AmateurRadio.com

Amplitude Modulation has been used for voice transmission between Radio Amateurs for more than a century. A new voice mode appeared in 1947, when Wes Schum, W9DYV introduced the first Amateur Radio SSB transmitter, the Central Electronics 10A. By the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, competition for dial space began to “heat up” between the ‘died in the wool’ AM operators and the new, hard to tune in, Single Sideband operators. Eventually, there was a sit-down, face to face meeting, between some “Big Gun” SSB operators and long time, AM operators. Together, both groups decided on a ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’, for AM dial space. For example, on 75 meters, they choose 3.870MHz to 3.890MHz as the “AM Window”. On 40 meters, AM around 7.290MHz. 20 meters, 14.268MHz; etc. These “windows’ were promoted by the ARRL and strongly observed by AM operators for a couple of decades.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s AM operations had declined, and many newly licensed SSB operators came to be. Many of them didn’t know AM even existed on the Amateur bands, as the AM Window concept was no longer promoted well, or not acknowledged. However, AM has seen a recent resurgence of popularity, in part due to the introduction of Software Defined Radio Transceivers, such as FlexRadio Systems lineup, the ICOM IC7300, Yaesu FT101DX, Kenwood TS890, Apache Labs Anan 80000DLE, etc. New and old AM enthusiasts have homebrewed Class E modulated solid state AM transmitters. In 2018, QST tested and reviewed the K7DYY AM (only) solid state, Class D transmitter, a near legal limit, AM only transmitter, with built in power supply, that weighs only 8 pounds!

With increased activity, some cross mode interference is sometimes unavoidable. It is always best to remember, NO ONE owns a frequency, regardless of mode. It is good practice to always check the tuned frequency, to make sure it is not already in use, by one, or more stations. Some AM Operators are crystal controlled and cannot easily change frequency. 3.885 MHz for example, is a popular crystal frequency used within the US phone band. With almost all SSB transmitters being frequency agile, would you give the 3885 kHz crystal controlled AM station a little leeway and move a few kHz, if he was there, first?

With the increased number of AM stations, there are now are a few other spots on the dial that AM operation can be found. Both SSB and AM mode users can avoid misunderstanding, or disagreement, if each party observes the AMATEUR’s CODE:

1. AMATEUR IS CONSIDERATE
   The Amateur is considerate, never knowingly operates in such a way to lessen the pleasure of others.
2. AMATEUR IS LOYAL
   He offers his loyalty and encouragement to fellow amateurs.
3. AMATEUR IS PROGRESSIVE
   Keeps his station efficient and well maintained. His operating practice is above reproach.
4. AMATEUR IS FRIENDLY
   Offers kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interest of others.
5. AMATEUR IS BALANCED
   Radio is his hobby. He never allows it to interfere with duties to his home or family.
6. AMATEUR IS PATRIOTIC
   His station is always ready for service of his country.

Adapted from the original Amateur’s Code, written by Paul M. Segal in 1928.

In addition, please ask, “Is the frequency In Use?”

As always, with any mode, asking if the frequency is in use, first, will alleviate an initial misunderstanding. Please remember that the ham bands can change quickly, causing new interference. Acknowledge the changing band, and be friendly about it. I encourage everyone to join AMI: www.aminternational.club. Learn, appreciate, and enjoy AM operation. Lets all be courteous to each other and share our frequencies.

Hello to my friends and Directors of the ARRL,

I noted with pleasure that the ARRL Board has passed a motion addressing HF data bandwidth.

For many years, there has been an outcry from HF AM operators to have the ARRL Board address the situation of the original ‘Gentlemen’s’ agreement that was set up – basically from the stations that operated AM. In the mid 50’s, SSB became more in use, the “wars” began and I can attest, personally that there were actual wars. I was not a part of the physical ‘wars’ but knew some that did get involved. All of this came to the end when both sides met and formed a ‘Gentlemen’s agreement which – at the time, the ARRL helped to adopt and publish the agreement. Everything became calm. The two modes worked side by side, respecting each other.

The ‘agreement ‘ on 75 meters was originally 1.885 – 1.900, 3.870 – 3.890. 7.290 – 7.295. 14.280 – 14.290 This ‘Gentlemen’s’ agreement worked for more that a decade but as new license holders came on the scene, they knew nothing of this verbal agreement as the ARRL no longer published or admonish the original ‘Gentlemen’s’ agreement. Little was said of it – nor the need. If they did publish, one had to dig deep to find any of the information about the AM window. To answer some of the complaints , the ARRL set out to publish their own band plans… however most of the times the band plan is published, the AM Window is never mentioned…. Perhaps just a calling frequency. The DX windows, the SSTV windows have all been rewarded the strength of the ARRL to help publish their operating window and helped to keep those published and policed. Why has the ARRL not continued what was set forth back in the late 1950’s ?

With the advent of the newer transmitters and SDR equipment that all work beautifully on AM, there is a resurgence of the mode joining the scores of vintage operators that have been operating in those windows for many years….. usually having to put up with many unruly operators that could care less about a’window’. Little is published or talked about from the ARRL, so why should they worry? The respect of other operators has certainly dwindled. The other issue of maintaining these windows, is that new operators are invited to join an entirely new form of Amateur Radio communication. Without your help, AM operation sometimes become a vast wasteland of SSB operators that feel they can land anywhere, thus causing very unwelcome places to operate. Each of us work hard to bring young operators onto the frequency bands, but I know – first hand that when some of these brilliant, inquisitive young minds are looking into modes that have never worked they sometimes discover some very unpleasant conversations. All of this can be corrected by publications, articles and some policing by the new Volunteer Observers organization. Without the help of the Board of Directors to maintain this ‘Agreement’, the VOO have no ’teeth’.

I, along with many AM operators truly believe that if the Board of Directors would address THIS situation as they have the data bandwidth situation, it will further the development of new operators to join fellow AM operators and brings yet another aspect of Amateur Radio without conflict.

I look forward to being of any help to bring the ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’ back into play.

Regards,

Dr. Bob Heil, K9EID

This is to let everyone know that Wednesday night, Joe Walsh WB6ACU is going to be co-hosting TWiT.TV’s HAM Nation with Bob Heil, Gordon West and Leo Laporte. Will be a blockbuster show with several in- studio guests. Joe will be introducing a new Contest/Dx segment anchor that is joining the show. Watch live and fasten your seat belt!

Hosts: Bob Heil (K9EID), Gordon West (WB6NOA), and George Thomas (W5JDX).

Preparing for CES, Gordon dunks a radio in water, and how to reduce RF interference.

Guests: Don Wilbanks (AE5DW), and Cheryl Lasek (K9BIK)

Download or subscribe to this show at http://twit.tv/hn.

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Thanks to Joe Walsh who wrote and plays the Ham Nation theme.

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