In episode #343 of the ICQPodcast, I joined Martin M1MRB and Edmund Spicer M0MNG to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. We discussed the following:
FCC – Radio Users Reminded Not to Use Radios in Crimes.
We also discussed the ARRL’s response to this Enforcement Advisory, “ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio.”3,500 German Radio Interference Complaints in 2020
3,500 seems like quite a lot. Anyone know how many interference complaints are filed here in the U.S. or where I could find that information? I searched around the FCC website a bit, but didn’t find any data.JARL Wants to Increase Youngsters Amateur Radio Experience Opportunities
Information on this was a bit vague, but the press release says that they have requested “regulation changes to facilitate the use of amateur radio by elementary and junior high school students.”Sweden’s Oldest Radio Ham on TV
Our “feel good” story of the episode.City Antenna Law Upturned By FCC Ruling
TL;DR: You can have a satellite dish antenna, but not a CB or ham radio antenna. Martin suggests modifying a dish antenna by cutting a slot in it for operation on 2m.
Dave New, N8SBE says
Considering the recent supreme court ruling that local authorities cannot regulate signs based on their content, I wonder how long it will be before antennas end up in the same vein. In other words, you cannot regulate an antenna based on the signals it transfers. So, if someone is able to have an antenna of a specific size and shape, it doesn’t matter if its a TV antenna or a ham antenna, they should all be allowed. With more and more ‘cord cutters’ putting up outside antennas for off-air TV broadcasts, seems like neighborhoods that still have TV towers should also have ham towers allowed.
Paul Schleck, K3FU says
One of the regulars on rec.radio.amateur.policy with a decades-long career in communications law has pointed out in the past that the dish exemptions only apply to receiving antennas, and for broadcast television/video reception. Any kind of transmitting antenna, regardless of its appearance or resemblance to receiving antennas, would currently not be protected.
Dan KB6NU says
Well, no, technically it’s not allowed, but who would notice a small slot in the dish antenna?
Paul Schleck, K3FU says
The newsgroup regular also offers the opinion that thinking you can break the law because you’re not going to get caught is not a good legal defense, nor necessarily a pragmatic strategy, if you do get caught. RFI happens, your kids talk to the neighbor’s kids and word gets around, etc. It can be an especially rich assertion from those who are offended that the FCC feels the need to point out that amateurs shouldn’t be breaking the law. “Technically” illegal is still illegal, and judges are very good with their knowledge of such technicalities.