If PropNET is used to study propagation, it conforms to a definition of a beacon, doesn it?
The core-purpose of the PropNET project is to advance the state of the art in the Automatically Controlled Digital Services arena. One of the greatest unknowns is how to automate the actions of a control operator, if they were present. Even the FCC is silent on that point. PropNET is pioneering in this way (and getting better at it over time). Can PropNET be used to study propagation? Of course! Many services are used to study propagation. These include broadcast TV and radio and the APRS network (See: http://mountainlake.k12.mn.us/ham/aprs/path.cgi?map=na). PropNET was designed to operate in accordance with the rules found in the US’s 47 CFR Part 97.221(b) in focus. While a PropNET station certainly includes components that can support the study of propagation, so do traditional PSK31 QSO’s. PSK31 QSO’s involve the exchange of information, and are often “spotted” to DX clusters. PropNET operation involves exchanging this same information and spots its presence and partial and fully-su
