ARRL statement on the Purpose of Amateur Radio

[alcahuete]

Honestly, I have a feeling that amateur radio was used at the Capitol that day. You get a bunch of extremists (on both sides of the political spectrum) and probably 85% of them are the whacker-prepper "when all else fails" nutjobs, and this is their opportunity to dust off their Baofengs and see how they work in actual real world scenarios.

That said, was amateur radio used in the actual commission of a crime? I don't know. It's certainly not illegal to use amateur radio at a peaceful protest, or while walking/marching around in D.C. So unless the FCC and/or ARRL actually present evidence of amateur radio being used in the commission of crimes, both groups simply look like a bunch of idiots, and we have ourselves a big, fat nothingburger to munch on. Put up or shut up, FCC!

 

[AK9R]

If someone has a link to the original article that claims that ham radio was used in the Capital riots (I tried to find it, with no success), it might be entertaining to go "upstream" on that.

About 1:08 into this ABC New report: Video: Inauguration security concern

 

[KB2GOM]

The plot dilutes . . .

This AM, I spoke with a friend who is a commercial radio professional and whose job brings him into regular contact with law enforcement personnel.

Apparently there was a 7-page “sensitive” Homeland Security memo that looked at, among other things, use of radios in the recent incident at the Capital. Examination of the footage shows that Baofang (or other similar Chinese) radios were used. However, they were apparently set on MURS frequencies.

So the report by ABC News was technically correct: ham radios (that is, the kind of radios that could be used by hams) were used, but they were apparently not on ham radio spectrum. It’s a bit like saying that a fellow driving a HumVee is driving a military vehicle. Yes, it is a vehicle that could be used by the military, but he is not patrolling Bagdad, but instead is trundling west on I-88.

 

[bill4long]

Examination of the footage shows that Baofang (or other similar Chinese) radios were used. However, they were apparently set on MURS frequencies. So the report by ABC News was technically correct: ham radios (that is, the kind of radios that could be used by hams) were used, but they were apparently not on ham radio spectrum.

Good point. Except I will add this: if a given radio does not satisfy 97.307(e) then it is not even legal for ham radio. It would be technically incorrect to call it a ham radio. A lot of cheap CCRs don't satisfy 97.307(e). So it's plausible that no "ham radios" were used at the D.C. incident. No way to know unless we put all the radios on a scope. Take for example this UV-5R:

 

[cmdrwill]

if a given radio does not satisfy 97.307(e) then it is not even legal for ham radio. It would be technically incorrect to call it a ham radio

Exactly, NOT a HAM Radio.

 

[KB2GOM]

Good point. Except I will add this: if a given radio does not satisfy 97.307(e) then it is not even legal for ham radio. It would be technically incorrect to call it a ham radio. A lot of cheap CCRs don't satisfy 97.307(e). So it's plausible that no "ham radios" were used at the D.C. incident. No way to know unless we put all the radios on a scope. Take for example this UV-5R:

I stand corrected. Thanks!

 

[n1das]

It strikes me that a little critical thinking might come in handy here.

If someone has a link to the original article that claims that ham radio was used in the Capital riots (I tried to find it, with no success), it might be entertaining to go "upstream" on that.

For example:

- How do they know that ham radio was used?
- Was it just ham radio equipment or were ham frequencies used?
- Was a repeater used?
- What, exactly, was heard or intercepted?
- If the source of the claim that "ham radio was used" was another person (an interview, perhaps), it would be good to ask that person the same questions, etc.

Let's not just accept the bald-faced assertion that ham radio was used without some evidence. And, if it turns out that there is scant evidence, then it might be good to remind ARRL that their job is, in part, to defend amateur radio. If there is solid evidence that ham radio was used, it might suggest ways that we, fellow hams, might "come against" such activity.

Just a thought.

These are all good thoughts.

Apparently there was a 7-page “sensitive” Homeland Security memo that looked at, among other things, use of radios in the recent incident at the Capital. Examination of the footage shows that Baofang (or other similar Chinese) radios were used. However, they were apparently set on MURS frequencies.

Not surprised at all. I have spotted Baofeng UV-5R CCRs in use by employees at Walmart* a couple of times. I'm always on the lookout for CCRs being used wherever I go. The local Chick-Fil-A near me uses Arcshell/Graeval/BF-888S CCRs on the factory default freqs.

You have to understand, the 'news media' doesn't know the difference between HAM radio, CB, FRS, GMRS, MURS, etc. To them its all HAM radio.

THIS! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The problem is the average non-ham buying the Baofeng UV-5Rs and other CCRs doesn't know the difference either. The Baofeng UV-5R is probably a best seller on Amazon right now.

We all need to be vigilant and regularly scan the default CCR freqs and search the 2m and 70cm ham bands to monitor for illegal activity. I normally scan the GMRS/FRS and MURS freqs in my travels. I think I'll add the CCR default freqs from the RR Wiki to to my scanner to have them handy for whenever I spot CCRs in use. I often catch them with the Close Call feature in my BC396xt.

Having a portable spectrum analyzer or SDR type solution would be good to have when near protests or large gatherings to quickly see what's transmitting from there.

 

[bill4long]

I stand corrected. Thanks!

Not correcting you, per se, but the lame-stream new media who report on things they have little knowledge about.

Given that the typical UV-5R is not legal on any service in the USA, it's wonderous how they're allowed to be imported at all. It's possible there is no law or regulation that prevents it. Especially given that they can be used as receivers only, which is legal.

Of course, hams are allowed to use non-conforming transmitters if they put low pass filters on them to suppress the harmonics to a legal level. I wonder how many hams do that with non-conforming CCRs.

 

[bill4long]

Having a portable spectrum analyzer or SDR type solution would be good to have when near protests or large gatherings to quickly see what's transmitting from there.

SDRplay receivers have a nice spectrum scope app available that's free. The SDR is $109 and you can do exactly what you're suggesting. I've done it many times in various situations. Here's some links:

RSP1A - SDRplay

The RSP1A has been discontinued. Production ended in 2023. It has been superceded by the newer metal-case RSP1B which can be found here: RSP1B - SDRplayoooOOOoooThe RSP1A covers the complete radio spectrum from 1kHz (VLF) to 2GHz (Microwaves) with up to a massive 10MHz visible bandwidth and the...

www.sdrplay.com

Spectrum Analyser - SDRplay

May 25th 2024 Update: Steve Andrew developed his popular Windows Spectrum Analyser software specifically for the RSP line of products. Steve has his own website from where you can download the latest Spectrum Analyser (V1.21). This includes upgrades to the software introduced in April and now...

www.sdrplay.com

 

[n1das]

SDRplay receivers have a nice spectrum scope app available that's free. The SDR is $109 and you can do exactly what you're suggesting. I've done it many times in various situations. Here's some links:

RSP1A - SDRplay

The RSP1A has been discontinued. Production ended in 2023. It has been superceded by the newer metal-case RSP1B which can be found here: RSP1B - SDRplayoooOOOoooThe RSP1A covers the complete radio spectrum from 1kHz (VLF) to 2GHz (Microwaves) with up to a massive 10MHz visible bandwidth and the...

www.sdrplay.com

Spectrum Analyser - SDRplay

May 25th 2024 Update: Steve Andrew developed his popular Windows Spectrum Analyser software specifically for the RSP line of products. Steve has his own website from where you can download the latest Spectrum Analyser (V1.21). This includes upgrades to the software introduced in April and now...

www.sdrplay.com

Nice! I think I'm gonna get me one!

 

[TRGNM]

My Uniden BC125AT that I take with me to Air Shows has a handy, "Close Call" function. As most of you know Close Call will detect and provide information about nearby radio transmissions. I'm sure other scanner manufactures have similar features.

 

[n1das]

My Uniden BC125AT that I take with me to Air Shows has a handy, "Close Call" function. As most of you know Close Call will detect and provide information about nearby radio transmissions. I'm sure other scanner manufactures have similar features.

I use the CC feature in my Uniden BC396xt when I'm in close range of CCRs spotted in use. It requires a 500uV (0.5 mV) or stronger signal at the antenna connector to trigger a CC hit. The CC feature works when in very close range of a signal source but won't work when a little farther out. That's where the RSP1A and spectrum analyzer software would be more useful. There also may be many signals of interest and that's where it helps to have a spectrum analyzer type display to see everything transmitting around you.

 

[WX4JCW]

im probably guessing Fines and confiscation are the least of those perpetrators worries at the moment

 

[WX4JCW]

and this is how all this crap happens, an uneducated media starts spouting off about something they don't know about, pretty soon anyone with a callsign license plate is a target

 

[n1das]

and this is how all this crap happens, an uneducated media starts spouting off about something they don't know about, pretty soon anyone with a callsign license plate is a target

I had this same concern too. We may see a spike in thefts of radios from vehicles with a callsign license plate and porcupined with antennas. Carrying a handheld radio with you might also make you a target if not being carried for obvious uses like LE and Fire/EMS. Don't leave your handheld radios in vehicles. I have a programming password and a power-on password enabled on all of my commercial radios to help guard against unauthorized use and render them useless to a thief.

 

[bill4long]

im probably guessing Fines and confiscation are the least of those perpetrators worries at the moment

No doubt. Unless someone is using illegal radios in a predictable manner and location, how would they ever get caught?

 

[bill4long]

Nice! I think I'm gonna get me one!

Actually, now that I think about it, you don't need to use the spectrum analyzer program because the normal SDR receiver software displays a band scope as well. And with that you can click on a signal and start listening (usually in FM.) (There are programs that decode DMR, P25, etc., as well.) So there's really no reason to use the spectrum analyzer software for that particular use.

A lot of people use this: (And it's free.)

HDSDR - Screenshots

 

[TRGNM]

Carrying a handheld radio with you might also make you a target

I recommend keeping your HT on the left side. And a compact 45 on the right or concealed. Reverse if you are left handed.

 

[JerryX]

We all need to be vigilant and regularly scan the default CCR freqs

Why do "we all" need to regularly need to scan the default CCR frequencies? Why, as a ham, should I give a damn about people abusing frequencies outside the ham bands?

 

[k6cpo]

It strikes me that a little critical thinking might come in handy here.

If someone has a link to the original article that claims that ham radio was used in the Capital riots (I tried to find it, with no success), it might be entertaining to go "upstream" on that.

For example:

- How do they know that ham radio was used?
- Was it just ham radio equipment or were ham frequencies used?
- Was a repeater used?
- What, exactly, was heard or intercepted?
- If the source of the claim that "ham radio was used" was another person (an interview, perhaps), it would be good to ask that person the same questions, etc.

Let's not just accept the bald-faced assertion that ham radio was used without some evidence. And, if it turns out that there is scant evidence, then it might be good to remind ARRL that their job is, in part, to defend amateur radio. If there is solid evidence that ham radio was used, it might suggest ways that we, fellow hams, might "come against" such activity.

Just a thought.

I read —in another forum—that the people who stormed the Capitol used the Zello cell phone app for coordination. Not even close to ham radio...