Amateur Radio, Event, Flagstaff, License Examinations, News, Williams

Amateur Radio Classes set for October in Williams

The Williams Fire Department and Coconino Amateur radio club have combined to bring amateur radio classes to Williams in preparation for the exam on October 21. This is the last exam for the Amateur Radio Technician license this year and the last using the current Technician license question pool. Next year another exam pool will be used. The exam will be held at the North County Healthcare Clinic at 2920 N 4th Street Flagstaff, AZ 86004.

The courses will be on Tuesday and Thursday nights from the 3rd to the 19th beginning at 6 p.m. The courses will be held at 515 Rodeo Road next to the Bob Dean Rodeo Grounds. The courses are outlined in the calander following.
These courses are based on the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 3rd Edition. You can probably pass by just going to the classes, but it is less likely. Some of the nights will go by fast because the information is easy. Others you will need to concentrate. We recommend that you read the sections the day before each class and go over them again on Friday and Saturday. Except, of course, for exam day.

There are other items that will help you pass the exam. You can download the ARRL Ham Test Prep app for Android and continually test yourself. This app also has the question pool for the General and Extra exams and is continually up-to-date.

The Ham Whisperer courses are also quite helpful. If you watch these videos, you will probably be able to pass the exam on your own.

For more information, you can email kg7ydj@arrl.net.

OCTOBER CLASS SCHEDULE

TUES

WED

THUR

SAT

3

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Welcome to
Amateur Radio

 Chapter 2 – Radio Waves and Signals

 Chapter 2 – Modulation and Bandwidth

GLEN KG7YDJ

4

5

Chapter 3 – Electricity

Chapter 3 Ohms Law, Power and the Metric
System

Chapter 3 Electronic Components

Chapter 3 – Types of Radio Circuits

PHIL AE7OH

7

10

Chapter 4 – Propagation

Chapter 4 – Antennas and Feed Lines

Chapter 4 – Practical Antenna Systems

JACK KD7RCJ

11

12

Chapter 5 – Basic Amateur Radio Equipment

Chapter 5 – Power Sources and Interference

RON KG7OH

14

17

Chapter 6 – Communicating with Other
Hams Part 1

Chapter 6 – Communicating with Other
Hams Part 2

Chapter 7 – License Regulations and License
Privileges

GLEN KG7YDJ

18

19

Chapter 7 & 8

Call Signs and Operating Regulations Part 1

Chapter 8 – Call Signs and Operating
Regulations Part 2

Chapter 9 Safety and Amateur Radio

GLEN KG7YDJ

21

License Exam,

North Country Health Care facility at
2920 N 4th Street, Flagstaff, AZ
86004

24 New licensees begin using radio.

25

26

28

31

 
Amateur Radio, Federal Communications Commission, News

FCC opens up 2,200- and 630-meter bands

On March 29, 2017, the Commission adopted rules permitting fixed amateur radio operations in 135.7-137.8 kHz (2200 meter) and 472-479 kHz (630 meter) bands. These bands are allocated to the amateur radio service on a secondary basis.

1 The Commission adopted a minimum horizontal separation distance of one kilometer from power line carrier (PLC) systems, which operate in the 9-490 kHz range.
2 Amateur operators must notify the Utilities Technology Council (UTC), which maintains a database of PLC systems, of their intent to operate in the 135.7-137.8 kHz and/or 472-479 kHz bands prior to commencing operations.
3 These rules become effective on September 15, 2017, after approval of the information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This Public Notice sets forth the procedure for notifying UTC of planned operations.

Amateur licensees planning to operate in the 135.7-137.8 kHz and/or 472-479 kHz bands must use the online form at http://utc.org/plc-database-amateur-notification-process/ to provide their contact information, including the operator’s name, email address, and telephone number; technical information, including the call sign, intended frequency(ies) or band(s) of operation, and geographic coordinates of the antenna location; and date of notification. UTC will respond via email regarding whether the proposed site is within one kilometer of a PLC system operating in the same or overlapping frequencies, and will request that the amateur operator acknowledge receipt of the response. UTC may telephone amateur operators from whom no acknowledgment is received.

Amateur operators may commence operations in the 135.7-137.8 kHz and/or 472-479 kHz bands if UTC does not respond within 30 days, or if UTC responds sooner that the proposed site is not within one kilometer of a PLC system operating in the same or overlapping frequencies.4 They may not commence operations in the 135.7-137.8 kHz and/or 472-479 kHz bands if UTC responds that the proposed site is within one kilometer of a PLC system operating in the same or overlapping frequencies, but they may submit a notification to propose a different site.

Aviation, Emergency Communications, Federal Communications Commission, News

ENFORCEMENT BUREAU REMINDS CIVIL AVIATION COMMUNITY THAT USE OF A CERTAIN AVIATION FREQUENCY IS RESTRICTED TO EMERGENCY USE

This notice from the FCC applies to the aviation emergency radio frequency. Many of the principles apply to all radio services, however. For example Channel 9 of the Citizens Band Radio Service is an emergency only channel. It is illegal to broadcast a false distress call on ANY radio frequency. Just thought this might be of interest to the amateur radio community.

DA 17-747; August 8, 2017; Enforcement Advisory No. 2017-01

121.500 MHz Reserved for Emergency Use Only The Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been investigating instances of misuse of, and harmful interference to, frequency 121.500 MHz, which the FCC has set aside for emergency and distress communications. The FCC regulates aviation communications in cooperation with the FAA, which, among other things, continuously monitors distress frequencies to protect life and property. The FAA has reported to the FCC that the FAA’s ability to monitor aviation channel 121.500 MHz for actual emergencies is being impaired by an increase in the use of 121.500 MHz for non-emergency communications. The Enforcement Bureau will aggressively enforce the rules related to aviation radio operations.

Ensuring the integrity of safety and distress frequencies is vital to safeguarding lives and property.

What Should You Know?
Aircraft operating domestically are authorized to operate VHF aviation radios, radar, and emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) without having to obtain individual licenses from the FCC, while aircraft operating internationally must hold a license issued by the FCC. In both cases, however, airmen1 must follow the operating procedures specified in Part 87 of the FCC’s rules.2

FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY
Of particular importance, Section 87.173 of the FCC’s rules mandates that 121.500 MHz be used solely for emergency and distress purposes.3 The FAA continually monitors 121.500 MHz and treats any distress call received as an emergency to be investigated immediately. Prohibited communications on 121.500 MHz include: false distress or emergency messages, superfluous communications, messages containing obscene, indecent, or profane words or meaning, general calls (calls not addressed to a particular station), routine messages, radio tests, and transmission of recorded audio (such as music or spoken text). Misuse of 121.500 MHz can distract FAA personnel monitoring the channel from hearing transmissions related to actual emergencies and, as a result, poses a threat to life and property.

What Happens if Users Do Not Comply with the FCC’s Rules?
Interference to an aviation distress and safety frequency, including 121.500 MHz, is a violation of the most critical nature, with the potential to obscure genuine distress transmissions. The Enforcement Bureau intends to aggressively enforce violations of the FCC’s aviation radio communications rules.

Violators may be subject to the penalties authorized by the Communications Act, including, but not limited to, substantial monetary fines (up to $19,246 per single violation and up to $144,344 for an ongoing violation), an in rem action to seize the offending radio equipment, and criminal sanctions.

What Should You Do?
The FCC rules governing the aviation radio service are designed to protect both your life and the lives of those around you – fellow airmen and the public. Please take the time to learn the FCC rules governing proper radio operation and comply with them. Airmen should note that 122.750 MHz is available for air-to-air communications.4

Need more information?
For additional information regarding enforcement of the aviation radio rules, proper use of aviation radio frequencies, and licensing of aircraft radio stations, please visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/aircraft-stations. Media inquiries should be directed to Will Wiquist at (202) 418-0509 or will.wiquist@fcc.gov.

To file a complaint, visit https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.

To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). You may also contact the Enforcement Bureau on its TTY line at (202) 418-1148 for further information about this Enforcement Advisory, or the FCC on its TTY line at 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) for further information about the aviation radio rules. Issued by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau

1 For this Enforcement Advisory, we use the term “airman” as that term is defined in the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended. There, Congress defined the term “airman” as “an individual—(A) in command, or as pilot, mechanic, or member of the crew, who navigates aircraft when under way; (B) … who is directly in charge of inspecting, maintaining, overhauling, or repairing aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances; or (C) who serves as an aircraft dispatcher or air traffic control-tower operator.” 49 U.S.C. § 40102(a)(8).

2 47 CFR § 87.1 et seq.

3 47 CFR §§ 87.173, 87.187(k). Frequency 121.500 MHz also is used for maritime distress and search and rescue communications, and for direction-finding with respect to emergency radiobeacons at sea and on land. See 47 CFR §§ 80.1077, 87.199(b), 95.1402(a), 95.1403(b).

4 47 CFR § 87.187(j).

Citizens Band Radio Service, Education, Family Radio Service, Federal Communications Commission, General Mobile Radio Servie, Multi-Use Radio Service, News, Personal Radio Service

The FCC is the law

I keep running into people who tell me so-and-so told them or they read on the Internet such-and-such. I keep seeing sites that say you do not need a GMRS license and that is seeping into forums. I can tell when it is Christmas or when someone has a birthday, because I hear kids on the air. Fortunately they are generally using the FRS channels 8-14 or the shared GMRS/FRS channels 1-7. They do not realize, however, that these are real radios and not toy “walkie-talkies.” During one conversation I heard a kid use the word “emergency” and even gave his location. By his tone I could tell he was goofing around, but it is illegal to call for an emergency when there is not one.

The bottom line is that if the official source on the Internet for the rules should be the Federal Communications Commission. The official rules of all of the radio services are contained in 47 C.F.R..

I call these “rules” because they are not “laws” made by Congress. Congress allows agencies to make up their rules as they go along. Of all of the alphabet bureaucracies, however, I believe the FCC is one of the few that is actually constitutional. Their function is to make sure everyone shares the radio spectrum evenly and fairly. And they are really not Draconian about it.

I will also point out that the FCC makes special provisions for emergencies. Anyone can use any frequency to call for help to prevent the loss of life or property. Just about every radio service states that provision. So if you are camping in the woods and your five-year old wanders off, you can call for help in a search. If your tire pops on the freeway, however, you will need a lot of bars on your cell phone. Unless, of course, there is a medical reason threatening your life.

To get back on topic, 47 C.F.R. is divided into parts. Part 95 covers the personal radio services—citizen band radio (CBRS), general mobile radio service (GMRS), family radio service (FRS) and the multi-use radio service. Part 97 covers amateur radio, also known as Ham radio. We simply refer to them as Part 95 and Part 97.

Part 95 is further divided into Subparts for each radio service. For example, the Subpart covering GMRS is, currently, Subpart A. The GMRS rules in the future will be moved to Subpart E. The rest of the Subparts will remain the same. I will explain this change in a future series of articles on the new rules.

The problem is that people want to twist the language to their advantage. I assure you, however, the FCC is unsympathetic to any statements beginning with, “I saw on the Internet….” Unless you can show it to them on THEIR web site or in 47 C.F.R. Many do not realize that the CBRS, FRS and MURS is “licensed.” There is a legal phrase called licensed by rule. It simply means that you are not required to obtain a hard-copy license and call sign to use these radio services, BUT you must follow the rules. The rules for each of these services are written out, albeit I agree not always clearly, in Part 95.

There are some significant changes concerning all of these services in the upcoming re-write of Part 95. First they have divided the Subparts into clearer sections to assist you in finding information. The information itself may be confusing and that is why the FCC has an email address and phone number. I will do future articles on the changes forthcoming. This article is simply to let you know some important rules concerning licensing and using the radio services.

I want to make it clear that just because you can buy a radio does not mean you can use a radio. I should also note that Part 95 is being totally re-written and there are many changes on the horizon; particularly to GMRS.

Let us start by discussing licensing.
Continue reading The FCC is the law →

Amateur Radio, Antenna, Equipment, Review, Technical

Not much you can do with a 2-meter whip

Nagoya NA-771 15.6″, Dual-Band, about $17 dollars
Diamond SRJ77CA 15″, Dual-Band, about $28 dollars
Nagoya NA-24J 16″, Dual-Band, about $18 dollars

As you have gathered by my series of articles, I’m pretty much relegated to going cheap. I use Baofeng, for the most part. You know the rubber duck antenna that comes with most radios are not great. That is putting it politely. Thus the after market whips.

Nagoya is the official antenna for Baofeng. They are designed to fit all models of Baofeng and work on the new GMRS V-1 by BTech—which is really Baofeng by another name. I saved my pennies and recently purchased the Diamond SRJ77CA which has a reverse SMA to fit Baofeng.

When I originally bought the UV-82, I purchased the Nagoya NA-771 15.6″ whip. I used it on UV-5rs, the BF-F9 and the UV-82HP and GMRS V-1. It works good on each and much better than the rubber duck that comes with the radio. I’ve not been nice to the antenna but it seems to have held up good for over a year.

The next purchase was the Nagoya NA-24J. It is a very pliable antenna. The problem is that the audio reports with it were not as good as the NA-771. It did not seem to have the range of the 771. I tried it as a scanner antenna, but it seemed to pick up a lot of noise.

Recently I purchased the Diamond SRJ77CA 15″ with it’s claimed 2.15 dbi gain. Amateurs know what “dbi gain” means. If it had any gain over the NA-771, I did not notice it. It performs as good as the NA-771, though. I’ve closed the car door on it a couple of times and can’t find a nick on it.

In summary, if you want the Diamond name, go ahead and spend the money. The NA-771, however, performs just as well and is cheaper than the other two. I cannot recommend the NA-24J.

Equipment, FRS, GMRS, Midland, Radio Services, Review, Technical

Midland MXT90 GMRS not good out of the box

An advantage of having a GMRS license is being able to test GMRS equipment. I was hopeful when I saw the Midland MXT90 GMRS Micro-Mobile manufactured exclusively for Walmart. I was hopeful because I am always looking for good equipment at a good price for emergency use. Unfortunately I was disappointed.

The MXT90 is a small mobile 5-watt with the 15 GMRS channels. Channels 1-7 are the shared GMRS/FRS channels and 15-22 are the channels for licensed GMRS users only.

The unit features:

  • 15 GMRS Channels
  • 10 NOAA Weather Channels
  • 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS/104 DCS)
  • Monitor Function
  • Keypad Lock
  • Power HI/LO settings
  • External Speaker Jack

The MXT90 does NOT have repeater capability built in. It comes with a nice microphone and is sturdy. It also comes with all of the mounting hardware like any radio.

The manual is complete and well-written. Although I believe there is a mistake in the manual concerning GMRS licensing. If you are familiar with GMRS handy-talkies, you should know that channels 1-7 are shared GMRS/FRS channels. Channels 8-14 are reserved for Family Radio Service and 15-22 are strictly licensed GMRS channels. A GMRS licensee can operated on channels 1-7 and 15-22 on high power. Radios with FRS will not allow you to set channels 8-14 to high power and are limited to around 1/4-watt. The manual states that you must have a GMRS license to use channels 1-7. I believe (and this is my own, unverified opinion) that is incorrect. Since these channels are shared, a non-licensed person should be able to use them on low power ONLY. This is one of the things I am trying to verify through reading Part 95, Subpart A concerning GMRS.

The operation of the unit is easy and then menu functions are easy to memorize once you get used to it.

I immediately tore the package open and started to experiment. It is a standard 13.8-vdc plug which goes into the cigarette lighter or accessory plug. The mag-mount antenna is small and has a long enough cable to reach through just about any vehicle.

I scanned through the NOAA channels. It would not catch any of them. Later I attached a dual-band Baofeng antenna I had and was able to scan and find the ones I usually find in my area. At home I powered it with my Fatmax battery booster. I was not able to do a proper test right away, since there are not many GMRS licensees in my area. I did scan and received some people on radios.

The next chance I had to do an actual test was on a recent trip to Utah. My companions and I were in two vehicles. I used the mag-mount antenna that came in the package and they were on a small Motorola hand-held. The audio was very good until they got a few miles away. That could have been the limitations on the hand-held, though. It turned out to be useful in an emergency situation we faced.

The manual does tell you how to purchase a better antenna, but for $99 I feel that better antenna should have been included. I would not recommend purchasing this unit.

That being said, Midland is not a poor radio manufacturer. They manufacture citizens band radios and other GMRS Micro-Mobile models. I checked their web site and found they have two other models with higher power. They have an MXT105 model which is essentially the same as the MXT90 sold through Walmart.

The MTX115 is a 15-watt model which adds repeater capability. It also has a USB charging port for mobile devices. This model comes with an antenna which probably works, but I suspect you will probably want to purchase an upgrade antenna. This model is $149.00.

Midland also offers the 40-Watt, MXT400 Micro-Mobile with the repeater capability also built-in. The only problem is that it does not come with an antenna, cable or antenna mount which must purchased separately.

If you go to their site you can find their latest in citizens band gear.

Midland is not the only manufacturer of GMRS and CB radio equipment. I only add the above information to this article since you might want to go with a higher power GMRS or citizens band equipment. The advantage of mobile radios is that you can create an effective base unit by purchasing an appropriate power supply and antenna for your home. If you must evacuate, or just chose to use it while driving, you can simply unplug the unit and plug it into your car; providing you set it up with an appropriate antenna and power plug.

No matter which service you choose to use, you should do some research. Questions on amateur radio gear can be directed to your local amateur radio club. You probably have one local to you. If you have friends that operate other radio services, you can ask them what they use and what they like. It boils down to the fact that it is your money purchasing the radios.

Amateur Radio, News, Phoenix, State Legislation

Arizona Senate considers amateur radio license plate fund

The Amateur Radio Council of Arizona is encouraging amateur radio operators to support Arizona S.B. 1132 which would create the Arizona Amateur Radio Education and Community Involvement Fund. The fund would be developed from Amateur Radio license plates established in 1995 and would distribute $17 from the plates to amateur radio organizations the licensee chooses. The bill was introduced by Senator Nancy Barto of District 15.

A State Senate hearing on the bill is scheduled for the Senate Transportation & Technology committee on January 24 at 2 p.m. at the Arizona State Capitol Senate building.

Thomas Boza, NE7X—an amateur activist—said in an email, “I will be speaking to the Senate on Tuesday. We need to fill the balcony in the Senate building on Tuesday with as many amateur radio operators as possible.”

The Senate Fact Sheet for the bill states that S.B. 1132:

* Specifies that, of the $25 fee required for the original Amateur Radio Operator Special Plate and subsequent renewals, $8 is an administration fee and $17 is an annual donation. ADOT is required to deposit all administration fees into the State Highway Fund and all annual donations into the Fund.
*Requires the Director to annually distribute all monies in the Fund, excluding administrative fees, to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that meets all of the following requirements:
a) is comprised of amateur radio clubs throughout Arizona;
b) has specified objectives;
c) awards scholarships to licensed amateurs; and
d) awards grants to affiliated clubs that benefit the amateur radio community.

The bill has had it’s second reading in the Senate and, if passed, would move to the Arizona House of Representatives. You can find your Senator at this link and email your support of the bill.

Amateur Radio, Amateur Radio Organizations, Amateur Radio Relay League, National Legislation, News

House introduces another “Amateur Parity Act”

ARRL News — H.R. 555—A new “Amateur Radio Parity Act” bill—has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill’s language is identical to that of the 2015 measure, H.R. 1301, which passed in the House late last summer but failed in the waning days of the US Senate to gain the necessary support.

As with H.R. 1301, the new measure introduced on January 13 in the 115th Congress was sponsored by Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), with initial co-sponsorship by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Rep. Greg Walden, W7EQI (R-OR). Walden now chairs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, to which the new bill has been referred. H.R. 555 will get an initial airing in the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. When H.R. 1301 came up in committee, Walden spoke forcefully in favor of the measure, which ultimately attracted 126 House cosponsors.

“Rep. Kinzinger has again stepped forward to introduce this important legislation,” said ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF. “His commitment stems from exposure to what the Amateur Radio community brings to the service of all communities. The ARRL and radio amateurs nationwide owe Rep. Kinzinger a resounding ‘Thank You!’ for his efforts on their behalf.”

H.R. 555 calls on the FCC to establish rules prohibiting the application of deed restrictions that preclude Amateur Radio communications on their face or as applied. Deed restrictions would have to impose the minimum practicable restriction on Amateur Radio communications to accomplish the lawful purposes of homeowners association seeking to enforce the restriction.

The ARRL Board of Directors is expected to discuss the pending legislation when it meets January 20-21.

Amateur Radio, Amateur Radio Relay League, International, News, Obituary

Past Radio Amateurs of Canada President Bill Gillis, VE1WG

ARRL News – Former Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) President William James “Bill” Gillis, VE1WG, of Moncton, New Brunswick, died December 26. He was 87. Gillis spent his career in the technical and management fields of the telecommunications industry.

He was a veteran radio amateur, having been licensed as VE1WG since 1946. He also held the call signs VE3WG and 5H3WB (Tanzania).

Gillis served as RAC president from 2002 to 2003, and during his term, he was a guest at ARRL Board of Directors meetings.

Gillis was RAC Director for the Maritimes Region and also served two terms as president of the Moncton Area Amateur Radio Club. He also belonged to the Montreal Amateur Radio Club and the Oakville Radio Club. In addition to Amateur Radio, he enjoyed the sport of curling.

Amateur Radio, Amateur Radio Organizations, Amateur Radio Relay League, Federal Communications Commission, News

FCC Dismisses Two Petitions from Radio Amateurs

ARRL News – The FCC has turned down two petitions filed in 2016, each seeking similar changes in the Part 97 Amateur Service rules. James Edwin Whedbee, N0ECN, of Gladstone, Missouri, had asked the Commission to amend the rules to reduce the number of Amateur Radio operator classes to Technician, General, and Amateur Extra by merging remaining Novice class licensees into the Technician class and all Advanced class licensees into the Amateur Extra class. In a somewhat related petition, Jeffrey H. Siegell, WB2YRL, of Burke, Virginia, had requested that the FCC grant Advanced class license holders Morse code operating privileges equivalent to those enjoyed by Amateur Extra class licensees.

“Thus, Mr. Siegell’s proposed rule change is subsumed within the changes Mr. Whedbee requests, so our analysis is the same for both proposals,” the FCC said in dismissing the two petitions on January 5.

The FCC streamlined the Amateur Radio licensing system into three classes – Technician, General, and Amateur Extra – in 1999. While it no longer issues new Novice or Advanced class licenses, existing licenses can be renewed, and Novice and Advanced licensees retained their operating privileges.

“The Commission concluded that the three-class structure would streamline the licensing process, while still providing an incentive for licensees to advance their communication and technical skills,” the FCC recounted in its dismissal letter to Whedbee and Siegell. It specifically rejected suggestions that Novice and Advanced class licensees be automatically upgraded to a higher class, concluding that it would be inappropriate for these licensees to “receive additional privileges without passing the required examination elements.” The FCC cited the same reason in 2005, when it denied requests to automatically upgrade Technician licensees to General
class and Advanced licensees to Amateur Extra class, as part of a wide-ranging proceeding.

The FCC said the two petitions “do not demonstrate, or even suggest, that any relevant circumstances have changed that would merit reconsideration of those decisions.”

Whedbee had argued that automatically upgrading current Novice and Advanced classes would simplify the rules and reduce the Commission’s costs and administrative burden, but the FCC said Whedbee provided no evidence that an administrative problem exists. “Moreover, such benefits would not outweigh the public interest in ensuring that amateur operators have the requisite incentive to advance their skill and technical knowledge in order to contribute to the advancement of the radio art and improvement of the Amateur Radio Service,” the FCC said.

“The Commission has already concluded that it will not automatically grant additional privileges to the discontinued license classes,” the FCC said. “Consequently, we conclude that the above-referenced petitions for rulemaking do not warrant further consideration at this time.”

Amateur Radio Operator