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Author Topic: Unliscenced Ham Radio usage  (Read 2736 times)

Offline MattGSX

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Unliscenced Ham Radio usage
« on: October 16, 2008, 12:50:59 PM »
So I was thinking of looking for a used radio for all of the illicit goodness that can come with using one. As the title implies, I'm not a licensed ham radio operator, and I'm not really what/where the risks are. Do I need a license to listen in on broadcasts, or only to broadcast? How often are unlicensed broadcasters caught/prosecuted? What all could I be charged with, if caught?
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Offline Godot

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Re: Unliscenced Ham Radio usage
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2008, 01:54:48 PM »
Quote from: MattGSX on October 16, 2008, 12:50:59 PM
Do I need a license to listen in on broadcasts, or only to broadcast?

You just need a license to transmit. You can listen all you want.

Quote from: MattGSX on October 16, 2008, 12:50:59 PM
How often are unlicensed broadcasters caught/prosecuted?

It depends on what you are doing. If you are causing trouble, local hams will try to find you pretty quickly. If you are operating from a fixed location, they probably will. If you steal some obscure person's call sign, and play it cool, you may never get caught.

But illegal operators do get caught. Many hams out their would love the chance to try to track someone down. You should avoid operating illegally from a fixed location, especially if that location is your house. Also, transmit only for brief periods of time. Transmitting continuously helps them find you.

Quote from: MattGSX on October 16, 2008, 12:50:59 PM
What all could I be charged with, if caught?

You would be fined, possibly several thousand dollars.


Read FCC Enforcement News.
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Offline MattGSX

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Re: Unliscenced Ham Radio usage
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2008, 09:25:28 PM »
Thank you, Godot, for empowering me with knowledge!

Also, you were a little heavy on the "how to do this without getting caught", but overall, that was an exemplary reply that I would love to have more of on this board. +1 is well deserved!
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Offline spsmckintra

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Re: Unliscenced Ham Radio usage
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2008, 04:53:55 AM »
Yea, we are a pretty tight crew. We do not tolerate any misbehavior on the bands. But since Karol Madera and Glenn Baxter have been getting away with it for so long without any consequences I guess you could dabble a bit. Just be sparing.
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Offline Lestan Gregor

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Re: Unliscenced Ham Radio usage
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2008, 08:16:34 AM »
Quote from: spsmckintra on October 17, 2008, 04:53:55 AM
Yea, we are a pretty tight crew. We do not tolerate any misbehavior on the bands. But since Karol Madera and Glenn Baxter have been getting away with it for so long without any consequences I guess you could dabble a bit. Just be sparing.

Dont forget Billy Crowell
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