[Dstar] Encoded for the purpose of obscuring the meaning of thesignals

[Michael Owen]

Normally, I just read.  However, I am tempted.

The words "encoded for the purpose of obscuring the meaning" of the signals come directly from Article 25.2A 1A of the ITU Radio Regulations, which is as follows:

"25.2A 1A) Transmissions between amateur stations of different countries shall not be encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning, except for control signals exchanged between earth command stations and space stations in the amateur-satellite service. (WRC-03)"

The words "encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning" were the words proposed by the International Amateur Radio Union for WRC 03, which had on its agenda Article 25, and which did adopt those words.  The phrase should be read strictly.  What is the PURPOSE of the encoding?  Not, how easy is it to find!

Today, there are a multitude of codes, particularly with digital technology.  But the reason the code is used is not so that no one else can understand the meaning.  Yes, we don't want unauthorised people attempting to control amateur satellites, and so there a secret code is permitted.  Likewise, within a country, secret codes can be used for particular purpose, as Article 25 is dealing cross border communications.

Whether many or few can decode is not the question.  The question is, is the code in the public domain?  If I want to, can I find the code?  Even if it is hard to find!

There is no way D-Star violates the Amateur LCD.

Forgive me for pontificating!

Michael  VK3KI




Michael Owen
3 Gordon Road
Mount Waverley
Victoria 3149
Australia
Phone: +61 3 9802 6137
Cell:    +61 419 320 822
E-mail: michaelj.owen at bigpond.com


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Martin Stretton 
  To: Dstar Digital Radio Mail List 
  Sent: Monday, September 01, 2008 7:05 PM
  Subject: Re: [Dstar] Encoded for the purpose of obscuring the meaning of thesignals




  On 01/09/2008, at 3:38 PM, James Cameron wrote:


    G'day,

    I'm interested in hearing from any amateur operators who might be
    concerned that the use of D-STAR for voice may violate part 2 section 8
    subsection 3A of the Radiocommunications License Conditions (Amateur
    License) Determination No. 1 of 1997 including the ammendments up to
    Radiocommunications License Conditions (Amateur License) Amendment
    Determination 2008 (No. 1).

    The section says "The licensee must not operate an amateur station to
    transmit signals that are encoded for the purpose of obscuring the
    meaning of the signals,"



  The feds can easily buy a D-Star rig and listen so it's OK. 
  If it was a secret encoding system that only a few could decode then there
  would be a problem.




  Cheers
  Martin
  VK6ZMS






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