MARS MOD

[Lauri-CoyoteFrostbite]

This topic is another hot Third Rail in ham radio.... the modification and/or possession of a amateur radio to transmit outside the ham bands. One doesn't have to look far to see the still smoldering remains of the last time it was brought up. ie:
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"Interpretation of FCC Part 97 Emergency Distress Operations Rules "
(RR forum: Amateur Radio Discussion, ca. 9/2016)

I just want to remind people that there are US radio hams that can transmit perfectly legal on some non-ham band frequencies-- using their modified equipment, and using their ham callsigns-- in one word (or in this case - set of numbers) ............. "5167.5Khz"..........and now I'll exit Stage Right before the Groundlings start throwing tomatoes and dead rats......
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Lauri

 

[cmjonesinc]

I think I'm a bit far outside of Alaska to use that one haha. Edit: Glad to see you're back Lauri, always a joy.

 

[Lauri-CoyoteFrostbite]

Thank you CM... !
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Its me, "CF"- I had to delete my account about 6 mo. ago during a career change-- but I'm here now- the same old Smart A** Coyote....smiles....

 

[Golay]

I value your opinion

This topic is another hot Third Rail in ham radio.... the modification and/or possession of a amateur radio to transmit outside the ham bands. One doesn't have to look far to see the still smoldering remains of the last time it was brought up.
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Lauri

Here's how I feel. If someone post a query asking "How do I mod my Acme Model 123 ham transceiver so I can talk on my fire/work/Cert/whatever frequency?", I think if you know what the modifications are, tell them.

And I think if someone don't know what modifications need to be done, just scroll on. I just don't feel a query like that should be followed by a dozen "It's Illegal, It's Immoral, You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" replies.

Your thoughts. Lauri.

 

[AK9R]

And I think if someone don't know what modifications need to be done, just scroll on. I just don't feel a query like that should be followed by a dozen "It's Illegal, It's Immoral, You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" replies.

Your thoughts. Lauri.

That's a topic for the Tavern.

 

[techman210]

This is nothing particularly new. Back in the 1970's there were plenty of VFO rigs manufactured by reputable ham companies like Yaesu/Swan/Collins etc that had an open extra xtal slot that would allow operation on a segment outside of the supplied bands.

 

[Lauri-CoyoteFrostbite]

I appreciate that you'd consider my opinion worthy, Golay, but here I really don't have one. The last time I engaged in this discussion it ended up getting quite ugly... there were people questioning each other's planets of origin, the legitimacy of their births, comments about their mothers, etc. etc...... you get my drift.... No, I really want nothing to do with that again !
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If anyone wants to re-live, investigate, whatever- this topic, I'd suggest re-reading the 2016 exploration of the subject and then drawing your own conclusions. Don't touch that 3rd rail.
Personally I think the people that have post'd to this MARS question already have said all that needs to be... If anyone wants to pursue it further, they should, as W9BU (so much as) says
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............ "take it out back to the alley !........this is a decent joint....."
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Lauri

 

[majoco]

Here's my 10c worth, or it might only be 2c...

the OP asked...

I was looking at the Icom 7300 on GigiParts website and the offer a mod service. GigaParts MARS Mod Level 5. Looks like it opens up more channels.

What are these channels? Why arent the available without mod?

Anyone can posses the equipment to transmit out of band but as soon as you press the PTT button..... then the manure hits the circulatory system. Everyone "assumed" (careful) that he wanted to transmit on the MARS frequencies - but perhaps he only wanted to listen. It's not difficult to find the MARS frequencies and you can buy plenty of general coverage VHF receivers and scanners to cover them - is it illegal to listen? If it is, then I've been guilty of listening to all sorts of things - it's not a crime to listen (well, here it's not) but what is a crime is to pass on or use any information that you obtain - or even to tell any third party that you heard something. (Which is something that I find strange that in the US you are allowed re-broadcast the emergency services and other transmissions.)

This is not opinion, this is fact - The Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony Acts, 1949 to 1967, the Telegraph and Telephone Regulations, Geneva 1973 and revised by the World Administrative Radio Conference, Geneva 1974. This is administered through the International Telecommunications Union and the FCC in the US and dependancies extends this legislation. In the UK it's called the "Secrecy of Correspondence Act" which goes right back to 1884.

As CF says - " I think the people that have post'd to this MARS question already have said all that needs to be... If anyone wants to pursue it further, they should, as W9BU (so much as) says "

 

[n5ims]

Everyone "assumed" (careful) that he wanted to transmit on the MARS frequencies - but perhaps he only wanted to listen.

If he only wanted to listen than no modification is necessary. The 7300 is capable of receiving from 0.030–74.800 MHz out of the box without any modifications of any kind. Well, that range is not their guaranteed range, but the modification will not change the receive range one bit. Now as was indicated earlier in this thread, one possible advantage might be the ability to use the built-in antenna tuner on non-ham frequencies, but since that was already discusses, my current comment only addresses the "wanting to listen" topic.

IC-7300 HF/50MHz TRANSCEIVER - Specifications - Icom America

Frequency coverage
RX 0.030–74.800**
TX 1.800–1.999, 3.500–3.999, 5.255–5.405*, 7.000–7.300, 10.100–10.150, 14.000–14.350, 18.068–18.168, 21.000–21.450, 24.890–24.990, 28.000–29.700, 50.000–54.000

* Some frequency bands are not guaranteed.
** Guaranteed range: 0.500–29.999, 50.000–54.000MHz.

 

[BloodandRoses]

What is wrong with having a modded ham rig? Just curios because I have one very seldom even turn it on..

 

[nd5y]

What is wrong with having a modded ham rig?

Nothing as long as:
You don't use it to transmit of frequencies you are not licensed for or are not authorized to use.
If you are authorized, you don't use it to transmit on frequencies or radio services that require FCC certified equipment.

 

[BloodandRoses]

I just stay on ssb on the freeband channels.... as in 11 meters

 

[prcguy]

But you need a mod to cover that.

I just stay on ssb on the freeband channels.... as in 11 meters

 

[AK9R]

Folks, the OP asked a very specific question about getting an Icom IC-7300 with a MARS mod. And, the OP got his answer a couple months ago.

If you want to talk about "freebanding" or modifying amateur radio gear for "freebanding", this is not the place.

Thread closed.