75mhz gear - Condition Red

[vasily]

But I have friends that are Extras and I was told that if they cought someone not having a license they would blow their keister in in a heartbeat.
They are required to do it by law. BD

Big Dave- Please accept this in the friendly spirit in which it is intended:
No amateur is ever required to report a perceived violation by law, and there is no violation under PART 15 rules.

For all the guys who worry about an RC transmitter- how many times have you driven 69 in a 65mph zone? Or even the much worse violation of quaffing a couple of beers and driving home?

[thor]

I do have a good bit of good news; Bob Martin and I are working together to secure a large inventory of 75 Mhz radios. So far, we have secured a lot of 4 and 6 channel Futaba of almost 100 units. We have a lead on an even bigger lot and am working with the distributor now. So, we will have radios for quite some time, and Tony Stillman (Radio South) has pledged his full and undying support of the SC in an effort to keep us in 75 Mhz radios as long as we might possibly need them.

Bob and I will, also, be working together to fully explore the 433Mhz world to see what it will take to make these units an easily obtained, readily available, and affordable alternative.

Stay tuned.

[chips]

Bob
What do you initially have to do to take the test?
That is not a thing you can do online thing right? BD

Big Dave,

Ralph provided two good resources. Take the practice exams many times, until you can pass it consistently. The test covers basic electric and electronic theory as well as basic radio theory; all things we should know as r/c hobbyists. You can check the local bookstore or Ham radio club for a study guide. I got one many years ago from Radio Shack. The local Amateur Radio store, about 3 miles from my house, closed last year. There is another book available, but it doesn't have much on radio control.

[thor]

I called the NW regional office for the FCC to talk to them about the 433 MHz issue this morning. The gentleman told me that, technically, they can enforce the license rules for the fractional watt broadcasters, but unless there is a series of complaints over interference they have absolutely no intention to do so. They simply do not have the resources to do it and it makes no sense logistically. He, also, was not aware of any interference issues due to the fractional wattage units in the 433 MHz range.

In addition, they are fully aware that there are literally many thousands of the hobbyist and home made fractional watt units operating and with this in mind they have it under serious consideration to waive any license requirements for testing as a HAM technician, but are thinking very seriously about implementing a radio operator registration in its place such as the FAA did with R/C airplane and drone owners. Simply pay your small fee to register yourself as a fractional wattage operator on 433 MHz and you will be on your way. I guess we will see what happens here.

The gentleman was extremely friendly and urged me to investigate the use of the 433 Mhz band as it has a lot of potential for use.

[salmon]

Way to go Matt! Excellent sleuthing and a very hopeful message.

Tim, I have the orangeTX and RX, are you not using them anymore? If not why or is it still good to use?

[thor]

Regarding FCC enforcement. Here is a bit of insight as to what has been going on within the FCC and it's enforcement. The memo is dated 2009 and refers to my region (NW Region), but it appears that the situation has not really changed much.

http://earthsignals.com/add_CGC/Letters/FCC_Field_Offices.htm

http://www.rrmediagroup.com/News/NewsDetails/NewsID/12340

[thor]

By the way, Guys, I was just notified by Aloft hobbies that the FrSky Taranis Q X7 is now back in stock. Mine is on the way. Get yours now while they have them in stock. They seem to go quickly. $112 W/800 mah NiMH internal battery.