FCC Is Continuing to Deal with the theft of frequencies!

[kc0iv]

Actually there's no exageration. There is a thread at www.qrz.com about 5 pages long about the subject. They're pretty aggravated over it. There's also an article about it at www.arnewline.com, and if it isn't easily found, it can be googled to locate it. There's also a Google item entitled
"'Hammies' (sic) want us off 10 Meters". There's a lot more irritation than one might think over this. True, we can't determine how many drivers that read this site are actually violating the regulations, I think it serves the purpose of informing the industry that this is a problem. Most drivers are law-abiding citizens, and, once made aware of the fact that transmitting on 10 Meters without a license is illegal and can get you in lots of trouble, they would stop doing it. Chances are, many people don't KNOW it is against the law. They don't KNOW that those "10 Meter" radios they bought at a CB shop "out back" are illegal. If they know, most of them would stop it, I think. Those who don't/won't are the ones who are intractable and/or a prone to violate other laws as well. But they need to know anyway, don't you think?


Thanks,


RR

RR,

Don't you think it is a little odd that QRZ.com complains about illegal operations on 10 meters and then publish illegal mods for non type accepted radios? Look at: http://www.qrz.com/download/mods-i-k/index.html

Kinda like -- Pot calling the kettle black.

kc0iv

[RadioRay]

Actually, I don't see any inconsistency in than the Amateur sets must be modified so as to operate in MARS (military affiliate, for those who don't know). This is a perfectly legal and approved modification for that purpose and for accessing the recently added 60 Meter frequencies. You would find that, actually, most hams modify their sets with honorable intentions and generally abide by the rules of the service they intend to operate in!


73

RR

[kc0iv]

Actually, I don't see any inconsistency in than the Amateur sets must be modified so as to operate in MARS (military affiliate, for those who don't know). This is a perfectly legal and approved modification for that purpose and for accessing the recently added 60 Meter frequencies. You would find that, actually, most hams modify their sets with honorable intentions and generally abide by the rules of the service they intend to operate in!


73

RR

Lets see RR. What legal operation can be performed by a mod that allows you to transmit and receive on the FRS Band?

Reading:

Sec. 95.194 (FRS Rule 4) FRS units.

(a) You may only use an FCC certified FRS unit. (You can identify an FCC certified FRS unit by the label placed on it by the manufacturer.)

(b) You must not make, or have made, any internal modification to an FRS unit. Any internal modification cancels the FCC certification and voids your authority to operate the unit in the FRS.

Now look at http://www.qrz.com/download/mods-i-k/icw32.txt at the bottom of the page

FRS Band: 14 Channels = 7 at 462.### and 7 at 467.### MHz. If TXing on the FRS Band, make sure you set the unit to the LOW = 500 mw power setting.

Would you say qrz.com is publishing illegal modifications for the Icom IC-W32A/E?


kc0iv

[Fredog]

Actually, I don't see any inconsistency in than the Amateur sets must be modified so as to operate in MARS (military affiliate, for those who don't know). This is a perfectly legal and approved modification for that purpose and for accessing the recently added 60 Meter frequencies. You would find that, actually, most hams modify their sets with honorable intentions and generally abide by the rules of the service they intend to operate in!


73

RR

Lets see RR. What legal operation can be performed by a mod that allows you to transmit and receive on the FRS Band?

Reading:

Sec. 95.194 (FRS Rule 4) FRS units.

(a) You may only use an FCC certified FRS unit. (You can identify an FCC certified FRS unit by the label placed on it by the manufacturer.)

(b) You must not make, or have made, any internal modification to an FRS unit. Any internal modification cancels the FCC certification and voids your authority to operate the unit in the FRS.

Now look at http://www.qrz.com/download/mods-i-k/icw32.txt at the bottom of the page

FRS Band: 14 Channels = 7 at 462.### and 7 at 467.### MHz. If TXing on the FRS Band, make sure you set the unit to the LOW = 500 mw power setting.

Would you say qrz.com is publishing illegal modifications for the Icom IC-W32A/E?


kc0iv

that's fine as long as those durned truck drivahs stay off the 10 meter band

[kc0iv]

Actually, I don't see any inconsistency in than the Amateur sets must be modified so as to operate in MARS (military affiliate, for those who don't know). This is a perfectly legal and approved modification for that purpose and for accessing the recently added 60 Meter frequencies. You would find that, actually, most hams modify their sets with honorable intentions and generally abide by the rules of the service they intend to operate in!


73

RR

Lets see RR. What legal operation can be performed by a mod that allows you to transmit and receive on the FRS Band?

Reading:

Sec. 95.194 (FRS Rule 4) FRS units.

(a) You may only use an FCC certified FRS unit. (You can identify an FCC certified FRS unit by the label placed on it by the manufacturer.)

(b) You must not make, or have made, any internal modification to an FRS unit. Any internal modification cancels the FCC certification and voids your authority to operate the unit in the FRS.

Now look at http://www.qrz.com/download/mods-i-k/icw32.txt at the bottom of the page

FRS Band: 14 Channels = 7 at 462.### and 7 at 467.### MHz. If TXing on the FRS Band, make sure you set the unit to the LOW = 500 mw power setting.

Would you say qrz.com is publishing illegal modifications for the Icom IC-W32A/E?


kc0iv

that's fine as long as those durned truck drivahs stay off the 10 meter band

I see RR. In your mind breaking the law is OK for "Hams" but not for "CBer". :sad: Don't you think you are being a bit hypocritical?

I thought you were one of those "hams" that believed in being a law abiding citizens. You have proved me wrong.

I wonder what other laws you think it's OK to break.

kc0iv

[Fredog]

[quote]

Actually, I don't see any inconsistency in than the Amateur sets must be modified so as to operate in MARS (military affiliate, for those who don't know). This is a perfectly legal and approved modification for that purpose and for accessing the recently added 60 Meter frequencies. You would find that, actually, most hams modify their sets with honorable intentions and generally abide by the rules of the service they intend to operate in!


73

RR

Lets see RR. What legal operation can be performed by a mod that allows you to transmit and receive on the FRS Band?

Reading:

Sec. 95.194 (FRS Rule 4) FRS units.

(a) You may only use an FCC certified FRS unit. (You can identify an FCC certified FRS unit by the label placed on it by the manufacturer.)

(b) You must not make, or have made, any internal modification to an FRS unit. Any internal modification cancels the FCC certification and voids your authority to operate the unit in the FRS.

Now look at http://www.qrz.com/download/mods-i-k/icw32.txt at the bottom of the page

FRS Band: 14 Channels = 7 at 462.### and 7 at 467.### MHz. If TXing on the FRS Band, make sure you set the unit to the LOW = 500 mw power setting.

Would you say qrz.com is publishing illegal modifications for the Icom IC-W32A/E?


kc0iv

that's fine as long as those durned truck drivahs stay off the 10 meter band

[
Ray didnt write that , I did

[RadioRay]

SIMPLE. The modification of a radio is NOT illegal, THAT'S why. AS LONG AS IT IS USED ACCORDING TO THE RULES OF THE SERVICE IT IS INTENDED TO BE USED IN. USING a modified amateur set to TRANSMIT on FRS is against the law. By ANYBODY! Yet anytime a radio set is modified, it enables transmit on ALL frequencies in its range. It is the OPERATOR'S responsibility to see that it is operated according to the rules of the intended service. These include US Government, military, FEMA, SHARES, MARS and USAF Auxiliary (CAP). FCC has NO authority in such cases and you may Google "NTIA" to learn what this agency does and how it "trumps" FCC. Just because a radio is modified, it doesn't mean it is going to be used illegally, and it is NOT illegal to mod it. The difference in the alleged "10 Meter" radios and the amateur radios is, the '10 Meter' radios are listed on FCC's Office of Technology page specifically by name as being illegal to SELL, and they are illegal to use on CB, or on the ham bands without license.

I see no inconsistency in the law as it sits. If a person operates a radio outside the rules of any service, then he should be subject to the penalties that apply--ham or CBer.

I NEVER said it was OK to operate an Amateur set on FRS--or any band without license or authority. It just happens that it is NOT illegal to modify an amateur radio. You may NOT use it on FRS. It has N E V E R been legal to use an Amateur set on civilian frequencies. You are attempting to put words in my mouth that I never uttered. I do NOT condone illegal operations of any kind and that goes for CB and ham.


RR

[kc0iv]

SIMPLE. The modification of a radio is NOT illegal, THAT'S why. AS LONG AS IT IS USED ACCORDING TO THE RULES OF THE SERVICE IT IS INTENDED TO BE USED IN. USING a modified amateur set to TRANSMIT on FRS is against the law. By ANYBODY! Yet anytime a radio set is modified, it enables transmit on ALL frequencies in its range. It is the OPERATOR'S responsibility to see that it is operated according to the rules of the intended service. These include US Government, military, FEMA, SHARES, MARS and USAF Auxiliary (CAP). FCC has NO authority in such cases and you may Google "NTIA" to learn what this agency does and how it "trumps" FCC. Just because a radio is modified, it doesn't mean it is going to be used illegally, and it is NOT illegal to mod it. The difference in the alleged "10 Meter" radios and the amateur radios is, the '10 Meter' radios are listed on FCC's Office of Technology page specifically by name as being illegal to SELL, and they are illegal to use on CB, or on the ham bands without license.

I see no inconsistency in the law as it sits. If a person operates a radio outside the rules of any service, then he should be subject to the penalties that apply--ham or CBer.

I NEVER said it was OK to operate an Amateur set on FRS--or any band without license or authority. It just happens that it is NOT illegal to modify an amateur radio. You may NOT use it on FRS. It has N E V E R been legal to use an Amateur set on civilian frequencies. You are attempting to put words in my mouth that I never uttered. I do NOT condone illegal operations of any kind and that goes for CB and ham.


RR

I'm sorry RR I got lost in the all the quotes. I apologize for the error.

I still think it degrades "Ham Radio" for a national publication to publish a know illegal operation. And not only publish the how-to but the go on and tell them to make sure they operate at a reduced power.

Again I apologize.

kc0iv

[RadioRay]

But wouldn't you agree that this is a matter of perception? I can see how it might look illegal, particularly from the standpoint of someone who might be looking for some moral equivilency. IOW, hmmm, let me see. *I'M* doing something that I WANT to be legal, but it isn't so I have to find someway to equalize the operations of those who ARE legal in order to find a level plane!

But the fact is, those modifications shown on QRZ are not illegal in and of themselves, and are intended to help those who DO have a legitimate need for operations outside of amateur radio. The KEY is usage, and so long as the radio is used (and the mods are done correctly) in the service in which it is intended with authorization (such as MARS) there is no foul.

I don't doubt there are hams that make mods with ill intent, transmit outside the amateur bands without authorization, and do "bad" things. *I* don't! Yes, my radio IS modified (GASP!)...................but! It is used in NTIA-authorized services and outside FCC's jurisdiction. It is NTIA that would "smack" me (actually USAF Freq/mgt) if I weren't in compliance with the parent agency with whom I operate. Those hams that DO misbehave, I want caught! Those who run bootleg CB shops and sell "10 Meter" radios, I want fined and revoked! ME, I think too much of my license to make mischief.


73

RR

[Fredog]

SIMPLE. The modification of a radio is NOT illegal, THAT'S why. AS LONG AS IT IS USED ACCORDING TO THE RULES OF THE SERVICE IT IS INTENDED TO BE USED IN. USING a modified amateur set to TRANSMIT on FRS is against the law. By ANYBODY! Yet anytime a radio set is modified, it enables transmit on ALL frequencies in its range. It is the OPERATOR'S responsibility to see that it is operated according to the rules of the intended service. These include US Government, military, FEMA, SHARES, MARS and USAF Auxiliary (CAP). FCC has NO authority in such cases and you may Google "NTIA" to learn what this agency does and how it "trumps" FCC. Just because a radio is modified, it doesn't mean it is going to be used illegally, and it is NOT illegal to mod it. The difference in the alleged "10 Meter" radios and the amateur radios is, the '10 Meter' radios are listed on FCC's Office of Technology page specifically by name as being illegal to SELL, and they are illegal to use on CB, or on the ham bands without license.

I see no inconsistency in the law as it sits. If a person operates a radio outside the rules of any service, then he should be subject to the penalties that apply--ham or CBer.

I NEVER said it was OK to operate an Amateur set on FRS--or any band without license or authority. It just happens that it is NOT illegal to modify an amateur radio. You may NOT use it on FRS. It has N E V E R been legal to use an Amateur set on civilian frequencies. You are attempting to put words in my mouth that I never uttered. I do NOT condone illegal operations of any kind and that goes for CB and ham.


RR

I'm sorry RR I got lost in the all the quotes. I apologize for the error.

I still think it degrades "Ham Radio" for a national publication to publish a know illegal operation. And not only publish the how-to but the go on and tell them to make sure they operate at a reduced power.

Again I apologize.

kc0iv

[kc0iv]

But wouldn't you agree that this is a matter of perception? I can see how it might look illegal, particularly from the standpoint of someone who might be looking for some moral equivilency. IOW, hmmm, let me see. *I'M* doing something that I WANT to be legal, but it isn't so I have to find someway to equalize the operations of those who ARE legal in order to find a level plane!

But the fact is, those modifications shown on QRZ are not illegal in and of themselves, and are intended to help those who DO have a legitimate need for operations outside of amateur radio. The KEY is usage, and so long as the radio is used (and the mods are done correctly) in the service in which it is intended with authorization (such as MARS) there is no foul.

I don't doubt there are hams that make mods with ill intent, transmit outside the amateur bands without authorization, and do "bad" things. *I* don't! Yes, my radio IS modified (GASP!)...................but! It is used in NTIA-authorized services and outside FCC's jurisdiction. It is NTIA that would "smack" me (actually USAF Freq/mgt) if I weren't in compliance with the parent agency with whom I operate. Those hams that DO misbehave, I want caught! Those who run bootleg CB shops and sell "10 Meter" radios, I want fined and revoked! ME, I think too much of my license to make mischief.


73

RR

Yes I agree it is a matter of perception. And the perception is in fact QRZ have gave instructions for illegal operation. Would you not agree the proper instruction for this mod would have been " The operation of the equipment in the FRS Band is illegal." But instead of giving this type of warning the author does just the opposite. He/she makes this warning. " If TXing on the FRS Band, make sure you set the unit to the LOW = 500 mw power setting." The author clearly know it is illegal to operate this radio on the FRS Band or he/she would not have said to limit it's power to 500 mw. As I showed before -- Only FCC certified units FRS unit can be used on this band.

You seem to have missed the point QRZ gave instructions on how to operate the mod of illegal use as I just showed.

I would hope you will also agree there are no DoD stations that operate on the FRS frequencies (462.5625 - 467.7125 Mhz).

I'm not looking for moral equivalence. I don't own and illegal radios. Nor have I ever owned any illegal radios. And I don't condone the operations of any illegal radio. In the same light I don't run around claiming the high road when I see and hear all the illegal operation being on the the "ham" bands. I could write more citations in one night on 75 meters than those CBers that use the 10 meter band illegally in a year. I might add many of these "hams" have been licensed longer than I have and I've been licensed since 1958. And while I'm on a roll check-out all those on 20 meters running power way above the legal limit.

You seem to be on a one man team trying to clean-up illegal operations on 10 meters but look the other way at all the illegal operations within the "ham" bands.

Even if you won't accept it the FCCs are not going to do much about illegal operations on 10 meters. They simply don't have the manpower to clean up the job. Sure you can list a few sales companies that have been fined, some with pretty good fines, but it hasn't slowed the sales. It's no problem to do a google search where you can find bunches of dealers that advertise these illegal radios. If the FCCs had the manpower I'd think they would go after these advertiser.

What I have seen in relationship to your posting. You have done more harm than good as far as getting truckers to not use these radios. But to each their own.

kc0iv

[RadioRay]

But then what should we do; pat them on the back and ignore their operations on 10M? If somebody doesn't say SOMETHING, how will they know that it is against the law? You know that the prevailing
CB myth is of a "freeband" that is there for the taking. Nevermind that these frequencies are still ASSIGNED--many of them are assigned to NTIA-governed agencies. *I* operate several of these frequencies with USAF authorization. It shouldn't matter if the agencies there assigned NEVER used them; they STILL belong to them! Same as if you bought a John Deere mower and put it in your shed and NEVER used it! Does that, then, make it OK for someone to borrow your mower without your permission? What if YOU want to use the mower and it isn't there? Theft is theft, but that is the logic the CBers use when they filch frequencies they call "channels" they think are "free" for the taking simply because they want to! Same thing with the 10 meter thing. That area, as we both know, belongs by licensure to the Amateur Service. Period and END! Ideally, yes, the people who filch there ought to be forced to forfeit their very homes, AFAIAC! :evil: But that isn't up to me. I do disagree that FCC is not going to do "much" about the 10 Meter issue. Mr. Robert Darling, Field Engineer, FCC Dallas, TX has told me quite a bit of the things, AND the legal maneuvering that is occurring (214-575-6361 if you are interested) and WHY it is taking a long time to really make a dent in it. They HAVE to act because they know that if they FAIL to do so, this thing will continue until it moves OFF 10 Meters onto 12, then 17, and 20 Meters----and the Connex and Galaxy types are just filthy enough to provide the means for people to go there! You'd have to talk to Mr Darling to understand why it is taking so long. But from his words, I believe that there IS hope!!!

RR

[Fredog]

But then what should we do; pat them on the back and ignore their operations on 10M? If somebody doesn't say SOMETHING, how will they know that it is against the law? You know that the prevailing
CB myth is of a "freeband" that is there for the taking. Nevermind that these frequencies are still ASSIGNED--many of them are assigned to NTIA-governed agencies. *I* operate several of these frequencies with USAF authorization. It shouldn't matter if the agencies there assigned NEVER used them; they STILL belong to them! Same as if you bought a John Deere mower and put it in your shed and NEVER used it! Does that, then, make it OK for someone to borrow your mower without your permission? What if YOU want to use the mower and it isn't there? Theft is theft, but that is the logic the CBers use when they filch frequencies they call "channels" they think are "free" for the taking simply because they want to! Same thing with the 10 meter thing. That area, as we both know, belongs by licensure to the Amateur Service. Period and END! Ideally, yes, the people who filch there ought to be forced to forfeit their very homes, AFAIAC! :evil: But that isn't up to me. I do disagree that FCC is not going to do "much" about the 10 Meter issue. Mr. Robert Darling, Field Engineer, FCC Dallas, TX has told me quite a bit of the things, AND the legal maneuvering that is occurring (214-575-6361 if you are interested) and WHY it is taking a long time to really make a dent in it. They HAVE to act because they know that if they FAIL to do so, this thing will continue until it moves OFF 10 Meters onto 12, then 17, and 20 Meters----and the Connex and Galaxy types are just filthy enough to provide the means for people to go there! You'd have to talk to Mr Darling to understand why it is taking so long. But from his words, I believe that there IS hope!!!

RR

I think somebody needs a nap

[kc0iv]

RR while I am sure the Field Engineers would like to do more. The plain fact is the simple do not have the manpower to find, locate, and do the testing it requires.

How many illegal CBer have been fined in the last two years? Maybe 10 or less. While the amount of $125,000 sounds like a lot of money it really doesn't amount to much for amount of time invested. As a comparison look at what the FCCs accepted for the "PAYOLA" VIOLATIONS see ( http://www.fcc.gov/eb/News_Releases/DOC-272304A1.html ) $12.5 million. Which one do you think the FCCs are going look at $125,000 or $12.5 million? How much do you think Pilot lost in sales, maybe .0001% or less.

As a "ham" and I was talking about this he said, and I agree, until the attitude of these illegal operators is change nothing will be done. Token actions on the part of the FCCs. Write a few letters and hope something will happen. It goes back to the middle '60s the FCCs lost control of the actions of the CBers. So what was the actions of the FCCs. They did away with the CB licenses. Now that is what I call cracking down.

As a side note. They are doing the very same thing with "ham" radio.

What do you think Darling or any other person at the FCCs is going to say? Proof is in the pudding. Passed history has shown the FCCs don't do much when it comes to CB.

kc0iv

are you guys f'ing serious??? i run a 10 meter with a kicker...when needed. however i stay on the 40 channels? am i wrong in doing so? and is it reallyworth arguing about?

[Kurbski]

Can somebody tell me where to order my RR coke bottle glasses and pocket protector with handy dandy cut and paste FCC regulations ?

[Hat Rak]

Can somebody tell me where to order my RR coke bottle glasses and pocket protector with handy dandy cut and paste FCC regulations ?

Right here!! http://www.arrl.org/catalog/lm/

Seriously though, ham radio is not about being a dork, nor is CB radio about being a trucker. There just happens to be a quite a few dorks on HAM and quite a few truckers on CB. There also happens to be a few dorky truckers out there on CB and HAM while there can be some dorks truckin' spools of solder in their pockets, further worrying their neighbors thinking they're the next prospective unibomber-ok I'll stop talking about me.

The reason why this thread is going in great length is because HAM radio does have a very serious side to it, including providing emergency communications to agencies in times of crisis (Hurricane Katrina, Greensburg, KS tornado earlier this year, 9/11, list goes on); it is very easy to get yourself involved in helping out in times of need, or just enjoying the myriad of different things you can do with ham radio that's way more fun and challenging than CB will ever be. However, when uninformed parties cause malicious interference, perhaps even unknowningly doing so, they are potentially throwing a wrench in the spokes, and surely enough you'll see ole coke bottle glasses knocking on your door step with a 14" x 8.5" document explaining how much your wallet is going to implode in emperical units of measurement, aka dollar signs, if you follow suit and fool around in 10 meter where you shouldn't.

Fact is, the FCC has BPL, Google, and ARRL to contend with at the moment. In my eyes, they don't care about CBers making their finals glow cherry red, but if the Amateur Auxilliary files a complaint, they'll sign the papers, no doubt. If you have a big radio, doesn't matter what frequency you use, if it's not type accepted, you will always run the risk of losing it to the Commissioner.

[Kurbski]

Hat Rak wrote: The reason why this thread is going in great length is because HAM radio does have a very serious side to it

Your absolutley right. RACES or radio amateur civil emerg services are an asset to any emergency communication center when power grids are down, towers are horizontal and people need help. Actually after the initial shock, there are so many mobile comm trailers w small towers /generators now the they are usually up and running pretty quickly in our country. I just thought it was pretty darn funny the way RR goes about makin fun of dum ole trukers and then attempts to slam a bunch of shared, cut, pasted regs down their throats. The replies are very entertaining to say the least..... I almost stained my favorite chair.
gey fox....this is red squirrel.... Im over here behind this bush bustin billy big rig...over

[RadioRay]

And the wagons get circled auickly and the blinders installed as well as, instead of taking it as the information it is intended, the group only sees what they WANT to see. IOW, somebody is making "fun" of truckers when actually the intent is to try to make people see that what they are doing is WRONG---the same as if RR just walked in their house, helped themselves to a drumstick and a beer, then made himself comfortable in Mr. Driver's favorite easy chair. That is, after all, what people that buy and use illegal radios are doing: stealing something from those who EARNED the privilege of using a valuable asset (radio frequencies). True, you can't see 'em, taste 'em, or smell 'em, but these radio assets have value, are EARNED by following the law, and are USED by hams who voluteer to train in radio procedures, traffic handling, and emergency services. OTH, the presence of unlicensed operators is unnecessary, creates harmful interference to legitimate radio services, and interferes with the lawful use of same by the RIGHTFUL assignees. There are 40 CB "channels" in a LEGAL, approved CB radio, most of whom go BEGGING while a group of OUTLAWS use the excuse that those 40 channels are "crowded", so it "justifies" their unlawful THEFT of frequencies so they can jabber needlessly on top of those who EARNED the privilege of using these assets! It justifies NOTHING! For those that feel that anyone is "mocking" truckers as whole, now, really, put the shoe on the other foot: If a group of people (who just happen to be drivers) were encroaching on your rights, property, privileges, or taking something from YOU that you EARNED by following the law, are you REALLY going to try to tell me that you wouldn't be ticked off? If you found somebody kicked back in your house, eating your dinner, drinking up the cold beer YOU bought, reared back in your easy chair, you're gonna just say, "Howdy friend, just h'ep yourself"? HA! When pigs fly!!! Why, you'd call the law, draw your gun, or forcibly eject the intruder
from your house! WELL?????????????????

And when you go read www.qrz.com, you'll find a bunch of hams raising HELL over the 10 Meter issue. HOW can you blame 'em? And, yeah, some of them are making fun of CBers, but when you stop and think about it, WHAT is causing them to fuss? It isn't "truckers" as a whole, it is really the presence of people on the 10 Meter band that do not belong there!!!!! IF they WEREN'T filching 10 Meters, you'd not HEAR any ridicule; they wouldn't CARE what the 11 Meter folks were doing---so long as they aren't bothering THEM! :sad:

Finally, just remember, YOU are lumping all into a group, too, with "coke-bottle" glasses, and "dorks", so what makes YOU different? :wink: Remember: when you go to the truck stop and buy a CB, buy a "big coil" antenna---even get your radio repaired (sometimes illegally if you run "extree channels"), it is probably a HAM that BUILT that radio, repaired it, MADE that antenna that you BOUGHT because, without that "dorky" ham (and many of them AREN'T dorks, BTW), you wouldn't BE talkin' on a radio to start with.

While you are driving down the road listening to "Hotel California" or "Flatbed Ford slowing down to take a look at me" by the Eagles, I am sure that Joe Walsh would be highly offended to know you think HE is a "dork"! :shock: Ya see, HE is a ham and can BUILD, REPAIR and RUN most any kind of radio equipment out there; his favorites being COLLINS equipment, of which he has loads--& it includes that junk you have in your truck that YOU prolly think is hot stuff! You'd be surprised to know how many famous, well-educated, well-heeled people ARE licensed hams, and I am certain they don't wear "coke-bottle glasses". I'm sure Priscilla Pressley doesn't!!!!!!!!!

RR

[Kurbski]

Say goodnight RR. It's past your bedtime.