The future of 23cms update
The future of 23cms update
Barry G4SJH gave an update at the Martlesham Round Table last weekend on the negotiations ahead of WRC23. A video of Barry's presentation is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DnixRmJ0Hk
It should be noted that these are all proposals that might/maybe/could possibly be put to the WRC for approval and there is plenty of time for changes between now and the conference.
What that means is this presentation should be taken as an indication of the way things are headed but it will probably change significantly (but probably not for the better) between now and the end of 2024 when it is envisaged Ofcom will implement any changes.
It currently looks like we will lose access (we never actually owned it) to a large portion of 23cms below 1300MHz but potentially retain 2* 4 MHz slots - one centered on 1256 and one at 1298MHz.
What this means is that FM ATV operation will no longer be possible below 1300MHz, however, we would be able to operate Digital repeater inputs around 1256MHz.
UK repeater outputs above 1300MHz are not affected by these changes, however there are other potential changes in the pipeline which may mean FM operation above 1300MHz will not be possible.
It would seem sensible for operators not to invest too much money in 23cms equipment at this point And UK ATV operators should be pleased that we are the only country that has access to 1300 to 1325 MHz - ATV operators in the rest of the world are in a far worse position.
Repeater groups affected by any changes in the future would be able to apply to the BATC bursary fund for potential funding of equipment purchases to migrate to digital and move input receiver frequencies.
Before asking too many questions and to understand the complex background behind all this please watch Barry's video - and while we are at it we should give a big round of applause to Barry who is doing this entirely as a volunteer. His work and that of other members of the spectrum management team are funded by the RSGB - I think that's a good use of my RSGB subscription!!
73
Noel - G8GTZ
It should be noted that these are all proposals that might/maybe/could possibly be put to the WRC for approval and there is plenty of time for changes between now and the conference.
What that means is this presentation should be taken as an indication of the way things are headed but it will probably change significantly (but probably not for the better) between now and the end of 2024 when it is envisaged Ofcom will implement any changes.
It currently looks like we will lose access (we never actually owned it) to a large portion of 23cms below 1300MHz but potentially retain 2* 4 MHz slots - one centered on 1256 and one at 1298MHz.
What this means is that FM ATV operation will no longer be possible below 1300MHz, however, we would be able to operate Digital repeater inputs around 1256MHz.
UK repeater outputs above 1300MHz are not affected by these changes, however there are other potential changes in the pipeline which may mean FM operation above 1300MHz will not be possible.
It would seem sensible for operators not to invest too much money in 23cms equipment at this point And UK ATV operators should be pleased that we are the only country that has access to 1300 to 1325 MHz - ATV operators in the rest of the world are in a far worse position.
Repeater groups affected by any changes in the future would be able to apply to the BATC bursary fund for potential funding of equipment purchases to migrate to digital and move input receiver frequencies.
Before asking too many questions and to understand the complex background behind all this please watch Barry's video - and while we are at it we should give a big round of applause to Barry who is doing this entirely as a volunteer. His work and that of other members of the spectrum management team are funded by the RSGB - I think that's a good use of my RSGB subscription!!
73
Noel - G8GTZ
Re: The future of 23cms update
I watched it but lost the plot. So 400W to a say 1.5M dish for EME, is that going to be OK ?
73 Dave
73 Dave
Ex G6ANG/T and G8EAO
Re: The future of 23cms update
Can someone please clarify: Is this update and proposal only relevant for ITU Region 1 (Europe/Africa/Middle East) or is it potentially applicable worldwide?
Re: The future of 23cms update
Hi Burt
It is applicable worldwide, although whether/how the FCC decides to implement it is another matter.
Dave, G8GKQ
It is applicable worldwide, although whether/how the FCC decides to implement it is another matter.
Dave, G8GKQ
Re: The future of 23cms update
Barry G4SJH gave another update at the RAL microwave roundtable on Sunday.
Again these are only proposals at this stage but it does look like the narrow band segment at 1296 will be retained with power limitations.
The segment not yet agreed is the proposed 4MHz at 1254MHz - this is where our 23cms ATV repeater inputs would move to but this is still subject to much negotiation.
Just to repeat, whatever agreement is made, FM ATV operation will no longer be possible below 1300MHz and it is likely the IARU and BATC contest rules will be amended before the end of 2023 to exclude FM entries on 23cms.
Again these are only proposals at this stage but it does look like the narrow band segment at 1296 will be retained with power limitations.
The segment not yet agreed is the proposed 4MHz at 1254MHz - this is where our 23cms ATV repeater inputs would move to but this is still subject to much negotiation.
Just to repeat, whatever agreement is made, FM ATV operation will no longer be possible below 1300MHz and it is likely the IARU and BATC contest rules will be amended before the end of 2023 to exclude FM entries on 23cms.
Re: The future of 23cms update
A copy of Barry's full presentation is attached here.