kc6jpg | Fontana, CA | definetely not | No | 25 | No | 0 | No | Comment |
| John Kraus | KC4ZGQ | Macon , GA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Larry Mollica | WA6FSJ | Orange, CA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Michael Young | WB8CXO | Munroe Falls, Ohio | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Bruce Douberley | WB4JNE | Walhalla, SC | undecided | Yes | 0 | - | - | Yes 3 | Comment |
| Joseph Travis | N6YPC | La Mesa, CA | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Christopher Schwab | kd4phs | Largo, FL | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 1 | - |
| David Taylor | W8AAS | Columbia, MD | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Lee Dahlen | KD4TQZ | Iron Station, NC | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Joe Carter | W9JC | Novelty, Ohio | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | No | - |
| Lindsay Collins | K1JY | Washington, NH | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Jon Twork | KB8RSA | Scottville, MI | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 3 | - |
| Stephanie Steele | KC7DBA | Fruitland, Idaho | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Juan Angelo Marquez | KE6WUD | Claremont, California | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Stephen Prior | N3UYI | Shrewsbury, PA | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Arthur Clemons | N8BLK | Philadelphia, PA | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Gary Memory | N7BRJ | APO, AE | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| John Gerhart | KD4RML | Land O Lakes, Florida | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | 0 | No | Comment |
| Gary Rothrock | WB5RFA | Shawnee, KS | maybe | No | Other | Yes | 0 | Yes 6 | - |
| William Webb | AB6OR | Orange, CA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | 0.00 | No | - |
| Phil Weber | KH2EI | GMF, Guam | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | - | No | - |
| JOE LACHACZ | KF6NHD | CAMARILLO, CA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Roger Grady | K9OPO | Kokomo, IN | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Will Marchant | kc6rol | -, - | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Alton Teague | N5PSP | Odessa, TX | willingly | No | 75 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Henry Cordes | AA4QI | Jacksonville, Florida | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Karl Weir | N2NJH | Cheektowaga, NY | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Paul Zito | N1RHN | Shelton, CT | willingly | No | - | Yes | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Jerry Maloney | N8JYD | Swartz Creek, Mi | willingly | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Kenneth Johnson | KC4YOZ | Charlotte, NC | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Steven King | KC6WCH | Gainesville, FL | willingly | No | Other don't know | - | - | No | - |
| Keith Tarwater | wa4kjh | Sevierville, Tennessee | maybe | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 6 | - |
| Matthew Stennett | 7J6CAT | Tokyo, - | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Alan Unangst | WC7R | Prescott, AZ | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | N/A | No N/A | - |
| Michael Hull | KD4DLT | LITHONIA, GEORGIA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Ralph Fowler | N4NEQ | Kennesaw, GA | maybe | Yes | 0 | Yes | $1000.00 | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Craig Lemke | AB0GD | Fort Collins, CO | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Jimmy Burkhalter | KB5WIO | Amarillo, Texas | definetely not | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| victor alger | ke4lkq | broadway, va | definetely not | No | 0 | No | - | - | - |
| Ken Bass | K4EVH | Great Falls, VA | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Walter Holmes | K5WH | Houston, Texas | if everyone else does | No | 25 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| James Keck | N6HNY | Santa Clarita, CA | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Keith Wentzel | KD4ITI | Charlotte, NC | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Roger Attwell | WN7M | Everett, WA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 3 | Comment |
| Charles Richard | W4HFZ | Gales Ferry , CT | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| L Bradley | W1WXS | Beaufort, SC | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 4 | Comment |
| Donald Maziarz | WY2V | Warrenton, VA | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Robert Tarwacki | AA2WM | Staten Island, NY | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Robert Morgan | WB5AOH | Austin, TX | willingly | No | Other share locally | No | - | Yes 3 | Comment |
| Christopher Burgardt | KQ6JZ | Oakland, CA | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Bill Diaz | KC9XG | Lockport, IL | definitely | No | - | - | - | No | Comment |
| Larry Vanderwater | N0BKB | Greenfield, IA | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Philip Leonard | WV0T | -, - | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | - | - |
| Jerry Ellaeser | KI0HO | Riverside, MO | definetely not | No | Other ? | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Frank Kostelac | N7ZEV | Las Vegas, NV | if everyone else does | Yes | 0 | Yes | $100.00 | No | Comment |
| Chris Nicholson | N9LLO | -, - | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | - | Comment |
| Bob Walker | N4CU | Plantation, FL | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | Yes | Comment |
| William Woomer | N2THO | Las Vegas, Nevada | willingly | No | 25 | - | - | No | - |
| Steven Singhose | KB7ZDD | Woodinville, WA | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Stephen Schwarm | W3EVE | Wrentham, MA | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Tommy Ellison | KE4DGH | Easley, SC | willingly | Yes | 25 | Yes | 200.00 | - | Comment |
| Anthony Hickey | AB5QR | Houston, TX | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Mostyn Howells (Sr) | VE3SJX & VA3SJX | OSHAWA, ONTARIO | definetely not | Yes | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Gary Standorf | KB2YOX | Tinton Falls, NJ | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| robert henglein | kc5jzg | -, - | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Timothy Cunningham | N8DEU | Huntsville, AL | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Michael Heskett | WB5QLD | Hurst, TX | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Joe Vilardo | K3JV | West Chester, PA | maybe | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| George Dean | kc5kge | Katy, Tx | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Bruce Pigott | KC1US | Bedford, MA | definetely not | No | - | - | - | - | Comment |
| Michael Markmann | VE4MJM | Winnipeg, MB | definitely | No | 25 | No | 0 | - | Comment |
| Glen Doolittle | N9WKS | Third Lake, IL | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| JOHN LEONARD | W9JBL | DEKALB, IL | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Justin Reed | N0UJQ | Minneapolis, Ks | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Robert Timberman | KD4LXB | Lake Worth, FL | if everyone else does | No | 25 | - | - | No | - |
| george kammerzell jr. | n0zed | aurora, co | willingly | No | - | Yes | - | - | Comment |
| William LeComte | KB1DX | Burlington, MA | definetely not | Yes | 0 | No | $20 | Yes 50 | Comment |
| clyde mathe | wb4bdp | warner robins , ga | if everyone else does | Yes | - | No | 100.00 | Yes 4 | Comment |
| James Rospopo | KE4CON | Woodstock, IL | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | No | - |
| Chris McKendry | KH2PM | Barrigada Hts, Guam | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Tom Cain | WB8OUE | Plano, TX | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Bill Young | KB0UZQ | Platte City, MO | definetely not | Yes | - | - | - | Yes 6 | - |
| Stan Horzepa | WA1LOU | Wolcott, CT | definitely | No | Other TBD | Yes | - | No | - |
| Aaron Heise | kb9qwc | New London, WI | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Bruce Martin | KQ4TV | Hermitage, TN | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 2 | - |
| - - | wa4hei | -, - | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| John (Bill) Hays | w0omv | Davenport, IA | definitely | No | Other $10 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Richard Roberts | n0rul | Wichita, KS | definitely | No | 0 | No | 0 | No 0 | Comment |
| Leland Carpenter | N5VRN | Amarillo, Tx | if everyone else does | No | - | No | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Dave Schwartz | VA3DGS | Waterloo, ON | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Steve D'Amelio | n1kml | Bellingham, MA | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Art Welch | k7tx | Laguna Hills, , ca | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Jack Plum | WX3P | Fishers, NY | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Mark Elliott | N9WST | Peoria, Il | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| Roderick Hart | wa3mez | Randallstown, Maryland | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Bill Vodall | wa7nwp | Redmond, Wa | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | - | - |
| Richard Witte | K6KMA | Long_Beach, Ca. | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | $65 ??? | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Edward Zimmer | N0OKW | St Paul , MN | definitely | No | 100 | No | - | No | - |
| Paul Drothler | WO4U | Sevierville , TN | willingly | No | 25 | - | - | Yes 3 | Comment |
| Warner Schler | WA0PYW | Platte City, MO | undecided | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Wilbur Goll | W0DEL | Shawnee, KS | undecided | No | - | No | - | Yes 3 | Comment |
| David Creek | NH6BA | Ewa Beach, HI | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Mark Wheeler | WB2ULR | Laurel, MD | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Ricky Davis | N4VDE | Anderson, SC | if everyone else does | Yes | - | Yes | $30.00 | Yes 2 | - |
| Shawn Djernes | N0PEU | Forest Hill, MD | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Martin Gary | W2MG | Doswell, Va | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| George Fisk | K6TAM | Aptos, Ca. | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | $100 | Yes 1 | Comment |
| hasan schiers | n0an | Ames, IA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Theodore Antanaitis | WA7ZZB | Pasadena, MD | definitely | No | 50 | No | - | No | - |
| Merle McCullough | N0VDR | Kansas City, KS | willingly | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Ted Katz | n3owm | philadelphila, pa | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| James French | KD4DLA | Lincoln Park, MI | definitely | No | 0 | No | $0.00 | No 0 | Comment |
| - - | KD6HNG | -, - | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| David Bolduc | KB9FBG | -, - | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Michael Allison | KN6ZT | Livermore, CA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| JOE LACHACZ | KF6NHD | CAMARILLO, CA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| Roger Rehr | W3SZ | Reading, PA | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| James Odom | AD4CR | Versailles, Kentucky | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | N/A | No N/A | - |
| Martin Schultz | N9PPJ | Edwardsville, IL | willingly | Yes | - | Yes | $80.00 | Yes 4 | Comment |
| jeff ruhnke | n9web | -, - | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Ralph Lindberg | n7bsn | Keyport, WA | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Clement Rohrer | NR3U | Selinsgrove, PA | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | 0 | No | - |
| Don Clair | KB0USF | Lakewood, CO | willingly | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Jim Baremore | K5QQ | Albuquerque, NM | definetely not | Yes | 0 | Yes | 175 | No | Comment |
| Linda Mullen | AD4BL | Lynn Haven , FL | definetely not | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Edward Cox | K3SWJ | Austin, TX | maybe | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Randy Farley | KC7HZE | Fruitland, Idaho | definitely | No | 0 | No | NA | No | - |
| Earl Needham | KD5XB | Clovis, NM | undecided | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| James Wiman | WD9ICG | Villa Grove, Illinois | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Doug McKinney | KC3RL | Prunedale, CA | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| ROBERT MARLEY | N3OBQ | PERRYVILLE, MD | definitely | No | Other EQUIPMENT | No | - | Yes 5 | Comment |
| Nick Kotch | KF4BYA | Winter Springs, FL | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Sydney Chiswell | W2ICZ | Cheektowaga, NY. | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Jim Kerns | N4PUQ | Oliver Springs, TN | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| William Smith | VE3JFJ | Goderich, ON | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Scott Arnold | KC5RIE | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | willingly | No | Other service | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| michael conrod | kb7zzs | lakewood, co | definitely | No | - | No | - | No | Comment |
| Dale Seaburg | KG5LT | Bangs, Texas | willingly | No | 50 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Richard Ebert | N5TNJ | New Orleans, La. | willingly | No | - | No | - | No | - |
| Joseph Thiel | N5SMN | Austin, Texas | willingly | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 3 | Comment |
| Thomas Mahaney | kd4dkw | Smyrna, Ga | maybe | No | 25 | - | - | Yes 3 | - |
| Victor Bolstad | WB7OAF | Airway Heights, WA | definitely | No | Other 15 | No | - | No | - |
| Robert Manak | AA9JW | Waukesha, WI | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Carlos - | kf4rrn | -, - | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Ron Kramer | VE3MX | Port Colborne, Ontario | definitely | No | - | No | - | No | Comment |
| Michael Petry | N3NYN | Laurel, MD | willingly | No | - | No | - | No | - |
| Jerry Rappel | WW0E | Davenport, Iowa | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Larry Vandewater | N0BKB | Greenfield, Iowa | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Jack Snedecor | N4ZIJ | Columbia, SC | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | - |
| John Lewis | KF4PQQ | Mobile, AL | don't care | No | 0 | No | 0 | No | Comment |
| Thomas Bates | AA1NZ | Laconia, NH | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| William Bliss | WB6LPG | Half Moon Bay, , California | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| lee mcdaniel | wb4qoj | roanoke, va | maybe | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Bruno Haineault | VE2EQ/W6 | San Marcos, California | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Theodore Katz | N3OWM | philadelphia , PA | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| William Post | N6HAV | Hemet, Ca | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| jerry dipietro | k9gd | streamwood, il | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Mark Bender | KD6NOT | Lakewood, CA | willingly | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| Robert Radmore | N2PWP | Olcott, NY | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Leonard Revelle | N9IJ | Grayslake, Illinois | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Wayne Truax | KE6UWK | Presidio of San Francisco, CA | willingly | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| John Cavanagh | KB4XF | Falmouth, VA | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Lloyd Plush | kb0mqq | Lakewood, CO | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| James Krist | KG8GE | Sunbury, Ohio | willingly | No | 0 | - | - | No | Comment |
| Lee Kissell | KB9OBE | Lawrenceburg, In | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Paul Womble | AJ4Y | Highland City, FL | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Mike Rosenbohm | N0GGU | Graham, Mo | willingly | No | - | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Mike Boyce | K0COY | Kansas City, Ks | willingly | No | - | - | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Bill Kearns | WB6JAR | Wildomar, CA | willingly | No | 0 | Yes | ZERO | No ZERO | - |
| John Olson | K6RFN | Long Beach, CA | willingly | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Michael Young | WB8CXO | Munroe Falls, Ohio | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No 0 | - |
| George Hadley | N7SNI | Normandy Park, WA | definitely | No | 0 | No | 0 | No | Comment |
| Chris Edwards | AE4XO | Marietta, GA | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| John Hartman | WA3Z | Baltimore, MD | definitely | - | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Joseph Hussey | W8RIK | Columbus, OH | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Jim Warakois | W1KRU | West Roxbury, MA | definetely not | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Robert Adams | W8BKO | Columbus, OH | willingly | No | - | No | - | No | Comment |
| Paul Sadowski | AH6LS | -, - | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | Comment |
| Richard Wright | ai4l | Chickamauga, GA | undecided | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Bob Evans | w2/g3zfj | Sayville, NY | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | 0 | No | Comment |
| David White | NV0O | Lee's Summit, MO | if everyone else does | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| Ed Fisher | N3HOO | -, PA | undecided | No | 0 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Tom VanderMel | KB8VEE | Muskegon, Michigan | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | 0 | Yes 1 | - |
| George Poland | w8fwf | Sun City West, Az | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Justin French | KE4HFX | Norfolk, VA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | - | - |
| David McCarthy | KC7AYX | Scottsdale, AZ | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Eric Francis | N8FYD | Westerville, Ohio | definitely | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| jim hurrell | ve7hur | Surrey, BC | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Don Pfister | KA0JLF | Overland Park, KS | definitely | No | Other some | No | - | Yes 10 | Comment |
| john Frane | KC8DCP | Scottville, Mi. | maybe | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 2 | - |
| Palmer Glunt | WB3AFL | Brogue, PA | definitely | No | Other 20 | No | - | No | - |
| Brian Boccardi | N2MPM | North Brunswick, NJ | willingly | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Mike Cox | KI5DF | Oklahoma City, OK | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| Darrell Hale | N3KTP | Laurel, MD | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| john dalin | ka0myg | rochester, mn | definitely | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Samuel Nabkey | k8sn | Grand Rapids, MI | if everyone else does | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 5 | Comment |
| Lee Bradley | W1WXS | Beaufort, SC | if everyone else does | No | Other ???? | No | - | No | - |
| Raymond Rischpater | KF6GPE | Boulder Creek, CA | definitely | No | 25 | - | - | No | - |
| Todd Putman | N3TFM | Elkridge, MD | undecided | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Ollie Cooper | N0KVC | Beebeetown, Iowa | definitely | No | - | Yes | $50.00 | Yes 1 | Comment |
| Mike Knapp | KB8UKP | St. Joseph, MI | if everyone else does | No | Other $10 | Yes | - | No | Comment |
| Ken Talbott | ke4rg | Gretna, VA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - | Yes 4 | Comment |
| Lansing Pugh | KK5VK | Austin, TX | definitely | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| John Domblewski | N2OJY | Middle Grove, New York | definitely | No | Other I own a 2-way shop and would be willing to help with tuning of others equipment | Yes | - | Yes 1 | - |
| Richard Jones | KD4GNX | VERSAILLES, Ky | if everyone else does | No | - | No | - | No | - |
| Jack Fetter | kb8dp | marion, oh | maybe | No | 0 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Richard Kops | n2qhs | Little Neck, NY | if everyone else does | No | 0 | - | - | No | - |
| David Sailer | KB8PQZ | Belding, MI | willingly | No | 25 | No | - | No | Comment |
| Warren Boudrie | AA2LQ | Pittsford, NY | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | - | Yes 1 | Comment |
| M. Pat Crawford | K5AHE | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | definitely | No | 0 | Yes | 0.00 | No | Comment |
| Robert Wittner | KW0LF | Irving, TX | definitely | No | 50 | No | - | No | - |
| Brian DeYoung | KE4HOR | Alexandria, KY | if everyone else does | Yes | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Robert Barron | KA5WSS | Austin, TX | willingly | No | 0 | No | - | No | - |
| Melvin Vye | W8MV | Akron, OH | definitely | No | 25 | Yes | 0 | No | Comment |
| James Davidson | VE3TPZ | stratford, ontario | if everyone else does | No | - | No | - | - | Comment |
| Jerrold Billmyer | N3SOK | Sykesville, MD | willingly | No | 25 | No | - | No | - |
| John Holtz | KE6UIZ | Huntington Beach, CA | if everyone else does | No | 0 | No | - |