eHam.net Speak Out

Speak Out: Illegal 10-Meter Operation:

116 opinions on this subject. Enter your opinion at the bottom of this page.
[Speak Out Home Page]

WA9YOZ on 2008-11-08
I'm totally confused! NO! not by the illegal operation of 10M by CB'ers. So here is my Dumb question: If some one converts a CB radio, wether it be AM or SSB to the 10M ham band, is it illegal to use the radio on 10M, as long as you have a valid amateur license?..or does the modified/converted CB radio have to be "FCC certified"?...

OLDSWAB on 2008-10-16
OK here we go again! I tryed to explain problems of Hams using their rigs on the 11 meter band and now some of you are hearing of "illigal" use of the 10 meter band. K8WZS says "we need to file complants and check who are selling illigal "socalled" 10 meter radios." Well just go to any seller of radios you might want to go to or any truck stop repair shop and you will more than likely find some. A lot of that equipment is on line as Ham equipment legal or not. Does that mean that truck stops ,repair shops etc. should have a licence to sell such equipment? Anyone who has the money to buy one can. KCOMS states "what goes on below 28.000 is not his concern." Your Ham buddys and what they do down there is none of your business either. Correct? As long as their are possible ways to modify radios to listen or transmit, there will be someone to try and use them. I like to listen and have for years. True I have old equipment with little or no filtering or stability, but that was at one time what Hamming was all about.Not weither I can work with my SSB on all bands or no code. If you want to help in controlling the bands correctly maybe you should talk to them who are not suppose to be there and with a little coolness explain that they could be fined if caught. Yes, report the people who are selling Ham equipment to just anybody. Make sure that you go to all of the swap meets also to traffic those sale too. Then maybe as a community of operators,you might have some clout. As far as KG4ZVA, well I have been up or down to the 75/80 meter band and could only here a few SSB units with little CW or voice AM. Now what? You cant just yell "cbers" because it is not only that group who are making a name of them selves. Its the ones who won't use call letters of some credibuilty who are causing problems. Once again ,I will die a Chicken Bander,"CBer", or an SWLer. 73's

K8WZS on 2008-08-25
It may be very well be past time the FCC took action ! But it's PAST TIME for US to QUIT thinking the FCC will take action when OUR VOICES have FAILED to SPEAK !

K8WZS on 2008-08-25
kj4dlg wrote :Its past time the FCC took action to clean up our act and the truckers.

Well then WE have to DO the FIRST part (we ARE self policing) and give the FCC information . Let me say this - NUMBERS speak many WORDS -- so therefore "IF" WE , in the HAM RADIO COMMUNITY , start FILING reports as instructed early on in this discussion then MAYBE the FCC will see ham radio DOES MATTER to those of us in HAM RADIO ! Afterall , if there are NO COMPLAINTS filed then it APPEARS all is well ! There are a few things WE licensed hams can do in addition to start filing the reports. If you can NOT get on the road and track down a few illegals on 10m -- then the next time your online checkout places that are selling illegal "socalled" 10m radio's ! Or when on the 10m band LISTEN and send in a report of what your hearing -- even when the band is not open you may discover that there are illegals on the air in YOUR neighborhood. The "MORE" reports of this nature the more the FCC will see there is a PROBLEM and they can act on them. ARRL members can ALSO start demanding the association put pressure on the FCC for enforcement. ARRL members can ALSO demand the OO Program be brought up to TODAY's standards to assist in helping keep their memberships' privileges "FREE and CLEAR" of this type activity . Keep in mind that this ILLEGAL activity is NOT just on the 10m band in the HF spectrum ! The CB folks have ALSO been DISCOVERING 2m fm communications(modify these ham rigs and it opens them up to Marine , MURS and more) . So therefore , due to the fact ham radio is a self policing hobby , WE NEED to take the first step . And "IF" we do this in a large number , WE will eventually see the effect. The answer to the ORIGINAL problem of what can be done with illegal truckers on 10m has been well laid out here ...follow the instructions . It's ham radio and WE need to PROTECT the hobby for our future hams --- but first there needs to be an EFFORT ! Thanks for letting me comment es 73

KJ4DLG on 2008-08-25
Yes, they are illegally operating on the 10 meter band [and other frequencies, but like illegal aliens, there are so many out there. I think both problems could be solved with a concerted enforcement effort but chances of either happening are slim to none. Perhaps if each state Department of Transportation were required to inspect trucks for illegal radio equipment at weight stations and when ever a truck was stopped by their officers the proplem could be reduced.If caught the truck would be required to be impounded for two weeks This could be coupled with the treat of loss of Federal highway funds to ensure state compliance. I do not operate on 75/80 meters but the problem there surely hasn't gone away with ham to ham pressure. Its past time the FCC took action to clean up our act and the truckers.

N4ZAW on 2008-08-10
I recall CBers were, at one time, required to be licensed (I was "KAFG9830"). Even when the RF in my blood became so toxic that I had to take the 5WPM CW test to get my "tech-plus" ticket, I never slowed down! MANY,MANY hams were once CBers. My father was a CBer,(KKP0907)and a founding member of Dade County R.E.A.C.T. I even remember what that stood for (REACT). Some hams still have their CB rigs, while some even try to adapt old sweep-tube amps for the ham bands. The antics of some wandering truckers can be dealt with on a case-by-case level in the ways previouslly addressed in this thread several times. Sure, we can dumb-down, or otherwise simplify the licensing process -- or do away with it in it's entirety.... But don't throw the baby out with the bath water, y'all!!

Look -- WHY aren't these truckers using cell phones? Why do they spend megabuks on what we hams see as silly "radididios" and "footwarmers"? Why have there been "shootouts" conducted on AM channel six (27.025MHz), for DECADES??
It's something we hams have in common with them -- RF is in their blood, possibly their DNA!! When I was camping at last year's "family reunion", my grandbuddies were playing with the FMRS walkie talkies I brought along -- THEY HAD A BLAST with these toy radios!!!
I chuckled out loud when little Adrian put his stubby antenna in contact with the canopy pole,and asked "HEY,CHLOE. CAN YOU HEAR ME BETTER??"
I said "A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK!"
Adrian keyed-up his little tranceiver again and said, "HEY CHLOE!!! POP-POP SAYS TO PUT IT AGAINST AN OLD BLOCK!"
RF courses through their young veins, alright!!! And some claim the hobby is dead -- ROFLOL!

K4KWH on 2008-08-04
Well, ya gotta hand it to James A. Bridgewater, district Director, FCC! :) He gives the outlaws a really hard time. Good for HIM!
********************************************

Before the Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of ) ) Phillip Symonds ) Darda Troyer )
File No. EB-08-DT-0176 d.b.a Flat River Discount Electronics ) ) And ) Citation No. C200832360010 )
Hi-Delite Restaurant, Inc. ) ) )
Greenville, Michigan ) )
CITATION Released: July 29, 2008
By the District Director,
Detroit Office, Northeast Region,
Enforcement Bureau:
This is an official Citation issued pursuant to Section 503(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended ("Act"), to Phillip Symonds and Darda Troyer d.b.a. Flat River Discount Electronics and Hi-Delite Restaurant, Inc. (referred to herein jointly as "Flat River") for violation of Section 302(b) of the Act, and Sections 2.803(a)(1), 2.815(b) and 2.815(c) of the Commission's Rules ("Rules").
1. Investigation by the Enforcement Bureau's Detroit Office revealed that, on July 10, 2008, Flat River offered for sale the following non-certified Citizens Band ("CB") transceivers at its store in Greenville, Michigan: Ranger Model RCI 2950; Galaxy Model DX44V; Connex Model 3300. According to the Commission's records, these devices have not received an FCC equipment authorization, which is required for Citizens Band transmitters marketed in the United States.
2. Section 302(b) of the Act provides that "No person shall manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, or ship devices or home electronic equipment and systems, or use devices, which fail to comply with regulations promulgated pursuant to this section." Section 2.803(a)(1) of the Rules provides that "... no person shall sell or lease, or offer for sale or lease (including advertising for sale or lease), or import, ship or distribute for the purpose of selling or leasing or offering for sale or lease, any radio frequency device unless: (1) In the case of a device subject to certification, such device has been authorized by the Commission in accordance with the rules in this chapter and is properly identified and labeled...." Flat River's offering for sale of the transceivers listed in paragraph 2 violates both sections.
3. Although Flat River marketed the devices listed in paragraph 2 as amateur 10 meter radios, the Commission has evaluated devices similar to those at issue and concluded they fall within the definition of a CB transmitter because they can easily be configured to operate on CB frequencies. Additionally, we note that dual use CB and amateur radios of the kind at issue here may not be certificated under the Rules.
4. Also on July 10, 2008, agents found that Flat River offered for sale at its store in Greenville, Michigan, the following non-certified External Radio Frequency Power Amplifier: Texas Star Model DX250 HDV. Section 2.815(c) of the Rules prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offering for sale of any External Radio Frequency Power Amplifier (or amplifier kits) capable of operation on any frequency below 144 MHz unless the amplifier has received a grant of type acceptance. Furthermore, Section 2.815(b) of the Rules prohibits the sale or marketing of External Radio Frequency Power Amplifiers (or amplifier kits) capable of operating on any frequency between 24 and 35 MHz. Flat River's offering for sale of the non-certified External Radio Frequency Power Amplifier violates both sections of the Rules and Section 302(b) of the Act.
5. Violations of the Act or the Rules may subject the violator to substantial monetary forfeitures, seizure of equipment through in rem forfeiture action, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment.
6. Flat River may request a personal interview at the closest FCC Office, which is
Federal Communications Commission,
24897 Hathaway Street,
Farmington Hills,
Michigan 48335-1552.
You may contact this office by telephone, (XXX) XXXX-XXXX to schedule this interview, which must take place within 14 days of the Citation. Flat River may also submit a written statement to the above address within 14 days of the date of this Citation. Any written statement should specify what actions have been taken to correct the violations outlined above. Please reference case number EB-08-DT-0176 when corresponding with the Commission.

7. Any statement or information provided by you may be used by the Commission to determine if further enforcement action is required. Any knowingly or willfully false statement made in reply to this Citation is punishable by fine or imprisonment.
8. IT IS ORDERED that copies of this Citation shall be sent by First Class U.S. Mail and Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested to
Phillip Symonds at his address of record,
Darda Troyer at his address of record, and Hi-Delite Restaurant, Inc. at its address of record.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
James A. Bridgewater District Director
Detroit Office Northeast Region Enforcement Bureau 47 U.S.C. S: 503(b)(5) 47 U.S.C. S: 302a(b) 47 C.F.R. S:S: 2.803(a)(1), 2.815(b), 2.815(c) See Letter from Christopher Wright, General Counsel, FCC to John Atwood, Chief Intellectual Property Rights, US Customs Service, 14 FCC Rcd 7797 (OGC, 1999). See also definition of CB transmitter, 47 C.F.R. S: 95.603(b) ("transmitter that operates or is intended to operate at a station authorized for the CB service"). 47 C.F.R. 95.655(a); see also Amendment of Part 95, Subpart E, Technical Regulations in the Personal RadioService Rules, Order, 3 FCC Rcd 5032 (1988). This clarification was added to explicitly foreclose the possibility of certification of dual use CB and amateur radios, see id., and thereby deter use by CB operators of frequencies allocated for amateur radio use. 47 C.F.R. S: 2.815(c). 47 C.F.R. S: 2.815(b). See 47 C.F.R. S: 1.80(b)(3). See 47 U.S.C. S:S: 401, 501, 503, 510. 47 U.S.C. S: 503(b)(5). See Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. S: 552(e)(3). See 18 U.S.C. S: 1001 et seq. Federal Communications Commission

KC0MS on 2008-08-03
K8WZS on 2008-08-03

[["Well ..... you should READ the original question ! And then start to WORRY because had you read it first YOU would see that the question pertained to ILLEGAL Trucker traffic on 10m --yes from 28.000 on up and beyond 29.000 mhz !! So WE ARE the ONES being AFFECTED ! It's been going on for years and it seems to be going higher in frequency as the radio's become more EASIER to MODIFY and use . But THERE HAS been ENFORCEMENT in the past several years with trucking companies and THEIR drivers that are using the band without a license! Care to REread and REconsider now ?"]]

I DID read it, and if your were a bit more observant in your reading, you would have noticed that I addressed the NON ham portions of 10 meters as NOT being my or any other amateurs problem.

Then in conclusion, I closed with those infractions which DO affect amateur radio operators, ARE my (and other amateurs' problem) and should be addressed.

Please, if you are going to nit pick, at least do it accurately. And no, I am not inclined to be reconsidering my initial position.

If I find that I can identify an illegal operator on any ham frequency, I will make the effort to file a complaint with the F.C.C. However what goes on below 28.000 is NOT my problem.

Thanks anyway for your reponse

K8WZS on 2008-08-03
KC0MS on 2008-08-03
I can certainly appreciate the fact that there are people using the frequencies above 27.405 and below 28.000, illegally.

But why really should this be a concern for hams?......it isn't even a PART of amateur radio frequency allocations.

If the presence of these "illegal" operators on these frequencies is presenting a problem, then it should be those who are being affected by it that should be complaining to the F.C.C to "do something about it".

Personally, I could really care less if some OTR truckers are using those frequencies to carry on their "business communications". More simply put, it's not MY problem!

When they encroach into 10 meters, THEN it becomes my problem, and a problem for my fellow hams.

That's my two and a half cents worth on this subject.

Well ..... you should READ the original question ! And then start to WORRY because had you read it first YOU would see that the question pertained to ILLEGAL Trucker traffic on 10m --yes from 28.000 on up and beyond 29.000 mhz !! So WE ARE the ONES being AFFECTED ! It's been going on for years and it seems to be going higher in frequency as the radio's become more EASIER to MODIFY and use . But THERE HAS been ENFORCEMENT in the past several years with trucking companies and THEIR drivers that are using the band without a license! Care to REread and REconsider now ?

And as for the other comment about problems on 75m --- agn the original question pertained to 10m and WHAT could or is being done about it ! Yes there is a problem on other bands and they too are and have been being addressed over the past several years! READ the ARCHIVED Fcc EB Warning letters for proof of that. Tnx , protect what is ours to protect !

KC0MS on 2008-08-03
I can certainly appreciate the fact that there are people using the frequencies above 27.405 and below 28.000, illegally.

But why really should this be a concern for hams?......it isn't even a PART of amateur radio frequency allocations.

If the presence of these "illegal" operators on these frequencies is presenting a problem, then it should be those who are being affected by it that should be complaining to the F.C.C to "do something about it".

Personally, I could really care less if some OTR truckers are using those frequencies to carry on their "business communications". More simply put, it's not MY problem!

When they encroach into 10 meters, THEN it becomes my problem, and a problem for my fellow hams.

That's my two and a half cents worth on this subject.

Page 1 -->

Enter your opinion about Illegal 10-Meter Operation::

The opinions expressed within eHam.net Speak Out are those of the contributor, and not necessarily that of eHam.net. eHam.net simply provides a forum for people to express their opinions on various amateur radio subjects of interest.

Do you have an idea for a Speak Out topic? Email our Speak Out Manager with your ideas.