SSB on 30m
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mikepdx
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a VERY quick Google search reveals the answer
(at least the legal question):
WARC bands - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(at least the legal question):
WARC bands - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
It's quite likely these are fishermen (or pirates) using ham gear in the Caribbean or South Atlantic, not necessarily Africa. Possible players include the Cubans, Puerto Ricans or Venezuelans. I wouldn't totally rule out the Columbians either, with their so-called 'fast boats'.
The ham gear would be bought on the grey market but wouldn't last too long with the exposure to a salt air environment.
It's been a problem throughout the spectrum for years. This is the first I've heard of them invading 30m in quite a while...Mike
The ham gear would be bought on the grey market but wouldn't last too long with the exposure to a salt air environment.
It's been a problem throughout the spectrum for years. This is the first I've heard of them invading 30m in quite a while...Mike
I don't think you need a ham license to buy a transceiver. Amateur radio retailers have never asked me to prove that I have a license, and I doubt they bother to look up my call sign to see if I have a valid license before they send the package off to UPS.
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
True but there are other ways to get transceivers besides going to stores like HRO. Grey market sales have been around longer than I have...these guys may be selling gear, for example, that was stolen or otherwise gotten illegally. You may not even pay Customs fees or VAT. There's really no way to tell for sure.
There are several such markets around the world - the one in Tokyo is world-famous. Mike
There are several such markets around the world - the one in Tokyo is world-famous. Mike
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It is what it is, particularly at sea, where band plans and such can often be just a dimly almost remembered suggestion.
Right now, for example, on 10142.5 kHz USB I hear at least three stations talking in SS, obviously they are on the water and fishing. Even if you are one of the folks who can't follow the conversation the sound of the boats motor in the background of one is very clear, and the occasional sound of hydraulics on another.
And it is not unusual for me to hear Chinese in the local morning here in and around 30 meters, interspersed with the Chinese version of ANDVT.
Sometimes I hear such intruders in 17 meters also, and one Russian numbers station has been using a 17 meter freq for years.
T!
Right now, for example, on 10142.5 kHz USB I hear at least three stations talking in SS, obviously they are on the water and fishing. Even if you are one of the folks who can't follow the conversation the sound of the boats motor in the background of one is very clear, and the occasional sound of hydraulics on another.
And it is not unusual for me to hear Chinese in the local morning here in and around 30 meters, interspersed with the Chinese version of ANDVT.
Sometimes I hear such intruders in 17 meters also, and one Russian numbers station has been using a 17 meter freq for years.
T!
Marine HF radios can be opened up easily to operate on amateur frequencies. I have a friend whose main rig is a Yaesu marine HF ssb radio. What hams can do everyone else can do too. I've also heard of trans-oceanic aircraft pilots using their aircraft HF radios on ham bands (they were licensed hams).
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