To the Board:
W1ZR, see below, thinks we should chime in on the amplifier gain rule. I believe he’s talking about the petition filed by N3JT on behalf of (perhaps it was) an Italian amplifier manufacturer.
Full disclosure, N3JT has been co-counsel with me in a couple of cases when I was ill a few years back and is a close friend. He has also been VERY helpful w/r/t the drafting of our AREPA bill.
As I recall, the original rule was designed to dampen the market for 5 watt to 500 watt-1KW CB amplifiers.
Should I recuse myself? Should ARRL adopt the Joel Hallas, W1ZR, position? Is this a Board matter? Or does it go to PSC?
Fred Hopengarten, Esq. K1VR
Six Willarch Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
781.259.0088, k1vr@arrl.org
New England Director
Serving ME, NH, VT, MA, RI and CT
From: Hallas, Joel W1ZR [mailto:jhallas@arrl.org]
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:30 PM
To: Hopengarten, Fred, K1VR, (Dir, NE)
Subject: Suggested ARRL Position on FCC Amplifier Power Limit
Fred,
I think it is time to push the FCC to drop its rule about amplifier gain.
I believe that the current limitation of a max gain of 13 dB no longer serves a purpose and results in lower performance of amplifiers, and thus excessive size, weight and cost of amateur equipment.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
GL & 73, Joel
Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR
Contributing Editor, QST
ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio
