[HamWAN PSDR] New to HAMWAN (NE Portland)

[Bryan Fields]

On 9/6/18 1:39 AM, David Haworth via PSDR wrote:>
> How do I determine if a program like iOS Face Time uses cryptography to
> obscure the video or audio.
> 
> In other words is it allowed or not allowed to use Face Time to talk to
> another amateur radio operator over HanWAN?

This is interesting, as part 97 doesn't mention "encryption" by name, but
coded transmissions with the primary purpose of obscuring the message passed.
It could be argued that an application layer protocol of which encryption is
not the primary use would be permitted.

I've done skype with another ham over hamwan before as part of a realtime
webcast program.  This technically may be in violation of the rules.

Another classic example is the 50w power restriction of 70cm.  The rules say
no more than 50w PEP from the transmitter, but this is poorly defined for many
stations.  In one case I have a repeater with 3 dB of loss in the filter
network, and we run 100W into the filters, with 50w out of the filter.  Is
this permitted?  We're not sure.

This is the problem with part 97 and it's ambiguities when operating on the
leading edge of amateur radio.  What we do know is the FCC with clarify if a
good faith effort to operate in compliance is taking place.  This being said,
HamWAN Tampa has worked with some of the Primary users of 5.9 GHZ and we
didn't go running to the ARRL for assistance.  The ARRL will not be our ally
if we need to seek clarification from the FCC.

> I assume it is not permitted to use Face Time to talk to a non ham even if
> I initiate the Face Time contact.
> 
> Note in WinLink it is ok to send and receive email a non ham because the
> radio session is controlled by the ham and not by the sender or software.
> 
> This would indicate most email and text messing is not allowed because the
> software is in control of sending you messages and you are not controlling
> the reception of email or text messages.

Further down the part 97 rat-hole; HamWAN is interconnected to the internet,
and technically is a radio transmitter as well.  Every stray packet and probe
from random places on the internet causes a licensed part 97 transmitter to
turn on and make a transmission.  This is not technically legal...

-- 
Bryan Fields

727-409-1194 - Voice
http://bryanfields.net