Why do people freeband?

[insane kangaroo]

I did modify my radio, but far as I've gone is to listen to the freebanders in the area.

Why do people freeband? :/ They're using simplex, so I'm at a loss as to why. Is there some advantage of using a higher or lower frequency?

[N2RJ]

Several reasons.

Non-licensed people:

- Talk to their friends
- "Try out" a radio hobby
- Thumb their noses at the law and the Government
- May not know it's illegal

Licensed people:

- Freeband to talk to their friends who aren't licensed
- Find old habits hard to break
- Thumb their noses at the law and the Government

[N1ZJD]

Again I dont see why manufacturers make the radios so easy to be modified. Simple wideband RX is more than sufficient given that it is strictly forbidden to TX outside of the amateur bands. Sure some countries rules are different...so make a different model of the radio for that country ONLY. Just my opinion. They make it way to easy to break the law. Of course the choice is yours whether you decide to TX outside of the bands or not, I just say make it 'nearly' impossible to do so and then there will be no more freebanding problem.

[insane kangaroo]

Several reasons.

Non-licensed people:

- Talk to their friends
- "Try out" a radio hobby
- Thumb their noses at the law and the Government
- May not know it's illegal

As for the "try out", they should just use the unlicensed channels if they're wanting to "try out" radios. A new person isn't going to be able to tell anything about sound quality or interference, not at all.


Licensed people:

- Freeband to talk to their friends who aren't licensed
- Find old habits hard to break
- Thumb their noses at the law and the Government

:rolleyes: I wonder why their friends don't have a license.

Habit? How much time does it take to delete a channel and well.. just don't freeband? :/

Thumb up their noses? Isn't that a bit hypocritical of them as they're LICENSED by the FCC? *confused*

[WA9SVD]

Several reasons.

Non-licensed people:

- Talk to their friends
- "Try out" a radio hobby
- Thumb their noses at the law and the Government
- May not know it's illegal

Licensed people:

- Freeband to talk to their friends who aren't licensed
- Find old habits hard to break
- Thumb their noses at the law and the Government

Ryan forgot :

5. Too lazy (or ST***D) to get a license...

[WA9SVD]

Again I dont see why manufacturers make the radios so easy to be modified. Simple wideband RX is more than sufficient given that it is strictly forbidden to TX outside of the amateur bands. Sure some countries rules are different...so make a different model of the radio for that country ONLY. Just my opinion. They make it way to easy to break the law. Of course the choice is yours whether you decide to TX outside of the bands or not, I just say make it 'nearly' impossible to do so and then there will be no more freebanding problem.

Amateur equipment has a small profit margin. Producing different hard-coded models for different countries would be prohibitively expensive.
It's not the responsibility of the manufacturer to insure compliance.

Or would you propose there be different model radios for Novices, Techs, Generals, etc. since they all have different privileges? Why should it be "easy" for a Novice to transmit on a frequency assigned to Amateur Extra licensees?

Where do you draw the line?

[N1ZJD]

Thats a good point also and I admit I didnt think about it like that. Basically a Novice can buy an HF rig and yes COULD transmit on amateur extra privileges. But that is a HAM band. The thread is why do people freeband. Of course they shouldnt sell a rig specifically for privileges but making it VERY difficult to TX outside of ham bands sounds smart to me.

[WA9SVD]

Thats a good point also and I admit I didnt think about it like that. Basically a Novice can buy an HF rig and yes COULD transmit on amateur extra privileges. But that is a HAM band. The thread is why do people freeband. Of course they shouldnt sell a rig specifically for privileges but making it VERY difficult to TX outside of ham bands sounds smart to me.

Part of the problem IS that the Amateur allocations vary somewhat between ITU Regions. Just look at the confusion on 40 Meters... But other bands can vary also. Many countries only allow 144-146 MHz on 2 Meters.
Again, it's mostly an issue of profit margin and increased expense to produce hard programmed versions of a radio.

[PA5COR]

Why do people drive too fast
Why do people drink and drive
Why do people steal and murder
>
>
>
>
Fill in the blanks
Because they are people and they can do it without much risk getting caught
Or see the reasons above.

I choose to be an Ham, i obey the laws, and can't find on freeband??? anything i can't find on our frequencies.

Freeband is an myth, these bands have an destination and legit users.

So, they are just pirating on frequencies.
Trying to make it look more legit to call it freeband is stupid to say the least.


If they stay on their side, i'll stay on my side ;)

[n8yx]

Again I dont see why manufacturers make the radios so easy to be modified. Simple wideband RX is more than sufficient given that it is strictly forbidden to TX outside of the amateur bands. Sure some countries rules are different...so make a different model of the radio for that country ONLY. Just my opinion. They make it way to easy to break the law. Of course the choice is yours whether you decide to TX outside of the bands or not, I just say make it 'nearly' impossible to do so and then there will be no more freebanding problem.

Tentec does just that.

Want to mod for out-of-band operation? Papers, please...and they'll send a replacement PROM which enables wideband TX to you.

[N1ZJD]

Hats off to Ten-Tec for stepping up and making it difficult. Agreed there is only so much they can do. I'm ashamed of myself that I DIDNT know whether or not it was legal to mod a radio for say a Volunteer firefighter. I'm glad that I do know now and will never forget. But I think more could be done to prevent it, its just way to easy. And I agree, nothing out there that I'm interested in that I cant find on the ham bands. I'll have to read all of part 97 so I dont make myself look bad again ;(

[AG3Y]

Providing equipment for Freebanders is probably a very lucrative market. The radios and especially the amplifiers are often cheaply made, don't adhere to the technical specifications for equipment used by licensed individuals, and appeal to a wide base of users. They are sold at truck stops and through many on-line "stores" and their use is not sanctioned by the FCC.

Concerning ham gear, efforts are usually made to keep the radios from transmitting outside of allocated frequencies, but often the only thing required to do to allow those "extree channels" is to clip a wire, or crush a diode.

Quite often, radios are actually legitimately manufactured for use in other services outside the ham bands, and the only change the manufacturer has to do is put a jumper in a different position, or eliminate it entirely. These radios will be certified and totally legal for use in the other service, and the manufacturer can make a nice profit selling essentially the same rig for multiple services.

73, Jim

[N1ZJD]

Providing equipment for Freebanders is probably a very lucrative market. The radios and especially the amplifiers are often cheaply made, don't adhere to the technical specifications for equipment used by licensed individuals, and appeal to a wide base of users. They are sold at truck stops and through many on-line "stores" and their use is not sanctioned by the FCC.

Concerning ham gear, efforts are usually made to keep the radios from transmitting outside of allocated frequencies, but often the only thing required to do to allow those "extree channels" is to clip a wire, or crush a diode.

Quite often, radios are actually legitimately manufactured for use in other services outside the ham bands, and the only change the manufacturer has to do is put a jumper in a different position, or eliminate it entirely. These radios will be certified and totally legal for use in the other service, and the manufacturer can make a nice profit selling essentially the same rig for multiple services.

73, Jim

Again that was kind of my thought on the VX-150. I know they sell a model of it for the aviation band. Again I just really wasnt sure if it was legal for a licensed amateur who was also a volunteer firefighter to modify the radio to be able to communicate with the other firefighters during a call. I will have to read to the part 97 rules to see why its not legal, because in that case it doesnt make much sense to me. 73 de N1ZJD

[AG3Y]

The main thing you will find that ham equipment is legal to use that makes equipment for Public Service bands illegal, is the ability for the operator to pick ANY frequency that he desires to transmit on within his allocated band . The only band in which this is NOT legal for a ham is the 60 meter band, which is somewhat of a exceptional case.

Public Service band equipment is either single frequency or maybe a few select frequencies, and the operator has very limited control over which of those frequencies he/she uses.

Also, a ham can produce his/her own equipment, and many do enjoy that aspect of the avocation. Building or modifying ham equipment to operate outside of the allocated bands is a certain "No NO" although it is perfectly legal to modify equipment made for other services to be used inside the ham bands, provided that the person using that equipment is licensed to transmit in those frequencies!

Equipment used in Public Service bands is "Certified" ( the new term for "Type Accepted" ) and must adhere to very rigid specifications for signal purity, and usually a form of fixed-frequecy operation.

73, Jim

[N1ZJD]

Jim thanks for clarifying that. Again I believe a better attempt at prohibiting use of those frequencies should be made. If Ten-Tec can do it, others should be able to follow suit. I bought my radio new and it already was able to TX outside of the amateur bands. Kinda tells people to go ahead and use the frequencies. I need to look up the model number of my handheld because it just doesnt make sense to be able to TX outside of the 2m band being that its strictly prohibited. But Jim you did give me a better understanding as to why its not allowed. Just because you mod the radio to use your local fire dept frequency doesnt mean that person wont stop there and choose to be a self made police officer and TX on their freq's. Good information! Thanks again. 73 de N1ZJD

[K9STH]

ZJD:

You will not find the "why" it is illegal to use modified amateur radio equipment in services which require certified (new "buzz word" for type accepted) radios in 47 CFR Part 97 because those are the regulations concerning the Amateur Radio Service. However, you will find the regulations concerning certified radios in 47 CFR Part 90 (which are the regulations concerning most of the commercial two-way services) and in 47 CFR Part 95 (which covers the "personal" radio services).

That is why I usually suggest that anyone who is even considering "opening" the transmit function of amateur radio equipment needs to download 47 CFR Part 90 and 47 CFR Part 95. That way those persons can become acquainted with the certification/type acceptance requirements.

Glen, K9STH

[WA9SVD]

Tentec does just that.

Want to mod for out-of-band operation? Papers, please...and they'll send a replacement PROM which enables wideband TX to you.

That's good, but TenTec isn't much in the International market as are companies such as YaeComWood...

[WA9SVD]

Hats off to Ten-Tec for stepping up and making it difficult. Agreed there is only so much they can do. I'm ashamed of myself that I DIDNT know whether or not it was legal to mod a radio for say a Volunteer firefighter. I'm glad that I do know now and will never forget. But I think more could be done to prevent it, its just way to easy. And I agree, nothing out there that I'm interested in that I cant find on the ham bands. I'll have to read all of part 97 so I dont make myself look bad again ;(

Part of the problem is that it's not actually IN §Part 97. Amateur equipment does NOT require certification, so it's not referenced in OUR rules. But the requirement for certified equipment IS in the rules that cover the other services. (And especially as Amateurs, we ARE supposed to know to check the rules that apply to ANY service before we use that service.

Unfortunately, this is not covered in the "question pool" testing system presently in use. In the past, we were required to be familiar with the rules BEFORE facing a written exam, since we never knew exactly what would, or could be asked.
Perhaps it's time to add questions about radio mods to the Tech level question pool.

ADDED: I was interrupted in my reply, and Glenn pretty much said this already. Besides, I type S-L-O-W.

[n8yx]

That's good, but TenTec isn't much in the International market as are companies such as YaeComWood...

Wouldn't matter if they did or not. One PROM with user-selectable programming is a cheaper approach (both hardware and logistics-wise) than multiple parts of differing functionality. In this instance, TenTec placed less emphasis on profit and more on adherence to the FCC's regulations - and I commend them for that.

[W6GQ]

ALL cars should have a GPS in them, so when they drive down the road it will be able to know where the car is and not allow it to go any faster than the posted speed limit.

ALL cars should require the owner in the seat to check their alcohol level before starting.

All guns should have a camera installed with wifi so when a shot is fired it takes the picture of the shooter and downrange where the shot is being fired then send it to the FBI with the wifi connections.

ALL vehicles should be completely stopped and searched before entering the USA, including boats, wooden rafts, trucks, cars, and start looking for illegal anything.

ALL cameras should require age appropriate proof before taking pictures.

ALL web sites should be approved by the goverment before they can be online.

ALL computer users should have to enter a social security and picture ID number before surfing any web page.

The list could go on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on

Welcome to the freedom of America, love it or get the hell out,,,,,,,,,or something like that :eek:

[insane kangaroo]

1984

+10 characters

[n8yx]

ALL cars should

...


Welcome to the freedom of America, love it or get the hell out,,,,,,,,,or something like that :eek:

Quit giving the gubmint ideas...

[ab8ro]

I did modify my radio, but far as I've gone is to listen to the freebanders in the area.

Why do people freeband? :/ They're using simplex, so I'm at a loss as to why. Is there some advantage of using a higher or lower frequency?

You've already modified your radio and you're asking naive questions. If you're just trolling, well, carry on. Otherwise, just read the question pool already and go take the test. It's not hard, in fact, it's child's play.

Honestly, this is why you're not allowed in this section. These questions should be just deleted by the staff as they aren't really genuine questions, IMNSHO.

[ai4ep]

troll bait, like the MIAMI repeater thread.

[KM5FL]

troll bait, like the MIAMI repeater thread.

EXACTLY... In the time it's taken to post all those trolls, Roo could have studied and taken the test for his Tech license.. 50 posts in the past 4-5 days. Reminds me of the 5 year old kid who got a new toy car for his birthday, and now there's scratches all over the furniture. Sheesh.. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[KI4NGN]

You've already modified your radio and you're asking naive questions. If you're just trolling, well, carry on. Otherwise, just read the question pool already and go take the test. It's not hard, in fact, it's child's play.

Honestly, this is why you're not allowed in this section. These questions should be just deleted by the staff as they aren't really genuine questions, IMNSHO.
If he is not allowed in this section, how is it that he is in this section?

I thought one had to be a ticket holder to access Talk and Opinions?

Mike

[KM5FL]

....you're not allowed in this section. These questions should be just deleted by the staff as they aren't really genuine questions, IMNSHO.
If he is not allowed in this section, how is it that he is in this section?

I thought one had to be a ticket holder to access Talk and Opinions?

Mike

And then they wonder why OFs become grumpy OFs.. :rolleyes:

Or maybe this is some of the "outside problems" in the excuse given by one of the moderators when some of the regular posters were having log in problems last week.. Maybe we should high-jack this thread and turn it into a discussion about logging filters. :D

KM5FL

[ab8ro]

If he is not allowed in this section, how is it that he is in this section?

I thought one had to be a ticket holder to access Talk and Opinions?

Mike

He does. His question was posted in questions and moved here by the moderators. My point is that it's not really a genuine question about ham radio and should simply be discouraged.

[ai4ep]

If they are going to allow folks to knowingly use hidden names like INSANE KANGAROO, then why can not the rest of us use names like BANDIT, MYSTERY MAN, RUBBER DUCK, FOXY LADY, BUMPER CARS , MISTER KNOW-IT-ALL, etc.

What is good enough for one should be made fairly to all.

simple & to the point.

[KI4NGN]

He does. His question was posted in questions and moved here by the moderators. My point is that it's not really a genuine question about ham radio and should simply be discouraged.
Ah, OK. I couldn't understand how he was in this forum....missed the obvious.

Thanks!

[kd8hho]

And then they wonder why OFs become grumpy OFs.. :rolleyes:
KM5FL

im becoming a grumpy YF (young fart)

[KD6NIG]

Surprised it took this long to pull the trigger. Makes you wonder who he/she really was.

I knew it was a troll when he said he modded his radio "although he doesn't do that."

YEAH RIGHT. :)

Especially being unlicensed :) Talk about pushing the right buttons :p

[W8NSI]

Again I dont see why manufacturers make the radios so easy to be modified.

That is a no brainer... follow the money.

Manufacturers wont make a radio if there is no demand for it. Also they wont make one if they expect to get a big fine for selling it in an area where it is banned. Manufacturers are allowed to self certify in many cases too.

We are experiencing a similar problem with drugs in this country.

[WA9SVD]

Wouldn't matter if they did or not. One PROM with user-selectable programming is a cheaper approach (both hardware and logistics-wise) than multiple parts of differing functionality. In this instance, TenTec placed less emphasis on profit and more on adherence to the FCC's regulations - and I commend them for that.

I dunno about that. Different PROMS seem a WHOLE lot more expensive (for manufacturer AND user) than a couple of jumpers and/or diodes to cut. Exchanging PROMS require a hardware exchange from the manufacturer, and takes considerably more time than clipping a few diodes or adding/removing a few solder bridges or jumpers on a circuit board.

Look at it this way: If a mod IS needed, it's cheaper for ME (a manufacturer ) to tell YOU (the user) how to clip a couple of jumpers or diodes, rather than having to ship a new EPROM, and charge YOU for the new part. as well as putting up with shipping delays, etc.) . IMHO, it's still not economically desirable from the supplier OR user end of the deal. IF it were ever REQUIRED, (world wide) it would mean higher prices for ALL equipment. It were done on a "local" basis, such as U.S. only, you would see few, VERY FEW, radios from YaeComWood (and some other manufacturers) availabl;e to Amateurs in this country.
Don't fool yourself into thinking the American Amateur market drives the YaeComWood (or other) Amateur Radio equipment markets. There ARE other countries that have a larger market share.

[ab8ro]

I dunno about that. Different PROMS seem a WHOLE lot more expensive (for manufacturer AND user) than a couple of jumpers and/or diodes to cut. Exchanging PROMS require a hardware exchange from the manufacturer, and takes considerably more time than clipping a few diodes or adding/removing a few solder bridges or jumpers on a circuit board.

Moreover, who uses proms in this day and age? The prom solution means that eventually it will be a "rewrite the flash" solution which means that it's a software only mod. No need to even open the case then!

Since I was under the impression that their radios were flash upgradable I'm assuming that they just store band edge data in a separate prom? That being the case, unless it's encrypted, it can't be that difficult to copy the rom and modify the coverage data.

Of course, it's still probably more work for most than just clipping diodes.

[WA9SVD]

Moreover, who uses proms in this day and age? The prom solution means that eventually it will be a "rewrite the flash" solution which means that it's a software only mod. No need to even open the case then!

Since I was under the impression that their radios were flash upgradable I'm assuming that they just store band edge data in a separate prom? That being the case, unless it's encrypted, it can't be that difficult to copy the rom and modify the coverage data.

Of course, it's still probably more work for most than just clipping diodes.

I won't comment on PROM vs. EEPROM, as that was mentioned by someone else. And I don't know (or especially care) if TenTec radios are flash programmable, since I don't own one at the present time. THAT point is actually moot.
All you really would need is a power glitch during the Flash process to render such a radio in a sorry state, indeed.

But I'm not assuming anything about band edges versus frequency coverage. You'd have to ask TenTec about that.

[W5HTW]

Well, if he isn't allow in this forum, he can't post here to answer any of the comments, can he? Doggone, that means he has to start another thread somewhere else.
I think the original rules about Part 90 equipment not being user-tuned, was as stated, to keep the non-radio technie from tuning his fireman HT to the wrong freq.

I'm not sure that's valid anymore as a difference between ham radio and the public safety stuff. I think many hams are now the non-technie who can tune his radio outside the bands ( as proved by the many who do) and maybe we should be taking away the user-programmable feaures of ham radio. We no longer have the skills to operate under the rules of Part 97. And we no longer care to follow the rules anyway.

The New Ham Wadidio.

Ed

[WA9SVD]

Well, if he isn't allow in this forum, he can't post here to answer any of the comments, can he? Doggone, that means he has to start another thread somewhere else.
I think the original rules about Part 90 equipment not being user-tuned, was as stated, to keep the non-radio technie from tuning his fireman HT to the wrong freq.

I'm not sure that's valid anymore as a difference between ham radio and the public safety stuff. I think many hams are now the non-technie who can tune his radio outside the bands ( as proved by the many who do) and maybe we should be taking away the user-programmable feaures of ham radio. We no longer have the skills to operate under the rules of Part 97. And we no longer care to follow the rules anyway.

The New Ham Wadidio.

Ed


Ed,

I would only debate whether we (as Amateurs on the whole) lack the skills to operate within, and ONLY within, our Amateur allocations.

I see it as more as a problem of a lack of knowledge of the actual rules that Amateur equipment can not be legitimately used in other services, because that's no longer even mentioned as part of knowing ALL the FCC rules before taking an Amateur exam of any License Class, and to a more limited extent to those who are licensed, and even after being made aware of the FCC requirements for certified equipment on public service frequencies, STILL insist they can, and will use their equipment out of band, knowing full well that they are in violation of FCC rules, jeopardizing not just their license (and finances) but also the license of the agency they serve.

[ac0gr]

50 posts in the past 4-5 days. Reminds me of the 5 year old kid who got a new toy car for his birthday, and now there's scratches all over the furniture. Sheesh.. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Heh, I can name a few 'valid' users that make that many posts in much less time. Seems they must get their $.02 in every thread reguardless of their knowledge of the subject.

The roo is young, enthusiastic, and potential license holder, and only a troll to those that have really, really thin skin, or an excessively jaded attitude toward newbies.

[ai4ep]

just another troll thread.

simple & to the point

[ai4ep]

trolling, trolling, trolling..........

[wb4old]

Ryan forgot :

5. Too lazy (or ST***D) to get a license...

You mean the whole 5 minutes to study for Tech lazy?

For stupid they will just have to wait until the next lowering of standards. We are almost to that point.

[n9msh]

;) because the can, besides if the owners of those freqs. pushed the issue then something would get done for sure, but they don't unless your'e extremely stupid(most people that get busted are idiots) because you probably allready had at least 1 warning.

[ab8ro]

Heh, I can name a few 'valid' users that make that many posts in much less time. Seems they must get their $.02 in every thread reguardless of their knowledge of the subject.

The roo is young, enthusiastic, and potential license holder, and only a troll to those that have really, really thin skin, or an excessively jaded attitude toward newbies.

He's a banned "young, enthusiastic" most likely a previously banned member trolling.

[ai4ep]

if you folks are talking about me. just say so.

I can take it..... If not, then state their call sign...

[w7lpn]

For 12 years I've listened to HAMs talking with "Funny Channel CBers" and even knew a (now) SK who introduced CBers to export radios Linears & funny channels to get them interested in HAM. This particular SK was a former commercial radioman who ran a CB shop @ a truck stop for years. Yawn...
Who cares? :rolleyes:

[WA7KKP]

They use the frequencies just outside of the CB band . . . SSB tends to be above 27.410 MHz and AMers tend to go below 26.960. Why? When you're sharing 40 channels with 10 gazillion other idiots . . . they simply want a "channel" that is quiet, so they can play ham radio without having to learn a #%^#%^ thing. Thanks to Yaesu and their FT101 series, and Swan/Siltronix 1011's, there used to be a plethora of renegade operators QRMing other services, including the MILITARY.

Strangely, during recent openings, I haven't heard any freebanders . . . the crud seems to stay within the 40 channels now. Maybe all those freebanders finally got a NCTech licence and now sit on their own ego repeater.

Gary WA7KKP

[WA9SVD]

For 12 years I've listened to HAMs talking with "Funny Channel CBers" and even knew a (now) SK who introduced CBers to export radios Linears & funny channels to get them interested in HAM. This particular SK was a former commercial radioman who ran a CB shop @ a truck stop for years. Yawn...
Who cares? :rolleyes:

While I'm sorry to hear he's an SK, He was an embarassment to Amateur Radio (including our "self policing" tradition) and did not deserve the Amateur license he apparently "dissed." Aiding and abbetting illegal operators who use the CB frequencies is no way to encourage them to become honest, respectable Amateurs; it's setting a bad, NO, terrible and horrendous example.
His highest service to Amateur Radio would have been if he had been cited by the FCC for marketing "export" radios and illegal amps for use by illegal operators that use the CB frequencies.

I see no reason to praise his endeavours or questionable accomplishments. I HOPE his "proteges" understand that he was in violation of FCC regulations, and would hope they, at least, hold themselves to a higher standard.

[n8yx]

Around Akron, one can find what appears to be a group of hams on 27.805.

No callsigns divulged as of this posting but they're sure familiar with the amateur "scene" in these parts.

Makes one wonder.

[WA9SVD]

Around Akron, one can find what appears to be a group of hams on 27.805.

No callsigns divulged as of this posting but they're sure familiar with the amateur "scene" in these parts.

Makes one wonder.

Well, I'm not sure if that is a legitimate CB frequency, or what equipment they might be using, even if it isa CB channel. But if they are operatig illegally, they don't deserve to keep their license. The FCC seems to agree...

But remember, there ARE legitimate uses (AND USERS) of CB.

[ky5u]

Hey, whatever happened to Innane Kangeroo?

[n8yx]

Hey, whatever happened to Innane Kangeroo?

He was untrollulated.

[K8MHZ]

Hey, whatever happened to Innane Kangeroo?

He got banninated.

I read through his posts and don't understand the banning.

Poor Roo!

[n8yx]

He got banninated.

I read through his posts and don't understand the banning.


You'll have that.

[K8MHZ]

just another troll thread.

simple & to the point

Yeah, but he got banned and you didn't. :)

[ky5u]

Why do people freeband?

Bottom dwelling, low life, butt headed, diptard, SFB morons? Of course I could be wrong.

[ai4ep]

is he talking about me ?

I once considered freebanding, yet couldnt come up with a decent unit # that was not already taken by some one else, plus I was always scared of the FCC coming to visit.



Now that I am a licensed amateur radio operator, I no longer fear the FCC .

[ab8ro]

Well, I'm not sure if that is a legitimate CB frequency, or what equipment they might be using, even if it isa CB channel. But if they are operatig illegally, they don't deserve to keep their license. The FCC seems to agree...

But remember, there ARE legitimate uses (AND USERS) of CB.

27.805 is not legitimate CB.

http://home.att.net/~wizardoz/cbmw/channels.html

[ai4ep]

People from Alabama do not get banned...they get tolerated, put up with , felt sorry for.

For a person to get banned, first he has to know better.

I dont know any better.

I got lucky on test day.

So shoot me.

[ka5row]

:p The free band is CB. 27.965 to 27.405 but in the real world the free band is from about 26.500 to about 27.995 many CB radios can be modified to do this. :confused: Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu, haven't helped earthier. All of there radios are made to be modified and will transmit from about 1.7 to 30 MHz making them the perfect CB with a built in 100 watt amplifier all in one. Those chips could be made not to work from 26 MHz to 27.999 if they wanted to. But who knows maybe about 5% of there new sales are to the CB'rs and that is reason enough not to fix the chips.

[KM5FL]

just another troll thread.

simple & to the point

Yeah, but he got banned and you didn't. :)


Insanekangaroo made 48 posts, 47 of which were trolls.. EP has made over 14,000 posts, all of which made so sense.. Nobody can figure out if they are trolls or not.. :D :D :D :D :D


KM5FL

[AF5P]

Do not forget that if you are a MARS Station, you have to modify your equipment to operate on most MARS Frequencies.
But your are not breaking the law if you are a MARS Station.;)

[ai4ep]

Lots of cb operators ( legal and illegal ) will not attempt to become amateur radio operators because ( in their tiny minds ) they THINK the fcc will come after them for their PAST radio violations, along with tax evasion and other violations of other sorts. What they fail to relize is --- the federal government ALREADY KNOWS about 90% of these " hidden " voilations through the years...but these narrow minded folks are too vain / dumb to realize that.

They think the FCC is going to " come and get them " if they get a amateur radio license of any type, so they transmit illegally on illegal frequencies, sometimes even with illegal power output. ...and they wont vote either, they think the BOOGEYMAN is going to get them ...and no they aint all in Alabama either, some of them may live near you, in some cases in sight of your home but down the street....some might be your kin folks.

[VE7DCW]

Insanekangaroo made 48 posts, 47 of which were trolls.. EP has made over 14,000 posts, all of which made so sense.. Nobody can figure out if they are trolls or not.. :D :D :D :D :D


KM5FL

:D Robert is the QRZ's official troll multi-tasker.Remember....post is just not just a maker of breakfast cereal... :rolleyes:

73

[KA4DPO]

Who cares about freebanders anyway in fact, who cares about this stupid thread started by some miscellaneous malcontent.

As long as they stay out of the amateur bands I say let them have at it.

[kd8hho]

Who cares about freebanders anyway in fact, who cares about this stupid thread started by some miscellaneous malcontent.

As long as they stay out of the amateur bands I say let them have at it.

thats the problem. they have invaded the low end of 10. and illegal is illegal

[KD6WAG]

I DO NOT believe in freebanding. (My definition on "freebanding" is transmitting outside of the ham, citizen's band, FRS or GMRS band plans). But, I think it should be okay to take a ham radio and modify it for use on 11 meters.

Regular CB radios are junk! Stay within the legal transmitting limits on 11 meters for sideband use and I think one should be allowed to use ham radio equipment.

After all, 11meters once did belong to us hams in the first place. 11 meters was taken away from us hams back in the 50's.

So, I don't see a problem if someone mod's their ham radio to be able to use it for CB sideband operations, provided one stays within the legal transmit limits as governed. Having to buy a seperate CB radio to be able to talk on 11m sideband is just plain stupid!

That being said though, YES I KNOW IT IS ILLEGAL TO MOD A HAM RADIO FOR CB USE. All I'm saying is that I DO NOT like that law. I wish that law was changed. Yes, I grudginly obey that stupid law too. So, don't hate me for that.

I also wish that it was law that only licensed ham radio people were allowed to purchase a ham transiever. I've been to HRO only to watch a few people not have a call sign and the clerk sells them a ham radio. What's that all about?

But, this is my "free" opinion. Others here will object. Isn't it great that we all can still voice our "opinion?"

[kb3laz]

I also wish that it was law that only licensed ham radio people were allowed to purchase a ham transiever. I've been to HRO only to watch a few people not have a call sign and the clerk sells them a ham radio. What's that all about?

But, this is my "free" opinion. Others here will object. Isn't it great that we all can still voice our "opinion?"

I agree and disagree with you and myself at the same time!:p (confused yet)
Anyway in one breath I feel that non licensed persons should not be able to buy an amateur radio, and yet I cant quite convince myself to agree with myself. Here are a few reasons I am torn, there are a lot of great radios that non hams could use to SWL, or for instance what if the wife/husband, father or so on of a ham wants to buy a radio as a gift. In the last scenario I guess a gift card would work. Well thats my 2 cents.

[KM5FL]

Lots of cb operators ( legal and illegal ) will not attempt to become amateur radio operators because ( in their tiny minds ) they THINK the fcc will come after them for their PAST radio violations, along with tax evasion and other violations of other sorts. What they fail to relize is --- the federal government ALREADY KNOWS about 90% of these " hidden " voilations through the years...but these narrow minded folks are too vain / dumb to realize that.

They think the FCC is going to " come and get them " if they get a amateur radio license of any type, so they transmit illegally on illegal frequencies, sometimes even with illegal power output. ...and they wont vote either, they think the BOOGEYMAN is going to get them ...and no they aint all in Alabama either, some of them may live near you, in some cases in sight of your home but down the street....some might be your kin folks.

Robert, now you've done it and let the cat out of the bag... Taken individually, these folks you speak of probably don't have 2 brain cells to rub together, but collectively they just might come up with a plan and move to Alabama -- in sight of your home but down the street....some might be your kin folks.... If that should happen, where would that leave you... :eek: :eek:


KM5FL

[kj3n]

trolling, trolling, trolling..........

Pot, meet Kettle. ;)

[n8yx]

This thing still going?

[KC9JIQ]

This thing still going?

Do you want it to continue?

[KM5FL]

This thing still going?

Sure it's still going.. It's become insane kangaroo's living memorial.. You remember him don't you?? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:


KM5FL

[WA9SVD]

Sure it's still going.. It's become insane kangaroo's living memorial.. You remember him don't you?? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:


KM5FL

Actually, I preferred "Maniacal Marsupial" myself...:D

[WA9SVD]

I DO NOT believe in freebanding. (My definition on "freebanding" is transmitting outside of the ham, citizen's band, FRS or GMRS band plans). But, I think it should be okay to take a ham radio and modify it for use on 11 meters.

Regular CB radios are junk! Stay within the legal transmitting limits on 11 meters for sideband use and I think one should be allowed to use ham radio equipment.

After all, 11meters once did belong to us hams in the first place. 11 meters was taken away from us hams back in the 50's.

So, I don't see a problem if someone mod's their ham radio to be able to use it for CB sideband operations, provided one stays within the legal transmit limits as governed. Having to buy a seperate CB radio to be able to talk on 11m sideband is just plain stupid!

That being said though, YES I KNOW IT IS ILLEGAL TO MOD A HAM RADIO FOR CB USE. All I'm saying is that I DO NOT like that law. I wish that law was changed. Yes, I grudginly obey that stupid law too. So, don't hate me for that.

I also wish that it was law that only licensed ham radio people were allowed to purchase a ham transiever. I've been to HRO only to watch a few people not have a call sign and the clerk sells them a ham radio. What's that all about?

But, this is my "free" opinion. Others here will object. Isn't it great that we all can still voice our "opinion?"

Legal CB radios are more than adequate for operation within §Part 95. That is, LEGAL operation within the 40 specific Class D Citizen's Radio Service channels, within the legal power limit, and within the purpose and intent of the CB service itself.
You don't NEED FT-2000 or IC-7800 performance for legitimate and legal CB operations.

If you want to make DX contacts, your Amateur radio (even if if it can be "modded" for 11 Meters) will work just asl well on 10 Meters, AND operate there legally.

[ai4ep]

WHY is putting down 11 meter operators or CB operators such a high priority on some of you folks hate lists ?

Can not you just let those folks live in peace or do you HAVE to verbally harass them every chance you get ?

Just learn to " live and let live " .

Based on some of your wordings, I can only IMAGINE the aggression and hate that would occur if either of these 2 incidents occurred in your life ----

1) some one in your family had a traffic accident with a vehicle than sported a cb antenna.....

or

you had a teenage daughter / son that had a FRIEND who actually used cb radio .

The rest of us can only IMAGINE how you would react to such a situation, based entirely on your own words in your own posts, on the past few pages.

Go back and re - read WHO SAYS WHAT .....you have my permission even though you do not need it.

[n8yx]

Do you want it to continue?

No, but if you insist...

[AC4BB]

Took this Guy less than 2 days to get BANNED and he still posting why is that.?:confused::eek:

[W5HTW]

you had a teenage daughter / son that had a FRIEND who actually used cb radio .


Some of my best friends are CBers. But I wouldn't want my daughter to marry one.

[K0BX]

We all have our point of view, mine is a bit different.

I have never been a CB'er but I have helped many get their Ham License. The reason people freeband is because it is their incentive unlicense structure.

They first get a Cheap AM CB set. (Novice).

Then they get a SSB/AM CB set. (General).

On SSB they find that there is Upper/Lower frequencies that serious CB'ers are on. These are special frequencies that only the TOP-GUNS know how to get to and operate on. So here we go again, a new rig, maybe even a converted Ham Rig, so they can slid up to 28.085. (Extra).

It is all about ego, being the top-gun, that is how we are.

Joe K0BX

[ky5u]

WHY is putting down 11 meter operators or CB operators such a high priority on some of you folks hate lists ?

Can not you just let those folks live in peace or do you HAVE to verbally harass them every chance you get ?

Just learn to " live and let live " .
Why? See freebanders below... See that blue collar? They have NO sense of fashion.

[wa9cwx]

Thank the Gods this thread is still active.

I have been away from the computer for a few days, and, I thought some arcane bit of secretive knowlege may have slid past me....

But no, the innate wisdom of Mr. Kangaroo's posting is still being explored.

Never actually tried Freebanding, or even the Costly CB version of the Radio Communications Art and Science.

What am I missing?

Are there deeper issues of a technical nature, more human insight, more profound investigations into Life's mysteries on the 'Freeband' frequencies?

Is the license for 'Freeband' more diffiicult to obtain?

Do I need to sharpen my operating skills to achieve success in communications on 'Freeband'....?

PLEASE, I wish to understand this new field more completely.

Frank,
Eager to learn.

[wy6k]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Don't make it more than it is.

[kc6toa]

PLEASE, I wish to understand this new field more completely.

Not much to it.

1) 11 meter equipment is inexpensive compared to HF ham rigs.
2) The radios and antennas cover +/- 1MHz from CB with little degradation.
3) There are no legitimate/licensed users of these frequencies.
4) CB may be permitted from 26 to 28MHz in other countries.

When CB was expanded from 23 channels to 40, it was not extended beyond 40 channels because manufacturers did not want to operate past the 455KHz bandwidth due to the technology limitations at the time.

I'm not saying is right to transmit there, its just those are the facts.

[VE7DCW]

Not much to it.

1) 11 meter equipment is inexpensive compared to HF ham rigs.
2) The radios and antennas cover +/- 1MHz from CB with little degradation.
3) There are no legitimate/licensed users of these frequencies.
4) CB may be permitted from 26 to 28MHz in other countries.

When CB was expanded from 23 channels to 40, it was not extended beyond 40 channels because manufacturers did not want to operate past the 455KHz bandwidth due to the technology limitations at the time.

I'm not saying is right to transmit there, its just those are the facts.

Alright then let's be done with the whole thing...technology? develop a SDR radio system for all these "freebanders" to use.They can still be illegal with the best of cutting edge technology.Let them do their thing in style.I'll stick to regular Amateur Radio... tried and proven! :)

73

[K4KWH]

Alright then let's be done with the whole thing...technology? develop a SDR radio system for all these "freebanders" to use.They can still be illegal with the best of cutting edge technology.Let them do their thing in style.I'll stick to regular Amateur Radio... tried and proven! :)

73


NO!! Jerk out the reddios with all the "extree channels", Slap 'em upside the head with 'em, Fine the crap out of 'em, pile up all the illegal chicken band "10 Meter" reddios (thar) in a pile, douse 'em with gasoline, and set the cussed things on "f'ar".......I mean, "FIRE"!!! :D Then march 'em off to Bataan---or jail with a band playing a funeral dirge! :D j/k (sorta!)


J

[KD6NIG]

Uh oh.

AR Newsline for this week mentions CB.

Some people are going to be mighty upset...... :p

[AG3Y]

NO!! Jerk out the reddios with all the "extree channels", Slap 'em upside the head with 'em, Fine the crap out of 'em, pile up all the illegal chicken band "10 Meter" reddios (thar) in a pile, douse 'em with gasoline, and set the cussed things on "f'ar".......I mean, "FIRE"!!! :D Then march 'em off to Bataan---or jail with a band playing a funeral dirge! :D j/k (sorta!)


J


Oh, com'on, don't hold back. Tell us how you REALLY feel ! ! ! :eek: :rolleyes: :p

[n8yx]

Uh oh.

AR Newsline for this week mentions CB.

Some people are going to be mighty upset...... :p

Link, or it didn't happen... ;)

[ai4ep]

I seen it with my own eyes....that it twas , looking back at me through the computer monitor...reference to an article in a current issue of POPULAR COMMUNICATIONS magazine...just go- git and read the whole story fer yerself ifn you - all dont blieve me.

Thar....that told some of them, and the rest dont matter any ways.

[WB9SBD]

Thats a good point also and I admit I didnt think about it like that. Basically a Novice can buy an HF rig and yes COULD transmit on amateur extra privileges. But that is a HAM band. The thread is why do people freeband. Of course they shouldnt sell a rig specifically for privileges but making it VERY difficult to TX outside of ham bands sounds smart to me.

But then how do the legal "OUT OF BAND" people get to use their frequescies? In other words MARS stations,, CAP etc?

There would have to be the "Mars / Cap mod so there ya go again,

Joe WB9SBD

[KD6NIG]

Link, or it didn't happen... ;)


http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=169350

About halfway into it, roughly.

You're welcome :)

[WA9SVD]

But then how do the legal "OUT OF BAND" people get to use their frequescies? In other words MARS stations,, CAP etc?

There would have to be the "Mars / Cap mod so there ya go again,

Joe WB9SBD

JUST "FYI," there is no longre ANY Amateur equipment (modded or not) that is accepted for use in CAP. CAP is governed by the NTIA, and not the FCC, and they require more stable frequency control and frequency accuracy (amoungst other technical specs) than Amateur equipment can provide. And that's at least partly because CAP activities (other than drills and practices) are considered "mission critical" just as Police, Fire, and other Public Service Agency communications are considered possibly "life and death" situations.

MARS is not considered "life and death" communications in most situations, and authorized MARS stations are still allowed the use of modified Amateur equipment.

[n8yx]

says that the spectrum of legal C-B operations from 26.695 to 27.404 MHz is truly alive, well and living in your neighborhood.

Maybe wherever the writer lives, but not in my neighborhood. Not even in my area.

Around here, there is one (count it) channel which sees anything approaching regular use. The rest...are a wasteland; a graveyard. Unless "skip's up", that is.

And did anyone catch the two typos in the quoted snippet above? I've highlighted them for your convenience... ;)

[K8MHZ]

I miss 'Roo.....:(

[W8NSI]

But then how do the legal "OUT OF BAND" people get to use their frequescies? In other words MARS stations,, CAP etc?

There would have to be the "Mars / Cap mod so there ya go again,

Joe WB9SBD

Maybe a MARS mod, but CAP is certified equipment only as far as I know.

[KC9JIQ]

Maybe wherever the writer lives, but not in my neighborhood. Not even in my area.

Around here, there is one (count it) channel which sees anything approaching regular use. The rest...are a wasteland; a graveyard. Unless "skip's up", that is.

And did anyone catch the two typos in the quoted snippet above? I've highlighted them for your convenience... ;)

I was SWL'ing last night, noticed channel 38lsb where all the "John Doe" hams hang out(YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!)

Anyhow I figured I would just SWL up to 28.000.0, and I found three active "freeband" frequencies, two of them were ssb and the other was mexican AM?

I didn't SWL the "lower" channels, but seems to me there was more activity on "freeband" than there was from 28.3-28.4mhz!:(

[kd8hho]

I was SWL'ing last night, noticed channel 38lsb where all the "John Doe" hams hang out(YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!)

Anyhow I figured I would just SWL up to 28.000.0, and I found three active "freeband" frequencies, two of them were ssb and the other was mexican AM?

I didn't SWL the "lower" channels, but seems to me there was more activity on "freeband" than there was from 28.3-28.4mhz!:(

typical 10m is becoming chickenbander land

[WA9SVD]

But then how do the legal "OUT OF BAND" people get to use their frequescies? In other words MARS stations,, CAP etc?

There would have to be the "Mars / Cap mod so there ya go again,

Joe WB9SBD

NOT necessarily. CAP is no longer an argument; it absolutely requires certified equipment. MARS could do the same; they ARE both under NTIA authority, not FCC. There's no "God given" right that MARS authorized stations are able to use modified Amateur equipment, it was for the convenience of the MARS program and expedient for the MARS objective. There's no legal (or moral) mandate that says modified Amateur equipment MUST be allowed.

[WR8D]

I did modify my radio, but far as I've gone is to listen to the freebanders in the area.

Why do people freeband? :/ They're using simplex, so I'm at a loss as to why. Is there some advantage of using a higher or lower frequency?

There's no pill to cure dumbass, simple as that!

--... ...-- WR8D:rolleyes:

[n8yx]

There's no pill to cure dumbass, simple as that!

--... ...-- WR8D:rolleyes:

Sure there is. You cannot legally administer it in any of the 50 states, though...

[ka5row]

The reason in my opinion is: Kenwood, Icom, and Yaesu have calculated that a percentage of there radios are sold for the intent of CB modification. I don't know about Ten-Tec.

[k5ten]

If the FCC isn't going to find them and fine them, then they will continue to be operating. It's like never spanking a kid and then scratching your head and being amazed why they do worse later.

It always happens....then they stray into 10M.

FCC could be raking in the cash at a minimum $2,000 per...




Bruce

[ai4ep]

if the fcc would increase the fines, it would be more worthwhile for them to monitor the bands and catch folks breaking the rules / regulations..........say 10 grand for the first offense, and double it with every violation afterwards ???

[VE7NOT]

We all have our point of view, mine is a bit different.

I have never been a CB'er but I have helped many get their Ham License. The reason people freeband is because it is their incentive unlicense structure.

They first get a Cheap AM CB set. (Novice).

Then they get a SSB/AM CB set. (General).

On SSB they find that there is Upper/Lower frequencies that serious CB'ers are on. These are special frequencies that only the TOP-GUNS know how to get to and operate on. So here we go again, a new rig, maybe even a converted Ham Rig, so they can slid up to 28.085. (Extra).

It is all about ego, being the top-gun, that is how we are.

Joe K0BX


Wrong!

About the last part....

You are correct that alot of hobbist cber have often used ham rigs on 'freeband' channels BUT never on 28.085...

Freebanders in canada/us rarely go above 27.6 or so... the last 400khz is spanish and tropical countries.


As for 28.085am that is of course a truck driver or an ignorant cb user with a 'bootleg rig' that doesn't know that the extra channels are on 10m.

My observation most freebanders are hams... Ones who invaded 10m are not...

[n8yx]

The reason in my opinion is: Kenwood, Icom, and Yaesu have calculated that a percentage of there radios are sold for the intent of CB modification. I don't know about Ten-Tec.

In the case of TenTec and their later-model rigs, you present them with "proof of eligibility" to operate outside the ham bands (MARS membership documentation, etc) and they send a new PROM to you. There is no way you're going to open up their rigs' TX range by merely "snipping a diode".

[KC4RAN]

It's time for Olivia and RTTY beacons on these 'channels' on the bottom end of 10...

[WA9SVD]

In the case of TenTec and their later-model rigs, you present them with "proof of eligibility" to operate outside the ham bands (MARS membership documentation, etc) and they send a new PROM to you. There is no way you're going to open up their rigs' TX range by merely "snipping a diode".

I'm not familiar with the TenTec rigs, but I would suspect that if TenTec can provide a PROM for legitimate "out of band" operations, there's probably a black market or underground hack that can do the same thing.
Replacing a PROM is probably even easier than snipping a diode, once the part is obtained.

[WA7KKP]

When you were stuck with 23 channels of garbage, and the skip is rolling in . . . where can you go?

Up or down . . . the SSB types went up, the AMers went down.

And the ease and availability of Yaesu FT101's with the proverbial yellow wire snipped (they even put a hole in the shield over the bandswitch to make it ultra-easy), and the relabled Swan 1011, aka Siltronix. Soon, aftermarket VFO's like the PAL were sold, and hacked into the rock-bound radios.

I remember when Yaesu said they had sold over ONE MILLION FT101's . . . and there were less than 700k hams in the US, and not all of them had FT101's, so it didn't take a brain surgeon or rocket scientist to figure out where the rest of them ended up.

I don't hear much of the freebanding any more . . . I guess they got un-lazy and got a Tech licence, so they can hang out on their own semi-private "ego repeater". You still hear a lot of hetrodynes in the present 40 channels when the band is open.

Or maybe they've finally burned up all of their 6JS6 finals while running AM through them, and can't afford the big bucks to find another pair.

You may think that being facetious, but I remember a CBer using a 101 driving a 2100B, who burned up 572B's about every two to three weeks. Why? He was running AM through the pair . . .

Gary WA7KKP

[n8yx]

And the ease and availability of Yaesu FT101's with the proverbial yellow wire snipped (they even put a hole in the shield over the bandswitch to make it ultra-easy)

The wire in question was (and is) brown... ;)

[ve2nsm]

Why do people freeband?
Why do people troll?

[W9VER]

Why do people get bothered when someone trolls?

You ALL KNOW why radio operators freeband, have you heard the CB band when it is "open"? It is a mess and you can't really talk without 20 over "quarm" so they go up or down, it's THAT simple.;)

[kf4hay]

I know what a troll is and what troll bait is, but the ones that bite the troll bait are they trolls to, I mean troll bait is for catching trolls, right, perhaps ?

The only problem I see is the trollbait brings out everybody that has a personal opinion and those with close minded thoughts.

One thing is for sure these kind of threads definately get the most action, definate indication of something ?, not sure what ?

I say, give the people what they want and they should get what they want and plenty of it.
It's the democratic way.