NOTE: For those that didn’t catch, this new FCC advisory is not introducing anything NEW. It’s the same old laws that have governed amateur radio for years. It was just a reminder.
A very well reasoned and thought out video. However, my concern would be a scenario where well-intentioned hams (like the majority of us) were unable to provide emergency communications in a civil unrest situation (or whatever the circumstances) where ham frequencies were being jammed. Also, it is well known that certain "groups" use the LoRa frequencies in peer to peer mesh networks to coordinate activities. Would it be right to jam 900mhz over a "perceived" threat yet risk the collection of data from other devices that share that spectrum such as water/moisture sensors, GPS, etc? I'm just playing devil's advocate here. I get the FCC and the ARRL had to say this. But IMHO, I can see it as a veiled threat to the bad actors at the expense of law-abiding hams.
How about crimes that are NOT illegal in the mind of Jack? Can Jack with other authoritative News sources, make some "crimes" legal for them, just by brute technology force?
Those people who tell us on the HRCC Facebook page that they bought a Baofeng for “emergencies” but aren’t going to get licensed don’t know that coded messages are illegal because they didn’t study for a test and they can’t identify because they don’t have call signs. Those unlicensed operators are going to hurt us all.
I have trouble with an FCC that chooses to scold and warn armature radio licensees yet does nothing to curb the vitriol and deception coming from the MSM licensees. Where is the warning to them?
They are using the media to commit the most horrid things. Gaslighting and false flagging the people. They had control until the internet. Then when it wasn’t just a radio station or news paper or news channel giving the people info. It’s too late. The cats out the bag around the globe and we the good have the critical mass by FAR!
This pissed me off too. There are real things FCC can do to make the world a better place. Forcing the phone carriers to implement programs to block spoof calls would virtually stop unwanted telemarketing. But instead we have this.
@@CenturyofTerror You do realize that the law isn't anything new don't you? There are laws against using the postal service to commit crimes as well, are you going to make a fuss about that? These types of laws are " charges in addition to " rather than a singular charge.
@@bobroberts2371 I hear you Bob, I just don't like that the idiot at the helm of the FCC Facebook page decided to send out this message. Its not new and it is common knowledge-- therefore stating it is demeaning. It is especially so to those it calls out specifically: amateur radio operators. Also, as I stated the FCC has work to do. Law enforcement isn't their job. Reminding us to "follow the rules" is NOT the work if the FCC.
Yup. And look what we are up against. “They” try to make people believe that this 👽 is the enemy. Yet the 👽 that want control over humans and earth. Just got it.
Good point but there are walkie talkie apps in Google store that work well with cell phones. All the more reason they should leave amatuer radio alone.
@@paulherrera1174 Excellent idea. Tracking their actions subsequently would be a piece of piss. Sadly, even they are dumb enough to fall for it though. Probably.
Like a gun free zone. Just post a sign of the FCC regulations and they will understand they are about to commit a crime, but will instead carefully consider the consequences and cease from following through with their plan. We can make signs against drugs, robbery, assault, etc. *Boom*, perfect world! So easy! We can ban stuff, too! That'll surely work, aan the next 4 years will certainly prove this point ;)
@Johnny Rep ...In the early days of World War III, guerrillas - mostly children - placed the names of their lost upon this rock. They fought here alone and gave up their lives, so that this nation shall not perish from the earth.
I don't think you can use anything for illegal activities. A cell phone for example. The real problem is that the government and the people who pull its strings don't want the people to have any power over their government, so they are discouraging people from protesting in general, and this is just one more aspect of that among many.
This is like sending a letter to all senior FCC employees pointing out that taking bribes may lead to termination and possible criminal prosecution. Would such a letter be meaningful? No, of course not; it will be counterproductive since those who don't take bribes will find it offensive to even lecture them on it, while those who do will ignore it.
I did not fail to notice that there were plenty of FRS/GMRS and even the occasional Boafeng radio visible during the "Mostly peaceful, but fiery" events over the summer with no comments from the FCC. I am sure that it is just politically expedient to go "Full Reichstag" at the moment. The next week or so should be interesting.
@@twohandsandaradio - "Gun free zones" are where 98% of mass murders occur, because the people in them are as defenseless and as easy to murder as unborn babies in abortion clinics. It should be no surprise that both forms of murder are supported by the same people (same political party.)
Just a comment on the encryption, most DMR radios use AES encryption, and even poorly done with bad salt and poor key choice the encryption would take months to break by someone with enough computing power. This is not a problem because the radios are not intended to keep the information secure indefinitely, just long enough to be tactically unviable. As for radio direction finding, small low power burst transmissions between small teams of fast moving resistance cells in a red dawn scenario, are not likely to be easily tracked as those units should be fast moving and using good strict coms security, only speaking as minimally as needed. As for the FCC notice, I am sure the people contemplating committing felonies or treason are really concerned about breaking FCC guidelines or federal firearms laws. Next time I get mugged I will remind the criminal it is illegal to use a weapon in furtherance of a felony assault.
Appreciate you NOT having this video turn into a lecture or a finger-pointing. Thanks for making this a practical discussion with fact-based reasoning. We need more RUclipsrs in all channel types to approach topics this way. Not everyone has the talent (nor the good sense) to do it this way. Well done.
theolithic71 , Unless you are so far gone as to be part of the problem, the statements made are just logical extensions of what has been commented on here.
So now, baofengs, cb's and other radios are a sought after commodity.....like toilet paper, hand sanitizer and ammunition. What a world this has become.
Balkanization. For recent examples, look to Yugoslavia and the kingdom that predated it. Its creation, struggle and dissolution. And understand for how long there was turmoil and strife in the region, and for how long the ethnic cleansing went on for. Also understand we (under NATO banner) were there imposing peace for nearly 2 decades.
@@f1y7rap - I don't know much about Yugoslavia, except the 24/47 Yugo Mausers were of a much higher quality than the M98s that were made by slave labor in Nazi Germany.
criminals have no interest in following the law .... it is illegal to use firearms in criminal activity also , yet this happens daily .... only law abiding people follow laws . there is nothing the fcc can say that will make a criminal stop in their tracks and reconsider their actions .
Gotta love those BATF forms that ask you to tick boxes next to questions asking whether or not you've committed any crimes that would bar you from gun ownership. Rely on self-reporting to catch would-be armed robbers, that'll really stop 'em from getting guns. That's assuming they even bothered to try official channels to begin with. It's that way with a lot of laws though. Infanticide, elder abuse, drive-by's, almost no one wants to do these things and those who do don't care about the legality.
@@sammiller6631 Possibly, but if the FCC would go after those guys, like they should, it would send a better message. The FCC did great with those guys that were illegal on 14.313 a few years ago, it can work on 3.840 also if they would just do it.
I find it ironic that big tech, specifically Amazon, does not verify the sales of ham transceivers by asking for call signs and verifying addresses before shipping product. I think some criminal charges need to be levied on whomever sold ham transceivers without verifying license.
@@lukeperkins7001 Sadly there is nothing they can do as it isn't illegal to listen without a license. It is illegal to transmit without a license (or a licensed operator beside you) unless it is a dire emergency. These little cheap radios are also used (illegally) for FRS and GMRS. There are power limits for both and a license requirement for GMRS. People buy them and use them without knowing the rules or blatantly ignoring them.
And make sure you don't have your own private mail server (in the server closet in your restroom) for official correspondence. And absolutely do not nuke the hard drive with Bleach Bit. That is all.
"Jacque has a long mustache." and "Climb Mount Niitaka" I sometimes use to practice Morse Code. Sometimes I pick words out of the dictionary. Will those get me in trouble if someone has an active imagination?
Josh, I agree with everything you said here, 100%, except for the reason why the FCC released the statement, and therein lies why I am the most concerned about it. The FCC could have easily made a specific statement about what happened at the capital. This statement is not at all specific. In fact it's somewhat vague. It's a reminder that you can't use the radio space to commit crimes, which...duh. How often does the government remind you in that manner? When there are mass shootings, does BATFE release a statement saying "we believe in the use of guns according to the 2nd amendment, but you are reminded that you are not to use guns to commit a crime?" The one point of specificity in the whole release speaks to the fact that "the Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain radio services...may be an alternative to social media platforms for groups to communicate AND coordinate future activities." Emphasis is my own, but that 'and' delineates two separate ideas; communicating and coordinating. You yourself pointed out in a previous video the dangers of suppressing speech, and I think we all knew you meant in the forum of free speech, not for criminal acts. The part that concerns me is the intersection between these two spaces. The suppression of free speech through the guise of enforcement of laws and regulations, and I think the FCC advisory, opens the door for enforcement of that kind. The release reminds us also that the FCC can fine us and seize our equipment, even before, or in lieu of, any criminal charges. Assume I'm participating in a rag chew with a friend across the country and say "yeah, well I think it is our duty as citizens to protest -insert something unpopular here- WW3RRR" and that is captured and recorded via SDR and reported to the FCC, the FCC could fine me for supporting criminal activity, take away my licenses, etc, and my only recourse would be to sue the FCC, to bring them to court. Based on this release, they can claim proper promulgation of the laws on the books that the FCC would be policing this type of behavior, and it would be up to a jury to decide if I actually broke any laws. This is a very slippery slope.
I agree, but how is it that now is any different than it has been since well before I was born nearly 50 years ago. Nothing has changed before or since the FCC notice.
Except bad people don't think of themselves as bad. When people do bad things, they think of themselves as good people being punished even when they are doing clearly bad things.
@@HamRadio2 it was actually in “The longest day” WWII movie in a scene with the French resistance to let them know the invasion started. It was actually used in WWII.
Personally, I am thankful for the reminder - if they hadn't put this notice out, I might have used my ham ticket to help start my own Central American drug cartel. Whew.
Well said, Josh. Thanks for putting this video out there. I've seen a lot of folks take the FCC announcement as an affront, but I don't know why most hams would take this as an attack, since we (generally) aren't the ones causing problems to begin with. Stay safe, I look forward to see your videos again soon. 73
Depends on the person. Some think, "Well, duh..." because they already know this. They knew the laws and rules when they got their license. They know the laws and rules regarding this haven't changed. So why waste the time and energy putting out what they consider an unnecessary reminder? A lot are questioning why the FCC didn't issue this warning last year. 2020 saw numerous riots all over the country. Places like Portland saw almost daily riots for over a month with so-called autonomous zones set up. The FCC didn't issue a warning that it's illegal to use cell phones, radios, and social media to organize those illegal activities. Issuing one now suggests a bias and partiality on their part.
Personally, I'm terrified. They cancel you on twatter. They kill parler. They've restricted face to face communication 😷. What's left but ham. All phone calls, internet (news) and email are either Google Amazon AT&T, VERIZON, sprint, and only a very few others.
I think it more has to do with the clear double standards. During the riots that burned down half the country for 6 months, radios both personal and HAM were used and the FCC said nothing. But, one thing happens at the capital from a group that they don't agree with and the FCC gives us a warning.
Sorry Josh, We have heard conversations ramping up on the air. And now a little notice. And then your freedom of speech. Don't believe me? Ask any immigrant.
Yup. Won’t be long till they take down even these guys showing how to use ham radio. They will see this man as a threat because he teaching how to use alternate communication.
@@_Mr_C Anyone can buy a .com address and redirect that address to any other address, because it's no different than typing in an address in your browser. You could buy anti-fa. com and redirect to RUclips or Google, but that doesn't mean anything. It's just trolling.
@@_Mr_C If you search who owns antifa. com, you'll find it was registered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The redirect keeps switching to different websites, whichever the Trolls from Olgino find most amusing.
For those of you in the Ham community who believe the FCC would never blame you and restrict your rights due to the intentional and illegal actions of complete strangers I've got some news for you. The fact is this is to the FCC what Sandyhook was to the ATF. Prepare yourself for the term, "grandfathered radios," to become a part of your life.
Don't worry about people who would use your teachings to do crime. Just like the makers of cars, guns, and booze aren't responsible for how people misuse of their products, neither are you responsible for what people do with the information you provide.
Josh... first off, thanks for the content. Always enjoy. This is good info. for unlicensed folks coming into the space. After digesting the news on this for the last few days, I still have a bitter taste. I don't think I'm the only one... lol Basically the message is "Just so you know, committing a crime is a crime". Let's let that sink in... It reminds me of gun control... the only people gun control hurts are people that are responsible and follow the law. In other words, criminals do not care about the law, well... because they are criminals. So it really begs the question... what's the "real" agenda here? It certainly is not to educate legally licensed HAM's on how committing a crime is illegal. I respectfully disagree that this was necessary to send to law abiding citizens. We've already seen our constitutional rights stomped on for 9 months. No church, no family gatherings, curfews, punishment for expressing thoughts on social media, etc.. Based on this behavior by our government and regulatory agencies, my first assumption is this is a prelude to restrictions in the space. Funny how that works... we "allow" them to regulate what belongs to the people and they act like it's the other way around. Anyway... my 2 cents. Keep it legal, keep it classy, keep it real. Oh.... you should check out Pocketnet, its a social media platform on the blockchain (the good: you cant censor content, the bad: its recorded on the blockchain forever). Just opened an account yesterday, so jury is still out.... so far pretty cool. Ken
Most regions are logging radio with sdr or whatever, expect anything you broadcast to be recorded. even walking around with your cellphone or any wifi enabled device is giving them your unique id's that track to your home where you use them. google apps track your position direction speed when you use ggl maps. PPl should know this by now.
Many of these low IQ folks were taking selfies with GPS coordinates on their photos while committing crimes. They have no idea they are being tracked in so many ways.
So what happens when any sort of scenario for use besides contesting becomes illegal? What happens when various communities of prepared individuals coordinate emergency events to rescue members? I'm assuming those people will be of a certain unpopular mindset these days. There's following sound law, and then there's capitulation to tyranny. Which scenario are we now in?
Me too! Trouble is it is too easy to buy ham radios now and they cost nothing. I have noticed over the past few years these so called Preppers are starting to advocate using ham radios. Big, big problem and very difficult to control.
@@stevemorrisby6705 so are cars and busses and etc. People have free will. I have several knives in my house I use for cooking. Cutting food. Meat, Cheese. All really pretty normal. Some crazy people use those same knives to rob stores and injure and kill others. They are just objects. My Radios are innocent of wrong doing because I am law abiding. That will never change for me.
@@stevemorrisby6705 Preppers are people who stock up on supplies. They are prepping for being prepared for bad weather or pandemics. I guess my Grandmother was a prepper because she use to can pickles. There is so much overblown in the media. It’s kind of ridiculous. I guess all of america are now preppers because they stockpile toilet paper.
as others have stated, my BIG problem with this is the fact that no notice was sent to me this summer, when blm and antifa were rioting. i know you don't want to get into politics on the channel. i respect that. as a licensed ham, i watch your channel for ham content, and love how informative and entertaining it is. however, as to this notice, it is impossible to talk about it without addressing the one-sided bias. i love the channel, and love the podcast with you and your wife leah. thanks for all you do.
Since people are claiming that antifa stormed the Capitol instead of Y'all Qaeda, consider this to be FCC's notice to antifa. If I want informative deep dives, I'll go to Dave Casler's channel. His background with a master's degree in radio and comms experience from his time in the Air Force shines. If I want to know about the newest gear reviews, gear showdowns and DIY projects from antennas, PiStar and even the occasional "tactical trashcan", this is the channel.
I commend you for making this video. Another RUclipsr commented on this and couldn't understand it. Most of the comments were about "our rights are being taken away" and the government was trying to get rid of hams. That shocked me. "They" are not trying to get rid of our rights as hams, not trying to silence us or take away our hobby. In fact I see it as trying to protect our hobby by saying those who are using our bands unlawfully does not reflect on the ham community, and it is wrong. Just as lawful gun owners are against those that use guns unlawfully, the government is against those who abuse the ham radios unlawfully.
Perhaps our kids will soon be taught to praise the great leader and the party that will purge the nonsense of independent thought and any opposition to leftist propaganda.
Perspective is everything. From that of any person attempting to control government and by what ever means they may have gotten there, any communication intended to prevent that will be seen as illegal. But, from those in power you can communicate by any means possible in an emergency to defend. So, you better be fighting for the correct side. Much like the protests in Portland are seen as wonderful in the eyes of many currently in power. Any means of protest was seen as the way to get things done. If the stuff should hit the fan, at some point, hams should not be expected to shut their mouths and turn in their radios, although that would likely be the case. The order to dismantle equipment would likely happen along with an amateur radio shut down. Its a confusing time and I think we see just a taste of what can happen in a real situation where people are thinking they are fighting for what is right.
@@Ddkrew1 *Can "authoritative News sources", make some "crimes" legal for them, just by brute economic and technology force?* ? If not, why would they stop, if no jail or prison time is given to all the people involved in said crimes?
People on social media have no idea what it is like to have to pass a competency test like what is required by Amateur Radio Operators. In a similar manner, watching Dirty Harry in the movies will not demonstrate the amount of recoil felt when firing a .44 Magnum. Movies are made for entertainment, and do not properly reflect real life.
I am about to lay into my local radio club over this issue. They are trying to tell everyone that discussions of politics, and religion are not allowed on amateur radio. So, as soon as they made that comment, I called out to another ham and started a political discussion. No one, including the local club is going to infringe on my first amendment right to freedom of speech.
As a SWL in the 1960s and 1970s, I noticed most ham chat, both AM and SSB, was pretty boring and self-referential. (CW I didn't have the patience for.) However, there were a FEW that were interesting, often on political subjects. It's the same as conversations in person or any medium: You can stay non-controversial and avoid alienating individuals, which is good advice if you have something to get done or just want to get friendly, or you can have interesting discussions and take the chance of alienating some.
Important legal note. Perfectly OK to use radios to coordinate protest activities. Only those who used them to coordinate illegal entry into the building are subject to liability.
This letter is a " reminder " of established law. ANY method of communicating criminal plans or facilitating criminal activity is illegal. Keep in mind that, if using coded or encrypted communications, the burden of proof remains upon the government. Let's not be coy, this isn't a reminder, it's a warning, and an attempt to dissuade ordinary users of a particular political persuasion from utilizing a method of communications. The glaring hypocrisy comes in the knowledge that the FCC and various public utilities commissions haven't issued warnings for the use of text messaging and DM by leftists in coordinating riots.
Licensed hams already know this. It is an insulting shot across the bow. But in any case, just make sure to ID every 10 minutes when you are planning/doing something naughty to keep everyone happy.
That same day, those same hours, Charter Internet provider, Verizon etc (in several complete states) all go down for hours. Nothing to see here folks. Absolute coincidence!
"...This isn't for you." OK. So The ones that are supposed to get this so called warning, did they get it? I kinda doubt it. As if this letter is gonna reach the ones that plan on doing harm. Basically what they are trying to send you is a letter stating that if you use the words "I disagree" they will come get you.
During ww2, with the formation of the Commandos Regiment in England, they trained and were given a task of going ahead and capturing Nazi Radar Equipment. They landed on the shores of France where a new form of Radar (a dish) was being used as Radar to detect allied formations coming from England towards the European Continent. With them they took an expert who was familiar with radio communications and was very adept in the construction of radio equipment. The Commandos were instructed that "if there was the slightest chance that this expert were to be captured, he would have to be killed, rather than some information falling into Nazi hands!" This expert was not part of the British Army, he was a civilian who was an Amateur Radio Operator. They took this guy along and he recognized the necessary radio equipment (Radar is just radio equipment) and they brought it back to England without loss of life. The Amateur Radio Operator was given the highest award by the King of England that a civilian could esteem to and end of the story. This is a true story where in a dire circumstance, this Amateur Radio operator saved countless allied lives in the battle against Nazi Germany.
Very good video. I t cracks me up when people think they can operate on airwaves without being discovered. I’m a 37 year military veteran and I operated in some rather spooky areas. You can run but ya can’t hide folks. 😊
I really doubt the people that need this warning will never read it or hear about it. That's what strikes me as odd about the FCC warning to all unless it's a CYA of bigger things to come. I do remember in 5th grade... Mrs. Steven. The entire class got punished for the stupidity of one student. She told us to always remember: 2% will always ruin it for the other 98%. Solution? You need to prove you have a license BEFORE you buy. But that's too easy.
It's not intended for those who'd "need" it. Obviously a terrorist (or even just a general criminal) wouldn't care about such an additional technicality. Rather, this "warning" is for the federal government to seem like it's embattled, to get sympathy. It's the equivalent of whining. But it's also to sow suspicion. They're trying to elicit statements from organizations like the ARRL that are the equivalent of the loyalty oaths of 70 years ago.
@@keyzersoze4158 Indeed in the 1960s I considered getting my ticket -- even learned code (for a little while) -- but wound up not doing so. But I did LISTEN to the ham bands plenty.
"Crimes" include protesting the stolen election, fighting tyranny, and getting around cell phones and internet. Cell phones are okay for criminal acts?
It was not a secret that the riots that occurred a few months ago on the West Coast and other areas of the country were being directed by a highly trained operatives using amateur radio bands. I don't think the D.C. event is a good example that drove this communication, but the Portland, Seattle, and Minneapolis ruckus is.
Protesting is a protected right, not a crime. Organizing is not a crime, it is a protected right. Sounds like someone at the FCC is feeling their oats a little bit.
The ARRL Said it very clearly. Amateur radio helps and protects people and property. This is the reason that I became a ham radio operator. When I am 50 miles away from the nearest town camping and having fun I want to be able to have communication or any other disaster like earthquakes
@Sicarus Valid point. I decode the UK Medical Services Pagers to prove to my friends and family that there is no covid emergency. The real emergency today is suicides and overdoses from the lockdowns. UK pager system doesn't lie like the BBC does.
You just need rtl-sdr and multimon-ng installed on Linux then run : rtl_fm -f 153.350M -s 22050 | multimon-ng -t raw -a POCSAG1200 -e -f alpha /dev/stdin
The problem is the definition of "criminal activities" . If you are providing communications for a peaceful protest that the government does not like , is that a crime?
I don’t think you can communicate via any means to facilitate a crime. Whether it is verbal, written, or even coded eye blinking! It would all fall under conspiracy to commit a crime.
Josh, working public service events like a 50,000 runner marathon, with senior experienced hams in charge, we ALWAYS used encoded transmissions. Not encryted, but encoded. For example "station 7 requesting lunch" might be prearranged to mean "runner down, possible heart attack, send EMS immediately to station 7". For emergency use, or simply discretion, there are times when the FCC knows about and agrees with encoding. Which would extend to allegories. Encryption may also be legal, as it was after Katrina for WiFi, as long as the keys are on file or published. But the FCC reminder here is really ill considered. It says using licensed equipment is illegal. OK, that means using unlicensed equipment to plan a big gold heist is OK, right? (You see what I mean.)
Hot take. Ham radio operators should absolutely be allowed to use encryption and code to talk. Just like the 2nd amendment is designed to protect ourselves from a tyrannical government, being able to communicate as a citizen should be the same, which also means encrypting messages. Seems kind of wrong for military, police and government officials to communicate privately, but not citizens... not cool.
depends which band and power some bands are commercial, fire, police, boat beacons all sorts of stuff wikipedia actually has a good good on what and why but frs, murs, cb no license needed. gmrs is like 15$ for a couple years
Randall Kehrt AI4VK and this is my take on the FCC announcement: I have noticed that at most ham radio club meetings the majority of those members are men who are older and are conservative in their political views. In other words; God, Country and Family are values held very dear to their heart. My point is that almost all of those ARRL and or Ham Radio Club members voted or were pulling for former President Trump to get reelected. As we all know, President Trump did NOT believe that the election was fair to Him and was resisting the results of the election that ended up having the event in Washington, DC where the Capital got.......(visited by some who has pro Trump views or assaulted by a mob by those who did NOT want Trump to get reelected). Now we are getting into politics and NOT just sending reception reports and discussing our antenna systems.........Thanks to the Ed Snowden revelations we know fully well that our emails (I use hotmail.com} is being recorded at least who I send and receive email traffic too. Thus, with the Silicon Valley removing accounts of those who were communicating protests and or insurrection someone who knows about HF radio (ham radio) or is a operator that has a FCC license would know the "potential" to bypass this attempt at censoring out these types of messages. NOW it gets into a possible resistance movement where violence can happen usually with unbalanced individuals who lose out of a more balanced view of the news. I do NOT see any problem with two ham radio operators using BSK-31 on the ham bands discussing politics as for one thing YOU must have a radio, a computer, a TNC and be on the correct frequency and mode to get this traffic. Most general public lacks the ability to send or receive this HF digital traffic, and voice SSB is the same way. Thus the RED LINE for me would be for any ham radio license operator to be passing third party traffic to those who are actively protest or engaging in insurrection of the result of the last Presidential election. I could have written a much BETTER memo to the members of ARRL than what the FCC put out as YOU can tell it was written by some GS employee who did NOT have a full understanding of what they were addressing. Thus for me I never pass ANY third party traffic as there exist (but I must admit very unlikely) the possibility that I could be giving material support to someone who is a member of a group who is bent of committing any act of violence or worse treason. As long as every four years the President must run again or to leave office if defeated (as President Trump did today) then all that needs to be done is to wait out the term to end and support the new man who you like for President to get elected. Luckily for the ham radio community the FCC lacks monitoring stations from what I know as they have gone to some sort of official observers who are hams themselves to monitor for those who overdrive their rigs and splatter the bands. Let us NOT fall into becoming a Hate Group and give President Biden a chance to lead our Nation and to solve its social problems. My only worry is that if President Biden gets sick or dies then the VP will take over but again I cannot believe the USA would become so liberal that they would round up all those who voted for President Trump and put them into some camp. Just watch what you say on the air, no passing of third party traffic and get yourself a bottle of Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey to sip on.
While I can’t claim to agree with all of what you said, I absolutely concur about the bourbon. And... well... has anyone told you lately that you don’t sound like a nut job? ‘Cuz you don’t. You seem... I dunno... nice, I guess. 73
Good to also keep in mind that the message was originated while Trump appointed Ajit Pai was still over the FCC. (Thank god he's out now) You do know about Mr. Pai's, history.....the anti-net neutrality Verizon & Comcast lawyer/lobbyist/criminal......right?
I was only a teenager back then in the early 70s but I can remember a big outcry in the ham press when anti war demonstrators were using ham radio to coordinate their demonstrations.
When did the FCC allowed political talk? Back when I got my license that was a big no, no! The FCC giving us a warning, but they won't in force there rules against jammer who play music, cuss and swear etc...
I retired from the communications world and when had a problem the FCC was useless. If someone really wanted to communicate over long distances it is easy to find a spot to put up a carrier in a vacant spot on a satellite. I won’t leave it up long, but a small 64k audio circuit would to get the info out and then drop it would be very hard to find. My last job before retirement was a gateway earth station where we used a whole C band satellite with over 500 different services along with monitoring and reigning in users that leased space. A satellite is just a big repeater that only has so much power available so services have to have some fade margin, but not enough to suck down power and raise the noise floor on the transponders. Also if you have to much power you cross pole onto the opposite polarity.
In 1960, ham radio was the greatest and only social media around for us kids then. I wonder if the FCC is going to prosecute criminal organizers using cell phones since they too use the airwaves.
@@scottintexas I asked my step-daughters that question when they said their ancestry was too white. The couldn't answer because it exposes bigotry against being white.
NOTE: For those that didn’t catch, this new FCC advisory is not introducing anything NEW. It’s the same old laws that have governed amateur radio for years. It was just a reminder.
A very well reasoned and thought out video. However, my concern would be a scenario where well-intentioned hams (like the majority of us) were unable to provide emergency communications in a civil unrest situation (or whatever the circumstances) where ham frequencies were being jammed. Also, it is well known that certain "groups" use the LoRa frequencies in peer to peer mesh networks to coordinate activities. Would it be right to jam 900mhz over a "perceived" threat yet risk the collection of data from other devices that share that spectrum such as water/moisture sensors, GPS, etc? I'm just playing devil's advocate here. I get the FCC and the ARRL had to say this. But IMHO, I can see it as a veiled threat to the bad actors at the expense of law-abiding hams.
"is not introducing anything NEW" ...... not YET!
I wonder if the ATF will tell people they shouldn't commit crimes with firearms 🤔
Well you think you know the definition of the word crime. It’s being redefined as you speak...
Riiiigghtt....
As a side note; " to all law abiding citizens that leagally own firearms, using a firearm for criminal activity is illegal. " Thank you.
Lol exactly
Lol sums that up.
😲 you don't say 😱
News to all of us right? LOL
all criminal activity is illegal
Don't lie, steal, or cheat. The Government hates competition.
One party robs the bank (us) and the other drives the getaway car.
God bless Ron Paul
You are so right, best comment ever!
Exactly
Genius!
"FCC announces crimes are illegal"
right? ugh...
How about crimes that are NOT illegal in the mind of Jack?
Can Jack with other authoritative News sources, make some "crimes" legal for them, just by brute technology force?
Those people who tell us on the HRCC Facebook page that they bought a Baofeng for “emergencies” but aren’t going to get licensed don’t know that coded messages are illegal because they didn’t study for a test and they can’t identify because they don’t have call signs. Those unlicensed operators are going to hurt us all.
I think that is the best title ever about this.
"Old Man Yells At Cloud"
I have trouble with an FCC that chooses to scold and warn armature radio licensees yet does nothing to curb the vitriol and deception coming from the MSM licensees. Where is the warning to them?
Yep. Stick for abiding by the law. Carrot for the trouble makers.
They are using the media to commit the most horrid things. Gaslighting and false flagging the people. They had control until the internet. Then when it wasn’t just a radio station or news paper or news channel giving the people info. It’s too late. The cats out the bag around the globe and we the good have the critical mass by FAR!
This pissed me off too. There are real things FCC can do to make the world a better place. Forcing the phone carriers to implement programs to block spoof calls would virtually stop unwanted telemarketing. But instead we have this.
@@CenturyofTerror You do realize that the law isn't anything new don't you? There are laws against using the postal service to commit crimes as well, are you going to make a fuss about that? These types of laws are " charges in addition to " rather than a singular charge.
@@bobroberts2371 I hear you Bob, I just don't like that the idiot at the helm of the FCC Facebook page decided to send out this message. Its not new and it is common knowledge-- therefore stating it is demeaning. It is especially so to those it calls out specifically: amateur radio operators.
Also, as I stated the FCC has work to do. Law enforcement isn't their job. Reminding us to "follow the rules" is NOT the work if the FCC.
Remember Hams used Morse Code to help coordinate a counter attack against the aliens in Independence day.
Yup. And look what we are up against. “They” try to make people believe that this 👽 is the enemy. Yet the 👽 that want control over humans and earth. Just got it.
@@gtm624 The Orange Alien just got voted out.
The way this planet is, if I was an alien I would pass earth on by and do moc speed to get by it
"In the words of my generation, up yours!" Great movie
@@steveky7829 is KY for the lube?
“Hey guys let’s raid the capitol, but leave the baofengs at home because it illegal...”
Good point but there are walkie talkie apps in Google store that work well with cell phones. All the more reason they should leave amatuer radio alone.
@@paulherrera1174 I’m sure they did it just too hurt you...
😆
@@paulherrera1174 Excellent idea. Tracking their actions subsequently would be a piece of piss. Sadly, even they are dumb enough to fall for it though.
Probably.
Hilarious
In short: Doing illegal stuff is illegal. As if criminals would care....
And they surely won’t shoot you if you track them down for fun.
Like a gun free zone. Just post a sign of the FCC regulations and they will understand they are about to commit a crime, but will instead carefully consider the consequences and cease from following through with their plan. We can make signs against drugs, robbery, assault, etc. *Boom*, perfect world! So easy! We can ban stuff, too! That'll surely work, aan the next 4 years will certainly prove this point ;)
@Master Catnip yup. Within hours this countries criminal statistics just went through the roof to idk what you say about 75-80+ million criminals?
@Master Catnip Sounds very American to me. I can't comment on this out of the view of a civilized country.
John has a long mustache, John has a long mustache. The chair is against the wall, the chair is against the wall.
@Johnny Rep ...In the early days of World War III, guerrillas - mostly children - placed the names of their lost upon this rock. They fought here alone and gave up their lives, so that this nation shall not perish from the earth.
Just remember guys you are quoting movie's the first The longest Day that was probably accurate the other just hollywierd.
I don't think you can use anything for illegal activities. A cell phone for example. The real problem is that the government and the people who pull its strings don't want the people to have any power over their government, so they are discouraging people from protesting in general, and this is just one more aspect of that among many.
This is like sending a letter to all senior FCC employees pointing out that taking bribes may lead to termination and possible criminal prosecution. Would such a letter be meaningful? No, of course not; it will be counterproductive since those who don't take bribes will find it offensive to even lecture them on it, while those who do will ignore it.
I did not fail to notice that there were plenty of FRS/GMRS and even the occasional Boafeng radio visible during the "Mostly peaceful, but fiery" events over the summer with no comments from the FCC. I am sure that it is just politically expedient to go "Full Reichstag" at the moment. The next week or so should be interesting.
They probably know as well as we do that none of those radios used last year were programmed.
Put a Crime Free Zone sticker on your radio.
Simple and effective
I started my original comment of this will work as good as a "gun free zone" sticker and then backspaced.
@@twohandsandaradio - "Gun free zones" are where 98% of mass murders occur, because the people in them are as defenseless and as easy to murder as unborn babies in abortion clinics. It should be no surprise that both forms of murder are supported by the same people (same political party.)
Die Hard's Hans Gruber, leader of the Volks Frey, movement is a perfect example of illegal radio use.
Yippy kie yay mother...
Just a comment on the encryption, most DMR radios use AES encryption, and even poorly done with bad salt and poor key choice the encryption would take months to break by someone with enough computing power. This is not a problem because the radios are not intended to keep the information secure indefinitely, just long enough to be tactically unviable. As for radio direction finding, small low power burst transmissions between small teams of fast moving resistance cells in a red dawn scenario, are not likely to be easily tracked as those units should be fast moving and using good strict coms security, only speaking as minimally as needed. As for the FCC notice, I am sure the people contemplating committing felonies or treason are really concerned about breaking FCC guidelines or federal firearms laws. Next time I get mugged I will remind the criminal it is illegal to use a weapon in furtherance of a felony assault.
Appreciate you NOT having this video turn into a lecture or a finger-pointing. Thanks for making this a practical discussion with fact-based reasoning. We need more RUclipsrs in all channel types to approach topics this way. Not everyone has the talent (nor the good sense) to do it this way. Well done.
theolithic71 , Unless you are so far gone as to be part of the problem, the statements made are just logical extensions of what has been commented on here.
Just use CB radio, where anything and everything stated to be illegal has been.... perfectly legal for decades now.
So now, baofengs, cb's and other radios are a sought after commodity.....like toilet paper, hand sanitizer and ammunition. What a world this has become.
Balkanization.
For recent examples, look to Yugoslavia and the kingdom that predated it. Its creation, struggle and dissolution. And understand for how long there was turmoil and strife in the region, and for how long the ethnic cleansing went on for. Also understand we (under NATO banner) were there imposing peace for nearly 2 decades.
@@f1y7rap - I don't know much about Yugoslavia, except the 24/47 Yugo Mausers were of a much higher quality than the M98s that were made by slave labor in Nazi Germany.
criminals have no interest in following the law .... it is illegal to use firearms in criminal activity also , yet this happens daily .... only law abiding people follow laws . there is nothing the fcc can say that will make a criminal stop in their tracks and reconsider their actions .
Gotta love those BATF forms that ask you to tick boxes next to questions asking whether or not you've committed any crimes that would bar you from gun ownership. Rely on self-reporting to catch would-be armed robbers, that'll really stop 'em from getting guns. That's assuming they even bothered to try official channels to begin with.
It's that way with a lot of laws though. Infanticide, elder abuse, drive-by's, almost no one wants to do these things and those who do don't care about the legality.
Correct! Just like the idiots on 3.840 on the "west" coast.
This was my thought exactly.
@@cinibar If US hams paid as much in license fees as Australian or German hams, there would be less problems on 3.840
@@sammiller6631 Possibly, but if the FCC would go after those guys, like they should, it would send a better message. The FCC did great with those guys that were illegal on 14.313 a few years ago, it can work on 3.840 also if they would just do it.
Next step will be call sign attached to radios before purchase and permanently attached, because....communication is more powerful than even firearms.
It really is more powerful than any other weapon
ha, yep, 1st Amendment b4 2nd Amendment (their subject, not the number 1 before 2).
That's basically what digital modes do, they inherently attach your ID or call sign to transmissions
Thus the ease with which a gun can be purchased outstrips the ease with which a Ham license can be had.
On another point... *So that's why all the Baofengs were out of stock!!!!*
Better off buying a GA-5S radioddity
Not just baofeng out of stock. Lol I had mine long ago.
I find it ironic that big tech, specifically Amazon, does not verify the sales of ham transceivers by asking for call signs and verifying addresses before shipping product. I think some criminal charges need to be levied on whomever sold ham transceivers without verifying license.
@@lukeperkins7001 Sadly there is nothing they can do as it isn't illegal to listen without a license. It is illegal to transmit without a license (or a licensed operator beside you) unless it is a dire emergency. These little cheap radios are also used (illegally) for FRS and GMRS. There are power limits for both and a license requirement for GMRS. People buy them and use them without knowing the rules or blatantly ignoring them.
@@lukeperkins7001 I have the GA-5S no license we use murs for the farm with no problem.
And make sure you don't have your own private mail server (in the server closet in your restroom) for official correspondence. And absolutely do not nuke the hard drive with Bleach Bit. That is all.
"The goat is licking the owl in the cupboard."
"Jacque has a long mustache." and "Climb Mount Niitaka" I sometimes use to practice Morse Code. Sometimes I pick words out of the dictionary. Will those get me in trouble if someone has an active imagination?
Kenneth, what is the frequency? What is the frequency, Kenneth?
"My hovercraft is full of eels."
Sucks to be the guy who just has some odd pet dynamics at his place and is describing what's going on. 🤷♂️
The chips are in the salsa, the chips are in the salsa.
Josh, I agree with everything you said here, 100%, except for the reason why the FCC released the statement, and therein lies why I am the most concerned about it. The FCC could have easily made a specific statement about what happened at the capital. This statement is not at all specific. In fact it's somewhat vague. It's a reminder that you can't use the radio space to commit crimes, which...duh. How often does the government remind you in that manner? When there are mass shootings, does BATFE release a statement saying "we believe in the use of guns according to the 2nd amendment, but you are reminded that you are not to use guns to commit a crime?" The one point of specificity in the whole release speaks to the fact that "the Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain radio services...may be an alternative to social media platforms for groups to communicate AND coordinate future activities." Emphasis is my own, but that 'and' delineates two separate ideas; communicating and coordinating. You yourself pointed out in a previous video the dangers of suppressing speech, and I think we all knew you meant in the forum of free speech, not for criminal acts. The part that concerns me is the intersection between these two spaces. The suppression of free speech through the guise of enforcement of laws and regulations, and I think the FCC advisory, opens the door for enforcement of that kind. The release reminds us also that the FCC can fine us and seize our equipment, even before, or in lieu of, any criminal charges. Assume I'm participating in a rag chew with a friend across the country and say "yeah, well I think it is our duty as citizens to protest -insert something unpopular here- WW3RRR" and that is captured and recorded via SDR and reported to the FCC, the FCC could fine me for supporting criminal activity, take away my licenses, etc, and my only recourse would be to sue the FCC, to bring them to court. Based on this release, they can claim proper promulgation of the laws on the books that the FCC would be policing this type of behavior, and it would be up to a jury to decide if I actually broke any laws. This is a very slippery slope.
Very well said. The point exactly.
Peter Spoddato , Just watch out that the long arms and ears of DEMOCRATIC law makers don't catch you doing something they consider BAD, or else.
I agree, but how is it that now is any different than it has been since well before I was born nearly 50 years ago. Nothing has changed before or since the FCC notice.
i think they keep it vague due to the fact it was mostly the FBI and CIA using these radios... they did not want to draw too much attention.
This time they meant "thoughtcrime".
It all goes back to the bad people will do bad things and the good people will always be punished for trying to do the right thing.
Except bad people don't think of themselves as bad. When people do bad things, they think of themselves as good people being punished even when they are doing clearly bad things.
comes down to laws are for honest people and the same applies for locks on your doors and windows ;-)
No good deed goes unpunished!
Didn't the fcc give warnings to tv and media outlets too? Just thinking incase we go into an emergency situation.
Well said. Good info.
"The chair is against the wall"
"John has a long mustache"
red dawn?
@@potatoslim2332 Yessir. Josh mentions it in this video
@@HamRadio2 it was actually in “The longest day” WWII movie in a scene with the French resistance to let them know the invasion started. It was actually used in WWII.
the chamois of the Alps leaps forth
@@steve5425 , Watch "The Longest Day" now, as in the future it may become illegal to watch it. WW II? In fact, "What was THAT about?"
Personally, I am thankful for the reminder - if they hadn't put this notice out, I might have used my ham ticket to help start my own Central American drug cartel. Whew.
Well said, Josh. Thanks for putting this video out there.
I've seen a lot of folks take the FCC announcement as an affront, but I don't know why most hams would take this as an attack, since we (generally) aren't the ones causing problems to begin with.
Stay safe, I look forward to see your videos again soon.
73
Depends on the person. Some think, "Well, duh..." because they already know this. They knew the laws and rules when they got their license. They know the laws and rules regarding this haven't changed. So why waste the time and energy putting out what they consider an unnecessary reminder?
A lot are questioning why the FCC didn't issue this warning last year. 2020 saw numerous riots all over the country. Places like Portland saw almost daily riots for over a month with so-called autonomous zones set up. The FCC didn't issue a warning that it's illegal to use cell phones, radios, and social media to organize those illegal activities. Issuing one now suggests a bias and partiality on their part.
Personally, I'm terrified. They cancel you on twatter. They kill parler. They've restricted face to face communication 😷. What's left but ham.
All phone calls, internet (news) and email are either Google Amazon AT&T, VERIZON, sprint, and only a very few others.
Because “they” want everyone to heel, especially the ones that “generally” aren’t causing problems to begin with...
I think it more has to do with the clear double standards. During the riots that burned down half the country for 6 months, radios both personal and HAM were used and the FCC said nothing. But, one thing happens at the capital from a group that they don't agree with and the FCC gives us a warning.
@@cheapskateaquatics7103 can you cite a reference re: the use of personal/ham radios being used in the noted protests?
Sorry Josh, We have heard conversations ramping up on the air. And now a little notice. And then your freedom of speech. Don't believe me? Ask any immigrant.
Yup. Won’t be long till they take down even these guys showing how to use ham radio. They will see this man as a threat because he teaching how to use alternate communication.
I didn't know that. I'm glad I'm building a radio my self this time. I have parts to do more. lol
Kind of like gun laws for criminals.
So when my locals ham say "yup, went for a colonoscopy today". Its a secret code!
The probe is ...
What if you are coordinating an event and someone else crashes the party, blends in, and does something illegal without your knowledge?
Might want to let your know. ANTIFA is using the same radios for the same purpose. Might want to update your knowledge of their uses. Thank you.
@Wayne Antifa is not a thing. It's just a label one side gives the other.
@@sammiller6631 Excatly. Just like how one side calls the other 'fascist'.
@@_Mr_C Anyone can buy a .com address and redirect that address to any other address, because it's no different than typing in an address in your browser. You could buy anti-fa. com and redirect to RUclips or Google, but that doesn't mean anything. It's just trolling.
@@_Mr_C If you search who owns antifa. com, you'll find it was registered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The redirect keeps switching to different websites, whichever the Trolls from Olgino find most amusing.
For those of you in the Ham community who believe the FCC would never blame you and restrict your rights due to the intentional and illegal actions of complete strangers I've got some news for you. The fact is this is to the FCC what Sandyhook was to the ATF. Prepare yourself for the term, "grandfathered radios," to become a part of your life.
FCC, IRS, FBI, CIA
All need to be broken up.
When the SHTF...I'll use what I need.
Don't worry about people who would use your teachings to do crime. Just like the makers of cars, guns, and booze aren't responsible for how people misuse of their products, neither are you responsible for what people do with the information you provide.
Yet.
well gun makers are now responsible ask Remington.
This is simply a CYA action for when the SHTF.
Lol, more like the trumpies can’t use it to organize riots to overtake the government.
When the SHTF government will be the least of ones worries or cares for that matter.
Or making it easier to put one more charge on the list.
@@tlbx57 SHTF is just the Rapture rebranded with fewer angels and more guns.
@@electrofrying1685 Of course it's scriptural, just not by that name.
Remember, any law distasteful to the Constitution is null and void. Criminal acts don't solely come from the people.
what is called a "crime" will soon change. Ham radio needs to stay off the radar!
Josh... first off, thanks for the content. Always enjoy. This is good info. for unlicensed folks coming into the space.
After digesting the news on this for the last few days, I still have a bitter taste. I don't think I'm the only one... lol
Basically the message is "Just so you know, committing a crime is a crime". Let's let that sink in...
It reminds me of gun control... the only people gun control hurts are people that are responsible and follow the law. In other words, criminals do not care about the law, well... because they are criminals. So it really begs the question... what's the "real" agenda here? It certainly is not to educate legally licensed HAM's on how committing a crime is illegal.
I respectfully disagree that this was necessary to send to law abiding citizens.
We've already seen our constitutional rights stomped on for 9 months. No church, no family gatherings, curfews, punishment for expressing thoughts on social media, etc.. Based on this behavior by our government and regulatory agencies, my first assumption is this is a prelude to restrictions in the space.
Funny how that works... we "allow" them to regulate what belongs to the people and they act like it's the other way around.
Anyway... my 2 cents. Keep it legal, keep it classy, keep it real.
Oh.... you should check out Pocketnet, its a social media platform on the blockchain (the good: you cant censor content, the bad: its recorded on the blockchain forever). Just opened an account yesterday, so jury is still out.... so far pretty cool.
Ken
Most regions are logging radio with sdr or whatever, expect anything you broadcast to be recorded. even walking around with your cellphone or any wifi enabled device is giving them your unique id's that track to your home where you use them. google apps track your position direction speed when you use ggl maps. PPl should know this by now.
Yep♡
I don't doubt it, but do you have sources about sdr tracking that I can read? Is be very interested.
So what, if you dont ID how would they ever find you anyway?
@@pankoBreadCroisant a waste of time
Many of these low IQ folks were taking selfies with GPS coordinates on their photos while committing crimes. They have no idea they are being tracked in so many ways.
So what happens when any sort of scenario for use besides contesting becomes illegal? What happens when various communities of prepared individuals coordinate emergency events to rescue members? I'm assuming those people will be of a certain unpopular mindset these days. There's following sound law, and then there's capitulation to tyranny. Which scenario are we now in?
"Mr Rogers has entered the Ham shack neighborhood"
Personally, I see something coming.
1984
Me too! Trouble is it is too easy to buy ham radios now and they cost nothing. I have noticed over the past few years these so called Preppers are starting to advocate using ham radios. Big, big problem and very difficult to control.
@@stevemorrisby6705 so are cars and busses and etc.
People have free will.
I have several knives in my house I use for cooking. Cutting food. Meat, Cheese. All really pretty normal. Some crazy people use those same knives to rob stores and injure and kill others. They are just objects. My Radios are innocent of wrong doing because I am law abiding. That will never change for me.
@@stevemorrisby6705 Preppers are people who stock up on supplies. They are prepping for being prepared for bad weather or pandemics. I guess my Grandmother was a prepper because she use to can pickles.
There is so much overblown in the media. It’s kind of ridiculous. I guess all of america are now preppers because they stockpile toilet paper.
@@GreyGhost-r4z I used the term "so called" to differentiate the more militant Prepper from your Grandmother.
as others have stated, my BIG problem with this is the fact that no notice was sent to me this summer, when blm and antifa were rioting. i know you don't want to get into politics on the channel. i respect that. as a licensed ham, i watch your channel for ham content, and love how informative and entertaining it is. however, as to this notice, it is impossible to talk about it without addressing the one-sided bias.
i love the channel, and love the podcast with you and your wife leah. thanks for all you do.
Since people are claiming that antifa stormed the Capitol instead of Y'all Qaeda, consider this to be FCC's notice to antifa.
If I want informative deep dives, I'll go to Dave Casler's channel. His background with a master's degree in radio and comms experience from his time in the Air Force shines. If I want to know about the newest gear reviews, gear showdowns and DIY projects from antennas, PiStar and even the occasional "tactical trashcan", this is the channel.
Thanks Josh for a thoughtful commentary.
My pleasure!
The "ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio" email in my inbox had me scratching my head as to why it was sent. Thanks for the clarification. 73!
I think the government should remind everyone in an email that following the speed limit is the law. That will slow everyone down.
@@williamchildress5869 LOL!
I commend you for making this video. Another RUclipsr commented on this and couldn't understand it. Most of the comments were about "our rights are being taken away" and the government was trying to get rid of hams. That shocked me. "They" are not trying to get rid of our rights as hams, not trying to silence us or take away our hobby. In fact I see it as trying to protect our hobby by saying those who are using our bands unlawfully does not reflect on the ham community, and it is wrong. Just as lawful gun owners are against those that use guns unlawfully, the government is against those who abuse the ham radios unlawfully.
I have been a radio operator for 72 years (since I was 11). I feel like everything is about to change.
Perhaps our kids will soon be taught to praise the great leader and the party that will purge the nonsense of independent thought and any opposition to leftist propaganda.
Perspective is everything. From that of any person attempting to control government and by what ever means they may have gotten there, any communication intended to prevent that will be seen as illegal. But, from those in power you can communicate by any means possible in an emergency to defend. So, you better be fighting for the correct side. Much like the protests in Portland are seen as wonderful in the eyes of many currently in power. Any means of protest was seen as the way to get things done. If the stuff should hit the fan, at some point, hams should not be expected to shut their mouths and turn in their radios, although that would likely be the case. The order to dismantle equipment would likely happen along with an amateur radio shut down. Its a confusing time and I think we see just a taste of what can happen in a real situation where people are thinking they are fighting for what is right.
Make sure to leave your comments. What do you think about FCC DA 21-73?
No...you can not do crime...please tell this to the tech companies as well...
If people need to be told to not break the law, I doubt that they will listen when you do.
@Urbexx Jeremy is it something that is sold like the leo frequencies are?
@@Ddkrew1 *Can "authoritative News sources", make some "crimes" legal for them, just by brute economic and technology force?*
?
If not, why would they stop, if no jail or prison time is given to all the people involved in said crimes?
Soooo.FCC says follow their rules..AND CONSTITUTION SAYS SHALL NOT INFRINGE @ its total fringed.ok
Feels like a lot of people are about to be learning that radio isn't nearly as easy or straightforward as it looks in the movies.
Bingo
Sort of like flying before you had to take off your shoes.
People on social media have no idea what it is like to have to pass a competency test like what is required by Amateur Radio Operators.
In a similar manner, watching Dirty Harry in the movies will not demonstrate the amount of recoil felt when firing a .44 Magnum.
Movies are made for entertainment, and do not properly reflect real life.
ATTENTION ALL CRIMINALS! Don’t use ham radios to commit crimes!!! 😅😂🤣
I’m so glad the FCC cleared that up
I am about to lay into my local radio club over this issue. They are trying to tell everyone that discussions of politics, and religion are not allowed on amateur radio. So, as soon as they made that comment, I called out to another ham and started a political discussion. No one, including the local club is going to infringe on my first amendment right to freedom of speech.
As a SWL in the 1960s and 1970s, I noticed most ham chat, both AM and SSB, was pretty boring and self-referential. (CW I didn't have the patience for.) However, there were a FEW that were interesting, often on political subjects. It's the same as conversations in person or any medium: You can stay non-controversial and avoid alienating individuals, which is good advice if you have something to get done or just want to get friendly, or you can have interesting discussions and take the chance of alienating some.
Important legal note. Perfectly OK to use radios to coordinate protest activities. Only those who used them to coordinate illegal entry into the building are subject to liability.
Copy that!
Well done and tactfully non political. Good job
This letter is a " reminder " of established law. ANY method of communicating criminal plans or facilitating criminal activity is illegal. Keep in mind that, if using coded or encrypted communications, the burden of proof remains upon the government.
Let's not be coy, this isn't a reminder, it's a warning, and an attempt to dissuade ordinary users of a particular political persuasion from utilizing a method of communications. The glaring hypocrisy comes in the knowledge that the FCC and various public utilities commissions haven't issued warnings for the use of text messaging and DM by leftists in coordinating riots.
Licensed hams already know this. It is an insulting shot across the bow. But in any case, just make sure to ID every 10 minutes when you are planning/doing something naughty to keep everyone happy.
It's not insulting. Some people are just have thin skins.
@@electrofrying1685 The authoritarian president is no longer in office, congratulations on not recognizing the obvious.
@@sammiller6631 I don’t think you understand what that word means.
@@graynotescartridgebox If you can't explain what that word means, then how do we know if you know what it means either?
@@sammiller6631 I most certainly can, but your liberal ears are closed.
Thanks for your comments. As a licensed Ham for 25+ years and a geek for +55 years, what I saw shocked me!!!
DE N2JYG
Sherman NY
Thank goodness the FCC is here to let us know that crime is a crime. I wish they would just ban crime already and get it over with.
This comment would have been funny of it wasn't so scary true...
I did laugh outloud though!♡ thank you for that :)
@@wild-radio7373 This all reminds of another redundant and useless 3 letter agency.
@@loganlittrell945 yep :) a few of them, and their international buddies.
Agree... taxes and fees are clearly being used responsibly. That boot sure does taste good... mmmmm
I am just now studying for my technician license, but I agree most of the ones there with radios were probably "Larping".
It will be the day when the FCC actually does something about the abundance of loony tunes to be found on all of the bands.
Everybody's doin' it, doin' it, doin' it. Everybody's doin' it now!
FCC warning .... Live from the department of redundancy department.
That same day, those same hours, Charter Internet provider, Verizon etc (in several complete states) all go down for hours. Nothing to see here folks. Absolute coincidence!
That's because Charter service is bad and goes down all the time.
"...This isn't for you." OK. So The ones that are supposed to get this so called warning, did they get it? I kinda doubt it. As if this letter is gonna reach the ones that plan on doing harm. Basically what they are trying to send you is a letter stating that if you use the words "I disagree" they will come get you.
Thanks Josh for the sensible opinion on what happened that day re use of ham radio equipment as comms between participants.
During ww2, with the formation of the Commandos Regiment in England, they trained and were given a task of going ahead and capturing Nazi Radar Equipment. They landed on the shores of France where a new form of Radar (a dish) was being used as Radar to detect allied formations coming from England towards the European Continent. With them they took an expert who was familiar with radio communications and was very adept in the construction of radio equipment. The Commandos were instructed that "if there was the slightest chance that this expert were to be captured, he would have to be killed, rather than some information falling into Nazi hands!" This expert was not part of the British Army, he was a civilian who was an Amateur Radio Operator. They took this guy along and he recognized the necessary radio equipment (Radar is just radio equipment) and they brought it back to England without loss of life. The Amateur Radio Operator was given the highest award by the King of England that a civilian could esteem to and end of the story. This is a true story where in a dire circumstance, this Amateur Radio operator saved countless allied lives in the battle against Nazi Germany.
Who would logically think HAM could be used like social media??
People who think ham radio is like using a cell phone with apps on it.... I've meet a couple, they are out there.
Very good video. I t cracks me up when people think they can operate on airwaves without being discovered. I’m a 37 year military veteran and I operated in some rather spooky areas. You can run but ya can’t hide folks. 😊
I really doubt the people that need this warning will never read it or hear about it. That's what strikes me as odd about the FCC warning to all unless it's a CYA of bigger things to come. I do remember in 5th grade... Mrs. Steven. The entire class got punished for the stupidity of one student. She told us to always remember: 2% will always ruin it for the other 98%. Solution? You need to prove you have a license BEFORE you buy. But that's too easy.
Its not illegal to listen to the amateur radio bands without a licence, only to transmit without a licence.
It's not intended for those who'd "need" it. Obviously a terrorist (or even just a general criminal) wouldn't care about such an additional technicality. Rather, this "warning" is for the federal government to seem like it's embattled, to get sympathy. It's the equivalent of whining. But it's also to sow suspicion. They're trying to elicit statements from organizations like the ARRL that are the equivalent of the loyalty oaths of 70 years ago.
@@keyzersoze4158 Indeed in the 1960s I considered getting my ticket -- even learned code (for a little while) -- but wound up not doing so. But I did LISTEN to the ham bands plenty.
The pee pad and knee pad tyrants made sure to warn everyone because they are so tolerant of other viewpoints.
"Crimes" include protesting the stolen election, fighting tyranny, and getting around cell phones and internet.
Cell phones are okay for criminal acts?
😷🦠😷. SILENCE!! We need to see your VACCINE PASSPORT before you may speak!
😉
@@PowderMill I guess the modern "Star of David" will be the American flag.
The FCC needs to also remind the phone scammers again, and again! I'm tired of being harassed by these democratic hasbeens.
I'd like to point out that they didn't say we couldn't commit crimes, we just can't use our radios to do it haha
...nice
It is a crime to commit crimes. Got it. Thanks for warning me to not be a criminal FCC. I hope your funding goes up!
MAYBE THAT WAS A CODDED MESSAGE FROM THE FCC?
Hams are fun, educational and a interesting hobby. And possibly a good way to find help if you need it.👍
Farmer Wayne , An interesting hobby, for sure.
It was not a secret that the riots that occurred a few months ago on the West Coast and other areas of the country were being directed by a highly trained operatives using amateur radio bands. I don't think the D.C. event is a good example that drove this communication, but the Portland, Seattle, and Minneapolis ruckus is.
Protesting is a protected right, not a crime. Organizing is not a crime, it is a protected right. Sounds like someone at the FCC is feeling their oats a little bit.
The ARRL Said it very clearly. Amateur radio helps and protects people and property. This is the reason that I became a ham radio operator. When I am 50 miles away from the nearest town camping and having fun I want to be able to have communication or any other disaster like earthquakes
If a person was only listening to their radio and not transmitting, does it matter what or who they are listening to?
No
@Sicarus Valid point. I decode the UK Medical Services Pagers to prove to my friends and family that there is no covid emergency. The real emergency today is suicides and overdoses from the lockdowns. UK pager system doesn't lie like the BBC does.
You just need rtl-sdr and multimon-ng installed on Linux then run : rtl_fm -f 153.350M -s 22050 | multimon-ng -t raw -a POCSAG1200 -e -f alpha /dev/stdin
The problem is the definition of "criminal activities" . If you are providing communications for a peaceful protest that the government does not like , is that a crime?
Thanks for breaking it down and explaining it.
I don’t think you can communicate via any means to facilitate a crime. Whether it is verbal, written, or even coded eye blinking! It would all fall under conspiracy to commit a crime.
So the gov doesn't want you using guns and radios. Only Law enforcement and the military can use guns and radios but not the taxpayers...🤔🤔🤔🤨🤨
Sadly the cheep Chinese radio brought me here but your sparkling personality keeps me coming back
plays Beethoven's fifth four notes...London calling with messages for our friends...Molasses tomorrow will bring forth cognac...The longest day...
Josh, working public service events like a 50,000 runner marathon, with senior experienced hams in charge, we ALWAYS used encoded transmissions. Not encryted, but encoded. For example "station 7 requesting lunch" might be prearranged to mean "runner down, possible heart attack, send EMS immediately to station 7". For emergency use, or simply discretion, there are times when the FCC knows about and agrees with encoding. Which would extend to allegories. Encryption may also be legal, as it was after Katrina for WiFi, as long as the keys are on file or published.
But the FCC reminder here is really ill considered. It says using licensed equipment is illegal. OK, that means using unlicensed equipment to plan a big gold heist is OK, right?
(You see what I mean.)
Ham radio when all else fails, not for Emergency communications, as per the FCC reasoning for charging for licensing.
Hot take. Ham radio operators should absolutely be allowed to use encryption and code to talk. Just like the 2nd amendment is designed to protect ourselves from a tyrannical government, being able to communicate as a citizen should be the same, which also means encrypting messages. Seems kind of wrong for military, police and government officials to communicate privately, but not citizens... not cool.
I don’t really disagree. But if encryption was allowed what would stop businesses/corporations from doing it?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I guess nothing would stop them... I guess the way we have it right now is the best we are gonna get. Great point.
why do you need a license to talk on a radio, oh ok government permission
depends which band and power some bands are commercial, fire, police, boat beacons all sorts of stuff wikipedia actually has a good good on what and why but frs, murs, cb no license needed. gmrs is like 15$ for a couple years
Randall Kehrt AI4VK and this is my take on the FCC announcement: I have noticed that at most ham radio club meetings the majority of those members are men who are older and are conservative in their political views. In other words; God, Country and Family are values held very dear to their heart. My point is that almost all of those ARRL and or Ham Radio Club members voted or were pulling for former President Trump to get reelected. As we all know, President Trump did NOT believe that the election was fair to Him and was resisting the results of the election that ended up having the event in Washington, DC where the Capital got.......(visited by some who has pro Trump views or assaulted by a mob by those who did NOT want Trump to get reelected). Now we are getting into politics and NOT just sending reception reports and discussing our antenna systems.........Thanks to the Ed Snowden revelations we know fully well that our emails (I use hotmail.com} is being recorded at least who I send and receive email traffic too. Thus, with the Silicon Valley removing accounts of those who were communicating protests and or insurrection someone who knows about HF radio (ham radio) or is a operator that has a FCC license would know the "potential" to bypass this attempt at censoring out these types of messages. NOW it gets into a possible
resistance movement where violence can happen usually with unbalanced individuals who lose out of a more balanced view of the news. I do NOT see any problem with two ham radio operators using BSK-31 on the ham bands discussing politics as for one thing YOU must have a radio, a computer, a TNC and be on the correct frequency and mode to get this traffic. Most general public lacks the ability to send or receive this HF digital traffic, and voice SSB is the same way. Thus the RED LINE for me would be for any ham radio license operator to be passing third party traffic to those who are actively protest or engaging in insurrection of the result of the last Presidential election. I could have written a much BETTER memo to the members of ARRL than what the FCC put out as YOU can tell it was written by some GS employee who did NOT have a full understanding of what they were addressing. Thus for me I never pass ANY third party traffic as there exist (but I must admit very unlikely) the possibility that I could be giving material support to someone who is a member of a group who is bent of committing any act of violence or worse treason. As long as every four years the President must run again or to leave office if defeated (as President Trump did today) then all that needs to be done is to wait out the term to end and support the new man who you like for President to get elected. Luckily for the ham radio community the FCC lacks monitoring stations from what I know as they have gone to some sort of official observers who are hams themselves to monitor for those who overdrive their rigs and splatter the bands. Let us NOT fall into becoming a Hate Group and give President Biden a chance to lead our Nation and to solve its social problems. My only worry is that if President Biden gets sick or dies then the VP will take over but again I cannot believe the USA would become so liberal that they would round up all those who voted for President Trump and put them into some camp. Just watch what you say on the air, no passing of third party traffic and get yourself a bottle of Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey to sip on.
While I can’t claim to agree with all of what you said, I absolutely concur about the bourbon.
And... well... has anyone told you lately that you don’t sound like a nut job? ‘Cuz you don’t. You seem... I dunno... nice, I guess.
73
Good to also keep in mind that the message was originated while Trump appointed Ajit Pai was still over the FCC. (Thank god he's out now) You do know about Mr. Pai's, history.....the anti-net neutrality Verizon & Comcast lawyer/lobbyist/criminal......right?
I was only a teenager back then in the early 70s but I can remember a big outcry in the ham press when anti war demonstrators were using ham radio to coordinate their demonstrations.
So, crime's still illegal? Got it. Thanks, Gubberment. 👍
When did the FCC allowed political talk?
Back when I got my license that was a big no, no!
The FCC giving us a warning, but they won't in force there rules against jammer who play music, cuss and swear etc...
@Urbexx Jeremy cussing and swearing is not protected by the first amendment
Derp.
@@electrofrying1685 The FCC does have the authority to punish any license holder using profanity over the airwaves.
I retired from the communications world and when had a problem the FCC was useless. If someone really wanted to communicate over long distances it is easy to find a spot to put up a carrier in a vacant spot on a satellite. I won’t leave it up long, but a small 64k audio circuit would to get the info out and then drop it would be very hard to find. My last job before retirement was a gateway earth station where we used a whole C band satellite with over 500 different services along with monitoring and reigning in users that leased space. A satellite is just a big repeater that only has so much power available so services have to have some fade margin, but not enough to suck down power and raise the noise floor on the transponders. Also if you have to much power you cross pole onto the opposite polarity.
In 1960, ham radio was the greatest and only social media around for us kids then. I wonder if the FCC is going to prosecute criminal organizers using cell phones since they too use the airwaves.
I was tempted to get on the air and read Nursery Rhymes on Wednesday.
You’re clearly way too white.
@@scottintexas How can you be too white?
@@chrisazure1624 I’m being facetious. It’s what some libtard would say.
@@scottintexas I asked my step-daughters that question when they said their ancestry was too white. The couldn't answer because it exposes bigotry against being white.
But that might be construed as broadcasting, which has always been a no-no.
Thanks for bringing this up. I was unaware that radios were being used during the protest. Makes more sense now.