This past Sunday (Jan 29, 2006), the Antique Wireless Association AM net was monitored operating on 3845 Khz instead of the usual net frequency of 3837 Khz.  It seems that on this day some ssb stations had beat them to the usual operating frequency.

It was refreshing to see the net move to another frequency, instead of using the standard tactic, claiming that the frequency has always been used by the net for many years, therefore giving them the right to tell others to move off the frequency. 

Apparently this change in frequency was the topic of discussion for all stations who participated in the net.  The net control station asked the group if they would like to move the net to 3890 Khz in the future, so that the net would be in the so called "AM Window" and would not interfere with ssb stations operating near 3837 Khz. 

Another reason mentioned for changing the frequency, was that moving to 3890 Khz would allow those stations with a General class license to participate in the net.  Currently General class license holders can not operate on phone below 3850 Khz.

As is normally the case, each station had an opportunity to make a transmission and express their views on the subject.  The comments made were very interesting, with most of the stations indicating that they would prefer that the net remain on 3837 Khz.

Many operators expressed the view that AM stations had the same right  as sideband stations to operate on any frequency that their class of license allowed.  They indicated that there was no need to limit themselves to just a few frequencies on any band.

In regard to stations with a General class license, most people wanted these operators to work at upgrading their license to Extra class so that they could participate on the net at 3837 Khz.  Almost all net participants thought that this would be a great incentive for upgrading their license.

It was encouraging to hear most of the stations on the net echo the feelings that the Buffalo Kilowatt Bookends have been advocating in word and deed for the last decade.  As many stations know, the Buffalo Kilowatt Bookends have been operating at the low end of the 75 meter phone band (Bookend Country... 3810 Khz - 3830 Khz) in an effort to promote AM activity across the entire band.

Unfortunately, it seems that many of the stations that echoed these ideas still continue to operate in the so called "AM Window", and never venture to the low end of the phone band except for the AWA Net on Sunday afternoon.  It would be a great benefit for AM if they put their words into practice more often.