[TheList] Internet linked PRS in CHCH?

Fri Apr 27 21:59:31 AEST 2012

Chris has it in one, I think.

My view on things is:

- CB is simply press-to-talk radio. 26Mhz gives you a bit of range and
performance, whereas PRS gives you short range, better audio (and better
channel re-use due to the short range).
- CB (26Mhz) is 'old school' but driven around function.  Recreational use
shares with those who use it as a freely accessible community (ala truckies
and such).  Since deregulation there's been nothing to stop you from buying
a set and yakking to whoever.
- The introduction of PRS into common usage facilitates more portable
operation; 26Mhz gear is too low frequency to give you a radio you can
readily use and then put in your pocket.
- Thus PRS is great for short range, event comms, mobile use or
mobile-to-portable use.
- Being entirely unregulated opens the channels up to abuse. Sadly, this
occurs more often than it should... but at the same time that's what
happens when you deregulate.

Amateur radio, with it's higher entry thresholds, has less of the crap
associated with some aspects of CB/PRS, but it's also miles more flexible.
No other radio usage has such free reign in terms of bands, modes and power
levels.  No other spectrum is quite as global.  Amateurs demonstrate true
enthusiasm for radio, comms, technology and service (or some combination of
the above) or get some other tangible benefits out of it.  You can do a lot
more with 500KW on HF (or 100's of Watts on V/UHF) with data or single side
band than you can with the basic 5W FM options that unlicensed spectrum
permits.

If you have a genuine interest in radio, I don't understand why you
wouldn't go and study up for your ham radio operators certficiate; 60 q's
multichoice, a relatively low pass mark and it's a lifetime achievement.
It opens up a lot more options.

Oh and re politics? It's as much as you let it bother you.  I'm sure CB
Radio Clubs have their share, as do Amateur Radio Clubs.  Remember that
with Amateur radio there's an actual need to coordinate spectrum use with
other countries, and with other spectrum users (ala the government).  So
yes, there's that aspect.  But you can stick with the 'real' aspects -
developing, building and using radio - if that's your interest.  You're not
obliged to join a local club, nor the national society, if you don't wish
it (though i'd encourage you to at least give it a go).

I got my ham radio license at 16 after several years of fascination with
radio in general.
16 years later it's been responsible for a whole bunchload of friends and
experiences that wouldnt've happened any other way - and I know that even
with my current lifestyle (kids and professional responsibilities,
volunteering and such) preventing me from using my amateur radio gear very
often, it'll be waiting for me any time I care to pick up the mic.

Amateur radio is often a hobby associated with older guys - and it's true
that these are people who frequently have a history with old-school radio,
radar and telecomms (which is where a lot of ham radio types got their
start years ago) - and it's also true that it's a hobby that people often
pick up when they start looking at retirement.  There's also a small but
active group of young folks who are active in other aspects of things;
integrate amateur radio into other hobbys (4wd, maritime, tramping/hiking)
or use it to benefit them in other things they do (search and rescue for
example).   For example Ive been interested in Motorsport for years, so my
amateur radio connection was a boon when the Rally of NZ was on; I was able
to help as a volunteer official for several years running, thoroughly
enjoyed it.

These days I remain connected to Wellington VHF Group (despite having
moving back to Auckland 2 years ago) largely because I don't have time to
get active with any of the clubs in Auckland.  I'm slowly getting my radio
gear sorted in my vehicles so that I can get active on the local repeaters
again and catch up with some old friends.  But aside from my daily commute,
I don't get on the radio often. No harm, no foul.
I own several PRS radios and can't say they've ever had the same level of
appeal that Amateur Radio has had - but they've filled a purpose from time
to time, and that's how I see them - a tool with a specific use.  Not
really a hobby as such.

Yikes, what a waffle.

Mark ZL1VMF

On Fri, Apr 27, 2012 at 7:33 PM, Chris Hellyar <chris at logicalit.biz> wrote:

> That's an interesting article...
>
> But I don't think it requires development of independent mesh technologies.
>
> Mobile Internet is becoming almost ubiquitous now and if you've got a
> current technology smart phone you're in business right now.
>
> I've played a bit with iPTT on the iPhone and it's a pretty good PTT
> implementation although it's mostly non-english folks and rednecks from
> what I've heard. :-)
>
> The way I see it, If you're interested in radio you're probably 1/2 way to
> passing a hams ticket as it's not exactly the most challenging exam known
> to man.
>
> Then you can talk up a storm with relatively light regulations and there
> is no type approval or 'compliance' costs once you've got your ticket as
> such in this country at least.
>
> Sure you need to stick to the ham bands, use a call sign and play by some
> rules but there's no difference between that and getting your Drivers
> license as I see it.
>
> Just my 2c worth, rose coloured glasses and all that.
>
> Cheers, Me.
>
>
>
> On 27/04/12 17:51, Scanhead wrote:
>
>> Not a having a crack at anyone... But do you think its because rules,
>> regulations and compliance cost now stifle innovation and uptake? The
>> internet and its voice communications technology are reasonably open and
>> free of compliance and enjoy massive use in comparison.
>>
>> If you want to mix internet with PTT and "free park" radio bands (and not
>> have RSM come for you) I think this is where its headed:
>>
>> http://www.cnds.jhu.edu/pub/**papers/smesh_ptt_secon10.pdf<http://www.cnds.jhu.edu/pub/papers/smesh_ptt_secon10.pdf>
>>
>> Scanhead.
>>
>
>
> ______________________________**_________________
> TheList mailing list
> TheList at radiowiki.org.nz
> http://radiowiki.org.nz/**mailman/listinfo/thelist_**radiowiki.org.nz<http://radiowiki.org.nz/mailman/listinfo/thelist_radiowiki.org.nz>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://radiowiki.org.nz/pipermail/thelist_radiowiki.org.nz/attachments/20120427/59205d4a/attachment.html>