🛑 Amateur Radio Watch EXPOSED - Reports Of Ongoing Harassment By Self-Appointed Ham Radio Vigilante

[@kd8opi]

American ham here. POTA was made in America, but it’s international. It’s not a Canadian ham’s responsibility to understand or enforce the governing laws of hams in other countries, just his own. That guy with his panties in a twist needs a new hobby.

[@outnaboot]

Very true...POTA is international now but still US-focused. Remember, it started with some upset people from KFF. The application is still all US. Just log into the back end. What do you see? WAS? Activate all states? It will be truly international when the US focus is finally removed. I know it takes a lot of work. I volunteered my dev team to help, but nothing ever heard

[@kd8opi]

Disappointing response, classic Canadian anti-US nonsense. American hams invent something great like POTA, it takes off; and those same guys come up with a website, a spotting system, tons of awards you can earn, ect…. They then include almost any significant park in the world, invite the world to participate, and Charlie Canuck up there wants the “US focus removed”. You should just say “thank you” to the hams who built it and encourage participation. It will “be” more international when there’s more international participation.

[@kd8opi]

@@outnaboot I really dislike your response. American hams built parks on the air, they included almost every significant park in the world that they could find on it. They developed the website, a spotting system, awards, and invited the world to participate. And you get out of shape because there’s a worked all states awards. That’s just classic Canadian anti-Americanism. You should just say “thank you American hams”. But you won’t.

[@billboyer8897]

When I got my extra, I kept my 2x3 U.S. call knowing the band police would foam at the mouth thinking they caught a tech or general outside of his band limits.

[@outnaboot]

I'll take your word for it..I don't understand how US callsigns work. How can a California call area (6) have a QTH in NY? Doesn't make sense to me.

[@billboyer8897]

@outnaboot Used to be your QTH and call area had to match. If you moved, you applied for a new call. FCC did away with that a while ago. As far as the 2x3 call, they are issued for new tech and general licenses. Extra can opt for a new 2x2 call or keep their original call.

[@RVMD95]

I had my General just long enough to find a testing location to get my extra. I also wanted to get my big license before code was lifted as a requirement. If your operating legal tell these self appointed OO’s where to go. I got my 4 character call as soon as I got my extra. I don’t want people bothering me. 73. AE1Y

[@scottdunbar4898]

Hey Stuart, I noticed that the grass in your yard is .007 millimeters too high. I'm calling the zoning board.

[@outnaboot]

That is a Wednesday job

[@skepticalmechanic]

HOA needs to be notified of such grass height violations!

[@outnaboot]

@@skepticalmechanic No HOA here...live in the country in an unincorporated region.

[@skepticalmechanic]

@@outnaboot good HOA suck!

[@royceweslowski3730]

Life is a bed of roses. Just watch out for the pricks. 😂

[@outnaboot]

Good one!!!

[@mobiltec]

Screw em. As long as you are not getting email from the government you're fine.

[@outnaboot]

Exactly...the government would never email you...they will send a letter

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

This self appointed ham radio vigilante should really get a hobby...

[@outnaboot]

I heard Ham Radio is fun :-)

[@kenchilton]

I am an Amateur Extra in the USA. I do not mind other hams or groups that try to self-police the bands, as long as they are right and they are nice about it. The guy you were talking with was apparently neither of those things. Things have changed a lot in the hobby. I have received the opposite kind of mail the old-fashioned way - with an envelope with a stamp - where the sender (a ham) thanked me for taking time to have a real conversation with a young new ham for several minutes, asking other stations to wait, instead of just moving on with the contest. Of course, I really did not care about the contest - it was all just for fun to me, so when I heard the obviously recently-issued callsign, I wanted to welcome the kid to the hobby. I never hear of these “good guy” notes anymore, just people complaining and making trouble. Honestly, I think this is a reflection on society as a whole. We used to be better people.

[@kb5elv]

I am also an Extra. Have been for a little while. And you're spot on here.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment

[@skepticalmechanic]

As long as you are operating within your license limits under Canada laws and you’re in Canada you good to roll! 🎉

[@outnaboot]

Exactly

[@jerryKB2GCG]

This came up in the POTA FB page, as I said there, I’m an Extra and I will operate anywhere I choose to that is within my license rights. The other operator is responsible to do the same. Idiocy!

[@outnaboot]

Exactly

[@chrisdelong2932]

This is precisely the reason I allowed my US Extra class license to expire and now I am only licensed in my own country. Police that! I totally & completely agree. Keep having fun on the radio and ignore these twits. I always tell them. Move along troll. 73’

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing your comment

[@chrisdelong2932]

@@outnaboot 73’

[@WQ9V]

I was below 14.225 in a us park US-10274, and I had a ham tell me to go to 225 or higher I asked why, his response was I should be lower, so I told him I am an extra class operator, and I didn't need to move. After he blew his top, I told him that this qso has been recorded. LOL he went away. I have a 7300. WQ9V

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your sharing, I told ARW that he inspired me to make this video. Never heard a peep back.

[@dougtaylor7724]

The people in the SW US that play sad ham in the 14.230 ish range area pain as well. They love to toss out a 1K carrier. I heard a run in with the maritime net the other day. This guy uses the maritime net frequently for pota. It was nowhere near the net time. The net guy explained this must remain clear 24/7 in case the net needs it. Or the net guy that told a guy to clear a frequency because the net started in, get this, 45 minutes. Pota guy says he had no intentions of being there more than 15 minutes. Of course the net guy start tuning up on him. Such asses out there.

[@outnaboot]

@@dougtaylor7724 Thanks for your comment. I was always taught that 14300 was to remain clear for Maritime emergencies. I avoided 14300 activities because of what my mentor shared about the importance of ham radio in maritime communications.

[@kbjerke]

They can't seem to spell "undisciplined" either. They can pound sand. 73 de VE3GUN FN04

[@outnaboot]

100%

[@tomdonahoe3539]

Band Police working overtime. No harm, no foul. 73

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment

[@MirlitronOne]

Does POTA specify the frequencies to be used? No? No foul.

[@outnaboot]

They recommend the general portion of the band (US) but I personally never cared for anything above 14.225

[@NsixVHF]

I feel so left out. I haven't ever received one of those emails. I am now going to make it a mission to operate every POTA activation outside the General portion of the band until I get one. I only want to get one so I can tell the guy to go $%#@ himself! 🤣

[@outnaboot]

Just run an activation below 14.225

[@NsixVHF]

@@outnaboot Absolutely! I just wish I could guarantee that this moron would see my spot.

[@19095987]

Just as easy it is for him to send an email highlighting his LID behavior, it's equally as easy to block his email.

[@outnaboot]

Very true

[@KA9DSL]

We had one or two blockhead kilocycle cops here in the Chicagoland area when met they wore promptly greeted with a ground rod when told that it's not his business to patrol the 2M band. (one almost became an SK) (This took place some years ago at the height of VHF repeaters)

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing; thank goodness my 2m radio is off most of the time, and yeah, 2m is like a ghost town these days.

[@luisedwards5982]

Hey Stuart, always good to work you. I would'nt worry about the radio police. They are sad little individuals that have no friends and nothing better to do. The emails from them go straight to my garbage bin. Hope to catch you on the air soon again 73,

[@outnaboot]

Oh I'm not worried about ARW at all...73

[@ColoradoComputerSupport]

Awesome work Stuart >> Keep focused on providing great information to the amateur community.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks, will do!

[@KC7ZXYtube]

I'd hit the "Report as Spam" button on that kind of email. Keep up the good works. Take care. 73

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment...

[@TravelinHam]

I’ve never wanted to be an Extra so bad until I watched this video!

[@outnaboot]

Go for it

[@VE1PS]

I trust you signed the last email “Not a Kindergarten Cop”. Excellent content. Keep it up. 73

[@VE1PS]

…and thanks for coaching and sharing your wisdom. Oh, wait a minute, that’s how a gentleman is supposed to conduct themselves.

[@outnaboot]

@@VE1PS Exactly

[@YourThermalWorld]

I was on 14.080 working DX via FT4 and had a guy tell me to QSY and why didn’t I QRL? before transmitting. He was working RTTY. Never identified himself and I wasn’t going to switch to RTYY to ID him. I had a clean signal, 10 Watts with a FTDX10 as I like the challenge of weak signals. I ignored him. As an Extra class with 52 years as a ham he isn’t the first moron on the air and won’t be the last. 73 OM and good DX’ing!

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your sharing

[@OnTheAirwithVA3EWV-fn7rg]

Stay Safe Out There :) Don't let them get to you if you aren't doing anything wrong.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment

[@crazy4god456]

I got this email today after making my first mistake and being out of the band. I was okay till I found out they contacted my family. This is complete harassment.

[@outnaboot]

WTF! They notified your family...email me at [e-mail], I know someone would love to hear these details at the ARRL

[@l.a.2646]

it's the individuals responsibility to not transmit in areas he's not allowed. that is like throwing candy to a bunch of kids at a party and a parent coming up saying " Hey you cannot throw candy to my kid - he's not allowed candy -he knows he's not allowed to eat candy today" sheesh... around 20 years ago, I got my extra class ticket, I kept my technician callsign, one guy read me the riot act on 40 meters saying " get off this band , you're a tech, you're not supposed to be on this band." he left after I told him I'm an extra class ham... he never even gave his call... imagine that! what a turd some people are. don't worry about the floaters.... 73 de N3TGY

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing your experiences...

[@alzeNL]

I remember I was doing FT8 on 2M and I was patiently waiting a response, i got an email from someone saying 'why was you transmitting for so long who was gone' - i was like WTF, i just deleted it, what is it with these people ? I've never experienced any badness with POTA, quite the opposite.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your sharing your thoughts

[@vk3crg]

Sounds like a HIM sort of problem 🤣People like this are exhausting. The whole world doesn't have to play by the US band plan. As far as I can tell looking at the rules, the band plan (in the US and here in Australia for that matter) is just SUGGESTED uses on various frequencies. We all have our band edges and allowed uses and bandwidths but apart from that, it's all pretty much 'good practice' but voluntary. It sounds like this guy needs to get a life quite frankly. 73 from Australia - Craig VK3CRG

[@outnaboot]

Thanks Craig, exactly my point...if I want to operate in an area of the band, as a Canadian I am fully licensed to operate, that is my call. I think what ARW accused me of was baiting generals or working generals out of their band, which again, how do I know who is allowed to work where?

[@kg2mmhamradio]

Hey Stuart, First of all...good to work you today . Second I've been hearing about this person and now I'm gonna do my next activation in the Extra portion of the bands. i want to see if I get an email to join the Vigilante club LOL

[@outnaboot]

I tried to bait him today by activating below 14.225, so far nothing in my email

[@kg2mmhamradio]

@@outnaboot I’ll let you know if I get a bite.

[@johnnorth9355]

Some hams have no friends and never understand why. Others just get on and enjoy the hobby. 73 M7BLC

[@outnaboot]

Exactly mate!!!

[@ChrisHirner]

darn shame, i got licensed 27 years ago. Stopped operating 20 years ago. Popped my head back into the hobby last year and was driven off again. At least i got my daughter into gmrs. But the young ones got their cell phones. Not alot of interest from them.

[@outnaboot]

I took 30 years off...ham radio was more of a gentleman's hobby back then, today I see alot of "Come On Back" folks

[@RandyW4LKS]

Especially ignore anyone who does not ID or sends anonymous emails. There used to be a sad ham who goes by "LidPatrol" who would send anonymous emails and complain about anything he didn't like. Haters gonna hate.

[@outnaboot]

Exactly

[@GamingKing545]

personally as long as the operator wasn't causing trouble id let it slide

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment

[@dougdanger4903]

"Amatuer Radio Watch" The King of sad ham's

[@outnaboot]

I will send the crown in the mail

[@johnscarfone]

I made a contact with you on .221. I like when activators operate below .225 as it’s easier for me to get through. 🙂 It might get you a higher percentage of non-US too.

[@outnaboot]

That is the plan my friend...I want more DX stations and you have to fish where the fish are.

[@jhonsiders6077]

We here in the US have a lot of sad hams I’ve had my extra since a teen these are the old farts that turn the younger people off to the hobby . Don’t show my numbers easy to look up online now days .

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment, much appreciated

[@patthesoundguy]

I would be like... I have basic with honors I can operate there all day long 😝

[@outnaboot]

Very true

[@justsayingforafriend7010]

Canada is nothing but POTA.. It's our largest park in the United States....

[@outnaboot]

OK...well Canadians never like to be considered part of the United States ever...we are a sovereign nation with a completely different culture. After living in the US for 7 years (Central Florida) I was never so happy to come back and live back in Canada.

[@twatmunro]

Everybody wants to play cop. Too many wedgies in the school playground.

[@outnaboot]

Perhaps

[@Aramalas]

The only beneficial reason to stay in the US general portions for POTA is to get a higher rate of QSOs. I don’t do much SSB, but I’m planning to do an extra portion activation soon just to get a stupid ham police email.

[@outnaboot]

For me, at one time it was about the QSO count...today it is about how many DX entities can I work

[@Aramalas]

@@outnaboot I just want 10 QSOs from the park…I’m in Alaska so even that can be a challenge - made worse because I enjoy small QRP radios.

[@sleeve8651]

Sad that many of the comments here apparently never understood, before, or while studying to receive an Amateur radio license, that it is self-policing ! The question begs why would you ever get into something where you knew you might be scrutinized by others ? Kind of reminds me of amateurs that move into HOA's, and then bitch about not being able to put up an antenna ! 😂🤣😂

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing your comment

[@joseneves2822]

Hi Stuart! I also received an email similar to yours mentioning the 14. 180 ... it was the day we made contact It's just a recommendation so that younger US radio amateurs don't go outside the recommended frequencies to hunt us 😉 73 de CS7BDO

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing this insights my friend

[@andyreb1371]

I received a text message from this guy a couple days ago. I’m genuinely curious how he got my phone number.

[@outnaboot]

Do you have it listed on QRZ or FCC database?

[@Slimhaven1]

Well said Brother!!!!

[@outnaboot]

Thanks

[@jlca320]

I am a US extra and I got one of his emails like yours so I just blocked him and never look back.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@kb5elv]

Pretty sure that Mr. Ham Radio Watch is not doing what they meant when they said we are "self-policing". Just a guess. But I interpreted that to mean that we do what we can to keep pirates off the bands, alert other ops to possible signal or operational problems, etc. If you know someone is operating out of their privileges, don't contact them. Maybe let them know offline that they're not in their privs. But by no means does it mean that you are required or expected to know the licensing regulations of any other country but yours.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comments

[@MisterBigDave]

Sweet.. 🎉 Carry on! 🎙️📡📱

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment, 73

[@glenmartin2437]

So, let the guy fly a kite in a thunderstorm.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@leericelli_w8rnb202]

Stuart, please ignore the contest commandos who think they know all the rules and want to tell others what they’re doing wrong. It’s no different than condo commandos that know all the condo rules and want to tell everyone in the association what they’re doing wrong. Enjoy this hobby on your terms not on anyone else’s

[@outnaboot]

I wouldn't label them as "contest commandos". I am a contested and I don't act in this manner. This is exactly the same behaviour ARW is showing to the generals. Labeling a group is not the right approach, this could be a "lone wolf" and not from our contested community, because I know my fellow contesters to exhibit this behaviour.

[@adammoss5284]

Contesters don’t have idle hands or minds to go pestering other people doing legitimate ham radio business. We work and chat with anyone who has a callsign. Good luck with the dx and pota/was. 73 G0ORY

[@chatterboxer100]

i want names! VA6TT. Your good Stu, it's an unfortunate part of the hobby.

[@outnaboot]

yes it is...a shame though

[@jgmopar]

Try 27.385 on a Sunday when DX is rolling in.

[@outnaboot]

Good or bad?

[@jgmopar]

@@outnaboot Very bad. It is amazing how many crazy people are on the radio just causing trouble. Seems they spend a lot of money on gear with lots of power and just make noises and play music.

[@GAParksandPropagation]

A little off the top ? By the way next weekend Labor day, I plan to use the extra class band so i can get my 11 contacts and move to the next park. I have 16 parks to get to in 3 days, I dont have time for qrm. AE4XO

[@outnaboot]

I hear ya my friend... Watch out, Amateur Radio Watch will monitor your activations 🙂

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

LOL... Some people... SMH.... 73!

[@outnaboot]

Yes sir

[@MyHamRadioJourney]

Move to CW we don’t have those kinds of issues. Operators are way more professional. 73s

[@outnaboot]

Again, not a fair assessment of the overall community. This is the exact behaviour I have seen from CW enthusiasts, who think they are holier than thou, they publicly bash FT8...This ARW guy is a "lone wolf", CW fans are just regular hams as well, and I am sure there are some bad apples in that bunch as well.

[@biophillie]

Tell him to FO. Over

[@outnaboot]

Two words...one starts with an F and the other ends with Off. :-)

[@KH07734]

Stop using the teem sadham please, its just stupid. Just label them uneducated.

[@outnaboot]

Thanks...is that the same as illegal alien and undocumented? Isn't it the same thing?

[@KH07734]

@@outnaboot Wow, you go political..... What a guy. Have some of those undocumented people over for dinner and see how that works out for ya.

[@n0vty873]

It is the job of the amateur radio operators to self police the bands. Or in a nice way try to get ham operators to comply with the rules and regulation of the country they are operating in. And I do not see a problem with that. Just dont be an ass about it

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your comment

[@johnmine5609]

Also an American ham just a tech tho take General test on the 21. will be awhile before can afford a HF rig so 2, 10 and 12 meters will have to do till next year. Will have this rig in a week or 2 minutes and it will do 12,11, and 10 meters 40watts out so will have to do for awhile. Radioddity QT40 10 Meter Radio

[@outnaboot]

Good luck with your ham radio journey

[@user-gk7wd6sn9c]

This has been an ongoing problem I work stations in the past just to realize that oh wait you're a general down in the advanced an extra class portion of 40 m I'm not talking to you you're in a unlicensed If these idiots want to operate their they can upgrade they're just too stupid or too lazy. On a side note I've been doing this now for 30 years. And honestly I'm in the process of getting rid of all my equipment this hobby is about a f..king joke anymore

[@outnaboot]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@dougelick8397]

People make mistakes. Better to politely tell the person who's OOB and then terminate the communication as one should instead of resorting to derogatory statements or anger. I made that mistake years ago when I jumped on a rare for me UK contact. Excitement in the moment. An OM told me, I was immensely embarrassed. It motivated me to get my Extra.

[@kartwood]

New subscriber here! Enjoying your content! de VE1TV 👋

[@outnaboot]

Thanks my fellow Maritimer

[@timsmith428]

..Happens a lot. I just ignore these things. I will tell the station (if on the air), that we don't have the same frequencies as the USA, or other countries. The reporting to RAC..so what? They have nothing to do with my licence, or privileges... VE3IIM/VE6PG

[@outnaboot]

Exactly! That is what Dave Goodwin shared with me