[amsat-bb] Re: OT: Universal Text Messaging and Pagers (WAS Re: Re:dream)

[Tony Langdon]

At 09:53 AM 7/9/2009, Bob Bruninga wrote:

>THe worst part of amateur radio is all the nit-pickers and ankle 
>biters that hold back progress. Sometimes they win and the guy in 
>the lead just gives up.  SOmetimes these guys with an idea get far 
>enough ahead of the nit-pickers and ankle biters, that the great 
>silent majority of amateurs begin to think outside of their boxes 
>and start to slowly get on board.

I agree totally, and used their inertia to advantage.  Back in 2001, 
I was an early adopter of IRLP in Australia.  There were only 2 or 3 
other nodes established, and I got some interest going in VK3 to get 
one setup.  Basically, we worked relatively quietly, then when all 
was ready, we threw the switch and gave talks around the local radio 
clubs.  By the time the nit pickers woke up to what was going on, the 
average ham was just enjoying the technology.  Some even made contact 
with friends they hadn't heard from for decades.  The upshot is that 
everyone had to get used to IRLP being around, and the focus shifted 
from "is it legal?" to "How can we best manage this new gadget?" 
:)  The ACMA itself wrote a document clarifying the regulations 
surrounding VoIP (which still left a few open questions), and later, 
the regulations were changed to be even more VoIP (and phone patch) friendly.

I wouldn't hesitate to use a similar approach to introduce some other 
new technology into the hobby.  I'll only ask for a legal opinion 
when the authorities themselves decide one is needed, not 
before.  Until then, I will play with new technologies, and try to 
stick to the band plan and the ham spirit to the best of my ability.

73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com