TexasCHLforum.com

RPB wrote:

TxLobo wrote:

Kythas wrote:

drjoker wrote:Do you need a ham license to use this?

I would imagine if the balloon goes up nobody will be checking licenses.

and I believe that the wonderful section 90 of the FCC code book will still tell you, something like: in the event of an emergency, you are authorized to use any frequency that is available to you..

Just please ... do not say "good buddy" or anything that was in any of the 1970s CB Radio trucker type movies

JJVP wrote:

RPB wrote:

TxLobo wrote:

Kythas wrote:

drjoker wrote:Do you need a ham license to use this?

I would imagine if the balloon goes up nobody will be checking licenses.

and I believe that the wonderful section 90 of the FCC code book will still tell you, something like: in the event of an emergency, you are authorized to use any frequency that is available to you..

Just please ... do not say "good buddy" or anything that was in any of the 1970s CB Radio trucker type movies

10-4.

RPB wrote: Just please ... do not say "good buddy" or anything that was in any of the 1970s CB Radio trucker type movies

chasfm11 wrote:

sjfcontrol wrote:

Kythas wrote:

drjoker wrote:Do you need a ham license to use this?

I would imagine if the balloon goes up nobody will be checking licenses.

My thought exactly -- Armageddon cancels all licenses!

The problem is that, like firearms, waiting until the radio is needed to figure out how to use it is a mistake. Yes, I understand that you just push the button and talk but it is likely that those on the other end of the conversation will understand correct operation and you are banking on their willingness to listen to you, even in an emergency.

For example, there are lots of frequencies on the 2 meter band. Knowing which ones are frequented in your specific area will help you to reach someone faster. The rubber antennas that come with portable radios have limited capacity so if you want greater range, you have to do something different. There are lots of what Hams call "home brew" antennas that can significantly improve reception and reach but you have to have understood the need for one and put it together in advance. By the time that you need the 2 meter radio, chances are that your Internet connection is not available to you for information that could help you with the antenna.

I prefer a broader solution. I agree that licenses are not in issue in a TEOTWAWKI scenario but there are lesser emergencies where the radio would be a tremendous asset. I really see it as no different than getting a CHL. You could (assuming concealed is concealed) carry an unlicensed gun for years but we have gone to the extra lengths to do it legally. I'm in no way equating the punishment for unlicensed carry with that for unlicensed use of a Ham radio, I'm simply pointing out that you either believe in following the rule of law or you don't.

Ameer wrote:

chasfm11 wrote:

sjfcontrol wrote:

Kythas wrote:

drjoker wrote:Do you need a ham license to use this?

I would imagine if the balloon goes up nobody will be checking licenses.

My thought exactly -- Armageddon cancels all licenses!

The problem is that, like firearms, waiting until the radio is needed to figure out how to use it is a mistake. Yes, I understand that you just push the button and talk but it is likely that those on the other end of the conversation will understand correct operation and you are banking on their willingness to listen to you, even in an emergency.

For example, there are lots of frequencies on the 2 meter band. Knowing which ones are frequented in your specific area will help you to reach someone faster. The rubber antennas that come with portable radios have limited capacity so if you want greater range, you have to do something different. There are lots of what Hams call "home brew" antennas that can significantly improve reception and reach but you have to have understood the need for one and put it together in advance. By the time that you need the 2 meter radio, chances are that your Internet connection is not available to you for information that could help you with the antenna.

I prefer a broader solution. I agree that licenses are not in issue in a TEOTWAWKI scenario but there are lesser emergencies where the radio would be a tremendous asset. I really see it as no different than getting a CHL. You could (assuming concealed is concealed) carry an unlicensed gun for years but we have gone to the extra lengths to do it legally. I'm in no way equating the punishment for unlicensed carry with that for unlicensed use of a Ham radio, I'm simply pointing out that you either believe in following the rule of law or you don't.

If he's not willing to pass a (no class required) test to get the license, there's 3 legal options.
1. Pay a fee for a license and use GMRS.
2. Pay no license fees and use FRS.
3. Pay no license fees and use CB.

If they want to break the law, they can use GMRS radios without a license or use marine VHF radios inland. The users of those bands are less likely to have the means and motives to track down scofflaws than local hams.