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

W1SYE Repeater Back On The Air

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Dave W2DAN, Kelly K1GKW, and Willy W1LY went to the repeater site on January 3rd.  With the availability of a service monitor, it was determined that one of the duplexer “cans” had failed, which has damaged the repeater amplifier.  Both the duplexer and repeater will be shipped out for repair.  In the mean time, the original GE MASTRII repeater and old set of duplexers was serviced and put back on the air.  We plan on keeping the GE as a backup in the event of future difficulty.

Its nice to hear the “Little man in the box” IDing again.

Get On The Air Challenge

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Those of you who have been joining our monthly Zoom meetings know that we have a Get On The Air Challenge underway for at least the first quarter of 2021. The objective is to work as many SSB contacts as possible on the HF bands.  All you need to do to participate is to keep count of your HF SSB contacts and report them at the end of each month (just the count, no details on the QSO required).  If there is enough interest, we will extend the challenge throughout the year.  There will be prizes awarded in the form of certificates and bragging rights.  Email your results (or questions) to gota@w1sye.org

Also, so you can be kept advised of the goings on for the GOTA Challenge, please email gota@w1sye.org to let the folks know you are participating.

It goes without saying that Parks On The Air SSB contacts count as well, so you can operate as a Hunter or Activator and get credit for both POTA and GOTA.

Have a safe and happy 2021, and hope to hear you all on the air soon.