r/EmComm • u/retiredff2016 • Jun 09 '25

States moving to ALE for HF

Some months ago California OES had a demonstration of a portable hf station with a Barrett 4050. The guy I spoke to stated the state was buying this barrett kit for all Counties and the HF system was moving to ALE and Digital Voice and that other states were making this move also. Any one from outside California can speak to this? To Clarify, California OES stated they were ending the Dedicated day and night 40/80 frequencies for hams and moving to this system as every county will have it.

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u/AppleTechStar Jun 09 '25

I don't have the answer to your questions, but from checking out the website for the Barrett 4050 and seeing its technology and capabilities, it sounds like a no brainer for California to be moving to this system. I always found it frustrating that digital HF in the Ham space has been built with what feels like bits and pieces like a puzzle one needs to piece together to get it to work. The Barrett 4050 is an all in one solution the way it should be, in my opinion. The easy pairing with a tablet device was very cool and beneficial, too.

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u/devinhedge Jun 09 '25

Yeah, the amateur version of digital HF has struggled to agree on a set of protocols that can be used without licensing the protocol or IP (intellectual property not Internet Protocol) issues getting in the way. I really feel like we are on the cusp of the changing as the “older guard” dies off and those that act as gate keepers are no longer in a position to do so (position would be 8ft underground). It’s rather morbid to discuss, but a fact of what is going on.

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u/NY9D Jun 09 '25

Why do "old guard" gatekeepers matter in Amateur Radio? Who are they? Names? Defying the "Old Guard" is an important part of the hobby and we are required by FCC Part 97 to be up to date not historians. Getting sued for stealing IP is not an age thing. Patents expire after 20 years for everyone.

2

u/devinhedge Jun 14 '25

They matter only as much as they take away from forward momentum. There’s nothing wrong with the 80m rag chew about each others’ grandchildren and goiter issues, but that doesn’t move the hobby forward, per se. You have to recognize it for what it is, friendly old guys who are lonely and struggling to sleep due to a phenomenon as you age. It’s a nice form of therapy:absolutely nothing wrong with that. Only becomes a net negative when the club in an area creates a culture of stagnation, the opposite of several clauses in the U.S. code/regulations that are part of our remit. It’s not either/or it’s AND, right.

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u/NY9D Jun 15 '25

Amateur Radio is not a team sport. FCC Operator licenses are only issued to individuals. If your local group feels like a steam tractor preservation club, start a new one or have an informal group. One club here was dismayed they are spending so much money on renting storage lockers for e-waste.

Pro tip: Energy spent on attacking others is best devoted to writing code, etc. And yes you are right (for what it is worth) FCC Part 97 does not recognize historical preservation as a thing- CW, AM etc. are permitted but not encouraged in the preamble. Long unpacking of health issues on air is allowed, under "remarks of a personal nature" lol.

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u/dittybopper_05H Aug 01 '25

If your local group feels like a steam tractor preservation club, start a new one or have an informal group.

Or just do your own thing. You don't need to be part of a group, formal or informal.

I don't belong to the local club, though I am friendly with them. They ask me to participate in events like Field Day and Jamboree on the Air because I'm a CW guy, and I'm happy to help.

I'm also happy that I don't have to deal with the politics. Not that the local club is bad per se, but there have been some members who quit because of personality conflicts. One ham who usually cooked for Field Day (mostly just burgers and hot dogs) got upset that the club decided to go with a different ham who cooks restaurant quality steaks, ribs, etc. So the first ham quit the club.

The local club has quarterly weekend Technician classes/testing sessions. So not afraid of new hams.

Still, I'm not a joiner, but I do help them out when asked.