Category Archives: Announcements

FCC & ARRL Remind hams to not use their radios in a way inconsistent with rules

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Following the insurrection at the Capitol, the FCC has made it clear that use of any RF communication device (including FRS, GMRS, Ham, etc.) in facilitation of a crime will result in additional charges.  No doubt none of our members need such a reminder, but just in case…

FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY

DA 21-73

Released:  January 17, 2021

WARNING:  AMATEUR AND PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES LICENSEES AND OPERATORS MAY NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT TO COMMIT OR FACILITATE CRIMINAL ACTS

The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission issues this Enforcement Advisory to remind licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, as well as licensees and operators in the Personal Radio Services, that the Commission prohibits the use of radios in those services to commit or facilitate criminal acts.

The Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain radio services regulated by the Commission may be an alternative to social media platforms for groups to communicate and coordinate future activities.  The Bureau recognizes that these services can be used for a wide range of permitted purposes, including speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit or facilitate crimes.

Specifically, the Bureau reminds amateur licensees that they are prohibited from transmitting “communications intended to facilitate a criminal act” or “messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.” 47 CFR § 97.113(a)(4).

Likewise, individuals operating radios in the Personal Radio Services, a category that includes Citizens Band radios, Family Radio Service walkie-talkies, and General Mobile Radio Service, are prohibited from using those radios “in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State or local law.” 47 CFR § 95.333(a).

Individuals using radios in the Amateur or Personal Radio Services in this manner may be subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. 47 U.S.C. §§ 401, 501, 503, 510.

Media inquiries should be directed to 202-418-0500 or MediaRelations@fcc.gov.

To file a complaint with the FCC, visit https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.  To report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office or the FBI.

To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).

Issued by:  Chief, Enforcement Bureau

NCRC Meeting Monday Jan 11 at 7 PM

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Happy New Year everyone!

We have a full agenda for Monday January 11th at 7 PM.  You should expect to receive your invitation via email in the next couple of days.  Please let us know if you do NOT receive an invitation.

Following the business meeting, Mary KC1NEB, will give a presentation on the Boeing 737Max MCAS System

Repeater Repair Fundraiser

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By this point, members should have received an email asking those that are able to participate in a fundraiser with proceeds going toward the repair of our ailing 145.45 W1SYE repeater. The first $2,500 of donations will be matched by sponsors, potentially doubling your gift.  Any donation amount would be appreciated.

A “Donation” button can be found at the bottom of our “Pay Dues or Donate” tab.  Of course you may also mail checks to:

NEWPORT COUNTY RADIO CLUB
P.O.BOX 3103
Newport, RI 02840

NCRC is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, so your dentations are fully tax deductible.

End of Year Party – Monday Dec 14 @ 7 PM

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The NCRC annual year-end party will be held via ZOOM on December 14th at 7 PM (our usual 2nd Monday meeting time).  Our business meeting will be VERY short, just long enough to vote on 3 new member applicants and update the membership on our ongoing fundraiser for repeater repair. Once that meeting closes, the fun begins.

We will have a review of what was accomplished in 2020 (an significant amount considering the pandemic touched every part of our activities), and a peaceful, non-controversial transition of power to the new leadership team. The party will wrap up with an online treasure hut with prizes (Nice HF antenna, memberships, T-shirts and others) for those that find the most items in their home.

So please plan on joining us Monday at 7 PM.  Silly sweaters or other holiday attire are encouraged, along with liquid libation and meals/snacks per your liking.

GOTA Challenge

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GOTA-C

Newport County Radio Club Get-On-The-air-Challenge

Your club is offering a challenge to all members to get on the air on the high frequency bands. The Challenge will start Jan 1, 2021 and is open to all members. Its primary goal is to encourage newer members and members who have not been on the air regularly to get on the air on the HF bands in SSB/phone mode. A General or Extra license is required.

A certificate will be awarded to anyone making 25 contacts during the challenge. We will also post the QSO counts on the club website. We ask for an email message from participants at the end of each month with a count of the number of HF SSB QSO’s made during that month. One does not need to submit a log.

Help is available for anyone needing assistance with an antenna, an HF radio, with understanding how to make HF contacts, logging software or any other radio issue. The Challenge is intended to be a learning exercise and club veterans are very willing to help participants.

GOTA-C communications will be via email to  gota@w1sye.org  Please send a message indicating your interest in the Challenge. We do not want to bug members who are not interested with unnecessary email messages.

Summary:

1. Send us a message that you are all in for the challenge.

2. Send us a message if you have a question or if would like assistance getting ready.

3. Starting Jan 1, 2021, record your SSB/Phone QSO’s on any HF band. Digital modes, FT4 or 8, and CW do not count. Maximum power is 100 watts.

4. At the end of January, February, and March send an email message with the count of your QSO’s.

At the end of March we will evaluate the challenge, continue it, or modify it depending feedback and experience.

In the coming weeks we will be posting tips on how to easily find a QSO opportunity on the HF bands. For example, how to use the following: Parks-on-the-Air spots, DX Summit web site, Winter Field Day, SSB contests, and more.