It was just before noon when I heard two people talking simplex on the output frequency of a local repeater. It is a repeater I helped to coordinate and install for a local club. The conversation they were having, as well as the cursing, made it clear they were not licensed amateurs. My scanner displayed the PL tone they were using. Still, I listened for a bit to see if I could discern further details about their location, and to see if it would stop just as quickly as it started. It got worse.
It was a male and female arguing and it was clear they knew each other. At this point I stepped in and asked them for a name and call sign. After not receiving an answer I advised that an amateur radio license was needed to talk on the particular frequency. No reply. I then advised that they may want to change frequencies to FRS Family Radio Service where it is licensed by rule. No reply. I signed off with my call.
About five minutes later the male got on and asked me my name. I told him my name and callsign. I asked him if he had an amateur radio license, or if someone with him there had one and what their name and callsign were. No reply. I then re-stated the point that they could instead use the FRS frequencies, but the frequency he was using is for licensed amateur radio operators. He then replied and apologized for using the frequency. I then said no problem and told him to have fun.
You see, the male was probably around six years of age. The girl was more than likely his younger sister around 4. I surely did not want to ruin their radio fun. I also wanted to prevent some jerky curmudgeon being a poor amateur radio ambassador to them.
It was a male and female arguing and it was clear they knew each other. At this point I stepped in and asked them for a name and call sign. After not receiving an answer I advised that an amateur radio license was needed to talk on the particular frequency. No reply. I then advised that they may want to change frequencies to FRS Family Radio Service where it is licensed by rule. No reply. I signed off with my call.
About five minutes later the male got on and asked me my name. I told him my name and callsign. I asked him if he had an amateur radio license, or if someone with him there had one and what their name and callsign were. No reply. I then re-stated the point that they could instead use the FRS frequencies, but the frequency he was using is for licensed amateur radio operators. He then replied and apologized for using the frequency. I then said no problem and told him to have fun.
You see, the male was probably around six years of age. The girl was more than likely his younger sister around 4. I surely did not want to ruin their radio fun. I also wanted to prevent some jerky curmudgeon being a poor amateur radio ambassador to them.