London's Amateur Radio Anti-Repeater Group

Were you involved? Email me (address below).
Please listen to the introduction to the video before commenting. I don't condone any of this groups behaviour from nearly 50 years ago. I'm simply telling you the story.
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►Twitter: / officialm3hhy

[@Bartok_J]

I'm not sure what's more depressing - repeaters that are constantly abused, or repeaters that stay silent 24/7. :-(

[@proudsnowtiger]

It's good that this is being documented. It's valid radio history, no matter what you think of it. I was first licensed down in Devon in the 1980s and repeater abuse was uncommon - they were too useful in a county with a gurt big metal-rich rock in the middle and lots of valleys to eat your signal . Most of the squeakies and wallies played around on simplex, with the usual feuds and bad blood fuelling the bad behaviour. And some of it was just entertaining - conversations that sat on a channel for a few hours into the night and then "take a break for any new stations" attracted one or more mystery guests saying "Fraaaaaaaaaaank" in a variety of voices. Not destructive, nobody got jammed, not in accordance with the rules but it's a dull world otherwise, eh?

[@KlodFather]

I would have been laughing. The occasional whoopee cushion would have been fun too LOL I bought one of the drunk neighbors an out of tune guitar with 5 strings and he would play it and sing when I bought him beer and booze. I had some bad neighbors and he tormented them into the night. You can imagine the mayhem that would result if he had a two way radio HA HA HA

[@johnnorth9355]

Nothing quite as strange as folk trying to stop others from their legitimate hobby. Sadly the modern day equivalent is easily heard on the airwaves. They say power corrupts - absolutely right . 73

[@indridcold8433]

Even other hobbies are effected like this, as well. I enjoy repairing vehicles on the side. But I am a mechanic. I never signed a do not compete waiver. I only charge the part and a tank of fuel for me. I am making no profit at all. But work keeps giving me a hard time that I do this. Yet, I am a mechanic for a private company. I only service company vehicles, company equipment, and sometimes the day employee's vehicles after permission. I do not even know how work found out that I repair vehicles for fun at home. It is not their business nor does it effect them. They do not even allow outside vehicles to be serviced in the company work bays except some employee vehicles every once in awhile. They can not tell me what to do at home on my own time. Even if I wanted to open my own private shop and start turning a profit, they can do nothing about it. The company shops are not open to the public and I do not use their area nor equipment to service any noncompany vehicle, except other employee vehicles with written permission. Some people are just hateful and can not stand others to have fun.

[@geoffreypowell9220]

I agree 100% John, I had a fall and damaged my keying arm, So I cannot CW anymore so I built an Auto sender Please see my qrz.com M1EDF , I have received vulgar emails, Threats, Phone calls and told what to do with it by to so called purists, These people are know alls and forget this is a Hobby and have no manners , they are most vulgar in there comments and think the amateur bands belong to them and them alone ... also I have written approval by Ofcom as it is A1A mode and I can operate on any freq 24/7 as not one freq belongs to anyone..

[@indridcold8433]

@@geoffreypowell9220 Interestingly, I have been considering a hobby in amateur radio. But I have heard the way these, "radio lords," treat new comers that use an off-brand radio, or a homebrew radio. They are treated like garbage, especially in the VHF and UHF bands. It seems the HF bands are more easy going and off-brand, homebrew, and modified radios from other services are celebrated and loved. But VHF and UHF, you better have a Yaesu, Alinko, Kenwood, and never use a TYT, Baofeng, or Radi Oddity. I have heard people actually be treated quite nice and the, "radio lord," will say, "Your radio sounds so clear. What kind do you have there?" The other operator will say, "I have a TYT and I love it." Suddenly the, "Radio Lord," says,"Could you repeat yourself. I can barely make your $h1t out. Why do you people come in the air with cheap, Chinese $h1t? Get off the repeater. Your harmonics are going to damage the system. Why did you get your license to just tare apart the airwaves with that cheap $h1t? If you can't afford to be licensed, then get off the air!" These," Radio Lord's," make me very reluctant to get an amateur radio license. I build antennas, manual tuners, power supplies, modify radios, repair them, make amplifiers, set up antennas and repeaters, and much more. I do it for the volunteer fire brigade, the local constable office, schools, bus depots, lorry hubs, and even for some radio amateurs. But I do not transmit on any of the bands. I get someone that works in the department to transmit for final radio diagnosis and check. But given what I hear on the VHF and UHF, I do not know if I want to subject myself to that. The comical 80 meter and 40 meter bands are better than the, "radio lords," and their righteous abuse.

[@geoffreypowell9220]

@@indridcold8433 My Dear Ingrid, If you please look on my qrz.com site you will see my email, I am 80 yrs old and I would like you to break down your kind reply the saliant points so I may help you decide ....I look forward to hearing from you , Thank you Geoffrey M1EDF...

[@alphaforce6998]

Why do you believe it is OK for you to "talk" over radio but it is not OK for another to broadcast something other than their own voice? Maybe "jamming" is a hobby for others. Should you be entitled to your hobby at the detriment of others?

[@G7OEA]

I've done some Direction finding to track down repeater abusers in the past. It's great fun especially when you start mentioning road names and the abuser goes quiet. Sometimes you'd give the wrong road name. One that was a long way from your target. This would be used to flush them out. They would go quiet to give the impression that you had spooked them. With enough time and perseverance they would find a QSL card on their door mat. I know of one group of direction finders who not only left a qsl card on the abuser door mat but would research the abuser. Then qsl cards might start turning up at their work place and other address known to be frequented by them. Once that happened they would stop out of fear of what could happen. It also put the fear of god up others who thought they would have a go at jamming the repeater.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

Did this take place for people transmitting from their home, or transmitting mobile like described in the video? Direction finding a stationary transmitter that's intermittent is impressive, but finding the house of a mobile transmitter is mind boggling!

[@G7OEA]

​@@PsRohrbaugh Most idiots are not that intermittent or give reasonably long overs. Plus if you have someone deliberately bating the idiot they talk for longer. The first stage is to measure the signal strength. If you use pmr equipment you can get a voltage reading from the detector which will give you a field strength of X microvolts / square meter. Plumb that figure into a prorogation formula and you will get their general distance from you. Since you now the distance to the repeater it is easy to calibrate your field strength meter. If you get enough people together at fixed points then you plot everyone's field strength circles on a map. Where the perimeter of the circles of the map cross that is the general location. The more circles the better You would then go mobile and repeat the operation as you get closer you then start adding attenuation to the antenna this brings the circles diameter smaller and smaller. Eventually you are on foot with a hand held and and pocket full of attenuators. You walk up and down the suspected street watching for peaks on the signal strength meter. Once you get that you are more or less outside the idiots house. Then a polite knock on the door. This is not quick process and can take days if not weeks. You can use the same process for tracking mobile stations. Most would be stationary in their car to avoid being stopped by the police. The idiots tended to pick multiple spots but keep using them. Eventually you will see the pattern forming. Once you start saying on air that the idiot is on the general area of X they tend to stop quick time. Especially if the DF team has "Doormatted" someone, passed the evidence onto the RA as it was in the day, and that evidence was used to convict someone. Just one conviction being credited to the DF team would usually be enough to put the fear of DOG up some people once they knew the were being tracked. All fun and games.

[@wisteela]

Fantastic! M7TUD

[@alphaforce6998]

Before the internet gave us the "keyboard toughguy" cuckradio gave us the "walkie talker", who will spin imaginary tales of his "heroic" efforts to stop other people from jamming his repeater... I had no interest in jamming repeaters but knowing that it would ruin Timmy's day makes it a more humorous proposition worthy of consideration.

[@davidaix5771]

From what I hear no one has ever been charged for abusing ham radio in the United States As far as not using a call sign not being licensed that kind of stuff I'm not talking about interference kinda stuff

[@Phil-M0KPH]

It’s bizarre the amount of trouble they went to over a personal gripe! They really did need to find something better to do. Then again, they only has 3 channels on the telly and no video recorder.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

I assume most of these people were already hams when the repeater came online. It's human nature to resist change, and people get upset when things start working differently.

[@EgoChip]

It's the same shit that happens online now. The tools may have changed but human behaviour hasn't. It's a lot easier to seriously damage someone's life now too, as social media record is permanent and even just the "wrong" opinion can get you cancelled regardless of the actual morality.

[@davidboyd7773]

I love the content and all the old radios.

[@theafro]

Repeater abusers are just part of the rich tapestry of amateur radio, and provide a small number of dedicated hams some great sport while hunting down the abusers. Our local repeater often suffers from periods of severe flatulence, and it's amazing how many people will angrily reply, which just causes more flatulent transmissions. It's not exactly high-brow entertainment, but the consternation is usually quite amusing, probably more so for the offending flatulist.

[@TRIPPLEJAY00]

When I was much younger and found out about repeaters, they fascinated me. Most of the time, no one was on them, so I used to link 2 repeaters to my home repeater and have that run-through echo link and Zello. I used to have fun and made a massive network. Then, I put my skill to creating cheap, reliable emergency communications. I did this all without a license and had respect from the local radio club that ran the repeaters. I still don't have a license as I only use 11m and 446. I respect these bands because I don't like the disrespectful bully's who have a license kill the hobbie for others. (My opinion) Thank you, Lewis

[@morphuk1]

Thanks Lewis. Nice pics of some interesting old kit!

[@bugler75]

I didn’t realise how much interest I had in Radio Communications until I found your channel quite by accident! All I was was a Regimental Signaller at the start of my Army career 31 years ago. Carrying that PRC351/352 was enough to strive for promotion quickly! 😂 Although as a Bugler I operated an earlier form of distance communications ! 😁 I voluntarily learnt Morse and Q codes and did look at doing my amateur license. An old friend of mine, a Paramedic in Belfast throughout the worst days of the fighting, was really into but I’ve lost touch. I remember his callsign but I don’t know if it’s protocol to publish another persons C/S without permission. I’d love to get in touch again. Thanks again, Ian

[@omannion6575]

Ian you RGJ?

[@bugler75]

@@omannion6575 Hi Ollie, no, but I know why you asked! Where you black mafia? 😊 I was Royal Irish Rangers and Royal Irish Regiment but …..! All my career I worked very closely with RGJ and LI. Our Regimental history is strongly based on the Royal Ulster Rifles hence having Buglers. I did my Pot JNCO’s with 2RGJ. I went to SJM Barracks many times and finished my career in 2 Rifles in the med centre. Ian

[@omannion6575]

@@bugler75 ahh sweet hope ur well. Actually my dad is ex bugle major 3RGJ and consequently spent alot of my childhood on base with him :). My dad has spoken to me numerous times about a radio bloke called Ian. All the best, Ollie

[@bugler75]

@@omannion6575 A small world! If that’s your real name then I don’t think I know him personally. I was Bugle Major in the Royal Irish but I’m retired now. I’m still bugling though! Nice speaking with you Ollie😊 Ian

[@omannion6575]

@@bugler75 my dad joined in ‘71 and spent alot of time not wanting to be seen and by ‘92 was a little old. the det might ring a bell. He was also regimental signaller, think he did the B2 in berlin. Have to ask, was bluebell still REME’s chosen callsign😂 Nice speaking to you too Ian

[@Cardassiaprime]

Good look at historic events there Lewis. in one way it does sum up up the militant mindset of the 70's. I have never heard this before. Your channel ( unlike any other I've seen) really is very good at bringing cynical, mysterious, and even criminal historic radio related events to the Amateur radio community. I have never been involved in any radio disruption of that nature- but badly setting up my CB radio in 78 brought 3 cars to my house. lol. Barnie M7PBX.

[@George10767]

Living in London 45 years ago I used to listen to the London repeaters on 2 metres for sheer entertainment every day while I drove to work and back. Then I gave-up this passtime, partly because I started driving down to Crawley which was out-of-range. So I installed a converted CB radio in the car by which I could use the FM part of the 10m metre band. Sometimes I could hear Russian stations via United States 10 metre repeaters while driving down the M23. Ultimately I quit the hobby due to changed circumstances. But recently I purchased a cheap Baofeng with the intention of renewing my association with the London repeaters. But all I now receive is mostly silence! It seems like the apocalypse has happened and everyone was wiped-out. Well, some have retired like me and others must have died. But I still miss "The Gobbler" on the North London repeater. He caused so much trouble for years! Finally he was "outed" on a Christmas Day after being "foxhunted" by a team of enthusiasts.

[@felenov]

I built many jammers in Russia. Mine have a signature 440Hz FM modulated with 100Hz. Transmits at very low power in ~40 second bursts every few minutes. Sometimes it would just transmit a blank carrier to wind people up. Solar power meant we had one run for months until it got found. My trick was planting multiple in a large area to make direction finding near impossible

[@stevemumbling7720]

As I recall, the ARG and jammers and squeakies on 2m in general were referred to by the responsible operators as 'snot gobbling social inadequates'. Their actions suggest this description was accurate. They usually found this offensive enough to f**k off.

[@Nibb31]

Basically trolls before the word existed.

[@lenbaddeley957]

When I lived in Lincolnshire I set up GB3FJ, a 70 cms repeater in my back field. The Fenland repeater group that ran GB3FR and GB3SO, were not very happy at the time, and one night someone got into my field and cut the feeder cables. Being a comms engineer, I had a lot of contacts, and moved the repeater to it present secure site, and I am glad to say still on air. I wonder why some hams bother to spend a lot of money on equipment only to cause interference, it still goes on today, but not on the repeaters but now on HF, where people will tune up over the top of a QSO or keyup and scrape the microphone to make a rasping noise. Why do they do it? I wish I knew.

[@edenrose2374]

alot of what i hear with peoples motivation over HF jamming/annoyances is they hate ragchew. They treat all contacts as competition. | my local 2m and 70cm repeater is just kachunk-kachunk-kachunk all day from unlicensed ops, to the point i dont even leave my recievers going as sq breakthrough of just constant kachunk is unbearable. ive had to set alarms to remind myself to turn it back on during lunch and evening activity. Wouldnt be so bad if there wasnt so much bloody noise on all bands from all neighbors and local cell towers that operate at ridiculous wattage to get through the terrain... Repeaters all the only way i can listen to local ragchew over evening tea. | seeing this video from the way past amateurs behaved, i cant fathom why they though repeaters were a bother. switch frequencies and be done with it, why so much drama.

[@ianharling9569]

Yet another great video Lewis.I love the pictures of the old handheld rigs especially the Icom IC-u3E. I recently purchased an Icom IC-u2E in mint condition.☺73 Ian G7HFS/PA3IKH

[@6643bear]

Hi Lewis, another great and interesting video, like the pics of old handhelds that I remember, I also arg and fully remember the abuse etc in gb3lo and gb3sl and other repeaters. Before I was licensed I used the to gb3lo on my yaesu frg7 and microwave modules vhf converter. Regards and 73s de g8rde

[@bugmanuk]

Great video Lewis this is turning into my favourite channel. Keep it going, you'll watch it pick right up.

[@M7XCB]

I've never understand why people abuse amateur radio must have boring life love the old school handheld radios.

[@indridcold8433]

It is just like the anemic little wimps on the world wide web. They get beat up a lot in real life and are the wimpiest and meekest creampuffs around in real life. But on the world wide web, they suddenly think they are powerful, all-knowing, and invincible. Meanwhile their mums ask them if they are going to move out of the basement this year because they are going to be 30 years of age this year. The amateur radio abusers are likely the 30 year olds in mum's basement.

[@phantom4E2]

my baofeng uv5r is super useful, and it was cheap, can't wait to get a license

[@mindblast3901]

@@phantom4E2 Good luck i have a baofeng uv5r Diamond x30 base antenna with a licence

[@danielscotcher]

Another great video Lewis, learning loads of things I never knew about

[@SamuelSimmons]

Great video. I so want one of those ICOM handhelds you are showing. Lovely 80s-90s tech it looks like.

[@Jim_2E0HKM]

I wonder what these guys would make of today's VHF/UHF use with echolink, digital modes, Allstar, people connecting via hotspots with little or no RF use with some even exchanging QSL cards for a QSO overseas using a Internet connected repeater! They'd probably be blowing them up with explosives 💣

[@brianjonesg8aso403]

GB3CF (Leicester) was attacked by a group who removed the bolts from the guy ropes and the next gust of wind brought down the substantial mast etc. Unfortunately, the mast hit an electricity supply cable on the way down, and turned out the lights for several local properties. This cost the repeater group a considerable amount of money to reinstate.

[@KlodFather]

There is a big difference between ribbing and humor and criminal vandalism. These Aholes deserved jail. Here in my city there was an urban station and some aholes went and cut the guy wires on this VERY tall transmitter tower. The tons of spring loaded energy caused the tower to take off like a catapult and smashed the tower into the ground. It was racially motivated and inexcusable. THe tower also carried public service antennas and there was hell to pay for it.

[@G6PBS]

Unbelievable, if you don't like using repeaters then don't use them. Simple :) I'm surprised they don't go after hams using digital or Satellite communication. I remember all this stuff going on back in the day. I got my ticket in 1981 and worked in the south east as a service engineer so I often listened to GB3SL. Many times I heard the music, squeaking etc. Pretty sure a few people got caught and lost their kit and licences. Amateur radio is a multi faceted hobby and long may it last. Live and let live, TX and let TX :)

[@guybaot]

Volume of the audio is weaker than all other videos on youtube so I suppose there was a problem with the mike settings. Anyway fantastic video!

[@tonycurtismagic8532]

In the days of the ARG the main target was GB3SL and the repeater near Crystal Palace, London.

[@annax5212]

Always good to do a weekly foxhunt to keep in practice , great video

[@mervynsands3501]

very interesting to hear what went on in yesteryear. I think we've all moved on since thoughs times, as there's room for all to use the hobby without petty bias to others! Cheers Lewis!🙂👍

[@stephengunrunnerhanson3550]

They were doing it up in Northumberland on the GB3BT the group of mostly dared to have a night on the repeater my self I am on the fence I do not like repeaters but I would never condone jamming

[@mervynsands3501]

@@stephengunrunnerhanson3550 yes indeed, an irritating that no one wants to experience, but it happens, then life goes on!

[@joeblow8593]

Not sure if we ever had anti-repeater groups in the U.S. But DID have RTTY repeaters on 2 meters back in the 70's!

[@g0fvt]

Over the years I have met a few former members of the ARG, one argument was that the move to repeaters was driven by the retailers, radios were manufactured with repeater shifts. Having a network of repeaters would generate more sales for 2m/70cm gear. The mindset seemed to be a protest about repeaters being introduced undemocratically. I did some engineering work on a few London repeaters, sometimes it would be funny to be on-site doing maintenance and to recognise immediately who the bloody idiots were that would be jamming the repeater as soon as it went back on air. Many of the most active jammers are SK now or have moved to a different facet of the hobby...

[@joeryvilches8786]

@ 3:28 what's in the in the background moving pretty fast?

[@andrewnichols7410]

Very interesting. Like it or not, it's still amateur radio history. Thanks for the research and the video.

[@CampervanCookout]

Things haven’t really changed, then it was repeaters aren’t real radio, now it’s digital isn’t real radio. The world changes but people don’t it seems.

[@williambetzelberger6128]

It surprised me to hear that, having only been licensed for 3 years I had no idea that at one time repeaters were thought of as "not real radio"

[@CampervanCookout]

Me either, interesting video.

[@Realm-of-Horror]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I thought CB users were badly behaved, but it seems the Hams put even the worst CB abuser to shame!!!

[@SkuldChan42]

I've been a ham since the early 90s and I can honestly count the number of times I've heard this kind of behavior on one hand. Most operators are pretty well behaved.

[@indridcold8433]

80 meters is really shameful. Cb has actually cleaned up a lot. But 80 meters is still going strong in the antics, drunks, burps, farts, sound effects, and sailor's mouth department. But I believe that is the radio segment for that kind of clowning on the air. 40 meters, though not as bad, has a lot of that also. I believe the order of radio mayhem goes 80 meters, 11 meter CB, 40 meters. I do not think most people on 80 meters even have a license. Not many use a callsign there. But given the way they act, perhaps it would be a good idea not to give a callsign. I was once KBX1339 and the youngest operator in my neighbourhood. But that was CB.

[@indridcold8433]

@@stuartskinner2387 It is a mess. But I have noted that they tend to stay in 80 meters with a little bit on 40 meters. I guess 80 meters is just the band that is unofficially reserved for that kind of meyham. It is rare to hear any of that on any other bands except 80 and some on 40. I have strong doubts about half the operators having an amateur radio license at all. Not many give a callsign there.

[@djroyzaofficial5303]

Love the content Lewis. Still waiting that one day to hear you on Zello as I am in Australia so kinda hard to catch you on the network radio network that’s if you even still use Zello. 73s James

[@Elfnetdesigns]

That old Yeasu looks a lot like the set of old UHF Standard HT's I have in storage

[@forfengeligfaen]

Interesting story! What was the url for the site?

[@SolitaryBro]

Interesting video mate, just a little quiet. Thanks for your efforts ... M3VRS

[@stephengunrunnerhanson3550]

Great video Lewis and lots of good info and there was a jammer up here in North Northumberland on the GB3BT and cool tunes now at the start of the video I am sure I had a handy like that 5chan but can not remember the maker I think it was Ham great info and you should never jam it's for every one not just the few untill next time take care Lewis 73s

[@madcarew.3256]

I WAS C.B. A.M. in the late 70s. I asked a mate about Ham radio...Wouldn't suit you ..they just verify signals and that's about it..mostly "people you wouldn't meet in the pub you wouldn't get on with them We have some fun with them locally" He worked for Racal. No name no packdrill!!

[@Bones469]

Man, UK ham radio sounds bizarrely entertaining. Kind of reminds me of 147.435 in Los Angeles, especially the squeaky voices. LMAO

[@Biff2136]

I got my start on the 435 in So Cal as a kid.. years without a license😁😂🤣 Now I'm an Extra 👍

[@Bones469]

@@Biff2136 as crazy as it seems, there were some he pretty crazy and cool people on 435 back in the good ol days, back when Buzz was B U Z and 'Chaos Cares' was there to make right... So long as you avoided the RV loaded with gasoline strap-tanks.

[@KlodFather]

@@Biff2136 - Welcome to Amateur Radio! :) Oh Ive been into amateur radio for years... I just decided to get a call sign of my own instead of getting them out of the book I bought at the hamfest LOL 😱😱😱

[@KlodFather]

We had some really good incidents here on Amateur radio in past years including a full scale war between two clubs of which the members causing all the sh1t are now silent keys. I have the audio files of this bullsh1t and I might post it. Its really entertaining HA HA HA Talking about burning down each others homes and shooting. It was really crazy. Put jammers in elevators (the lift) so the signal would fade in and out as it went up and down the shaft at the repeater location. These were very technically acomplished bungholes. I was very entertained as a young man listening to all this crap. Those idiots made ham radio fun LOL

[@markg6jvy135]

Nice bit of research again Lewis well done 👍👏👏

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

Interesting to see vintage UK versions of stuff I used to use... BTW your audio level seems low compared to other YT stuff I've watched today...

[@glenncampbell8122]

Hi can you tell me the name of the radio in the vid please

[@KlodFather]

I'm on the repeater to discuss my dirty underware. This is A H Zero L E on frequency LOL I also wear them as my corona mask which you can see in my photo :D

[@bobsoldrecords1503]

Should that be read out in a squeaky voice?😂

[@KlodFather]

@@bobsoldrecords1503 - Use your imagination. A good voice like Tennessee Tuxedo works well also. Also playing parody music in the background with profanity provides proper ambience LOL. When I made this comment I had a photo of me with my hanes on my head and face rigged up as a make shift corona mask LOL But that callsign is a legal config in usa and I would love to have it but they won't issue it ha ha ha

[@gardenguns]

Wow. It always amazes me what some people have to do to find validation and entertainment. Glad I wasn’t licensed back then.

[@thomashenden71]

Quite disappointing to hear about this. As someone who had a CB radio (with a licence) in Norway when I was young, I always believed that radio amateurs, from which I knew a few, were much more civilized and serious hobbyists, than us CB-radio operators, that more often than not, weren’t licenced, used an afterburner, operated somewhat outside the legal CB-band etc. If they didn’t like to use a repeater, didn’t it occur to them that they just could have refrained from using them, and not making problems for those who actually liked to use them, I don’t understand? 😮🙁

[@westscape2]

I listened to GB3NA in Yorkshire as a teanager in the 80s. They were plagued by a guy with a squeaky voice who used the callsign 'Squeaky Mobile'. I never thought he might be part of group of some kind. Though I always suspected he was probably just one of the reqular lisenced contributors who also had an alter ego. Funny thing was on Christmas Eve. they used to have a mass meetup on the repeater known as a 'Ring' and pass connection to each other in a circular fashion; this was the only time they would invite 'Squeaky' to take his turn 😂 . In small doses 'Squeaky' was OK. Not like the mass idiots that ruined CB radio.

[@WasatchIntercept]

Desire for simplex only amateur radio has gone away, but the underlying thought processes are still with us. This is demonstrated every time some ham complains about "appliance operators" getting on the air without utilizing any real technical skills to get on the air. These guys back in the '70s saw the hobby heading in a direction they did not like. But today there is adequate spectrum allocated for local FM simplex, VHF/UHF long distance weak signal work, sat, meteor and EME, and other fun activities which take a bit of expertise. So their fears of being displaced turned out to be unfounded.

[@Firthy2002]

Yep lots of experimentation to be had especially away from the more popular bands.

[@timg5tm941]

Superb video .. interesting to learn about this.

[@RingwayManchester]

Thanks Tim

[@ocsrc]

Here in America back in the 80s and 90s before cell phones became prevalent on licensed unauthorized personnel would be accessing our amateur repeaters as well as commercial licensed business repeater that works in order to communicate for their business and their personal use all over the Northeast and they were quite the problem because they were using the ham repeaters to conduct business which took away the repeater from the ability for licensed hams to use and they were stealing airtime on commercial repeaters using second hand or even stolen two-way radios that they didn't even know what frequencies they were on they would just buy a couple radios from a newspaper ad and hook them up in their cars and start using them There were quite a few unlicensed taxis that had illegal radios as well as construction companies and delivery companies and others

[@MrKnowwun]

OOOO. oooooo. < Swoon >. An FT208R. I had one of those back in the day.

[@ianhand5006]

I've still got mine, plus a 207R and a 202R.

[@jonmac3995]

A novel use for the FT-202R. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJrbZ4eDo89srLs

[@golf-n-guns]

A well-written guide to Trolling.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

"Convoy"... Luv it ! In some parts of the U.S. if you have a bad amateur operator who talks on the amateur bands like it's a CB, someone will "jump in' and holler "CONVOY"

[@slocavky]

wow. this is crazy what extent they went to...

[@wisteela]

Another very interesting video. Any plans to do any videos on those old HTs? 73 M7TUD

[@RingwayManchester]

Thanks mate, no plans no

[@wisteela]

@@RingwayManchester Do any of them still work?

[@RingwayManchester]

Some do mate

[@wisteela]

@@RingwayManchester Sweet. Old stuff really is built to last.

[@KlodFather]

@@wisteela - Most of those old handhelds while solid to hold, have bad caps and bad switches. THey were junk for the most part. The pinnacle of radio quality was in the late 90's. THose radios were really built well and were decent on features. Many of them like my VX7 were waterproof. I even accidently run over my VX7 with my truck and only scratched it. Those old gray plastic radios would have disintegrated. Even the plastic motorolas. THey would have crushed.

[@pieman192]

Repeaters are RF ,all these hotspots and network radio and zello are not real radio 📻.......

[@robedwrds3879]

Yes ,i am not a fan.

[@robertharper1121]

Marconi never used a repeater.

[@RingwayManchester]

Robert I’d love to chat with you, also maybe out you in touch with John Regnault? [e-mail]

[@robertharper1121]

@@RingwayManchester I'm not in touch with John at the moment. I'm not sure how to make contact safely without all and sundry getting involved.

[@RingwayManchester]

I’m in touch with him via email, if you want to email me I can pass on his email address to you. He said he’d like that.

[@stevebushell8023]

Rob, easy to find either John or I - we are all in touch on and off, yell if you need help

[@robertharper1121]

@@phillipsmiley5930 Reflects not repeats.

[@pierremunro]

I like how you called it a squeaky. lol

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*Lewis, quoting the now-defunct website:* *_"There's nothing clever in telling people to F-off..."_* I don't know, it usually works just fine for me. *_"Simple, direct, and aporopriate!"_* *-- FRAGGLE ROCK* 🤭🤭🤭

[@Chuck8541]

I’m new to ham radio. Can someone explain why these people don’t like repeaters, and are trying to jam them? Is it political? Or boredom?

[@Alan2E0KVRKing]

This was in the 1970's and 80;s, repeaters were a new thing, these people believed it wasn't 'real' radio or anyone using a repeater shouldn't be able to hold a QSO on simplex, should be /M or low power etc many reasons.

[@Chuck8541]

@@Alan2E0KVRKing Ohhh, ok. Thank you for explaining! It's appreciated.

[@J4ckieD]

Can you view the website on archive D0T orgs Wayback machine?

[@RingwayManchester]

No mate

[@johnregnault1850]

No you do not need Wayback because it is here: members.tripod.com/~jammer_2/index.html

[@J4ckieD]

@@johnregnault1850 nice. Had some free tripod sites in the early 2000s to my horror I found they still exist.

[@CodfishCatfish]

From my understanding a lot of portable 2m and 70cm jammers that were timed to key and powered by car batteries. They were normally booby trapped with explosives made from fireworks. At the heart of the organisation had been a bunch of failed hams who couldn’t pass the RAE or got caught cheating on the A license morse test and had their B licenses revoked. A lot were also paranoid CB’ers and the mention of the department of trade and industry (DTI) is a giveaway. I have DF equipment here and it was extensively used by the post office to track down violators and they were employed by the DTI and not the DT direct. They had TTA or time to arrival technology even back then so violators could easily be found. Although the antenna is mechanically rotated it still had no problems locating the perpetrators however the post office are not the police so warrants and evidence gathering was needed first. The jammers wrongly assumed they eluded the authorities. The truth is they were known to the police and the coordination of Romark, Post Office, the DTI and police all needed to be coordinated before a prosecution came about. That’s is a quote from someone who is ex-DTI

[@AdamSWL]

Another super interesting video Lewis! The only good to come from this sort of behaviour is that it keeps the idiots busy with jamming repeaters while leaving the rest of the band free to enjoy. Gives extra encouragement to improve your antennas for better simplex range or use repeaters that these flogs aren't actively targeting or can access easily.

[@elektroqtus]

Reminds me of 28.325MHz. they were simplex but still.

[@LunaDevaKitty]

cool! now i wish i knew what a repeater actually does

[@trancemaster84]

Another great episode. Also the audio is 100% fine. I’m watching on Xbox one and it sounds spot on.

[@AECRADIO1]

I'LL TAKE THE FT-208R. EVEN THE OLDER FT-203 WAS NOCE, AS WAS THE iCOM IC-2AT AND THE UHF COUSIN. EASY TO GET COVERAGE FROM 140 TO 160 MHz. TONE BOARD ACCESS THROUGH A CUT-OUT IN THE PTT BUTTON.

[@Back2Africa_Overland]

I remember GB3LO and the antics of squeeky , The whistler and IdI Amin and all the wind-ups .

[@djriskykut]

Trolling has always been a thing, I used to love getting on the CB when i was between 13-15 and getting ppl wound up had multiple visits from the DTI before they took my rig because it was blocking neighbours Television reception 2 doors either side of my house so they hated it as well

[@stevenhayes2589]

The South London GB3LO repeater was jammed mainly by CBers

[@stephenhunter70]

Where I live the one of the people known for this sort of thing, was also known to have "collected" a large number of licenses. Getting him shut down tool the RI's a bit more effort to accomplish, as he'd just change call-signs every time they'd "shut" him "down"!

[@ricequin]

One of my local 2m repeaters became totally unusable thanks to jammers. The actual repeater was eventually stolen from its insecure location up a hill. Fortunately, my closest 2m repeater is both respected and safely tucked away in our ARS’ shack.

[@jonjuliecat]

I liked the Classic Capri at 3.25. Owned a similar one in the early 1980's. I didn't jam repeaters.

[@M6GOF]

An interesting video. Personally, never understood why anybody could be bothered causing interference when they spent large amounts of time and effort getting an amateur radio licence in the first place (because a fair quantity of users are licenced). Then again, on the flipside - when there's "gatekeeping" from certain users frowning upon foundation licence holders you quickly understand how p----d off people become and do such things. Especially, in the instance of a certain repeater in the North West that got shut down because the owner had a problem with foundation licence users going on it and would decide to "pull the plug" for a while...

[@thebongmaster]

thats a bit underhanded :/

[@juancarlos-np2hq]

Hermoso. Video. De radios. Excelente

[@AndyMarsh]

Not being a ham, could someone tell me whet a repeater station repeated and why were these people so salty about them?

[@RingwayManchester]

Hey drew. Repeater - relay between 2 or more stations to expand coverage or overcome obstacles or terrain. 1 person transmits to the repeater , the repeater then relays the signal at a higher power, so the other station who may be out of reach of the first station can hear. 2. People didn’t like them because they thought they spoilt radio and weren’t real radio. Hope that makes sense

[@kimmer6]

I enjoyed your video on the jammer on Mount Diablo in Northern California. I could see the canyon where my house is located at 1:21. We have plenty of nutters here and I'm not surprised that one willfully attempted to ruin your hobby.

[@gerwheelz3154]

I have a question and before i ask i have nothing against anyone in the radio world , Who was it that came up with the idea of a licence ? I mean who decided one day that i own the radio waves now you must give me money ?

[@fmo94jos8v3]

I think "never jam from a cul de sac" goes without saying lol 🤣

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*Lewis, quoting the now-defunct website:* *_"This is not a big country, and a phone is never far away when one has to be found."_* The Hawaiian island of Maui and its former infrastructure has entered the comment section. 😉

[@stemc83]

Imagine showing them Hubnet

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Lewis

[@Trump985]

There is a special place in hell for people like this.

[@scannerman72]

Great video Lewis

[@VolcanLAB]

Pleaseeee adjust your mic gain... At least for me it was low...

[@PsRohrbaugh]

I have my volume on 100% and have to hold my sound bar next to my ear like headphones.

[@indridcold8433]

He needs an Galaxy EchoMaster Microphone set to full modulation, full echo delay, full volume, and full reverb. I think I still hear those on 80 meters every now and then. Sadly, they see never heard on Citizen's Band anymore. It is like the superbowl without a Blue Angel fly over. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich without peanut butter. Some traditions seem ridiculous and are wanted to be gone, until they are gone. I miss the sound effects, Noise Toys, flamboyant Operators, and the such. I know they are still there on 80 meters, with a vengeance. But I can not talk back and agitate the mess on 80 meters. Today, CB is completely dead. The radio is always sitting on white noise.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

@@indridcold8433 every now and then I'll catch some interesting activity on CB6...

[@indridcold8433]

@@PsRohrbaugh That is the most busy CB channel left today. The world wide superbowl. There, it is not uncommon for stations to run 5000 to 10000 watts with an antenna on top of a tower that is 1000 feet tall. I do not know how they can afford it. They are likely amateur radio operators also, with the knowledge they have and the equipment they run.

[@stephengunrunnerhanson3550]

@@indridcold8433 not completely dead there are many groups and opps still using cb ok its not like it used to be but do you want like it was , the opps that are on it are great loads no one mixers with the chan bucket mouths i still use cb and free band and 10m and 40m as i am a ham to but was a cb opp first but i like both but its fun and i i do target shooting to so pleanty to we go no were near the bucket mouths and we have legal Am SSB and freeband

[@smd-tech]

Enjoyed that, thanks Lewis. Audio was quiet though.

[@hene193]

So uhm trolling before internet?

[@carpetburger]

audio was so low man

[@TheSilmarillian]

Nice 1 hello from Australia

[@logicbomb5511]

2:15 "operator hangups" its like the original internet culture, bunch of nerds reeing about this and that on their electronic torys (radio/computer)!

[@o00scorpion00o]

What part of the UK license restricts free speech ? with links please.

[@321CatboxWA]

Lift conditions = skip ? Good job , thanks

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

A group of folks deal with an aspect of amateur radio they consider *wrong* by doing things most other people consider *wrong.* *_"WELL, ALLLLLLRIGHTYTHENNNNN...."_* 🙄🤦‍♂️ {Yes, the OLDER I get, the SHORTER my 'FUSE' gets...🤬}

[@n6cid]

Rule # 1, in the U.S. don't jam a repeater. When you are caught by the owner you can pretty much kiss your @ss goodbye.

[@Chiavaccio]

Great! 😀😀👏

[@mattbates6887]

Yes I can well remember the anti repeater group, they had a whale of a time with their squeaky voices, foul language, music and all other kinds of illegal broadcasting activities on FM repeaters. It got so bad back then, it led to some repeaters being switched off in London at the time. I have heard one or two repeater jammers recently, which have led to some repeater's having their coverage area reduced because of this. As for the future of repeaters, it looks as if DMR repeaters will eventually force FM repeaters off the air, as DMR has done for simplex FM operation on 2 Meters and 70. It's finally the end of the repeater jammer.

[@asystole_]

Let's hope DMR doesn't take over everything, it's nice to have a bit of variety! FM, DRM, YSF, D-STAR, all good.

[@KlodFather]

DMR if its OPEN and you do not need permission or to sign up to use the repeater is OK. But systems where you need to be added and validated are bullshit. Leave them open. If you are going to put up a repeater on public bands (amateur radio) then they should be open to all. That is one of my strong dislikes of digital services and links. As soon as someone dislikes you, you are off the system.

[@SimonEatough]

GB3MP was a magnet for this kind of behaviour back in the day. G4GVQ

[@ramjet4025]

I can't comment about UK repeaters but, in a lot of travel, most ham repeaters are dead, you rarely hear anything. The busiest you have to call on the phone to get someone to come on air. The subjects are as boring as hell which deters abuse. Now, once you find that rare repeater where conversation gets into politics, religion or just an annoying tone of voice, the jamming might start. On the Australian UHF CB repeaters, the jamming is endless. the strongest signal at the repeater knocks it out. If you don't want to be identified as a jammer, use the lowest power on a very high gain antenna which times out the repeater. Most of the time, officials (no in the UK) don't give a dam about jamming. Emergency channels deserve voluntary detective work and the worst offenders are generally identified. I do not agree with support and advice for jammers. Sometimes "jamming" is done as a public service, its often necessary to take action to stop offensive broadcasters from occupying frequencies. Those who cause the loss of repeaters for public service without "just cause" deserve at least public embarrassment. The problem is, many repeaters are NOT really public service but the equivalent of entry into a pub full of drunks and if you don't like listening to it, or the madness of drunks then go home or join AA.