HamShield for Arduino (VHF/UHF transceiver)
Turn your Arduino into a powerful radio transceiver!
HamShield lets your Arduino talk to far away people and things using powerful amateur radio bands! Best of all, the hardware and software is open source!
With the power of Arduino, you can use the HamShield to build and invent amazing things in minutes!
Here are some examples, right out of our sketch toolbox:
Packet Radio
Long range mesh networks
Emergency communication networks
High altitude ballooning
Talk to repeaters
Tracking devices (APRS)
Interface the HamShield to your computer!
Beacons
Weather stations
Repeaters
Remote controlled robots
Automated satellite tracking and reception
Weather satellites
Scanning police, fire, business, FRS, GMRS, and MURS frequencies
Logging and recording radio traffic
Touchscreen handhelds
Bulletin board systems
New inventions!
Showing posts with label Amateur Radio Explained. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amateur Radio Explained. Show all posts
HOW DOES AN FM TRANSCEIVER WORK?
Take a look at this FM transmitter diagram:
The process is relatively straightforward:
1) The microphone takes the voice in.
2) This voice signal goes into an audio processor in order to create an input signal.
3) The input signal is combined with a carrier frequency that is generated by the voltage controlled oscillator (V.C.O.).
4) The result is a signal that carries our information but is not sufficiently powerful enough to be transmitted up through an antenna. The signal is amplified through two different stages:
5) The exciter stage amplifies the signal power up one level of output.
6) The power amplifier drives it up to another power output level, now sufficient for the transmitter’s antenna.
See video
The process is relatively straightforward:
1) The microphone takes the voice in.
2) This voice signal goes into an audio processor in order to create an input signal.
3) The input signal is combined with a carrier frequency that is generated by the voltage controlled oscillator (V.C.O.).
4) The result is a signal that carries our information but is not sufficiently powerful enough to be transmitted up through an antenna. The signal is amplified through two different stages:
5) The exciter stage amplifies the signal power up one level of output.
6) The power amplifier drives it up to another power output level, now sufficient for the transmitter’s antenna.
See video
Tallest buildings in Canada
Tallest buildings in Canada
This list of tallest buildings in Toronto ranks skyscrapers in the Canadian city of Toronto, Ontario by height. The tallest structure in Toronto is the CN Tower, which rises 553 metres (1,814 ft).[1]
The CN Tower was the tallest free-standing structure on land from 1975 until 2007. However, it is not generally considered a high-rise building as it does not have successive floors that can be occupied. The tallest habitable building in the city is First Canadian Place, which rises 298 metres (978 ft) tall in Toronto's Financial District and was completed in 1975.
It also stands as the tallest building in Canada.[2]
The history of skyscrapers in Toronto began in 1894 with the construction of the Beard Building, which is often regarded as the first skyscraper in the city.[3] Toronto went through its first building boom in the late 1920s and early 1930s, during which the number of high-rise buildings in the city vastly increased. After this period, there was a great lull in construction between 1932 and 1964 with only a single building above 91.5 metres (300 ft) tall being built.
This list of tallest buildings in Toronto ranks skyscrapers in the Canadian city of Toronto, Ontario by height. The tallest structure in Toronto is the CN Tower, which rises 553 metres (1,814 ft).[1]
The CN Tower was the tallest free-standing structure on land from 1975 until 2007. However, it is not generally considered a high-rise building as it does not have successive floors that can be occupied. The tallest habitable building in the city is First Canadian Place, which rises 298 metres (978 ft) tall in Toronto's Financial District and was completed in 1975.
TYT MD-2017
New dual band DMR digital radio coming from TYT
TYT has created quite a stir a few years ago, when his iconic MD-380 DMR radio entered the market. Came The MD-390, waterproof, submersible digital radio with GPS. Now the company is going to make waves again, starting with the upcoming MD-2017 Dual Band DMR Digital Radio!
Details are still unclear, but TYT released several specifications on this new handheld. Key features TYT MD-2017
TYT has created quite a stir a few years ago, when his iconic MD-380 DMR radio entered the market. Came The MD-390, waterproof, submersible digital radio with GPS. Now the company is going to make waves again, starting with the upcoming MD-2017 Dual Band DMR Digital Radio!
Details are still unclear, but TYT released several specifications on this new handheld. Key features TYT MD-2017
dual band
dual display
dual standby
is in accordance with ETSI TS 102 360-1, -2, -3
uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Compatible with MOTOTRBO Tier 1 and II
GPS capable
Lone function worker
encryption features
analogue and digital modes
One call, group call and all call
Remote kill / Stun / Activate
IP67 waterproof.
firmware upgrade
dual standby
is in accordance with ETSI TS 102 360-1, -2, -3
uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Compatible with MOTOTRBO Tier 1 and II
GPS capable
Lone function worker
encryption features
analogue and digital modes
One call, group call and all call
Remote kill / Stun / Activate
IP67 waterproof.
firmware upgrade
CQ CQ CQ. Anybody around - Do NOT Call CQ on Repeaters
Do NOT Call CQ on Repeaters
How to find active repeaters?
Hams have been complaining about lack of activity on repeaters for well over a decade. Way back in 2003 I created a cover of a magazine I was editing (the SERA Repeater Journal) that spoofed the ARRL's Now You're Talking license manual by changing the title to Now You're Missing. See the art for this episode if it shows up in your podcast feed. I also wrote an editorial about the phenomenon in that issue.
E
How to find active repeaters?
I've found quite a few repeaters in my area but most of them dont really have activity. One has a "Traffic report" at 8:30, and another is cw and some data. But none of them seem to be really active.
Hams have been complaining about lack of activity on repeaters for well over a decade. Way back in 2003 I created a cover of a magazine I was editing (the SERA Repeater Journal) that spoofed the ARRL's Now You're Talking license manual by changing the title to Now You're Missing. See the art for this episode if it shows up in your podcast feed. I also wrote an editorial about the phenomenon in that issue.
E
LED light bulbs cause RFI - Marijuana grow lights are causing static for ham radio operators
LED light bulbs cause RFI - Marijuana grow lights are causing static for ham radio operators
AUGUSTA - Retired Coast Guard officer Roger Johnson sometimes notices a harsh buzz when he turns on his amateur radio, and he blames high-powered lighting used to grow pot.
Amateur radio operators say the legalization of marijuana is creating a chronic nuisance thanks to interference caused by electrical ballasts that regulate indoor lamps used to grow pot. The American Radio Relay League wants the Federal Communications Commission to take a stand against devices that give off much more interference than federal law allows in homes.
Ham radio operators generally say they don't have a problem with pot but worry amateur growers may not be aware that cheap ballasts can have phony FCC-compliance stickers. The operators point out they serve as backup communication during emergencies - but concede it's unlikely any lighting devices would still be on if the power goes out.
Lifelong ham radio operator and expert tinkerer Tom Thompson looks at a representation of radio waves on his computer in his basement, where he operates a ham radio and other devices, in Boulder, Colo. Associated Press/Brennan Linsley
Johnson, one of the radio league's 166,000 members, said he worries interference will only become a bigger inconvenience in years to come in Maine, which recently legalized growing up to six flowering marijuana plants, 12 immature plants and unlimited seedlings.
When he recently heard suspicious noisy static, Johnson said, he drove up and down side streets with a spectrum analyzer hooked up to his laptop to determine the source, which turned out to be a licensed grower a mile away who said he had no idea he was causing a disturbance.
COOL RECEPTION FROM FCC
"My prediction is that as more and more states legalize marijuana, the number of growers is going to increase exponentially and overwhelm the FCC's ability to regulate it," he said.
The American Radio Relay League has filed four complaints with the FCC and said it hasn't heard back, and says complaints concerning alleged interference continue to trickle in, particularly in Colorado and California. Cultivation of recreational marijuana is also now legal in Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Alaska, Washington state and the District of Columbia.
AUGUSTA - Retired Coast Guard officer Roger Johnson sometimes notices a harsh buzz when he turns on his amateur radio, and he blames high-powered lighting used to grow pot.
Amateur radio operators say the legalization of marijuana is creating a chronic nuisance thanks to interference caused by electrical ballasts that regulate indoor lamps used to grow pot. The American Radio Relay League wants the Federal Communications Commission to take a stand against devices that give off much more interference than federal law allows in homes.
Ham radio operators generally say they don't have a problem with pot but worry amateur growers may not be aware that cheap ballasts can have phony FCC-compliance stickers. The operators point out they serve as backup communication during emergencies - but concede it's unlikely any lighting devices would still be on if the power goes out.
Lifelong ham radio operator and expert tinkerer Tom Thompson looks at a representation of radio waves on his computer in his basement, where he operates a ham radio and other devices, in Boulder, Colo. Associated Press/Brennan Linsley
Johnson, one of the radio league's 166,000 members, said he worries interference will only become a bigger inconvenience in years to come in Maine, which recently legalized growing up to six flowering marijuana plants, 12 immature plants and unlimited seedlings.
When he recently heard suspicious noisy static, Johnson said, he drove up and down side streets with a spectrum analyzer hooked up to his laptop to determine the source, which turned out to be a licensed grower a mile away who said he had no idea he was causing a disturbance.
COOL RECEPTION FROM FCC
"My prediction is that as more and more states legalize marijuana, the number of growers is going to increase exponentially and overwhelm the FCC's ability to regulate it," he said.
The American Radio Relay League has filed four complaints with the FCC and said it hasn't heard back, and says complaints concerning alleged interference continue to trickle in, particularly in Colorado and California. Cultivation of recreational marijuana is also now legal in Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Alaska, Washington state and the District of Columbia.
LED light bulbs cause RFI
Last week I purchased 3 two packs of FEIT BR30 LED bulbs from Costco. I was really happy with them at first, very bright, instant on - not like the florescent bulbs they replaced. However, over the last few days I have become aware that I can not listen to our weather radio, an FM radio, or HF radio with these bulbs on. They totally block out the wx radio, they produce a lot of noise on FM radio, and they increase the noise level on 14m by 5 S units. I am therefore taking these back to Costco for credit. I have also contacted FEIT Electric about this and await a reply. They need to do a much better job of engineering the power supply circuitry so they do NOT cause this harmful interference with radio communications.
BTW, I also tried installing ferret core snap on filters to the power leads in the can lighting, but it had no affect on the noise. .
BTW, I also tried installing ferret core snap on filters to the power leads in the can lighting, but it had no affect on the noise. .
DMR Plus North America - DMR-MARC and DMR Plus partnership
DMR Plus is the original network that developed tools to interconnect Hytera and Motorola repeaters. It has been popular in Europe for years but now, with the cooperation of DMR-MARC, it has finally arrived in North America and the South Pacific. The DMR Plus architecture is similar to D-Star. Users have talkgroups to converse, to disconnect, and to monitor channel status. Users choose from a large pool of reflectors and move back to the converse talkgroup for all QSOs.
The DMR-MARC and DMR Plus partnership is ideal. The DMR-MARC network is robust and reliable. The DMR Plus network is more aligned with experimentation and interoperability of technologies. Think of DMR Plus as the best possible implementation of the former DMR-MARC Sandbox.
DMR Plus also supports a configuration that features the traditional DMR-MARC talkgroups like Worldwide English, North America, Latin America, etc. on TS1 and the DMR-Plus reflectors on TS2. The USA Regional talkgroups and the Canadian Provincial talkgroups are now connected to the TS2 reflectors.
DMR Plus supports connectivity via the DV4mini USB hotspot and the DVMEGA add-on board for the Raspberry Pi. DMR Plus also features MMDVM connectivity. Be sure to visit the Contact Us link at the top of the page and join either Traditional DMR-MARC or DMR Plus North America. You asked for more control over your repeaters and now you have it!
DMR Plus also supports a configuration that features the traditional DMR-MARC talkgroups like Worldwide English, North America, Latin America, etc. on TS1 and the DMR-Plus reflectors on TS2. The USA Regional talkgroups and the Canadian Provincial talkgroups are now connected to the TS2 reflectors.
DMR Plus supports connectivity via the DV4mini USB hotspot and the DVMEGA add-on board for the Raspberry Pi. DMR Plus also features MMDVM connectivity. Be sure to visit the Contact Us link at the top of the page and join either Traditional DMR-MARC or DMR Plus North America. You asked for more control over your repeaters and now you have it!
Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) EXPLAINED
Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) EXPLAINED
Despite the growth of the Internet, ham radio is still a popular hobby. How does it work, and how is it still relevant in the digital era?
Despite the growth of the Internet, ham radio is still a popular hobby. How does it work, and how is it still relevant in the digital era?
Amateur Radio a hobby for the 21st century [ Amateur Radio Explained Promotion Guide ]
Amateur Radio Explained Promotion Guide
Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.
Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the country license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands." These bands are radio frequencies allocated by the country for use by ham radio operators.
Link here to share : bit.ly/HamEXPLAINED
How do I get an amateur radio license
Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.
Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the country license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands." These bands are radio frequencies allocated by the country for use by ham radio operators.
Link here to share : bit.ly/HamEXPLAINED
How do I get an amateur radio license
Looking for VHF/UHF HT recommendations
While I'm saving up for/learning to build my own HF base station I'd like to get a hand transceiver. The only problem is, there are so many options I have no idea where to begin.
What I'm looking for is:
- Dual-band 2m and 440. There are repeaters locally that support both.
- Digital support. My local club has d-star support built into their repeaters, and a few members use it. I was looking at an Icom ID-51a but if their are other or better options (not necessarily D-star mind you) I'd like to hear them.
- Priced between $250-500. I'm not really interested in Baofeng or the other Chinese brands. I've seen a few and messed with them. They're kinda tacky and definitely show their pricing in their build quality.
I've also looked at a few Yaesu models but I don't remember the specifics of them.
LED Lights In The Shack | Amateur HAM Radio
LED Lights In The Shack Utilitech Pro Soft White LED Bulb
A recent posting by Phil, KO6BB, to Yahoo Group's ndblist, described his recent search for some LED lamps to replace the CFL's in his shack / radio workbench area. If you have been wondering how much RFI that LED lamps might be producing, you may find Phil's findings of some value.
"Recap
I had a 60W equivalent CFL in the floor lamp directly over my operating position. I'd tried a 100W equiv one but it was extremely noisy! Also a couple CFLs in the ceiling lamp.
This is a floor lamp with a crookneck at the top and a triangular metal shade reminiscent of the old style desk lamps, bulb is horiz to the floor. I've used it for years and like it because it places the light directly over the operating position work area (keyboard, radios etc). The actual bulb was about 4.5 inches from the front of the Softrock SDR receiver (in a plastic case), with the base of the lamp (where the electronics are) about 7.5 inches (somebody asked about the distances).
A recent posting by Phil, KO6BB, to Yahoo Group's ndblist, described his recent search for some LED lamps to replace the CFL's in his shack / radio workbench area. If you have been wondering how much RFI that LED lamps might be producing, you may find Phil's findings of some value.
"Recap
I had a 60W equivalent CFL in the floor lamp directly over my operating position. I'd tried a 100W equiv one but it was extremely noisy! Also a couple CFLs in the ceiling lamp.
This is a floor lamp with a crookneck at the top and a triangular metal shade reminiscent of the old style desk lamps, bulb is horiz to the floor. I've used it for years and like it because it places the light directly over the operating position work area (keyboard, radios etc). The actual bulb was about 4.5 inches from the front of the Softrock SDR receiver (in a plastic case), with the base of the lamp (where the electronics are) about 7.5 inches (somebody asked about the distances).
Amateur Radio Guide
Amateur Radio Buying Guide
Amateur radio communication has been an interesting and very informative means of communicating for a very long time. For getting the maximum output from this radio, you need to make sure you are following proper installation practices. An Amateur Radio license should be with you when carrying out operations. A thorough knowledge of Amateur radio operations is very useful for making the most potential when using these devices. By doing so, you will grow your list of contacts locally and internationally.
If you want to enjoy all the benefits of your Amateur radio, you need to learn about all the features that you that are available to you. There are plenty of options for Amateur radio enthusiasts in the market nowadays. We recommend you stay updated with the famous brands that deal in selling the best products. Pay attention to where you can find these products at the best prices. Of course, you should understand how you can make your operations most efficient and worthwhile. For keeping pace with the dynamics of the modern world, you must also have sound knowledge about the frequency types, types of licenses you can have, parts of an Amateur radio system and the potential advantages of using an Amateur Radio.
Discover Amateur Radio
Having an Amateur radio at home or in your vehicle can be a very fun-filled activity. You can chat with anyone sitting anywhere in the world using this system in no time. People from all age groups can use this facility and make most out of the efforts they put into this device. Below is a list of the types of Amateur radios that you can bring home, details about their operating frequencies and an overview of the components found in these systems.
Types of Amateur Radios
Amateur radios are available in three categories: handheld, mobile, and base station. Below are the brief descriptions of each one of them:
Amateur radio communication has been an interesting and very informative means of communicating for a very long time. For getting the maximum output from this radio, you need to make sure you are following proper installation practices. An Amateur Radio license should be with you when carrying out operations. A thorough knowledge of Amateur radio operations is very useful for making the most potential when using these devices. By doing so, you will grow your list of contacts locally and internationally.
If you want to enjoy all the benefits of your Amateur radio, you need to learn about all the features that you that are available to you. There are plenty of options for Amateur radio enthusiasts in the market nowadays. We recommend you stay updated with the famous brands that deal in selling the best products. Pay attention to where you can find these products at the best prices. Of course, you should understand how you can make your operations most efficient and worthwhile. For keeping pace with the dynamics of the modern world, you must also have sound knowledge about the frequency types, types of licenses you can have, parts of an Amateur radio system and the potential advantages of using an Amateur Radio.
Discover Amateur Radio
Having an Amateur radio at home or in your vehicle can be a very fun-filled activity. You can chat with anyone sitting anywhere in the world using this system in no time. People from all age groups can use this facility and make most out of the efforts they put into this device. Below is a list of the types of Amateur radios that you can bring home, details about their operating frequencies and an overview of the components found in these systems.
Types of Amateur Radios
Amateur radios are available in three categories: handheld, mobile, and base station. Below are the brief descriptions of each one of them:
Compare DMR : DMR-MARC or DMRPLus
For anyone that is interested in getting connected to either DMR-MARC or DMRPLus North American networks, below is a comparison between the two that can help users decide which network is best for them.
| Motorola repeater support |  | |
| Hytera repeater support | | |
| Homebrew MMDVM repeater support | | |
| DV4mini hotspot support |
2017 Canada's 150th Birthday. Operators in Canada are allowed
Please note that next year is Canada's 150th Birthday. Operators in Canada are allowed (all year) in 2017 to operate with a special event prefix, that is, every Canadian amateur radio station may be a special event station automatically and with no paperwork.
(I'm just spreading the world early as last time we had special event prefixes, I didn't hear many at all besides myself using them on the air and no one seemed to know about it)
As listed on the Industry Canada site (linked below):
VA can become CF
VE can become CG
VO can become CH
VY can become CI
Any operator with a callsign starting with "VA", for example, may operate their callsign with "CF" instead. For example, VA3RAC could operate as CF3RAC, VE3RAC could operate as CG3RAC, etc.
All of the awards I've played with so far (DXCC, WAS, CQ WPX, WAZ, Counties, etc) all accept different callsigns in a submission as long as it's the same operator/QTH
PSA: Industry Canada permits hams to remove address from online database
IC permits hams to request that their address not be posted in the online databases, Of course, you still have to give them your mailing address and keep it
updated, and redacting a current address will still leave it mirrored
across other sites on the Internet).
callsign application has had a "do not publish" checkbox for years.
New and Old Regulations and Policies
I am moving. What are my obligations to Industry Canada and the Amateur Radio Service Centre (ARSC)?
When you are moving to a new address within the same province notify the ARSC by requesting a "change of amateur address" which can be found on the Amateurs and Clubs page. If you are moving out of province and will no longer be retaining an address in the province of your call sign, request a "change of amateur province" which can be found on the Amateurs and Clubs page.
callsign application has had a "do not publish" checkbox for years.
New and Old Regulations and Policies
I am moving. What are my obligations to Industry Canada and the Amateur Radio Service Centre (ARSC)?
When you are moving to a new address within the same province notify the ARSC by requesting a "change of amateur address" which can be found on the Amateurs and Clubs page. If you are moving out of province and will no longer be retaining an address in the province of your call sign, request a "change of amateur province" which can be found on the Amateurs and Clubs page.
Canada 150: Special Event Prefixes for Canada’s Sesquicentennial
As previously announced at the Dayton Hamvention, Radio Amateurs
of Canada has secured permission for all Canadian Radio Amateurs to use
special call sign prefixes to celebrate the 150th anniversary of
Canada's Confederation.
National, regional and local events will take place throughout 2017 to celebrate the anniversary and Canadian Amateurs will let their counterparts around the world know of our celebration by using the following special prefixes:
For more information on Canada150 visit http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1342792785740
National, regional and local events will take place throughout 2017 to celebrate the anniversary and Canadian Amateurs will let their counterparts around the world know of our celebration by using the following special prefixes:
- Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VA will be able to use the CF prefix instead of VA (for example, VA3RAC will be authorized to use the CF3RAC call sign).
- Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VE will be able to use the CG prefix instead of VE (e.g., VE4RAC will be authorized to use CG4RAC).
- Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VO will be able to use the CH prefix instead of VO (e.g., VO1RAC will be authorized to use CH1RAC).
- Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VY will be able to use the CI prefix instead of VY (e.g., VY2RAC will be authorized to use CI2RAC).
For more information on Canada150 visit http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1342792785740
Ham Radio Deluxe released a statement
Ham Radio Deluxe released a statement
I want to make a statement of apology on behalf of HRD Software.
We regret that we have been unable to maintain our high standards of quality in our service to one of our customers. I have reached out to this customer to correct this regrettable situation. I am looking forward to speaking with him.
We apologize for what has happened here. I have stepped in and personally taken corrective actions to ensure that this mistake does not get made again.
It is not the policy or practice of HRD Software, LLC to retaliate, in any way, when negative reviews are made about our company, its products, or our employees. If this has happened in the past, I'm sorry. It won't happen again. We will strive to avoid, even the suspicion of, such things in the future.
Repeater owner / operator liability exposure
Repeater owner / operator liability exposure
With the painful and expensive lessons learned, it seems the litigants in the NCPRN kerfuffle have settled
In the matter of Kenneth Bryant v. NCPRN, Scott Whitaker and Wade Hampton, Jr., this issue has been resolved. We regret this matter occurred and acknowledge that it could have been handled better, and regret some of the unfortunate public comments made pertaining to this litigation and to Mr. Bryant. It is in the best interests of Amateur Radio that this matter be resolved without further litigation.
With the painful and expensive lessons learned, it seems the litigants in the NCPRN kerfuffle have settled
In the matter of Kenneth Bryant v. NCPRN, Scott Whitaker and Wade Hampton, Jr., this issue has been resolved. We regret this matter occurred and acknowledge that it could have been handled better, and regret some of the unfortunate public comments made pertaining to this litigation and to Mr. Bryant. It is in the best interests of Amateur Radio that this matter be resolved without further litigation.
Network privileges for Kenneth Bryant are restored.
The parties ask the community not to discuss this matter further.
Of course the greater community must talk about this case as it highlights the exposure repeater system operators have concerning liabilities resulting from actions that cause defamation per se, injury, or other harm to a person's reputation, etc. Just because you have the federal legal authority to ban someone on your repeater does NOT immunize you from liability if it was done for illegal or injurious purposes... even if incidental or accidental. To think otherwise is reckless.
To all repeater operators thinking the FCC rules shield them from all things, consider the following scenarios:
Ban repeater user for causing interference? No problem so long as you amass "and archive" sufficient evidence.
Ban repeater user for being black (or female, or Hispanic, etc.)? You will be sued out of existence and rightfully so.
Ban repeater user for "unsubstantiated" poor/illicit conduct causing defamation per se? You might be sued and rightfully so.
The parties ask the community not to discuss this matter further.
Of course the greater community must talk about this case as it highlights the exposure repeater system operators have concerning liabilities resulting from actions that cause defamation per se, injury, or other harm to a person's reputation, etc. Just because you have the federal legal authority to ban someone on your repeater does NOT immunize you from liability if it was done for illegal or injurious purposes... even if incidental or accidental. To think otherwise is reckless.
To all repeater operators thinking the FCC rules shield them from all things, consider the following scenarios:
Ban repeater user for causing interference? No problem so long as you amass "and archive" sufficient evidence.
Ban repeater user for being black (or female, or Hispanic, etc.)? You will be sued out of existence and rightfully so.
Ban repeater user for "unsubstantiated" poor/illicit conduct causing defamation per se? You might be sued and rightfully so.
Could LED Street Lights Drown Out Ham Radio Signals
Could LED Street Lights Drown Out Ham Radio Signals
When he decided to become a ham radio operator, Charles Dillenbeck, of Bristol Township, went all out for his new hobby.
He purchased the Cadillac of radios - an $8,000 model that allows him to chat for a few hours every night with amateur radio enthusiasts around the world. Five antennae surround his house.
Then one night this spring, the static he normally heard on different frequencies became much louder, so loud he could barely hear the the people with whom he was chatting.
"I can get rid of the noise (by turning down the volume), but then I wouldn't hear anything at all," he explained.
A few days later, as Dillenbeck - a Navy veteran and retired commercial heating and refrigeration engineer - stared out a window in his home trying to figure out the problem, the street light came on. Immediately, the static started again. Was it the light, he wondered.
It turns out Bristol Township installed a new LED fixture in the light in front of his house as part of its plan to replace incandescent street lights with cost-saving LED bulbs.
"The old lights didn't interfere at all," Dillenbeck said. He talked with another ham radio enthusiast who lives in the township who also had the same problem. He used a "noise finder" piece of equipment to test other street lights. The same static occurred, he said.
When he decided to become a ham radio operator, Charles Dillenbeck, of Bristol Township, went all out for his new hobby.
He purchased the Cadillac of radios - an $8,000 model that allows him to chat for a few hours every night with amateur radio enthusiasts around the world. Five antennae surround his house.
Then one night this spring, the static he normally heard on different frequencies became much louder, so loud he could barely hear the the people with whom he was chatting.
"I can get rid of the noise (by turning down the volume), but then I wouldn't hear anything at all," he explained.
A few days later, as Dillenbeck - a Navy veteran and retired commercial heating and refrigeration engineer - stared out a window in his home trying to figure out the problem, the street light came on. Immediately, the static started again. Was it the light, he wondered.
It turns out Bristol Township installed a new LED fixture in the light in front of his house as part of its plan to replace incandescent street lights with cost-saving LED bulbs.
"The old lights didn't interfere at all," Dillenbeck said. He talked with another ham radio enthusiast who lives in the township who also had the same problem. He used a "noise finder" piece of equipment to test other street lights. The same static occurred, he said.