Explicit ham radio trolling session caught on tape

[edmscan]

As a ham for over 20 years i have to say that Amateur Radio is becoming a big big joke.

Like the moment they took away the morse code requirement we were destined to fail. Like any yahoo can get a license now.

It is just too easy to get a license now ... not something that you had to work at for months and months.

[newsphotog]

Sorry to anyone that isn't surprised to hear this. Around these parts, it is highly, very highly unusual to hear such a conversation. I was surprised to hear that this kind of junk actually happens on a regular basis. It's so great (sarcasm) that people in the area just let this happen regularly. People are becoming complacent with this type of activity, and that's pretty sad. I absolutely do not consider myself a "radio cop" or a "radio nazi" or a wanna-be official observer, but I'm still astounded.

Originally Posted by Drafin

Just listened to about an hour of audio from the live feed. There's no need for me to get a ham license if it's like all like that. Heck all they have over CB is distance you can talk or listen.

Wow....just wow.

Draf

Indeed. I listened to it a bit this morning and it didn't take even a minute to hear profane language. Now I have been listening to it for about half an hour, starting at 5:30 PM PDT during their rush hour. It went from profane to what the FCC has ruled as obscene language very quickly.

Originally Posted by edmscan

Like the moment they took away the morse code requirement we were destined to fail. Like any yahoo can get a license now.

It is just too easy to get a license now ... not something that you had to work at for months and months.

Sooo... ham radio wasn't destined to fail with the declining number of licensees as operators go silent keys?

Who says today's new hams aren't interested in morse code? I read something a while ago that there has actually been an increase in CW DX competition entries. Morse code is far from dead. The only difference now is that it's optional.

I am a "no-code ham" and I take offense to your comment. Thanks for lumping me in with the "yahoos." Thanks for telling me that because people like me, who don't know code or aren't HF'ers that we are contributing to the downfall of amateur radio and turning it into a "big, big joke." I'm sorry that we can't all be as great as you. That's sure what it looked like when you made your comments.

It's unfortunate that a dozen or so hams in California reflect so badly upon our hobby. But don't lump us all in with them. Same thing with some old hams' attitudes towards "no-code hams." The attitude that "this isn't radio" and that we have nothing to bring to the table and ham radio is doomed. No wonder why many prospective hams run away screaming from the hobby when they try to find an elmer. This attitude needs to stop right now. We should be helping people who obviously want to embrace amateur radio, not just shrugging our shoulders at them. Don't judge them by what they're interested in. We were all attracted into amateur radio for various reasons, and very few of us came into amateur radio with malicious intent.

[Budog]

Sound like a couple of CB Radio losers and scum bags to me. I really hope the Ham Radio community doesn't begin to lower itself to the level the CB Radio morons have reached...

BTW: I am a "No Code Ham" with no interest or intent on learning Morse Code. But that does not make any less of a Ham Radio community member and it by no means lowers me to the level of lowness of these two trolls. I also am offended by the garbage smack talking about the newer no code Ham Radio Operators. I do my utmost best to operate within the FCC laws and regulations and in the best interest of the Ham Radio community as a whole. I would also like to challenge some of the old salty dogs to get of their shack stool and go out and do anywhere near the community and public service I do with their radio as I do mine.

Budog.

[Budog]

Originally Posted by edmscan

As a ham for over 20 years i have to say that Amateur Radio is becoming a big big joke.

Like the moment they took away the morse code requirement we were destined to fail. Like any yahoo can get a license now.

It is just too easy to get a license now ... not something that you had to work at for months and months.

Gee thanks Kevin, we're not worthy, we're not worthy, we're not worthy... Here let me bow down and kiss your feet. If I ran into you before I got interested and then obtained my license I probably would have thought all Hams were elitist snobs and jerks and walked away from the Ham Radio community all together. Fortunately I met people and Elmer's who not only encouraged me and accepted me but did all they could to help my Son and I get our licenses. I hope you aren't as rude and condescending over the radio as you are being behind the keyboard on the internet, if so it is more likely people like you than the "yahoos" who would doom the hobby and lifestyle. JMHO...

Budog.

[reedeb]

Up in NH we had a guy spout off against no-coders on night on a local repeater when he was talking to about 6 of us.. And the funny thing was ALL 6 of us were no-coders.. He said he would never talk to no-coders as he felt they didn't deserve their license. He shut up after one of the guys pointed out we were ALL no-coders. For all those who feel learning CW is the final and end all for beiing a ham I'm also sorry I don't pass YOUR muster. All it really matters were the guys who gave me the test and passed me with flying colors and proud to call them my friends now

[Drafin]

Listened to a little bit more of it this evening through the streaming website they have set up.

Someone who is official with a license ought to report those idiots. All the FCC would have to do is listen whenever anyone is talking and there would be a violation.

I listened a total of 1 minute and 53 seconds (yes, I timed it because I knew ti was coming) before at least 3 of George Carlin's words you cant say on the radio were used repeatedly by different operators for over an hour. I have never heard any language and blocking on the repeaters I monitor around here like they have on that atrocity.

As for morse code, I tried 20 years ago to sit down and study it and I can't get it at all. My brain doesnt work that way. So after about 2 or 3 months of getting more and more frustrated with it I decided ham was not for me. Lately I have been getting the bug to try to get my ham ticket but things like that fiasco on the net is about enough to make me just sit by and be a casual listener. The only good thing I guess is if you run across it in real life on the radio then you can just turn it off.

Draf

[10-95]

Originally Posted by dwh367

I'll bet that statement gives both potential and new licensees a case of the warm fuzzies With all due respect, please keep in mind that the current wave of licensees are only doing what is required of them...just as you did what was required of you when you got your ticket. We have no control over what the criteria is and there's always going to be a bad apple or two in a bushel no matter how carefully one tries to pick them off the tree.

Myself, when I hear a new call sign on the air, I already know I have at least one thing in common with them (an interest in radio communications) and I make it a point to congratulate them and welcome them to the hobby. I hope that one day you will be able to do the same. Seventy-Three.

Yea, and it really gives me the warm and fuzzies when I hear a guy tell another guy how great he sounds and he can't believe they are talking 50 miles on "walkie talkies", only to be amazed at their surprise when someone informs them they are talking through a repeater! A repeater, what's dat?? Real conversation between two newly licensed hams.
My other favorite is "I'm getting you nine bars"! Nine bars, damn, you be walking the dog!
Anyway , if you just got your license and you don't know what a repeater is, than maybe you need to do more than memorize the questions and answers.

[Tommahawk]

The W6NUT Repeater is notorious for this and has been around quite a long time. I love to listen to them because more times than not they are funny as heck. That is their trademark.... Break all the rules and give a IDGAF attitude...........

Don't be offended if you go on their repeater and all of a sudden you are cursed at. Its just the name of the game out there..... They are the exception and not the rule in Amateur Radio....

[zz0468]

Originally Posted by edmscan

As a ham for over 20 years i have to say that Amateur Radio is becoming a big big joke.

As a ham for almost 35 years, I can say that it's no different than it's ever been. It's what you make of it, and who you hang around with the determines the quality of the hobby - just like real life.

Look back in the letters to the editor of QST, circa 1935, and all the complaints about lids and profanity on 75 meters.

Nothing has changed. Get any group of people together and there will be a hand full of idiots making noise - and everyone else complaining how things are getting worse.

Originally Posted by edmscan

Like the moment they took away the morse code requirement we were destined to fail. Like any yahoo can get a license now.

A 5 wpm code test is hardly an indicator of intellectual prowess.

Originally Posted by edmscan

It is just too easy to get a license now ... not something that you had to work at for months and months.

The entry level license has ALWAYS been easy to get. The original Novice test was 20 questions, and a 5 wpm code test. The current entry level exam is 35 questions. How is it easier again?

[Budog]

As I have stated previously I am a new Ham. My Son and I only received our tickets on July 1st of this year. I have a college degree but also struggle with a lifelong learning disability. No matter how hard I ever tried, I couldn't get Morse Code down, just like complex math it short circuits my brain pan an shuts it down... I tried ever since I was a Boy Scout to no avail. Am I making excuses? No, I am just stating the facts. I had wanted to get into Amateur Radio for many years but never did because of the code requirement. Then a friend and neighbor told me how the code requirement was dropped. I started inquiring right here on Radio Reference how to get involved, get my license etc. I met a local man via PM who is my and my Son's Elmer. We had problems affording the study materials and a starter radio even was out of our range and budget. Not only did this awesome man get us a set of the Gordon West Technician study materials and the book Ham Radio For Dummies but also said when we passed our test he would give us each a new HT Dual Band Radio! The day we took and passed our exams, he was there with two brand new Yaesu FT-60R's in the box. Since then We have gotten very involved in our County Radio Club, ARES, RACES etc. I do as many public and community service events as I possibly can, most times having to take a vacation day or two from work to do so. I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman serving with the U.S. Marine Corps and then worked on and ambulance as an EMT II A for 8 years in Los Angeles after that. Service, Pride & Dedication to my fellow man is in my blood and nature. Ham Radio helped me fulfill this in this period of my life. Since then I have started a Ham Radio Group for the residents at the large residential facility for at risk youth where I work as a counselor running a dorm with 68 young men in it. They are preparing to take their FCC License Exam soon! So do not judge a new Ham Operator whether they can click out dits and dots on a key pad. I guess I am fortunate living in an area where we take pride in following the rules as best we can and not using foul language etc. So I feel sorry for you who live in an area that have radio gutter slugs. I have no problem letting my Grandchildren listen to the radio with me here in Utah. And yes I do talk on our clubs repeater regularly. I know what a repeater is, and know I am on one... Am I green behind the ears and have ALLOT of learning to do? That is an absolute astounding and resonating yes! Do I want to and plan to learn and grow in the Ham Radio lifestyle & community? Another yes. So you old salty dogs get off of your high horse and our backs, I for one am already sick of the garbage! I am fortunate that the members of the County Radio Club I belong to accept us and mentor us without their snobbish and elitist conceited megalomaniac attitude and pretense... Just venting and my less than humble opinion.

Budog.

[elk2370bruce]

Originally Posted by edmscan

As a ham for over 20 years i have to say that Amateur Radio is becoming a big big joke.

Like the moment they took away the morse code requirement we were destined to fail. Like any yahoo can get a license now.

It is just too easy to get a license now ... not something that you had to work at for months and months.

Its always interesting to do an FCC lookup on the people who are the worst on-the-air offenders. 14.275 and 3.902 are just the more well-known ones. You will find that these guys have been licensed for decades!
If amateur radio is such a big joke, don't turn the radio on. Let your license lap. Sell your shack contents on e-bay. You can always find those who agree with your parocdhial and self-serving position among the QRZed curmudgeons on their site forums.

According to your posted view, the elimination of code (despite the fact that cw is more active now then in years before) has caused every societal ill - including terminal human flatulence and global warming. Back to the Zed where this view is welcomed.

[magicjellybeans]

Why is it all the old-timers and poops dont like new blood in "their" hobby?I tell ya,isnt it quite boring hearing a bunch of old fuddy-duddies talking about the same old thing day in and day out?Your local repeater?
I think the people with the Problems are the ones who cant enjoy the hobby as it is,they are the ones
whining and keying up on the newbies.If the newbies dont come,you wont have a dam hobby,ya dam fools!
You want scanning and ham radio to die off?!!! Wake up .Less new radios nowadays scare ya enough?
If you dont like the frequency,pick another one.If you dont like the hobby ,take up stamps or something.
I honestly think the old farts and poops out there think they werent young and "special" once for being into a hobby thats considered to be for geeks...Sorry pal,you are still a geek.Hows it go ?Geeks unite...
I mean look at all the iphone lovers....and thats a sucess ,right?

[zz0468]

Originally Posted by magicjellybeans

Why is it all the old-timers and poops dont like new blood in "their" hobby?

I would suggest going back and re-reading MY previous post. I came out essentially stating that the CW test wasn't the be all and end all of indicators on who can and should be a ham.

I've made previous posts in support of no-code hams.

So, no... NOT ALL the old timers dislike new blood in the hobby.

Originally Posted by magicjellybeans

I tell ya,isnt it quite boring hearing a bunch of old fuddy-duddies talking about the same old thing day in and day out?Your local repeater?

If that's what you're listening to, maybe you should listen to a different repeater. Or better still, try a mode that doesn't use repeaters. 2 meter FM is the lowest common denominator in amateur radio.

Originally Posted by magicjellybeans

I think the people with the Problems are the ones who cant enjoy the hobby as it is,they are the ones
whining and keying up on the newbies.If the newbies dont come,you wont have a dam hobby,ya dam fools!

This is true. Which is why most of the old timers I choose to listen to welcome newcomers with open arms.

Originally Posted by magicjellybeans

You want scanning and ham radio to die off?!!! Wake up .Less new radios nowadays scare ya enough?

Really? I've been a ham nearly 35 years. There seems to be more choices of radios now than ever before. When I selected my new HF rig, I looked at a dozen or more choices. There were many more that I didn't look at for various reasons. But the fact remains, there are a bewildering variety or radios out there to chose from - NEW radios.

Originally Posted by magicjellybeans

If you dont like the frequency,pick another one.If you dont like the hobby ,take up stamps or something.

Exactly. There really is something for everyone. You just have to look for it. Just remember, listening to curmudgeons and country bumpkins on a two meter repeater is AS BAD AS IT GETS.

Originally Posted by magicjellybeans

I honestly think the old farts and poops out there think they werent young and "special" once for being into a hobby thats considered to be for geeks...Sorry pal,you are still a geek.Hows it go ?Geeks unite...

Still a geek here... and proud of it.

Never mind the cranks that piss and moan about the lack of CW testing. It is what it is... Personally, I'm a big fan of CW and feel quite comfortable cranking away at 30 wpm, but it's not for everyone. Frankly, I'm quite glad they did away with the requirement. It was keeping a LOT of great people from the hobby.

[BonziBuddy]

Pirate Abuses 462.6750 repeater at 2 in the morning.
YouTube - Pirate Abuses 462.6750 repeater, enrages owner.

[k9rzz]

If you look around then you'll find a group of hams that you find enjoyable and fit in with. FM two meter, DX, CW, home brew, boat anchors ... they're all there. I find it easy enough to ignore the one's I have nothing in common with and there's plenty of spectrum and activities for all of us. Just spin the dial ... it's that easy.

[elk2370bruce]

Every radio has a big knob that can be turned to another frequency or click to pre-programmed repeater pairs. If I don't like what I'm hearing or am uninterested in the topic of discussion on a repeater or occupied hf frequency, , I just turn the big knob. It doesn't take a PhD from MIT. If there is nothing that interests me, there is a nice little switch that satisyingly goes CRICK (I own an ICOM 756 Pro II and Yaesu 7800), and turn the darn thing off. There are plenty of interests in amateur radio that have a diversity of followers to keep everyone happy for years. I'll just hang out out at the low end of 40 and 20 and play cw or PSK or tune upwards for a nice friendly qso somewhere or chase dx. Like any other activity, it takes all kinds of people.

[KK6PD]

You have to live in L.A. to undestand this repeater. Its 147.435. It's like a large slice of reality shoved into a 5kHz bit of voice bandwith. There are users that are on the way far wacko left, crazieson the far obtuse right, theres the output jammer that insists on reading poetry. There are folk that have seved jail time and the rest of us are a lot of normal folk that are thrown into the mix. Think of a big bell curve...simple. I talk there all the time. I am definatly one of the folk in the middle. But hey, it's called "Feedom of Speech" You may not like it, but it's not illegal. In your minds eye you may see that, and I woud not be too far behind you with ageeing to some of it, but the FCC has let it run for over 30+ years. Hey, there are definatly a couple of hams that I really have serious doubts about, but it's a show. Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Just don't forget to wear your helmet!!!
It's why they put 2 failsafe devices in every radio I have ever used. The channel changer knob, and the OFF button. They really come in handy some time!!!
There really should be a Website to ID the cast of characters. It would be like having a Program at the Opera. Ya all really can't make sense with out one!!!

[kd7rto]

Originally Posted by Budog

I guess I am fortunate living in an area where we take pride in following the rules as best we can and not using foul language etc. So I feel sorry for you who live in an area that have radio gutter slugs.

This needs to be considered in perspective. I'm also a California transplant, living in Davis County, Utah. When I lived in the Bay Area, those with looser operating standards would all gather on one repeater. The rest were pretty much G-rated. The occasional unidentified station might try to disrupt, but to say that large metro areas are plagued with crude language and topics, up and down the band, does not accurately reflect what I have observed.

Essentially the same thing can be said of the 75 meter band late at night.

[Drafin]

Originally Posted by KK6PD

But hey, it's called "Feedom of Speech" You may not like it, but it's not illegal.

Actually all speech is not covered under the constitution. Profane or obscene speech on open airwaves is NOT protected. As is dangerous speech (like yelling fire in a crowded theater for instance).

§97.113 Prohibited transmissions.

(a) No amateur station shall transmit:

(1) Communications specifically prohibited elsewhere in this Part;

(2) Communications for hire or for material compensation, direct or indirect, paid or promised, except as otherwise provided in these rules;

(3) Communications in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer. Amateur operators may, however, notify other amateur operators of the availability for sale or trade of apparatus normally used in an amateur station, provided that such activity is not conducted on a regular basis;

(4) Music using a phone emission except as specifically provided elsewhere in this section; communications intended to facilitate a criminal act; messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning, except as otherwise provided herein; obscene or indecent words or language; or false or deceptive messages, signals or identification;

(5) Communications, on a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished alternatively through other radio services.

So it is not legal what they are transmitting. That being said if the FCC is aware of it and not enforcing it then therein lies the problem.

Draf

[KK6PD]

Originally Posted by Drafin

Actually all speech is not covered under the constitution. Profane or obscene speech on open airwaves is NOT protected.

So it is not legal what they are transmitting. That being said if the FCC is aware of it and not enforcing it then therein lies the problem.

Draf

Sadly that just does not wash. In fact there have been several court poceedings against several individuals that basicaly resulted in Not Guilty because Profane and or Obscene could not be defined, much less proven. Whats Pofane or Obscene to you may not be to the next person. Nobody's going anywhere with that rule.
The FCC has indeed done enforcement actions against some folk, WB6JAC Richard Burton sadly now deceased, was a 3 time visitor to Terminal Island for many many months, and one of the BIGGEST JERKS ever to hit the airwaves is currently serving 10 years at least, Jack Gerritson. Now there was a wack job from the get go!!! He figured that WE ALL needed to hear his daily diatribe. He felt the CHP, several police agencys, and where ever else he could transmit, needed to "Hear the Word" according to Jack.

Promises, Promises, Jack, how's Bubba treating you !!!

Things the FCC can prove and nail down, they go after. They won't even begin to waste time with "F" bombs, etc. waste of time and money. I first heard of "435" in 1990 after the Times article by reporter Bob Poole. I switched over to the busiest repeater I ever heard! I just listened for seveal months even before I pickeled the mic. It certainly is not a place for the timid!!!

It just boils down to, "If it morally offends you, don't listen. Otherwise enjoy the show!"