Regardless of your ignorance, it is the amateurs that are pointing out the
potential problems of BPL. If nothing else, this speaks volumes about the
need for reasonable tests for potential amateurs (not something that you can
walk into a test and walk away with an 'extra' class license). The code/no
code arguement, in my opinion, is moot; what is more to the point is what
these amateurs can and *do* contribute, regardless of the rants of many
folks who may be envious of the frequencies available to amateurs.
I worked in EMC compliance. We had a problem with interference from
powerlines. Yes, it is possible to reduce the problem. Whilst it won't
qualify as a test to pass a particular piece of hardware, it is *great* for
determining sources of RFI. Someone has a problem with RF interference to
home equipment (not necessarily amateur). How do you solve it? I've helped
in both cases. Some folks have minds so closed that they can't see the
forest for the trees (or vice-versa).
I remember finishing my active duty with the U.S. Navy. I suspect it was
verteran's day as there had been a parade and I was in a bar later on. A
few guys in Navy uniforms had a problem. I overheard the conversation.
Their transmitter had low output and couldn't tune. I went over to them and
asked to see the transmitter. Sure enough, a bad cap in the tank circuit.
We repaired it on the spot (dang if I didn't get hornswaggled into joining
the reserves LOL).
When folks like you ask "did you repair that pothole in interstate 90
between ....", you are missing the point. It is the knowlege and theory
that can enable hams to assist in many situations. Although I had engaged
in emergency communications on Guam Island (and it was many years ago) and
an SOS on 500 KHz at sea (also many years ago), you assume that I am
obsolete. I would suggest that bad capacitors still happen and the folks
with some technical background still can help. Although that situation with
the U.S. Naval Reserve was many years ago, I've also repaired much more
modern transceivers in the past decade. I am also quite capable of reducing
interference between devices today. You dwell on the past; the technically
astute needn't.
BTW, BPL is *not* going to serve the "underserved". I won't explain it.
You take the time and effort (*if* you have the perseverence - which I
doubt - and research it).
73 from Rochester, NY
Jim AA2QA
"Barry OGrady" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 05:46:09 GMT, Zoran Brlecic
wrote:
What needs to be weighed up is the cost/benefit ratio.
If BPL can benefit a huge number of people while inconveniencing a few
amateurs
then it is justified. Remember that amateur radio is a hobby that
unjustifiably occupies
valuable radio spectrum.
--
-Barry
========
Web page: http://members.optusnet.com.au/~barry.og
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