How does PropNET settle upon its operating frequencies?
Participants in the PropNET project apply the “good amateur practice” of researching spectrum segments that permit automatically controlled digital operations, then they spend a considerable amount of time listening and scanning for other regular on-air operation by others in those segments. Using 30 meters as an example, in addition to these strategies, the PropNET community ran a study of “DX Cluster spots” to identify the segments of the band that are least used for “DX chasing”. The result of that study is that the PropNET Anchor frequency moved into a less-used segment! Because PropNET uses PSK31 as its mode of operation, we attempt to find spectrum at the edge of existing PSK31 operation if possible. When a “best possible” segment is identified, a pilot contingent of PropNETers will establish operation and await the outcome. Since the preamble includes web site information and the payload includes the call signs of the PropNET participants in plain text, PropNETers are easily rea
