[aprssig] APRS Coverage in Key West

[Steve Dimse]

On Apr 29, 2007, at 2:48 PM, Paul Zawada wrote:

> On 4/27/07, Steve Dimse <steve at dimse.com> wrote:
>>
>> On Apr 27, 2007, at 10:06 PM, Richard Sharp, KQ4KX wrote:
>>
>> > Perhaps "the county" should be using a 150 MHz frequency then...
>>
>> Why? Having it on APRS is nothing but a benefit to amateur radio.
>> Maybe not as much of a benefit as Bob would like, but a benefit
>> nevertheless!
>
> Maybe because it's getting really close to violating FCC rules.  If
> amateur radio operators are not maintaining or actively using the
> stations,

Where did you get that from? The stations are operated and maintained  
by KQ4AZ in full accord with FCC rules. There is absolutely nothing  
in the FCC rules that says that APRS equipment must operate in  
exactly the manner Bob Bruninga dictates! Just because Bob issues an  
edict does not make it the only legal way to operate.

The Florida Keys is not like anyplace else in the US. It is a small  
town of 70,000 stretched out over 125 miles. If you generously figure  
it a typical town is 5 miles in diameter, it would equate to the  
density of towns with 2500 people. Do you really think you or Bob  
have a right to dictate system requirements in every town of 2500  
people?

On top of the low ham density, no place is over 10 feet in elevation,  
and there are no monster towers to place digis because of the danger  
of hurricanes. What works great here is not what works anywhere else.  
Fix your own problems, there is no problem here!

Steve K4HG