As I read the proposed bill, it is a defense to prosecution if one used a hands free device, and in the bill it defines a hands free device as including a push-to-talk function. Since almost all mobile vhf/uhf ham radios art PTT, we are not really affected.
However, this is an onerous bill which could have far-reaching unintended consequences. I am writing my Senator.
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Return to “Where to begin with a HAM radio?”
- Fri Jan 11, 2019 11:04 am
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: Where to begin with a HAM radio?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 80139
- Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:21 pm
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: Where to begin with a HAM radio?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 80139
Re: Where to begin with a HAM radio?
I don't believe everything I read on Google, and in this case I will defer the ultimate authority on the matter, the ARRL (who also does not spell it all caps):
The first wireless operators were landline telegraphers who left their offices to go to sea or to man the coastal stations. They brought with them their language and much of the tradition of their older profession. In those early days, every station occupied the whole spectrum with its broad spark signal. Government stations, ships, coastal stations and the increasingly numerous amateur operators all competed for time and signal supremacy in each other's receivers. Many of the amateur stations were very powerful. Two amateurs, working each other across town, could effectively jam all the other operations in the area. Frustrated commercial operators would refer to the ham radio interference by calling them "hams." Amateurs, possibly unfamiliar with the real meaning of the term, picked it up and applied it to themselves. As the years advanced, the original meaning has completely disappeared.
As I mentioned, the origin is obscure.
The first wireless operators were landline telegraphers who left their offices to go to sea or to man the coastal stations. They brought with them their language and much of the tradition of their older profession. In those early days, every station occupied the whole spectrum with its broad spark signal. Government stations, ships, coastal stations and the increasingly numerous amateur operators all competed for time and signal supremacy in each other's receivers. Many of the amateur stations were very powerful. Two amateurs, working each other across town, could effectively jam all the other operations in the area. Frustrated commercial operators would refer to the ham radio interference by calling them "hams." Amateurs, possibly unfamiliar with the real meaning of the term, picked it up and applied it to themselves. As the years advanced, the original meaning has completely disappeared.
As I mentioned, the origin is obscure.
- Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:09 am
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: Where to begin with a HAM radio?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 80139
Re: Where to begin with a HAM radio?
I notice a lot of folks here are capitalizing "HAM", like it is some kind of acronym or abbreviation. It is not. It is a noun or adjective, depending on use. The origin is obscure, and much debated. It is just - Ham - as in Ham Radio Operator, or He/She is a Ham.
- Fri Jun 02, 2017 6:09 am
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: Where to begin with a HAM radio?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 80139
Re: Where to begin with a HAM radio?
Very best thing is to contact your local Amateur Radio Club. Ham Radio has a tradition of the "Elmer", or "pay it forward". You will get plenty of help, good information, and a lot of new friends. If Google is not helping, go to http://www.ARRL.org.
73, N3FKV
Added: Annual Field Day is coming up June 24-25. This annual event gets ham clubs out to city parks and other venues to operate a 24 hour event with field expedient setups, and emergency equipment. Find one of these in your area, and you will meet a lot of folks who will happy to show you their gear.
73, N3FKV
Added: Annual Field Day is coming up June 24-25. This annual event gets ham clubs out to city parks and other venues to operate a 24 hour event with field expedient setups, and emergency equipment. Find one of these in your area, and you will meet a lot of folks who will happy to show you their gear.