[aprssig] Weather Stations and Net Neutrality

[Bob Bruninga]

> I also believe WX packets once every 5 minutes
> is a too frequent routine (on VHF), and 
> especially if sent over more than one digipeater

Agree completely.
If the WX station is mounted at a digi and is hardware limited to 5 minutes, then that is just fine if the packets are only sent DIRECT.  Remember, this is at a digi, so DIRECT is equivalent to 1 hop from a valley station.

If 1 hop is needed (equivalent to 2 hops from a home station) to get to an IGate, then 10 minutes would be a considerate rate.

If 2 hops are being used from a digi-mounted-WX station at a 5 minute rate, then in many places this is probably abusive since it is equivalent to a 3 hop path.  And in places where there is congestion, then SURELY there is an IGate much closer...

So monitor those WX stations, Monitor their paths and hops and rates.  SOme were put up years ago and may have not been adjusted to the new-N Paradigm (considerate operating practices).

bob, wb4apr