You are hereNews Letter July 1 2010 - 470 ARG with FCC Items...
News Letter July 1 2010 - 470 ARG with FCC Items...
welcome to this weeks news letter and hope that all are well and staying cool.. Hope that everyones Field Day went well, we had a great time, plenty of food and drinks and had several contacts...
Check Out the TV Link ....
http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/97271189.html
This week in amateur video's/........
How to tune a antenna tuner...
http://www.hamuniverse.com/tuner.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBnnW4perbA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ9HQZ82cOU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u8dW9kTPb0&feature=related
6 Meter World......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDVAIVC_5pk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K5Vj6wtpE0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8QoHjnZnlg&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZYF7oxvu7I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR3MSQw7iZo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNUr0ppzp1M&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxfH-IU3ED0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r33E4-M5gGU&feature=related
Kenwood 520...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S4mKDySqvo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y_ehTBzvy8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV5j3QhagKQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a134Z36r6Zc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVel5vW09JE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNSYJHOtZrM&feature=related
Yaesu 101
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJu0mc7MgG8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0slHAwVv2Z4&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fbCGoY2e_0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PyfG_nf1Rc&feature=related
FT2000
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkD6yxoc4LM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzN6X2BzjD0&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma0DsQ9Ls8c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-aiI8_pZOs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehdtUtDDhgI&feature=related
WX4NHC, VoIP Weather Net and Hurricane Watch Net Activated for Hurricane Alex
TAGS: affected area, amateur radio, atlantic hurricane season, Baffin Bay, echolink, EchoLink conference node, hurricane, hurricane force, hurricane net activation, Hurricane Net Web, hurricane warning, Hurricane Watch Net, IRLP node, latest hurricane advisories, maximum sustained winds, national hurricane center, Northeastern Mexico, Rio Grande, tropical storm, Tropical Storm Alex, tropical storm warning, VoIP Hurricane Net, WX4NHC’s Online Hurricane
06/30/2010
With Tropical Storm Alex now Category 1 Hurricane Alex, three Amateur Radio mainstays during the Atlantic hurricane season -- WX4NHC, VoIP Hurricane Net and Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) -- activated at 8 AM EDT on Wednesday, June 30; WX4NHC is the Amateur Radio station at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida. NHC officials are forecasting that Alex should turn more to the west-northwest or west later on Wednesday, with the storm’s center making landfall in Northeastern Mexico within the hurricane warning area late on Wednesday or early Thursday morning.
As of 10 AM CDT on Wednesday, Hurricane Alex was about 130 miles south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas. Moving approximately 12 miles per hour, the storm has maximum sustained winds reaching 85 miles per hour, with some higher gusts reported. Tropical storm winds from Alex are already affecting portions of the Texas and Mexican coast.
On Tuesday, June 29, the NHC issued a hurricane warning for the coast of Texas south of Baffin Bay to the mouth of the Rio Grande, and for the coast of Mexico from the mouth of the Rio Grande to La Cruz. A tropical storm warning was issued for the coast of Texas from Baffin Bay to Port O’Connor, and for the coast of Mexico south of La Cruz to Cabo Rojo. A tornado watch is also in effect through 8 PM CDT on Thursday for South Texas (0100 UTC Friday).
WX4NHC is monitoring the Hurricane Watch Net on 14.325 MHz. Secondary HF frequencies will be 7.268 MHz and 3.950 MHz +/- QRM, should propagation be lost on 20 meters. EchoLink “WX-Talk” Conference Room and IRLP node 9219 is also being monitored. WX4NHC is also monitoring CWOP, APRS and MADIS/MESONET automated weather stations in the affected area, as well as EchoLink “WX-Talk” Conference Room and IRLP node 9219. Surface reports using WX4NHC’s Online Hurricane Report form are also being monitored.
The VoIP Hurricane Net will be active for Alex through Thursday morning for as long as required to support WX4NHC with surface reports from stations within the affected area or from amateurs who have contacts within the affected area who can relay information from those contacts. Stations can connect via EchoLink by connecting to the *WX_TALK* EchoLink conference node 7203, as well as via IRLP through IRLP reflector 9219. Several listen-only components for stations have been set up for those who don’t have contact with the affected area, enabling them to monitor the hurricane net. The listen-only information is posted in the VoIP hurricane net activation announcement on the VoIP Hurricane Net Web site.
“We request all land based stations, as well as ships at sea in the areas affected, to send us weather data (measured or estimated) and damage reports,” said WX4NHC Assistant Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R. “If you are in the affected area and normally monitor on a local Net on VHF, 40 or 80 meters, we would appreciate your checking into the HWN NET or EchoLink/IRLP Net once per hour to receive the latest hurricane advisories and to report your local conditions.”
The Hurricane Watch Net is also active for Hurricane Alex. “We opened our net operations at 1200 UTC today on 14.325 MHz,” said HWN Manager Dave Lefavour, W7GOX. “We are attempting to contact stations in Northeastern Mexico and South Texas as we try to obtain measured or estimated weather observations. These ground-truth weather observations, from stations in the path of the storm are relayed directly to the NHC. We want our reporting stations to keep in mind that, this year, as last, we’re also prepared to operate the net on 7.168 MHz or 3.668 MHz. If propagation is such that we cannot maintain contact with reporting stations, we’ll open a net on one or the other of those frequencies. Plans are to try 40 meters first, with 80 meters as our last choice of operating bands.”
Although Alex is a category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, it has the potential to become a category 2 hurricane prior to landfall; forecasters are predicting that Alex should gradually weaken after the storm’s center crosses the coastline.
According to the NHC, Alex is a large cyclone and the hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the it’scenter; Alex’s tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles, primarily to the northeast, of the center.
Tropical Storm Alex Headed for South Texas, Mexico; Hurricane Warning Issued
TAGS: affected area, Baffin Bay, echolink, EchoLink conference node, hurricane, hurricane net activation, Hurricane Net Web, hurricane warning, Hurricane Watch Net, IRLP node, latest hurricane advisories, national hurricane center, Northeastern Mexico, Rio Grande, surface reports, Tropical Storm Alex, tropical storm warning, VoIP Hurricane Net, WX4NHC’s Online Hurricane
06/29/2010
Tropical Storm Alex is on the verge of becoming the first hurricane of the season. As of 11 AM EDT on Tuesday, June 29 (1500 UTC), Alex was located about 355 miles to the southeast of Brownsville, Texas with top winds of 70 MPH. On its current forecast track, Alex should make landfall Wednesday evening, just south of the Rio Grande in Northeast Mexico, with the possibility of becoming a Category 2 hurricane. As such, WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio station at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the VoIP Hurricane Net will activate on Wednesday, June 30 at 8 AM EDT (1200 UTC).
On Tuesday, the NHC issued a hurricane warning for the coast of Texas south of Baffin Bay to the mouth of the Rio Grande and for the coast of Mexico from the mouth of the Rio Grande to La Cruz. A tropical storm warning was issued for the coast of Texas from Baffin Bay to Port O’Connor.
WX4NHC will be monitoring the Hurricane Watch Net on 14.325 MHz. Secondary HF frequencies will be 7.268 MHz and 3.950 MHz +/- QRM, should propagation be lost on 20 meters. EchoLink “WX-Talk” Conference Room and IRLP node 9219 will also be monitored. WX4NHC will also monitor CWOP, APRS and MADIS/MESONET automated weather stations in the affected area, as well as EchoLink “WX-Talk” Conference Room and IRLP node 9219. Surface reports using WX4NHC’s Online Hurricane Report form will also be monitored.
The VoIP Hurricane Net will be active for Alex starting at 8 AM EDT (1200 UTC) lasting through Thursday morning for as long as required to support WX4NHC with surface reports from stations within the affected area of Alex or from amateurs who have contacts within the affected area of Alex who can relay information from those contacts. Stations can connect via EchoLink by connecting to the *WX_TALK* EchoLink conference node 7203, as well as via IRLP through IRLP reflector 9219. Several listen-only components for stations will be set up for those who don’t have contact with the affected area, enabling them to monitor the hurricane net. The listen-only information will be posted in the VoIP hurricane net activation announcement on the VoIP Hurricane Net Web site.
“We request all land based stations, as well as ships at sea in the areas affected, to send us weather data (measured or estimated) and damage reports,” said WX4NHC Assistant Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R. “If you are in the affected area and normally monitor on a local Net on VHF, 40 or 80 meters, we would appreciate your checking into the HWN NET or EchoLink/IRLP Net once per hour to receive the latest hurricane advisories and to report your local conditions.”
Alex is currently moving toward the northwest near 12 MPH and producing maximum sustained winds near 70 MPH, with some higher gusts, and will likely become a hurricane sometime Tuesday afternoon. NHC forecasters say Alex will strengthen during the next 36 hours or so and make a gradual turn toward the west-northwest, approaching the coast of Northeastern Mexico and Southern Texas on Wednesday before making landfall Wednesday night.
Alex is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches over portions of Northeastern Mexico and Southern Texas, with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches. Additional rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible over portions of Southern Mexico today. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in mountainous terrain.
A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above ground level along the immediate coast near and to the north of where the center makes landfall. The surge could penetrate inland as far as several miles from the shore with depth generally decreasing as the water moves inland. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
ARRL to Close in Observance of Fourth of July
TAGS: arrl headquarters, code practice transmissions, eastern daylight time, independence day, league headquarters, W1AW bulletin
06/29/2010
ARRL Headquarters will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Monday, July 5. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions that day. League Headquarters will reopen Tuesday, July 6 at 8 AM Eastern Daylight Time. We wish everyone a safe and festive holiday weekend.
The Ham Radio Spirit Lives — in Robots?
Brian Cieslak, K9WIS
Competitive robotics — a new type of Elmering.
I want to tell you about an area of technology that I am involved in that’s growing in popularity among high school kids today. Just as ham radio provided opportunities for the youth of earlier generations to learn about electronics, electricity and physics, today hobby robotics seems to catch the attention of kids.
Four years ago the company I work for received a request from an instructor at the local high school for a volunteer to teach some kids computer programming and mentor them on an electronics project they were working on. Since that was the high school I graduated from and the request came from a mentor at that school who had introduced me to ham radio, I thought I would volunteer and “give back” to the school that had been such a big influence on my life.
A Dozen Kids and 120 Pounds of Robot
When I arrived I was enthusiastically greeted by a dozen kids who wanted to get down to business and start learning electronics and computer programming. When I asked them what the project was, they showed me a 120 pound remotely controlled robot designed to play a sophisticated game of tic-tac-toe against other robots on a playing field the size of a basketball court.
They told me it was all part of the FIRST robotics program. FIRST stands for For Innovation Research Science and Technology. FIRST is a program with international scope joining students, professionals and corporations together to expose high school students to engineering. There are over 2500 robot teams staffed by thousands of students and mentors that compete annually all over the world.
Their robot had motors for propulsion, a microprocessor based robot controller, sensors and a forklift on a turret for lifting and placing game pieces called “tetras” on to towers that were arranged in 3 × 3 rows just like a tic-tac-toe board. For 2 minutes, two teams of three robots would battle to stack their colored tetras on the towers with the goal of having their color on the top of rows and diagonals when time ran out. The team with the most tic-tac-toe combinations won the match
For most of the match the robot was remotely controlled by two operators via a 900 MHz wireless link. The robot can also send telemetry back to the operators. But for the first 15 seconds of the match the robot must play the game autonomously, under its own intelligence and sensors. That’s where a lot of programming and electronics come in.
My job was to teach these kids the fine art of software engineering as it pertained to the robot. They learned how to identify the issues and come up with solutions. They had to learn C-programming and how to compile and download the programs into the robot controller. Then they learned about testing. I had to learn how to use all the programming tools that they were supplied before I could teach them.
Due to time constraints we didn’t have a lot of sensors on the robot, just some limit switches to make sure the forklift mechanism didn’t over extend itself. Did I mention that the kids only have 6 weeks, from the beginning of January to the middle of February to design, build and test the robot? They get the rules for the game at a big nationwide event that is webcast and the robot must be crated and shipped to their first competition 6 weeks later. This is an after school activity so the kids were back at school every evening for 4 to 6 hours and all day on Saturday. That’s quite a commitment for kids and mentors.
March Madness — FIRST Style
In March of 2005 our team 1675 and robot competed at the Midwest regional in Chicago with 30 other robots. Surprisingly we won the Rookie all-star award given to the rookie team with the most competitive rookie robot. This award qualified us to go to the National Championships to be held in Atlanta.
We had almost 4 weeks between the Chicago Tournament and our trip to Atlanta but we did not have access to our robot while it was in transit. We needed to add autonomous operation to our robot to be competitive at the next level. My programming kids said they knew what the robot had to do and they could simply drive the robot through the tasks required. All we needed was a way to teach the robot how to do it in the 1 day of preparation we would have before the tournament. With the skills they learned during the year they wrote a program that would capture the commands from the RF linked controller and store them into memory. Then they could simply play back the commands from internal memory during the competition.
During practice day in Atlanta the kids taught their robot how to execute the tasks and it repeated those same moves time after time, scoring many points during the autonomous operation. We finished in 26th place out of the 300 robots that were at the National Competition.
That was my first year in the robotics program. The scenario has repeated itself over the last 4 years but the games and challenges change. We’ve played three-on-three basketball, another version of tic-tac-toe using inflatable inner tubes and in the spring of 2009 a version of NASCAR racing while dribbling a 4 foot diameter ball.
We have a lot of turnover in kids due to graduation every year. Most of the kids on the team I worked with in 2008 were new so I had to teach programming and electronics all over again. Fortunately one programmer kid returned and we could build on his experience and he could help me teach the basics. We’ve added a vision system that could recognize the targets on the playing field so our robot is aware of its surroundings. We used the same program for training the robot to play the game autonomously as we did in 2008. Over the short 4 year history of the team we’ve qualified to go to the international championships three times.
To make things even more interesting in 2009, a new robot controller using a 2.4 GHz wireless Ethernet network replaced the old 900 MHz proprietary controller. I had my hands full trying to learn the system before teaching it to the kids who knew more about it than I did by season’s end.
Aside from mentoring my original team I was recruited to help another rookie team — team 1714. I had the opportunity to teach them programming, electronics and some electrical and motor theory. This rookie team won rookie all-star awards at two regional tournaments and the rookie inspiration award at the international tournament in Atlanta last season. In the 2010 season they finished second in the Wisconsin competition, won the Minnesota competition but lost in the quarter finals in the championships in Atlanta.
You have to be at the Atlanta competition to realize the enormity of the program. There were 300 robots and of 25,000 kids there to support and operate them. The competition involves more than just robots. Some kids were judged on the Web pages they designed for their team; others took part in the computer animation competition. There are so many opportunities for these kids to shine it’s amazing.
A Growing Program
Corporations are big supporters of the robotics program. Millions of dollars are donated to pay for venues, sponsor teams and provide scholarships to those who take part. There are also millions of dollars for scholarships offered to colleges all over the country.
The program is growing in leaps and bounds. In Milwaukee alone there is an initiative by local business to support any Milwaukee public school that wants to start a team.
There is a premiere regional competition at the Milwaukee Arena featuring over 50 teams each spring. Plans are in the works for a fall competition featuring smaller scale robots called VEX, after VEX Robotics, the company that is a prime supporter of the event and supplier of robot components.
For a long time I was frustrated by the lack of interest by our youth in technology and ham radio. It seemed they were more interested in video games, TV and the Internet. Then I ran into these robot kids and found the inquisitive spirit that made ham radio so popular among us old timers was still alive, just in a different form. I wasn’t alone. Many of the mentors I met helping the kids with their robot projects had call signs. That’s right — ham radio Elmers are now robotics Elmers.
I can see more ham radio operators being tapped as a technical resource for these robotics teams. Many of them will be rookies themselves and will have a lot to learn as they teach. Over the past 4 years I’ve learned a lot about the FIRST robotics program and feel that I can bring potential mentors up to speed so they can be a resource for these kids and their robotics program.
It’s only a matter of time before these adult leaders start looking for advice. So I am hoping to convince our Technical Specialist Coordinator to create a FIRST robotics Technical Specialist (TS) position. The technical specialist would be available to go to organizations to talk about the FIRST and VEX robotics programs as well as the FIRST Lego League robotics program geared toward grade school aged kids. The TS would recruit mentors from the ranks of ham radio operators. At the same time I can talk up the parallels between this technical hobby and ham radio.
All photos by Brian Cieslak, K9WIS.
Brian Cieslak, K9WIS, an ARRL member, was first licensed when he was at Milwaukee’s Boys’ Technical and Trade High School in 1971. Back then ham radio and color TV were the cutting edge of technology. Thirty years later, with a bachelor’s degree in Physics and a career in embedded systems design, he is an Elmer for three robotics teams, one from his old alma mater, where his interest in radio began. He would like to thank Mr Stephens,WB9EFV, his Elmer, for introducing him to the ham radio club at Tech. Brian can be reached at 29119 Manor Dr, Waterford, WI 53185-1182.
RACES
What Is RACES?
Founded in 1952, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is a public service provided by a reserve (volunteer) communications group within government agencies in times of extraordinary need. During periods of RACES activation, certified unpaid personnel are called upon to perform many tasks for the government agencies they serve. Although the exact nature of each activation will be different, the common thread is communications.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides planning guidance and technical assistance for establishing a RACES organization at the state and local government level.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for the regulation of RACES operations. RACES is administrated by a local, county, or state civil defense agency responsible for disaster services. This civil defense agency is typically an emergency services or emergency management organization, sometimes within another agency such as police or fire. RACES is a function of the agency's Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS), sometimes known as DCS (Disaster Communications Service), ECS (Emergency Communications Service), ARPSC (Amateur Radio Public Service Corps), etc. Many ACS units identify themselves solely as RACES organizations, even though their communications functions and activities typically go beyond the restrictions of RACES operations. Other ACS units combine government RACES and non-government ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) activities and identify themselves as ARES/RACES organizations. Yet other ACS units who use amateur radio for emergency government communications identify themselves solely as ARES organizations, whether or not they activate under FCC RACES Rules.
The Amateur Radio Regulations, Part 97, Subpart E, §97.407, were created by the FCC to describe RACES operations in detail. Although no longer issued or renewable, RACES station licenses were issued in the past by the FCC to government agencies for RACES operations. The agencies may continue to conduct RACES operations without these licenses, using primary or club call signs.
ACS, in its RACES and other reserve emergency communications functions, provides a pool of emergency communications personnel that can be called upon in time of need. ACS/RACES units across the country prepare themselves for the inevitable day when they will be called upon. When a local, county, or state government agency activates its ACS unit, that unit will use its communications resources (RACES, if necessary) to meet whatever need that agency has.
Traditional RACES operations involve emergency message handling on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. These operations typically involve messages between critical locations such as hospitals, emergency services, emergency shelters, and any other locations where communication is needed. These communications are handled in any mode available, with 2 meters FM being the most prevalent. During time of war, when the President exercises his War Emergency Powers, RACES might become the only communications allowed via amateur radio. Activating under the FCC's restrictive RACES Rules is not always necessary when using Amateur Radio Service frequencies for emergency communications. For example, ACS communicators may need to communicate with ARES or other radio amateurs who are not government-certified to operate in a RACES net. ACS personnel also might become involved in non-amateur public-safety or other government communications, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staffing, and emergency equipment repair.
Whatever need arises, trained ACS personnel are ready and prepared to help, via RACES or other means. ACS/RACES groups develop and maintain their communications ability by training throughout the year with special exercises and public-service events. When that fateful day occurs, ACS/RACES will be there to meet the challenge.
If you want to become an ACS or RACES member and to be able to participate in RACES and other government emergency communications activities, contact your local, county, or state ACS Officer or RACES Radio Officer or Coordinator.
FCC Rules
Subpart A--General Provisions
§97.3 Definitions.
(a) The definitions of terms used in Part 97 are:
(37) RACES (radio amateur civil emergency service). A radio service using amateur stations for civil defense communications during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies.
§97.17 Application for new license grant.
(a) Any qualified person is eligible to apply for a new operator/ primary station, club station or military recreation station license grant. No new license grant will be issued for a RACES station.
Subpart E--Providing Emergency Communications
§97.401 Operation during a disaster.
A station in, or within 92.6 km (50 nautical miles) of, Alaska may transmit emissions J3E and R3E on the channel at 5.1675 MHz (assigned frequency 5.1689 MHz) for emergency communications. The channel must be shared with stations licensed in the Alaska-Private Fixed Service. The transmitter power must not exceed 150 W PEP. A station in, or within 92.6 km of, Alaska may transmit communications for tests and training drills necessary to ensure the establishment, operation, and maintenance of emergency communication systems.
§97.403 Safety of life and protection of property.
No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available.
§97.405 Station in distress.
(a) No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station in distress of any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its condition and location, and obtain assistance.
(b) No provision of these rules prevents the use by a station, in the exceptional circumstances described in paragraph (a), of any means of radiocommunications at its disposal to assist a station in distress.
§97.407 Radio amateur civil emergency service.
(a) No station may transmit in RACES unless it is an FCC-licensed primary, club, or military recreation station and it is certified by a civil defense organization as registered with that organization, or it is an FCC-licensed RACES station. No person may be the control operator of a RACES station, or may be the control operator of an amateur station transmitting in RACES unless that person holds a FCC-issued amateur operator license and is certified by a civil defense organization as enrolled in that organization.
(b) The frequency bands and segments and emissions authorized to the control operator are available to stations transmitting communications in RACES on a shared basis with the amateur service. In the event of an emergency which necessitates the invoking of the President's War Emergency Powers under the provisions of Section 706 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §606, RACES stations and amateur stations participating in RACES may only transmit on the frequency segments authorized pursuant to part 214 of this chapter.
(c) A RACES station may only communicate with:
(1) Another RACES station;
(2) An amateur station registered with a civil defense organization;
(3) A United States Government station authorized by the responsible agency to communicate with RACES stations;
(4) A station in a service regulated by the FCC whenever such communication is authorized by the FCC.
(d) An amateur station registered with a civil defense organization may only communicate with:
(1) A RACES station licensed to the civil defense organization with which the amateur station is registered;
(2) The following stations upon authorization of the responsible civil defense official for the organization with which the amateur station is registered:
(i) A RACES station licensed to another civil defense organization;
(ii) An amateur station registered with the same or another civil defense organization;
(iii) A United States Government station authorized by the responsible agency to communicate with RACES stations; and
(iv) A station in a service regulated by the FCC whenever such communication is authorized by the FCC.
(e) All communications transmitted in RACES must be specifically authorized by the civil defense organization for the area served. Only civil defense communications of the following types may be transmitted:
(1) Messages concerning impending or actual conditions jeopardizing the public safety, or affecting the national defense or security during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies;
(2) Messages directly concerning the immediate safety of life of individuals, the immediate protection of property, maintenance of law and order, alleviation of human suffering and need, and the combating of armed attack or sabotage;
(3) Messages directly concerning the accumulation and dissemination of public information or instructions to the civilian population essential to the activities of the civil defense organization or other authorized governmental or relief agencies; and
(4) Communications for RACES training drills and tests necessary to ensure the establishment and maintenance of orderly and efficient operation of the RACES as ordered by the responsible civil defense organization served. Such drills and tests may not exceed a total time of 1 hour per week. With the approval of the chief officer for emergency planning in the applicable State, Commonwealth, District, or territory, however, such tests and drills may be conducted for a period not to exceed 72 hours no more than twice in any calendar year.
Part 214—Procedures for the Use and Coordination of the Radio Spectrum During a Wartime EmergencySec.
214.0 Authority.
214.1 Purpose.
214.2 Scope.
214.3 Assumptions.
214.4 Planned actions.
214.5 Responsibilities.
214.6 Postattack procedures and actions.
Authority:
84 Stat. 2083 and E.O. 12472, April 3, 1984, (49 FR 13471; 3 CFR, 1984 Comp., p. 193).
Source:
55 FR 51062, Dec. 11, 1990, unless otherwise noted.
§214.0 Authority.
The provisions of this part 214 are issued pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977, 42 FR 56101, 91 Stat. 1633, as amended (5 U.S.C. appendix) and Executive Order 12472. This part 214 replaces Annex 1 of DMO 3000.1, dated November 8, 1963, 28 FR 12273.
§214.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this part is to provide guidance for the use of the radio spectrum in a period of war, or a threat of war, or a state of public peril or other wartime emergency.
§214.2 Scope.
This part covers procedures for the use of radio frequencies upon proclamation by the President that there exists war, or a threat of war or a state of public peril or other wartime emergency or in order to preserve the neutrality of the United States. These procedures will be applied in the coordination, application for, and assignment of radio frequencies upon order of the Director, OSTP. These procedures are intended to be consistent with the provisions and procedures contained in emergency plans for use of the radio spectrum.
§214.3 Assumptions.
When the provisions of this part become operative, Presidential emergency authority, including Executive Order 12656, 12472, 12046 (3 CFR, 1966–1970 Comp., p. 820), and other emergency plans regarding the allocation and use of national resources will be in effect. During an attack, and in a postattack period, the Director, OSTP, will have authority to make new or revised assignments of radio frequencies in accordance with authority delegated by the President.
§214.4 Planned actions.
(a) Whenever it is determined necessary to exercise, in whole or in part, the President's emergency authority over telecommunications, the Director, OSTP, will exercise that authority as specified in Executive Order 12472 (49 FR 13471; 3 CFR, 1984 Comp., p. 193).
(b) In this connection, and concurrently with the war or national emergency proclamation by the President, the Director will:
(1) Authorize the continuance of all frequency authorizations issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), except as they may otherwise be modified or revoked by the Director, OSTP, in the national interest;
(2) Redelegate to the Secretary of Defense the authority necessary to control the use of the radio spectrum in areas of active combat, where such control is necessary to the support of U.S. military operations;
(3) Close all non-government radio stations in the international broadcasting service as defined in the FCC rules and regulations, except those carrying or scheduled to carry U.S. Government-controlled radio broadcasts.
§214.5 Responsibilities.
(a) The Director, OSTP, will issue such policy guidance, rules, regulations, procedures, and directives as may be necessary to assure effective frequency usage during wartime emergency conditions.
(b) The FCC, in coordination with NTIA, shall issue appropriate rules, regulations, orders, and instructions and take such other actions not inconsistent with the actions of the Director, OSTP, and the NTIA Emergency Readiness Plan for Use of the Radio Spectrum as may be necessary to ensure the effective use of those portions of the radio spectrum shared by Government and non-governments users.
(c) The FCC shall assist the Director in the preparation of emergency plans pursuant to section 3(h)(3) of Executive Order 12472.
(d) Each Federal Government agency concerned shall develop and be prepared to implement its own plans, and shall make necessary preemergency arrangements with non-government entities for the provision of desired facilities or services, all subject to the guidance and control of the Director.
§214.6 Postattack procedures and actions.
(a) The frequency management staff supporting the Director, OSTP, comprised of predesignated personnel from the frequency management staffs of the government user agencies, NTIA and the FCC, will have proceeded to the OSTP relocation site in accordance with alerting orders in force.
(b) Government agencies having need for new radio frequency assignments or for modification of existing assignments involving a change in the frequency usage pattern shall, unless otherwise provided, submit applications therefor to the Director, OSTP, by whatever means of communication are available and appropriate, together with a statement of any preapplication coordination accomplished. The Director, OSTP, will review such applications accomplish the necessary additional coordination insofar as practicable, consider all pertinent views and comments, and grant or deny, as he shall determine, the assignment of such frequencies. All concerned will be informed promptly of his decisions.
(c) Non-Government entities having need for new radio frequency assignments or for modifications of existing assignments will continue to submit applications therefor to the FCC, or in accordance with FCC instructions. Such applications shall be coordinated with the Director, OSTP, and granted subject to the approval of the Director, OSTP, or his delegate.
(d) All changes of radio frequency usage within U.S. military theaters of operation will be coordinated with the Director, OSTP, where harmful interference is likely to be caused to stations authorized to operate within the United States and its possessions.
(e) Where submission to the Director, OSTP, is impracticable, the applicant shall:
(1) Consult the NTIA Emergency Readiness Plan for use of the Radio Spectrum and the Government Master File;
(2) Accomplish such coordination as appropriate and possible;
(3) Act in such manner as to have a minimum impact upon established services, accepting the responsibility entailed in taking the temporary action required;
(4) Advise the Director, OSTP, as soon as possible of the action taken, and submit an application for retroactive approval.
Volunteer Protection Act of 1997
(Enrolled Bill)
S.543
One Hundred Fifth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven
An Act
To provide certain protections to volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities in lawsuits based on the activities of volunteers.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Volunteer Protection Act of 1997'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) FINDINGS- The Congress finds and declares that--
(1) the willingness of volunteers to offer their services is deterred by the potential for liability actions against them;
(2) as a result, many nonprofit public and private organizations and governmental entities, including voluntary associations, social service agencies, educational institutions, and other civic programs, have been adversely affected by the withdrawal of volunteers from boards of directors and service in other capacities;
(3) the contribution of these programs to their communities is thereby diminished, resulting in fewer and higher cost programs than would be obtainable if volunteers were participating;
(4) because Federal funds are expended on useful and cost-effective social service programs, many of which are national in scope, depend heavily on volunteer participation, and represent some of the most successful public-private partnerships, protection of volunteerism through clarification and limitation of the personal liability risks assumed by the volunteer in connection with such participation is an appropriate subject for Federal legislation;
(5) services and goods provided by volunteers and nonprofit organizations would often otherwise be provided by private entities that operate in interstate commerce;
(6) due to high liability costs and unwarranted litigation costs, volunteers and nonprofit organizations face higher costs in purchasing insurance, through interstate insurance markets, to cover their activities; and
(7) clarifying and limiting the liability risk assumed by volunteers is an appropriate subject for Federal legislation because--
(A) of the national scope of the problems created by the legitimate fears of volunteers about frivolous, arbitrary, or capricious lawsuits;
(B) the citizens of the United States depend on, and the Federal Government expends funds on, and provides tax exemptions and other consideration to, numerous social programs that depend on the services of volunteers;
(C) it is in the interest of the Federal Government to encourage the continued operation of volunteer service organizations and contributions of volunteers because the Federal Government lacks the capacity to carry out all of the services provided by such organizations and volunteers; and
(D)(i) liability reform for volunteers, will promote the free flow of goods and services, lessen burdens on interstate commerce and uphold constitutionally protected due process rights; and
(ii) therefore, liability reform is an appropriate use of the powers contained in article 1, section 8, clause 3 of the United States Constitution, and the fourteenth amendment to the United States Constitution.
(b) PURPOSE- The purpose of this Act is to promote the interests of social service program beneficiaries and taxpayers and to sustain the availability of programs, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities that depend on volunteer contributions by reforming the laws to provide certain protections from liability abuses related to volunteers serving nonprofit organizations and governmental entities.
SEC. 3. PREEMPTION AND ELECTION OF STATE NONAPPLICABILITY.
(a) PREEMPTION- This Act preempts the laws of any State to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except that this Act shall not preempt any State law that provides additional protection from liability relating to volunteers or to any category of volunteers in the performance of services for a nonprofit organization or governmental entity.
(b) ELECTION OF STATE REGARDING NONAPPLICABILITY- This Act shall not apply to any civil action in a State court against a volunteer in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State enacts a statute in accordance with State requirements for enacting legislation--
(1) citing the authority of this subsection;
(2) declaring the election of such State that this Act shall not apply, as of a date certain, to such civil action in the State; and
(3) containing no other provisions.
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY FOR VOLUNTEERS.
(a) LIABILITY PROTECTION FOR VOLUNTEERS- Except as provided in subsections (b) and (d), no volunteer of a nonprofit organization or governmental entity shall be liable for harm caused by an act or omission of the volunteer on behalf of the organization or entity if--
(1) the volunteer was acting within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities in the nonprofit organization or governmental entity at the time of the act or omission;
(2) if appropriate or required, the volunteer was properly licensed, certified, or authorized by the appropriate authorities for the activities or practice in the State in which the harm occurred, where the activities were or practice was undertaken within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities in the nonprofit organization or governmental entity;
(3) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer; and
(4) the harm was not caused by the volunteer operating a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle for which the State requires the operator or the owner of the vehicle, craft, or vessel to--
(A) possess an operator's license; or
(B) maintain insurance.
(b) CONCERNING RESPONSIBILITY OF VOLUNTEERS TO ORGANIZATIONS AND ENTITIES- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any civil action brought by any nonprofit organization or any governmental entity against any volunteer of such organization or entity.
(c) NO EFFECT ON LIABILITY OF ORGANIZATION OR ENTITY- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the liability of any nonprofit organization or governmental entity with respect to harm caused to any person.
(d) EXCEPTIONS TO VOLUNTEER LIABILITY PROTECTION- If the laws of a State limit volunteer liability subject to one or more of the following conditions, such conditions shall not be construed as inconsistent with this section:
(1) A State law that requires a nonprofit organization or governmental entity to adhere to risk management procedures, including mandatory training of volunteers.
(2) A State law that makes the organization or entity liable for the acts or omissions of its volunteers to the same extent as an employer is liable for the acts or omissions of its employees.
(3) A State law that makes a limitation of liability inapplicable if the civil action was brought by an officer of a State or local government pursuant to State or local law.
(4) A State law that makes a limitation of liability applicable only if the nonprofit organization or governmental entity provides a financially secure source of recovery for individuals who suffer harm as a result of actions taken by a volunteer on behalf of the organization or entity. A financially secure source of recovery may be an insurance policy within specified limits, comparable coverage from a risk pooling mechanism, equivalent assets, or alternative arrangements that satisfy the State that the organization or entity will be able to pay for losses up to a specified amount. Separate standards for different types of liability exposure may be specified.
(e) LIMITATION ON PUNITIVE DAMAGES BASED ON THE ACTIONS OF VOLUNTEERS-
(1) GENERAL RULE- Punitive damages may not be awarded against a volunteer in an action brought for harm based on the action of a volunteer acting within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities to a nonprofit organization or governmental entity unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was proximately caused by an action of such volunteer which constitutes willful or criminal misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed.
(2) CONSTRUCTION- Paragraph (1) does not create a cause of action for punitive damages and does not preempt or supersede any Federal or State law to the extent that such law would further limit the award of punitive damages.
(f) EXCEPTIONS TO LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY-
(1) IN GENERAL- The limitations on the liability of a volunteer under this Act shall not apply to any misconduct that--
(A) constitutes a crime of violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code) or act of international terrorism (as that term is defined in section 2331 of title 18) for which the defendant has been convicted in any court;
(B) constitutes a hate crime (as that term is used in the Hate Crime Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534 note));
(C) involves a sexual offense, as defined by applicable State law, for which the defendant has been convicted in any court;
(D) involves misconduct for which the defendant has been found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law; or
(E) where the defendant was under the influence (as determined pursuant to applicable State law) of intoxicating alcohol or any drug at the time of the misconduct.
(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to effect subsection (a)(3) or (e).
SEC. 5. LIABILITY FOR NONECONOMIC LOSS.
(a) GENERAL RULE- In any civil action against a volunteer, based on an action of a volunteer acting within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities to a nonprofit organization or governmental entity, the liability of the volunteer for noneconomic loss shall be determined in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) AMOUNT OF LIABILITY-
(1) IN GENERAL- Each defendant who is a volunteer, shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility of that defendant (determined in accordance with paragraph (2)) for the harm to the claimant with respect to which that defendant is liable. The court shall render a separate judgment against each defendant in an amount determined pursuant to the preceding sentence.
(2) PERCENTAGE OF RESPONSIBILITY- For purposes of determining the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to a defendant who is a volunteer under this section, the trier of fact shall determine the percentage of responsibility of that defendant for the claimant's harm.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) ECONOMIC LOSS- The term `economic loss' means any pecuniary loss resulting from harm (including the loss of earnings or other benefits related to employment, medical expense loss, replacement services loss, loss due to death, burial costs, and loss of business or employment opportunities) to the extent recovery for such loss is allowed under applicable State law.
(2) HARM- The term `harm' includes physical, nonphysical, economic, and noneconomic losses.
(3) NONECONOMIC LOSSES- The term `noneconomic losses' means losses for physical and emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium (other than loss of domestic service), hedonic damages, injury to reputation and all other nonpecuniary losses of any kind or nature.
(4) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION- The term `nonprofit organization' means--
(A) any organization which is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code and which does not practice any action which constitutes a hate crime referred to in subsection (b)(1) of the first section of the Hate Crime Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534 note); or
(B) any not-for-profit organization which is organized and conducted for public benefit and operated primarily for charitable, civic, educational, religious, welfare, or health purposes and which does not practice any action which constitutes a hate crime referred to in subsection (b)(1) of the first section of the Hate Crime Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534 note).
(5) STATE- The term `State' means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, any other territory or possession of the United States, or any political subdivision of any such State, territory, or possession.
(6) VOLUNTEER- The term `volunteer' means an individual performing services for a nonprofit organization or a governmental entity who does not receive--
(A) compensation (other than reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses actually incurred); or
(B) any other thing of value in lieu of compensation,
in excess of $500 per year, and such term includes a volunteer serving as a director, officer, trustee, or direct service volunteer.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) IN GENERAL- This Act shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) APPLICATION- This Act applies to any claim for harm caused by an act or omission of a volunteer where that claim is filed on or after the effective date of this Act but only if the harm that is the subject of the claim or the conduct that caused such harm occurred after such effective date.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
The FCC Today..
CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
February 24, 2010
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
RE: Radio Frequency Interference
EB-10-GB-0020
Dear Ms. (Name Withheld):
The Federal Communications Commission has received a complaint that a
device in your residence, apparently a scanner, is causing harmful radio
interference to an operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The complainant
is:
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
The Commission has the responsibility to require that such problems be
rectified within a reasonable time if the interference is caused by faulty
consumer equipment. Under Commission rules, certain equipment is
classified as an "unintentional radiator." These devices generate radio
frequency energy but do not intentionally radiate it. Examples include
computers, radio receivers and television sets. Other types of consumer
devices are classified as "incidental radiators." This type of equipment
does not intentionally generate any radio-frequency energy, but that may
create such energy as an incidental part of its intended operation. Common
examples are aquarium heaters, certain portable telephones, alarm control
panels, fluorescent light ballasts, doorbell control circuits and so
forth. Some of those devices are imported and do not comply with
Commission certification standards, and thereby result in interference to
other radio services. You may have one of those devices. If the device is
an approved one, it should have a silver FCC label on the unit showing a
certification number. Even an approved device, however, can only be
operated legally if it is not causing harmful interference to a licensed
radio service. The device can also be defective resulting in a shock or
fire hazard.
To help you better understand your responsibilities under Commission
rules, here are the most important rules relating to radio and television
interference from incidental radiators:
Title 47, CFR Section 15.5 General conditions of operation.
(b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator is
subject to the conditions that no harmful interference is caused and that
interference must be accepted that may be caused by the operation of an
authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional
radiator, by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or by an
incidental radiator.
(c) The operator of the radio frequency device shall be required to cease
operating the device upon notification by a Commission representative that
the device is causing harmful interference. Operation shall not resume
until the condition causing the harmful interference has been corrected.
Title 47, CFR Section 15.13 Incidental radiators.
Manufacturers of these devices shall employ good engineering practices to
minimize the risk of harmful interference.
Title 47, CFR Section 15.15 General technical requirements.
(c) Parties responsible for equipment compliance should note that the
limits specified in this part will not prevent harmful interference under
all circumstances. Since the operators of Part 15 devices are required to
cease operation should harmful interference occur to authorized users of
the radio frequency spectrum, the parties responsible for equipment
compliance are encouraged to employ the minimum field strength necessary
for communications, to provide greater attenuation of unwanted emissions
than required by these regulations, and to advise the user as to how to
resolve harmful interference problems (for example, see Sec. 15.105(b)).
The complainant has attempted unsuccessfully to resolve this problem
through the ARRL and as a result the matter has been referred to our
office. The Commission prefers that those responsible for the proper
operation of equipment assume their responsibilities fairly. This means
that you should resolve the interference caused by the device and make
necessary corrections within a reasonable time.
While the Commission has confidence that most people are able to resolve
these issues voluntarily, the Commission wants to make you aware that this
unresolved problem may be a violation of Commission rules and could result
in a monetary forfeiture (fine) for each occurrence. At this stage, the
Commission encourages the parties to resolve this problem without
Commission intervention; but if necessary to facilitate resolution, the
Commission may investigate possible rules violations and address
appropriate remedies.
Please advise this office and Mr. (Name withheld) as to what steps you are
taking to correct this reported interference problem. You may contact this
office at: 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The Commission
expects that most cases can be resolved within 30 days of the time they
are first reported. Please feel free to call me at 717-338-2577 if you
have any questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith, Esq.
Special Counsel
Enforcement Bureau
cc: Portland Resident Agent
Western Regional Director
2-
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
May 7, 2010
Mr. Matthew J. Lapham
(Address withheld)
(City/State withheld)
Re: WARNING FOR UNLICENSED RADIO OPERATION
EB-10-GB-0064
Dear Mr. Lapham:
Information before the Commission indicates that you have periodically
been operating under the amateur radio call sign of KC5RLU. This call sign
is licensed to Matthew A. Lapham of Baker, Louisiana, who is currently
serving in the United States Air Force in Iraq. Commission records
indicate that you do not have an amateur license.
Operation of radio transmitting equipment without a valid FCC
authorization is a violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of
1934, as amended, and may subject the responsible parties to substantial
monetary forfeitures, in rem arrest action against the offending radio
equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment. Because
unlicensed operation creates a danger of interference to important radio
communications services and may subject the operator to severe penalties,
this warning emphasizes the importance of complying strictly with these
legal requirements.
ANY UNAUTHORIZED OPERATION OF THIS RADIO STATION MUST CEASE IMMEDIATELY.
You have ten (10) days from the date of receipt of this warning to respond
to this office. The response must contain a statement of the specific
action(s) taken to come into compliance with the Commission's rules and
should include a time line for completion of pending corrective action(s).
You are directed to support your response with a signed and dated
affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury, verifying the truth and
accuracy of the information submitted in your response. Your response
should be sent to: 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 and reference
the listed case number.
In an inquiry of this type we are required to notify you that under the
Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. S: 552a(e)(3), the Commission's staff will
use all relevant information before it, including information you disclose
in your reply, to determine what, if any, enforcement action is warranted
in this matter.
You may contact me at 717-338-2577 should you wish to discuss this matter.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith
Special Counsel
Cc: Detroit Field Office
Northeast Regional Director
47 U.S.C. S: 301.
Fines normally range from $7,500 to $10,000.
See S:S: 401, 501, 503, 510.
3=
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
May 3, 2010
Mr. Gary G. Gardner
(Address withheld)
(City/State withheld)
Re: Amateur Radio License KB5RKI
Warning Notice
EB-10-GB-0042
Dear Mr. Gardner:
The trustees of W5FC have requested that you refrain from use of their
repeaters. The trustees of W5FC attempted to contact you via certified
letter to request that you refrain from use of their repeaters, but you
refused service. You were previously issued several requests to refrain
from using the system, some of the requests occurred as far back as 2007.
You have consistently failed to comply with those requests necessitating
the formal written request for Commission action on this matter.
The Commission requires that repeaters be under the supervision of a
control operator and not only expects, but requires, that such control
operators be responsible for the proper operation of the repeater system.
Control operators may take whatever steps they deem appropriate to ensure
compliance with the repeater rules, including limiting the repeater use to
certain users, converting the repeater to a closed repeater or taking it
off the air entirely.
Please be advised that the Commission expects you to abide by the request
of the trustees that you stay off of W5FC - and any other similar requests
to cease operations on any other repeaters by any other repeater
licensees, control operators or trustees.
Use of W5FC again after receipt of this letter could subject you to severe
penalties, including license revocation, monetary forfeiture (fine) or a
modification proceeding to restrict the frequencies upon which you may
operate.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith
Special Counsel
Cc: Dallas Field Office
South Central Regional Director
The letter was sent via Certified Mail with a Return Receipt Requested on
November 5, 2009. On Friday, November 13, 2009, while on air, you were
asked by Tom General, KE5ICX if you were aware of the letter from the
Dallas Amateur Radio Club Repeater System requesting that you refrain from
use of their repeater system. You acknowledged to Mr. General that you
were aware of the letter, but indicated that you were refusing to pick it
up from the post office.
Fines normally range from $7,500 to $10,000.
4-
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
May 3, 2010
Mr. Charles K. Caprio
(Address withheld)
(City/State withheld)
Re: Amateur Radio License AD8Q
Warning Notice
EB-10-GB-0051
Dear Mr. Caprio:
The owners/trustees of K9TLT, K7MCH, K7MPR, K7FY, N7DPS and K7RLW have
requested that you refrain from use of their repeaters. The
owners/trustees of these repeaters advised you of this request in writing
on December 2, 2009. The week of March 22, 2010, you were observed
operating on the K7MCH repeater. Since you have failed to comply with the
request of the repeater owners/trustees to refrain from use of their
repeaters, they requested Commission action on this matter.
The Commission requires that repeaters be under the supervision of a
control operator and not only expects, but requires, that such control
operators be responsible for the proper operation of the repeater system.
Control operators may take whatever steps they deem appropriate to ensure
compliance with the repeater rules, including limiting the repeater use to
certain users, converting the repeater to a closed repeater or taking it
off the air entirely.
Please be advised that the Commission expects you to abide by the request
of the owners/trustees that you stay off of the following repeaters:
K9TLT, K7MCH, K7MPR, K7FY, N7DPS and K7RLW. You are also advised that you
must comply with any other similar requests to cease operations on any
other repeaters by any other repeater licensees, control operators or
trustees.
Use of any of the above-mentioned repeaters again after receipt of this
letter could subject you to severe penalties, including license
revocation, monetary forfeiture (fine) or a modification proceeding to
restrict the frequencies upon which you may operate.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith
Special Counsel
Cc: San Diego Field Office
Western Regional Director
Fines normally range from $7,500 to $10,000.
5-
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
April 9, 2010
Mr. Michael Moretti
(Address withheld)
(City/State withheld)
Re: WARNING NOTICE
Amateur Radio License W2YP
EB-10-GB-0040
Dear Mr. Moretti:
By letter dated March 22, 2010, the Commission notified you that it had
received a complaint concerning the operation of your amateur radio
station. The complaint alleged that you have been marking threats against
other amateur operators in your area.
You responded to the Commission's letter on March 31, 2010. In that
letter, you explained that about six months ago you began to receive
interference to your ongoing QSOs from an unknown source(s). According to
your response, your "frustration and anger built up" as a result of the
"relentless stream of sarcasm, belligerence, verbal harassment, and signal
jamming." Ultimately, as you acknowledge in your letter, you "vented
[your] anger at these individuals" by threatening them. You apologized for
the outburst and stated that the comments were not to be taken literally
but rather, were you venting your "pent-up emotions." Finally, you note
that amateur radio is a "wonderful" hobby and that going forward you will
endeavor to do your part in upholding its fine traditions.
While your frustration and agitation over the alleged interference to your
station is understandable, your operation as described above is contrary
to the basis and purpose of the amateur radio service as set out in
Section 97.1 of the Commission's rules. Please be advised that the
Commission expects you to abide by its rules. This letter serves as notice
that, if operation of this type reoccurs after receipt of this letter, you
could be
subject to severe penalties, including license revocation, monetary
forfeiture (fines), or a
modification proceeding to restrict the frequencies upon which you may
operate.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith
Special Counsel
Cc: New York Field Office
Northeastern Regional Director
See 47 C.F.R. S: 97.1.
Fines normally range from $7,500 to $10,000.
Do a few of these sound familiar...
I thought everyone may want to check out the letters from the FCC, these are a few of the lighter side ones...
The Hurricane Center...
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Well time to go, hope to hear everyone on the net tomorrow..
73 Rick Sr
