Our recent proposals to the R.A

Recently 2 members of our group submitted proposals to the Radio Authority via Ian Oliver at CBradioactive magazine. These proposals were submitted to try and get our opinions recognised, and some sort of disscusion started in order to obtain legal equality with the rest of our European collegues. The Radio Authority acknowledge the fact that CB Packet is prevelent in Europe, but refuse to make any changes to U.K licencing laws at the present time.

Pproposal for the use of Digital Communication Over Citizens Band Radio Frequencies (Packet Radio)

Author: Graham - C.B Packet Call-sign "SL9DOG"

1. Introduction.

With the growth of the home computer market, many citizens band radio users now have access to computer equipment. With this growth comes the realisation that the 2 separate hobbies can now be linked. Many C.B users have heard of the amateur radio packet network, and would like to see a similar facility available to themselves.

The use of digital communications over C.B frequencies is not as fraught as some would imagine. Amateur radio operators have been doing it for years. The idea, in principle, is perfectly workable, and is already in use in some countries in Europe (Legally!).

Since the introduction of C.B radio in the early 80's, many of the original ideas and principles of the band have gone by the wayside. The unfortunate misuse of C.B is alarming. The constant bad language, threatening behaviour, "music" playing and dead keying have now got so bad that any policing of the bands is almost impossible.

If the introduction of a packet Radio Network on C.B frequencies comes about, we the users of such a system, have the chance of starting with a "clean slate'.

2. Callsigns.

For any packet network to function properly a unique system of identification of all users will be needed. This is no problem for amateur radio users (hams) as they all have unique call-signs allocated to them when they apply and receive their licence. The C.B user does not have this call-sign allocation feature when they receive their licence. It is therefore paramount that some form of identification system should be used if packet radio for C.B is to function correctly, if at all.

Any call-sign system should have, in my opinion, 4 features:

(A) A simple method of allocation.
(B) A good chance of being acceptable by the licensing authority.
(C) Uniqueness / individuality.
(D) A modicum of freedom for the individual to choose the call-sign for themselves.

The groundwork for such a system already exists in this country. It is called the POSTCODE. A user could generate their own one, or be allocated one, by the use of the first 3 characters of their own postcode. Followed by any 3 alphabetic characters that they choose (their initials perhaps?). The complete address for this call-sign would also consist of their county,country and continent (as currently used in the amateur radio world).
The postcode system is already in use on the C.B packet network in north nest London and home counties.
i.e if a C.B packet radio user lives in north west London (county = Middlesex) their postcode is say NW12 4AB and their name is Alfred Brian Conolly, then their full call-sign would be NW1ABC.MIDDX.GBR.EU

Any C.B packet radio station that is a server, would have a similar call-sign except that it would be 5 characters long and end in CB. This would allow all users to immediately se that it was a server, and not another station. Following the above reasoning, a server located in north west London (NW12) would have the call-sign NW1CB. Of course if more than one server is to be located in a single postcode area the call-sign would have to be different. This could be arranged as something like NW1CB, NW11CB, NW12CB, NW13CB etc.

3. Allocation of Channels.

The allocation of a frequency for the use of C.B packet radio will be perhaps the most contentious of issues. There will be many that object to the allocation of a channel on the 27/81 (UK 40) band. Their argument, perhaps correct, is that this band is already crowded, and any further inroads will not be acceptable.

Another reason for not using this band is simple. Those users of this band (27/81) who live in city and urban areas will already know that there is an element on this band who will do anything to upset other users.

I suggest that a channel (perhaps 2 channels) should be allocated in the Mid (CEPT) band for C.B packet radio. This channel(s) could be used for all packet radio signals. The choice for Mid (CEPT) band is simple. It is the under-used of the 2 bands legally available to users, and would allow for international contacts when conditions dictate.

4. Policing the Packet Network.

We have all heard the abuse that is prevalent on the UK 40 (27/81) band, and I for one am sick of it. The Radiocommunications Agency have little chance of policing the band. The lack of funds, apathy amongst users, and the fact that C.B. frequencies are "unprotected" in law, all contribute to the mess that the UK 40 (27/81) band is today.

With packet radio, we, the users, have a chance of reclaiming what has been lost. As any user of the amateur band packet radio network will know, there are many checks to stop the abuse of packet signals. These checks can be similarly utilised on the C.B packet system, as they are on the amateur bands.

5. Servers and BBS's.

For a fully functioning packet network on C.B. frequencies a number of servers/bbs's will be needed. A server is a dedicated station that allows for the storing and forwarding of electronic mail, file storage and retrieval, users database and other features. These servers will need to be run in a competent manner. Perhaps some form of organisation could be set-up whereby the server/bbs system operations (SYSOPS) could get together and control the network. This is how it is done on the amateur network.

6. Equipment.

If anyone wishes to start on packet radio, and they already have an IBM compatible computer, the only extra equipment needed is a modem of some description.

There are currently 2 types of modem equipment in use on packet radio at the moment.
The first is called a TNC (Terminal node controller). The second is called a BAYCOM (type) Modem. A TNC is the more expensive (cost around £100+) of the two types and is the more complicated of the two to set up and use.
The second, and in my opinion more preferable type, is the baycom (type) modem. These can be obtained in kit form from as little as £30 and are relatively easy to construct. The only modification needed for C.B operation is the addition of a small relay to take the place of the PTT switch in the microphone cct.

Add to the above some suitable software (Public Domain) and you can be up and running.

7. Conclusion

I can see that there will be many that say packet radio will not work on 27 MHz, or will give technical reasons against it.

I can assure you that they are WRONG. How do I know? Because I am the owner and sysop of SL9CB (DOGBOX) C.B packet radio network server and node. I currently have about 20 users on my BBS and the number is growing daily.

Packet radio is LEGAL in some countries in europe. How long will it take before the dinosaurs in whitehall allow its use in the UK? Perhaps now is the time for all of us in the C.B world to rear up on our hind legs and DEMAND to be heard. We did it once before, and it worked.

Reproduced with permission from ©Graham Hutchings 1997.

A Proposal for Packet Radio on C.B on the C.E.P.T Frequencies in the United Kingdom.

Author: - Tony CB Packet Call-sign "HA1LEY"

HISTORY

The use of packet radio is becoming more and more popular throughout the UK and Europe on recognised C.B frequencies, AND more importantly, as a respectable way of gaining knowledge of both computers and radio.

Fact: European amateurs now use CEPT frequencies thereby passing their knowledge and experience to the band, and providing others with a better understanding of packet data use.

DEMAND

We, the SPRG (Southern Packet Radio Group) are a "loose' band of SWLs, amateur and Cbers who monitor the frequencies, and (subject to weather conditions) we have logged many packet stations operating from European countries where use is now legal e.g Holland (legal since January 1991), Denmark (legal since July 1992) and Germany (since October 1994). Obviously we feel left out and are now calling for the Radiocommunications Agency to legalise packet data use so that UK Cbers can be united with our European counterparts.

Fact: In a recent Radiocommunications Agency survey 39% of CB users gave a "positive' response to having some channels set aside for data transmissions.

COST

Cost to the Radiocommunications Agency for legalising packet radio would be minimal. The packet radio system of BBS's, and users, is self policing as unwanted material is filtered out automatically by BBS software and manually by sysops. Even the user can electronically filter out stations that may be causing problems, unlike voice FM!

INTERFERENCE

None to speak of, as the existing frequencies, mode used and power levels would be the same as those laid down in the present licence. Packet radio users are, by their very nature, more technically aware of the use of radio and are accustomed to using technology and software i.e nodes. Plus through the method of digipeating ( to overcome distance and site problems) the use of amplifiers/burners is non essential.

BAND SPACE

Frequencies on the CEPT band are under used (for normal voice CB operations) in the UK at present, therefore we recommend as an "ideal' starting point, and as a common link with other European operators, use of frequencies 27.235 MHz, 27.245 MHz and 26.965 MHz. We see these as an ideal starting point for the legalisation of channels, which could be utilised for, but not held exclusively to data 27.235 MHz is already the mail forwarding and BBS channel for northern Europe including: Denmark, Holland, Belgium and Germany.

CONCLUSION

The Radiocommunications Agency have a chance to listen and act on the wishes of Cbers in this country with minimal cost to themselves, unlike the investigation of AM and SSB which, to be frank, has little chance of success in the coming years. Here is now a chance to bring something to CB which will educate, bring people onto the band, help users progress toward achieving amateur status, and provide both knowledge of computers and data modes.

THE SYSTEM

We would like to see packet radio at:

1200 baud rate.

2 channels set aside - but not exclusive to data.

Sysops to be responsible for filtering unwanted material.

Only type approved radios to be used.

Beaconing to be no less than 15 minutes.

All calls to be structured with identification of user:

Possibly with the use of the post code, i.e. E17JON (John in E17) or JONSEL (john in SE London)

Location to be broadcast in the beacon.

Only legal antennas to be used at recommended height.

The possible registration of BBS stations around the country, being funded by a small registration fee enabling the RA to monitor and check on the system and its growth.

Note: This recommended proposal by the SPRG is provided in order to form a "starting point' for discussion and negotiation. In presenting this idea to the Radiocommunications Agency it should be understood that if a similar or better proposal offered either by an individual or group was forthcoming we would, without prejudice, withdraw the contents of this proposal but still continue to support moves for the introduction of a legal packet data system on CEPT frequencies in the UK.

Correspondence to the Radio Authority.

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at [email protected]

This page created with Netscape Navigator Gold

(and Microsoft Frontpage.)