SSB vs AM

[oldradioguy2010]

I need clarification.
28.300 to 28.500 I know is for voice, I thought it was SSB only. Is AM mode allowed in that bandwidth? Or even FM mode.
Monitoring AM there here in so. cal.

DW
So. Cal

 

[mmckenna]

For a Tech, it is SSB only.
For higher class licenses, it's any voice.

But, remember, band plans are 'gentleman's agreements' and we know that there are always those that aren't.

 

[AK9R]

Per FCC rule (97.301(e) ), holders of Technician or Novice licenses are restricted to 28.0 to 28.5 MHz in the 10m band. For all other licensees, the band is 28.0 to 29.7 MHz.

Per FCC rule (97.305(c) ), the authorized emission types on 10m are:
28.0 to 29.7 MHz, CW
28.0 to 28.3 MHz, RTTY or data
28.3 to 28.5 MHz, any phone or image mode except that Technicians and Novices may only use SSB with less than 200 watts
28.5 to 29.7 MHz, any phone or image mode

"Phone" is the term that the FCC uses to describe any mode that conveys a voice.

These aren't band plans or gentleman's agreements. They are FCC rules.

 

[W4AXW]

But, remember, band plans are 'gentleman's agreements' and we know that there are always those that aren't.

The AM calling freq is (generally accepted) 29.000 which requires General or higher. At least at my station, not much traffic in that part of the band. Have worked a small bit of DX there but not often. See even less AM in the SSB portion.

 

[W4AXW]

Per FCC rule (97.301(e) ), holders of Technician or Novice licenses are restricted to 28.0 to 28.5 MHz in the 10m band.

And 200w ERP max.

 

[oldradioguy2010]

Thank you guys, I thought I was hearing some renegades or out of band ops.
Thank you.

DW
So. Cal

 

[mmckenna]

These aren't band plans or gentleman's agreements. They are FCC rules.

Thank you, I stand corrected.

 

[oldradioguy2010]

Thank you again group.
As a SWL op I need help from licensed ops.

DW
So. Cal

 

[kc2asb]

The AM calling freq is (generally accepted) 29.000 which requires General or higher. At least at my station, not much traffic in that part of the band. Have worked a small bit of DX there but not often. See even less AM in the SSB portion.

During band openings, I've frequently heard UK stations and US west coast calling on 29.000 MHz. I don't recall ever hearing AM in the SSB portion, at least from any licensed ops. You may hear AM in the 28.000 - 28.100 portion on occasion, which almost always is outbanders / freebanders.

Generally, you will hear stations calling in FM (simplex) on 29.600. Repeaters (FM) can be found on 29.620, 29.640, 29.660 and 29.680, with the inputs 100 kHz down. (29.520, etc)

Who here remembers the US Virgin Islands repeater on 29.660? It was a powerhouse!

 

[K6GBW]

Once you make some contacts on USB I doubt you’ll have much interest in AM. SSB is just Mo’ Betta!

 

[jhooten]

Who here remembers the US Virgin Islands repeater on 29.660? It was a powerhouse!

Made many contacts through it from here in Texas using a reprogrammed Motorola MT1000 hand held last solar cycle.


Another is the KQ2H repeater on 29.62 in the Catskill Mountains.

 

[kc2asb]

Made many contacts through it from here in Texas using a reprogrammed Motorola MT1000 hand held last solar cycle.


Another is the KQ2H repeater on 29.62 in the Catskill Mountains.

I think the USVI repeater is no longer on the air. I know the KQ2H machines very well. Here in northeast NJ, I can usually hear them regardless of band conditions due to the elevation.

I have also heard a repeater on 29.680 which I believe is out of Texas. On 29.640 is the N2ACF repeater out of Rockland County, NY. You should be able to hear it when the band is open.

 

[jhooten]

I think the USVI repeater is no longer on the air.

If memory serves, Irma was pretty much the last nail in its coffin.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

If memory serves, Irma was pretty much the last nail in its coffin.

That is too bad. It would be great to reactivate that. The owner was a guy name Mal or Malcom I think.

 

[kc2asb]

That is too bad. It would be great to reactivate that. The owner was a guy name Mal or Malcom I think.

Agreed, it's a shame. It would be nice to have it back, as it was a fixture on the band for years. During the peak of Cycle 22 in the early 90's, I remember being able to hear it DFQ on just a handheld scanner.

It had a very distinctive double tone that sounded just like the "doors closing" warning tones on the PATH trains here that cross the Hudson River.