On Sun, 2 Dec 2012 06:55:42 EST, Bill Horne wrote:

* Does "Narrow-band-able" mean that techs can only turn
down the transmitter deviation, or is there a way to
actually reduce the receiver bandwidth as well? I
worked on FM gear when there were crystal or LC filters,
so even if hams can't benefit, I'm curious how the
receivers are updated "in place".

It's built into the receiver design (filters). The receiver bandwidth
needs to be narrowed lest adjacent-channel signals cause impaired
reception. The FCC has gone on record that they will not protect
receivers that have not been narrow-banded.

* Are the discounts you mention significant? I mean,
are they deep enough that a purchasing agent could
not consider offers from Amateur clubs or organizations?

It's part of the package.

* How can hams find out who/where the old gear might be for
sale? Have all the contracts already been written, or
are there any users that are still shopping for the
new gear?

You can try to contact the agencies, but in general, the newer gear is
now in service and the old stuff gone.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon