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FreeRepublic, Amateur Radio's Cousin?

Posted on 02/27/2004 8:06:33 AM PST by rightcoast

I have been an amateur radio operator since 1999. For those unfamiliar with amateur radio -- 'ham radio' as it is more casually termed -- it is an FCC-licensed section of radio spectrum (i.e. radio frequencies) that is set aside for civilian use. Amateur radio operators (or 'hams') use two-way radios to talk on these frequencies for purposes ranging from idle chat, all the way up to and including assisting authorities in emergency and crisis management.

I mention amateur radio on this forum, because although it may not seem so on the surface, there are many similarities between amateur radio and FreeRepublic (FR).

Amateur radio has been around for nearly a century, and it's largest organizing force has been around since 1914. That organization -- the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) -- administers licensing exams for the FCC, and maintains and organizes several civilian emergency communications services.

In many ways, FR is like the ARRL. Use of amateur radio is free, and you do not have to be an ARRL dues-paying member to enjoy the benefits of an FCC-issued amateur radio license. However, it is to an amateur radio enthusiast's advantage to support the ARRL financially, as it keeps the service alive and vibrant.

In the same way, periodically donating to FR (or becoming a monthly donor) contributes to the success of the forum and keeps it going.

There are other similarities. FR members must be registered, and no anonymous posts are allowed. Similarly, amateur radio operators must have a license and use their call sign (much like a CB 'handle' but more formal) at all times. Abuse of rules in amateur radio is largely self-policed, as it is here in FR.

Another surprising similarity between amateur radio and the FreeRepublic is membership. I don't have any exact numbers in front of me, but my most recent understanding is that FR has about 100,000 registered members. This is not far off from the approximately 175,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the U.S.

Finally, amateur radio is used by many for casual conversation of current events, or just friendly chat. It's most active use, though, can be seen in the establishment of local ARRL chapters and volunteer services. Local chapters (amateur radio clubs) connect local hams, in much the same way as FR has its own local chapters. ARRL volunteer efforts include civilian communications services to the military, local and state governments, and civilian organizations.

Of course, FR has its own wide range of volunteer efforts, largely labeled here as 'activism.' FReepers stage local rallies and protests, and help others get involved in our common interest: a free and strong republic.

I'm not promoting amateur radio or the ARRL here. I simply wanted to state my observation for a simple purpose. The ARRL has been a thriving organization for 90 years, and it wouldn't hurt to emulate it's successful model. Obviously there are differences, but with some luck and continued participation, maybe this little slice of the web could be on its way to lasting as long, with a similar positive impact.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Free Republic; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: amateurradio; freerepublic; hamradio
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To: archy
et tu Archy.

73
41 posted on 03/05/2004 7:07:30 PM PST by Professional Engineer (I used to wear an IT hat. I got tired of the tinfoil attracting lightning strikes.)
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To: msdrby; Wneighbor; AnAmericanMother
FReeper Ham ping
42 posted on 03/05/2004 7:08:53 PM PST by Professional Engineer (I used to wear an IT hat. I got tired of the tinfoil attracting lightning strikes.)
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To: AlexW
DE W4EX, Ham since 1958, previous to W4EX (1998) I was K4ZKZ

DE K4ZDZ, also Ham since 1958... (no need for a vanity call sign since the "K4ZDZ" has both a phonetic and code lyrical rhythm!

43 posted on 03/06/2004 10:13:04 AM PST by ExSES
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To: Professional Engineer
Genetal (Novice, Tech, whatever): No code and all theory through current general. Full priveledges above 30MHz. Limited voice priveledges on 10, 15, 40 and 80 meters.

Now THAT'S an interesting designation for a licensing class....

44 posted on 03/06/2004 12:40:13 PM PST by archy (Concrete shoes, cyanide, TNT! Done dirt cheap! Neckties, contracts, high voltage...Done dirt cheap!)
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To: archy
ROFLMAO I didn't see THAT one!
45 posted on 03/06/2004 12:46:45 PM PST by Professional Engineer (I used to wear an IT hat. I got tired of the tinfoil attracting lightning strikes.)
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To: Professional Engineer
Keep your amperage REAL low, fella....
46 posted on 03/06/2004 12:54:04 PM PST by archy (Concrete shoes, cyanide, TNT! Done dirt cheap! Neckties, contracts, high voltage...Done dirt cheap!)
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To: archy
Keep your amperage REAL low, fella....

sure thing. My HF rig is QRP only!

47 posted on 03/06/2004 1:04:39 PM PST by Professional Engineer (I used to wear an IT hat. I got tired of the tinfoil attracting lightning strikes.)
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To: rightcoast
I've never done ham radio, but I am interested in the political implications of FCC regulation.

It is my thesis that FCC broadcast licenses are unconstitutional "titles of nobility", in that the FCC stipulates that the license operates in the public interest--which means that the FCC essentially certifies the licensees to be truth-tellers.

And that is just the sort of thing that the First Amendment says is outside the purview of government.

As to the comparison of FreeRepublic with ham radio, I think that the Internet in general is the free press grown up--it is "the poor man's soap box" with a global reach. In a way it might be thought of as taking the sport out of DXing . . . and it gives the "operator" the ability to make his text and images accessible globally.

The other difference between ham radio and FR is that ham radio has relatively few channels to operate on, I think--whereas the Internet has basically unlimited capacity to allow people to establish their own addresses for the rest of the world to access. Again, the broadcast licensee has the right to talk, and we-the-people have the right to listen--and the duty to shut up, as far as the licensed bands are concerned. That turns the First Amendment principle on its head.

Why Broadcast Journalism is Unnecessary and Illegitimate

48 posted on 03/06/2004 5:35:34 PM PST by conservatism_IS_compassion (Belief in your own objectivity is the essence of subjectivity.)
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To: rightcoast
QRZ DE KA0IXI Spence.
Advanced licensed since 1980.
Ham radio bump
FR has take over my all of spare time.
49 posted on 03/06/2004 7:31:18 PM PST by hambran
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To: archy
[W6OBB, usually on 75 meters]

Art was active last night - on 3.840 (MHz) - close to a group I talk with once in awhile.

Art's got a new antenna system too; it involves scads of harware cloth (for use as a ground plane) and a large 'loop' for use on "eighty" (meters that is) ... signal reports he's getting have been good - incuding 59 reports at 20 dB over S9 in Alaska ...

50 posted on 03/08/2004 4:24:02 PM PST by _Jim ( <--- Ann C. and Rush L. speak on gutless Liberals (RealAudio files))
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To: GeronL
Micro-Broadcasting radio stations??

If running legally - range won't extend much past your backward! Legally, without a license, you're only allowed to produce a field strength of 250 uV/m at 3 meters - it takes about 8 to 10 mW (milliWatts) of TPO (transmitter power output) into a 0 dBi antenna (like a 1/4 wave groundplane) to get in the ballpark of 250 uV/m at 3 meters ...

LPFM (Low Power FM) is another thing entirely; currently limited to non-commercial community groups, churches and the like ...

LPFM is Well: Myths Exposed

Excerpt:

Myths and Our Rebuttal:

Few LPFM stations are on the air and LPFM will remain rare - First, the statistics quoted are out of date. As of today more than 600 construction permits has been issued and 150+ LPFM stations are on the air. By the end of this year, we predict nearly one thousand CPs - this is the amount predicted by former FCC Chairman Bill Kennard.

Low Power FM (LPFM) Basics

Excerpt:

1. WHAT IS LOW POWER RADIO (LPFM) SERVICE? Low power FM radio (LPFM) refers to the over one thousand 10 watt or 100 watt stations the FCC expects to license in the coming year and a half.

The 10 watt stations will reach a 1-2 mile radius, and the 100 watt stations should reach a radius of at least 3.5 miles.

By comparison, full power FM stations usually have between 6,000 to 100,000 watts of power, and broadcast over an 18-60 mile radius. LPFM stations would be located throughout the FM band. Initially, they will be licensed only to local, community-based and nonprofit entities.


51 posted on 03/08/2004 4:44:32 PM PST by _Jim ( <--- Ann C. and Rush L. speak on gutless Liberals (RealAudio files))
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To: conservatism_IS_compassion
The other difference between ham radio and FR is that ham radio has relatively few channels to operate on,

Huh?

There is enough spectrum in one band 70 cm (420 - 450 MHz) alone to allow the concurrent operation of several full-blown, full-motion, color ATV (Amateur Television) stations!

'Ham' radio isn't quite limited like CB (legally, only 40 'channels' allocated) is - there are variety of 'bands' with a varying amounts of spectrum in each ...

52 posted on 03/08/2004 4:49:00 PM PST by _Jim ( <--- Ann C. and Rush L. speak on gutless Liberals (RealAudio files))
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To: _Jim
Legal?? Just call it Gay Marriage Radio and your free.
53 posted on 03/08/2004 5:38:01 PM PST by GeronL (http://www.ArmorforCongress.com......................Send a Freeper to Congress!)
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To: GeronL
LOL!
54 posted on 03/08/2004 5:40:02 PM PST by _Jim ( <--- Ann C. and Rush L. speak on gutless Liberals (RealAudio files))
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To: _Jim
There is enough spectrum in one band 70 cm (420 - 450 MHz) alone to allow the concurrent operation of several full-blown, full-motion, color ATV (Amateur Television) stations!
I am not up to date at all, and wouldn't presume to describe what's available to Ham operators today--except that I'm pretty sure that the Internet enables an "operator" such as FR to buy as much bandwidth as it wants--to include, perhaps, ten video channels. And that any other operator can do likewise, simultaneously. The upshot is that the only limit on televising over the internet is trying to get an audience, not trying to get a channel allocation. And I see that as a fundamental difference--I can televise any time I want, but you don't have to watch. That's the First Amendment way. Whereas broadcast band licenses are scarce as hen's teeth.

55 posted on 03/08/2004 6:35:15 PM PST by conservatism_IS_compassion (Belief in your own objectivity is the essence of subjectivity.)
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To: conservatism_IS_compassion
That's the First Amendment way. Whereas broadcast band licenses are scarce as hen's teeth.

You know - this is the funny thing about people who decry the 'lack' of an broadcast outlet for their POV - take a listen around you and FIND someone who is vocalizing your POV and support them ... UNLESS you can't find someone with the same POV as yours - but I doubt that's the case.

If you REALLY don't find someone with a parallel POV as yours - there is a CHEAPER way to 'air' your POV than investing in the substantial capital equipment required to adequately 'cover' an area with a radio signal

- a) by ad time or b) purchase air time either from local stations (although you're probably not going to get time on the 50,000 watt AM Class A blowtorch in your area) OR c) from the likes of www.WWRB.org for a REALLY reasonable cost per hour ...

Purchasing Airtime On World Wide Religious Broadcasters

WWRB has air time for sale at an incredibly low price per hour. You can even lease a whole transmitter under your own call letters! (Subject to FCC approval.) See our antenna coverage maps. Call Evangelist Dave Frantz or Pete Taggart at (931) 841-0492 during normal business hours for details. We are mission-oriented; we will build to suit our client's specific mission requirements. We are a church radio ministry; our goal is to offer clients low cost airtime with maximum service and efficiency.

WWRB is the *same* organization/same company that sells airtime to Alex Jones for his brand of looniness.

Disclaimer: I neither work for, nor do I have any financial interest in, WWRB.org.

56 posted on 03/08/2004 6:51:28 PM PST by _Jim ( <--- Ann C. and Rush L. speak on gutless Liberals (RealAudio files))
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To: conservatism_IS_compassion
Whereas broadcast band licenses are scarce as hen's teeth. From:

http://www.wwrb.org/schedules/global1/g1sched.htm

I see open air time at 8 PM on Sundays and 1:30 AM weekdays - here's the full schedule for Sunday and Monday - and this is only for one of WWRB's four global-covearge-capable transmitters:


Sunday Schedule For Global I:

All Times In Eastern Standard Format.

Click Here to See Global I Day Antenna Coverage Map, Click Back Button to Return to Schedule

12.00 PM - 07.58 PM, Frequency: 12.172 MHz
_____________________________________________________________________________

12.00 PM: Reality in Jesus
12.30 PM: Urban Harvest Ministries
01.00 PM: Full Gospel Hour
02.00 PM: Truth House
03.00 PM: Truth House
04.00 PM: Table of Truth
05.00 PM: Word of Life
05.30 PM: Global Glory Ministries
06.00 PM: God's Message
06.30 PM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
07.00 PM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
07.30 PM: Shortwave Sermon Time

07.58 PM: Frequency Change to 5.085 MHz
_____________________________________________________________________________

08.00 PM - 02.00 AM, Frequency: 5.085 MHz
Click Here to See Global I Night Antenna Coverage Map, Click Back Button to Return to Schedule
_____________________________________________________________________________

08.00 PM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
09.00 PM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
10.00 PM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
11.00 PM: Hour of Courage
12.00 AM: Old Paths
12.30 AM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
01.00 AM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
02.00 AM - 07.55 AM: Transmitter available for block airtime lease, please
call (931) 841-0492 for details.


 

Monday Schedule For Global I:

All Times In Eastern Standard Format.

Click Here to See Global I Day Antenna Coverage Map, Click Back Button to Return to Schedule

10.00 AM - 07.58 PM, Frequency: 12.172 MHz 
___________________________________________________________________________

10.00 AM: Achieving Greater Health
11:00 AM: The Derry Brownfield Show
12.00 PM: Alex Jones!
01.00 PM: Alex Jones!
02.00 PM: Alex Jones!
03.00 PM: Christian Media
04.00 PM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
05.00 PM: Global Spirit Proclamation
06:00 PM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
07:00 PM: AV 1611 Hour 


07.58 PM: Change Frequencies to 5.085 MHz
____________________________________________________________________________

08.00 PM - 02.00 AM, Frequency: 5.085 MHz
Click Here to See Global I Night Antenna Coverage Map, Click Back Button to Return to Schedule
____________________________________________________________________________

08:00 PM: Prophecy News
08.30 PM: The Last Voice of the Church Age
09.00 PM: Truth House
10.00 PM: Alex Jones!
11.00 PM: Alex Jones!
12.00 AM: Alex Jones!
01.00 AM: Gospel of Christ
01.30 AM: Available Time Slot, call (931) 841-0492 For Purchasing Information
02.00 AM - 07.55 AM: Transmitter available for block airtime lease, please
call (931) 841-0492 for details.

57 posted on 03/08/2004 7:03:06 PM PST by _Jim ( <--- Ann C. and Rush L. speak on gutless Liberals (RealAudio files))
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To: archy
Art on 3840 again - currently ...
58 posted on 03/08/2004 7:53:43 PM PST by _Jim ( <--- Ann C. and Rush L. speak on gutless Liberals (RealAudio files))
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To: _Jim
Art's got a new antenna system too; it involves scads of harware cloth (for use as a ground plane) and a large 'loop' for use on "eighty" (meters that is) ... signal reports he's getting have been good - incuding 59 reports at 20 dB over S9 in Alaska ...

He missed a couple of his weekend show appearances due to his efforts in setting his new antenna up, suggesting he's doing a good bit more than just some pole-and-beams work with a fussy rotor.

I'll have to fire up the old CM-1 and give a listen. Though I'm nowhere near Alaska.

59 posted on 03/09/2004 12:38:39 AM PST by archy (Concrete shoes, cyanide, TNT! Done dirt cheap! Neckties, contracts, high voltage...Done dirt cheap!)
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To: _Jim
WWRB has air time for sale at an incredibly low price per hour.

Now if only WWV would offer the same deal....

-archy-/-

60 posted on 03/09/2004 12:40:32 AM PST by archy (Concrete shoes, cyanide, TNT! Done dirt cheap! Neckties, contracts, high voltage...Done dirt cheap!)
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