Was I Wrong About FCC Law Enforcement On GMRS, Ham Radio & CB Radio? The FCC And Rule Breakers

[@pen25]

The problem is when you broadcast out of band on these radios you risk unwanted spurious emissions which can interfere with other frequencies. Why not just get the license and be done with it? Or are you one of the people who upload videos like this for the views?

[@Jacksquatch69]

"unwanted spurious emissions " what does that even mean?

[@jethro9341]

So the key to avoiding spurious emissions, is to have a license. And to think I thought it was the radio this whole time.

[@alanfreed6180]

I'm a little confused here Phillip. Do i study hard to get a ham license so i can use unwanted spurious emissions legally, or does having the ham license instantly cure the radio of unwanted spurious emissions ??? Help us out here bud. LOL

[@terminal_ballistics934]

You can't legislate morality. No amount of gun control is magically going to make murder more illegal. All you doing is intentionally creating a arbitrary barrier to entry. It all comes down to personal responsibility.

[@beekeeper8474]

Out of band? If it can use it and transmit on it then it's not out of band.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

HOW TO TELL IF YOU'RE A "SAD HAM" Before any of the ham guys freak out, I am an Extra Class licensee. But I also like GMRS and CB, and I don't care what other hams think about it. My money, my radios, my slice of the hobby. But I'm not a "sad ham." To be a "sad ham" you have had to done at least one of the following ten items- usually at least three times a week: 1- Complain that all new ham licensees are ruining the hobby because they didn't have to learn code. Bonus if you bring it up in a comment under a new ham's "I just passed my test!" post. 2- Refer to GMRS as "a toy" and CB as "chicken band," and/or express your mental superiority over those who use GMRS or CB. 3- Get defensive on GMRS or CB comment sections if someone mentions ham radio in any negative manner (while at the same time actively participating in #2). 4- Immediately start complaining when someone's picture of their shack shows a CB "lineeeear" off to the side. 5- Attack a beginner ham for asking a newbie question, then end your rant with "read a book" or "Google it you lazy schmuck," when you probably don't know the answer off the top of your head yourself. 6- Begin any reply with "Well, back when I took my license exam, we had to..." 7- Try to convince people that back in the good old days, there weren't any shitty ham operators (that's a lie), everyone was licensed (also a lie), and all the bad operators were on chicken band (totally a lie, since CB didn't exist yet). 8- Piss and moan when someone types "73's" instead of 73s." Because apostrophes obviously are ruining discussions about ham radio. 9- Complain about (technically) illegal activities such as transmitting slightly out of band or transmitting without a license, while at the same time thinking it is perfectly acceptable to "pin someone's coax" for doing these things. Like a ham license exempts you from vandalism or something. 10- Feel a series of mini-strokes coming on whenever someone says the word "Baofeng."

[@alexthelion335]

I took a class in 5th grade at a local library to study for my technician exam. I took it with a friend. We both got UV-5Rs before we took the exam and messed around on FRS/GMRS frequencies. We were talking about this before class one day and one of the old hams overheard us. He scolded us and told us it was illegal, and we could get a fine. We talked on the frequencies some more that night. We didn't get a fine or direction finded, shocker right? It's almost like if you're not interfereing with someone, no one cares.

[@Misack8]

Baofeng

[@Kurowe.]

This needs to be pinned, I'm getting highly interested in this and nothing would turn new people away more than someone with a superiority complex.

[@bufordt.justice1539]

I’m a SAD HAM. I was good on that list until the last one (#10). It was the Baofeng one. I read it and suddenly, as my mini-strokes began, all I could think was “lousy POS cheap radio” in my mind. That’s when I knew… I had failed. 😔

[@tomperone9338]

11- Get totally bent out of shape whenever someone types "Ham" or (God forbid) "HAM".

[@elrobo3568]

I have been in the radio world for 60 years and the only time I knew of a FCC investigation is here in Tucson in 1967 when a church complained that a radio operator across the street and bleeding into their organ speakers during sermons. The FCC actually came to Tucson and contacted the radio operator and tested his equipment (with his permission) and also tested the church's organ system and found the electronics of the church's system was not grounded properly. They then left.

[@cryptsub]

You're 50% more likely to be fined by the FCC if your name ends with "III"

[@markharrison1160]

Parents should just stop at the 2nd to prevent this from happening

[@curtmartini66]

Seriouls the best laugh I have had this week. I don't know why. Your reply just hit that funny bone at the right time of day. "III"

[@SergeantExtreme]

@@curtmartini66 Joke explain please.

[@PrototypeMoxie]

Shit I'm DBH III

[@cwilliams6884]

I've been a ham operator for over 27 days and I'm here to tell you that unless you're blocking out major channels with over powered shit, no one is ever going to have any idea that you transmitted or what you transmitted on

[@PrototypeMoxie]

After being a ham license owner after about 30 minutes I can confirm this to be true

[@DanielQwerty]

I am an unlicensed radio operator and I can confirm you’re correct

[@Pacman163]

confirmed as a Pirate

[@someolddude7076]

I can also confirm this, as I’ve slept at a Holiday Inn last night.

[@Leonardkewatchmansnews]

i just got a set of the baofeng radios i just wanted two of them incase theres a home emergency and for whatever reason the phones are down. ive read much about operaters and the use of these radios for a long while now and unless a person is making terrorist threats or the radios were used to commit a crime that would be considered a felony the FCC will not be banging down your door to take you in. its all about common sense dont start nothin wont be nothin.

[@TractorsNStuff]

The FCC is not a law enforcement agency

[@fbrieden]

I'm JUST getting started in amateur radio, and reading FCC Law Enforcement in the subject line convinced me to put black covers on my windows, and make sure all the doors were locked while I watched this video.

[@matthew.tamasco]

As a "sad ham" myself, I found this entertaining. I guess it takes familiarity with sarcasm and some appreciation of self-deprecating humor - and luckily, I have both! On a serious note, your message on this is important. Some people are so afraid of a "violation" that they leave the hobby. That makes this ham very sad...

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

Nah, you're just a regular ham operator. To be a "sad ham" you have had to done at least one of the following ten items- usually at least three times a week: 1- Complain that all new ham licensees are ruining the hobby because they didn't have to learn code. Bonus if you bring it up in a comment under a new ham's "I just passed my test!" post. 2- Refer to GMRS as "a toy" and CB as "chicken band," and/or express your mental superiority over those who use GMRS or CB. 3- Get defensive on GMRS or CB comment sections if someone mentions ham radio in any negative manner (while at the same time actively participating in #2). 4- Immediately start complaining when someone's picture of their shack shows a CB "lineeeear" off to the side. 5- Attack a beginner ham for asking a newbie question, then end your rant with "read a book" or "Google it you lazy schmuck," when you probably don't know the answer off the top of your head yourself. 6- Begin any reply with "Well, back when I took my license exam, we had to..." 7- Try to convince people that back in the good old days, there weren't any shitty ham operators (that's a lie), everyone was licensed (also a lie), and all the bad operators were on chicken band (totally a lie, since CB didn't exist yet). 8- Piss and moan when someone types "73's" instead of 73s." Because apostrophes obviously are ruining discussions about ham radio. 9- Complain about (technically) illegal activities such as transmitting slightly out of band or transmitting without a license, while at the same time thinking it is perfectly acceptable to "pin someone's coax" for doing these things. Like a ham license exempts you from vandalism or something. 10- Feel a series of mini-strokes coming on whenever someone says the word "Baofeng."

[@ke8mattj]

@@TheREALJosephTurner Just to add to your list: 11) Complaining about digital modes. 12) Complaining how new hams are no longer "makers." 13) Whine when someone is not talking about the weather, their antenna, or their medical issues. 14) Whining about millenials.

[@just-another-guy]

@@TheREALJosephTurner perfect rules for sad hams and I'm pretty sure they are followed strictly. If they weren't followed strictly, Randys channel wouldn't be quite as entertaining as it is. Due to lack of sarcasm.

[@trythistv]

I agree with Josephs comment. I know many HAMs that are awesome people, and built my interest in the hobby, I haven't yet found the time to get involved, but it is an interest. Its people like you that recognize that its a hobby, not life or death matters, its fun and should be fun so that more people are interested. Its the folks that want to nitpick and complain about newly interested people that drive people away from the hobby. Keep doing what you're doing and it will attract more to the hobby

[@moss-ccw7971]

@@TheREALJosephTurner ROFLMAO!!!!! From: Amateur General but definitely not a sad ham.

[@jessikainla]

I have had an amateur radio license in the U.S. for a very long time and one thing I have found is that folks who don't have much of a life of their own to enjoy, will seek to take away enjoyment from anyone the can if it fits their self defined indignation. They tend to group themselves with like-minded miserable creatures and are the same breed of creature that'll turn you in if you drive one inch past the off-road trail limits. Some folks in 4x4s talking on 5w radios out in the boondocks aren't going to negatively impact the airwaves in North America.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

And it's mostly from old men who (constantly tell you that they) had to learn CW to even get a license back in the Eisenhower days...

[@bradgarrett7790]

You know.... I agree. The entire concept of two way communications intrigues me to no end. All of it. And I even enjoy listening to the big radios that drop thousands and thousands of watts on 11 meters. I am impressed with the fact that they will go broke just to be able to key up on one another. I enjoy their banter and shit talking. When I have had enough of it I turn it off. Simplest thing in the world to do. I don't judge them though. It is their life and they can do what they want with it. There should not be an inner war between different type of radio hobbiest. We should all just STFU and do our own thing and keep our noses out of eachothers business. Right?

[@bradgarrett7790]

@@TheREALJosephTurner LoL I am an old man of 54 I stayed a tech until that changed and than upgraded. It took me 20+ years but it is what it is. LOL

[@pearlsnows7481]

There is an old saying: Misery loves company.

[@chrisk5433]

I purchased my first GMRS Radio literally 2 weeks ago. Following the advice of wise counsel, I immediately went on the FCC website and bought my fishing license. I did this before even looking at the new radio I bought. Upon attempting to navigate the FCC website, the site crashed. Being a good citizen, I cleared my web browser cache and logged in again to try to purchase my license. This time the transaction went through and I received my call sign. I moved on with my life, happily, until I got the mail today. In the mail was a real, honest to goodness, cease and desist letter from the FCC for my new walkie talkies. I feel so honored to be yet another person to be added to your list of 5 examples of evil doers. I never even got a chance to meet a sad ham or say more than a couple of sentences on the air before I got the FCC nastygram. None of this was my fault, it was their defective server, which generated two licenses under my name-one real, one not. Yet, true to your statements, I did not get a fine and I did not go to jail. Truly, no good deed goes unpunished.

[@brucedavidson5400]

I walked past a HAM radio and accidentally bumped the talk button. The FCC showed up at my door, kicked my door down, entered the house fully armed. I was put in handcuffs and several agents mocked me calling me “radio boy” and “airwaves asshole”. I got 7 years in federal prison, hard labor. Just got out yesterday.

[@ARUSApacecarHAMPTON]

But at least they didn’t shoot your dog.

[@raybans4980]

and here I thought that I was the ONLY one!

[@ryanjones48]

at least they didnt shoot your dog

[@ghostape6481]

I have been talking on my baofeng for over 5 years. No license. Not once has anyone even noticed or made a comment to me and my friends over the air waves that we are in “violation”. We are all over HAM and GMRS. We do not do a lot of transmitting and use short messages while training in the field once per month. So to all the scared people due to fear mongering by a bunch of old men in basements, do not worry you will be good. Now try and find us!

[@gregiep]

I appreciate that we are having an honest discussion about what FCC has actually done. We would all be a lot better off if we took a collective deep breath and calmed down. I still encourage that best practice is to get the proper license for the bands you use and use the proper radios on the proper bands. If someone else is just talking to their friends w/o the right license or equipment, just leave them the hell alone. If they’re jamming your repeater, then get the FCC involved. My $.02

[@TheNotaRubicon]

If someone is jamming your repeater, the FCC does not care, based on their enforcement record.

[@adlucem9845]

It's a pretty serious offense jamming that repeater that gets used 3x a year. How will Delmer discuss his toe fungus?

[@daddyflip8584]

I've been a ham for 10 HOURS (yes, hours), and even I know the stories are bull/not applicable/off topic. The airwaves are generally self-policed. Don't ever change your soundtrack, it is soothing, like radio massage envy.

[@Medic99]

Love this! I am a ham radio operator and find this so entertaining.

[@swenner64]

As a Ham Operator I say Bravo!!!! We all know the type of Ham Experts you are talking about!!! I can just see their heads exploding right now; you stepped all over the sanctity of their precious domains, by taking away the control mechanism that they thought was an Ace in the hole!

[@DC-ok6bk]

Thanks for continuing to report accuracy and call foul on those who seek to use fear, intimidation and bullying against others.

[@BertMackFilm]

I came to this channel for the information and subscribed for the dry comedy. Excellent work! (this comment was posted via packet on GMRS with a HAM HT)

[@ke8mattj]

Armchair Ham expert here of some amount of months...I think this armchair is comfy. Anyways I modded my Yaesu to transmit on both ham and GMRS. They even make it so easy to mod by putting the rubber thing over top of the resistor you can just pry off. It's like they want you to do it. Now, excuse me while I live life on the edge by giving out my GMRS call sign out on the ham repeater.

[@danrickard1911]

I have been a ham for 34 years, and I can say that I enjoy your channel very much and agree completely with what you say. Many of the hams I have met (especialy club members) are the largest bunch of arrogant losers I have ever met. These people, as a group, are predominantly, a collection of taped glasses wearing introverts (geek/nerds) that hate anyone with a girlfreind, or venture outside of an enclosed space for mmore than 30 minutes in a day…..even if that person does posses an amatuer license. Generally they have no life, so they spend their time playing with thier toys, and complaining about the type of people that we would consider a normal human being. That said, I think I will have a beer, watch another NotaRubicon Productions video, and learn a thing or two as I enjoy a bit more of my evening.

[@gavineasley8140]

Finding your channel upon the beginning of my radio journey has been a godsend. Thank you.

[@4000marcdman]

The FCC charging a fee for use of a service or product they do not provide or maintain is theft.

[@terminal_ballistics934]

Exactly, it's like most other licensing schemes. It's sad how some of these guys lap the water out of daddy government's hand so they can maintain their hall monitor badge. Are there retards of the radio? Sure, just don't be like them. It's called personal responsibility.

[@4000marcdman]

@@terminal_ballistics934 exactly..... I'm glad someone gets what's I'm saying. Sure, it would be different if the FCC provided and maintained repeaters better than we could provide ourselves. Then by all means impose rules and licensing. But if it's provided by the people for the people. Who are they to tell us what to do?

[@hyperlogos]

It costs something to administer the system, so charging is not theft. The system is crap though (their websites in particular) so it's not great value for money.

[@welcomethewurst9433]

@@hyperlogos yeah well, fuck em.

[@timhorton8085]

@Martin Espinoza what "system"? The FCC isnt magically providing the airspace. The FCC dont hold any patent or copyright to these frequencies, transmitters, or receivers. The FCC merely provides guidance on who may broadcast on what channel. They operate toll roads on public land. That is all.

[@wrexhammusic]

Here in the UK I use 5 watts on PMR446 (licence free band between 446.000 and 446.200) instead of the legal 0.5 watts. The authorities don't really care over here about stuff like that.

[@ac2fv]

Your channel is hilarious, and one of the best on YT. And more often than not, you are 100% spot on. Keep 'em coming.

[@markusstegmann3645]

I just love your KZbin channel about GMRS radios!!!🎉 You’re really hilarious, and you seriously give good advice. The two videos you posted about the FCC, and what they will do to you are the most entertaining and funny videos ever ever ever! Keep on posting! My kids and I love you😂🙏🏻🎉

[@dennishrusecky7549]

You are still THE MAN

[@Factory400]

Practical enforcement of GMRS and amateur radio use is really expensive and complicated. It is just not worth the effort to track down. The system is counting on the majority of people to play nicely. When the violations grow up to be a real problem, the government will crack down. For the moment, the violations are just too small. Think about how the drone industry has grown up. I worked with people doing commercial drone work about 15 years ago. They could do anything they wanted without asking and no one was watching. When a handful of idiots flew them across runways at international airports - all of a sudden it was a real problem the and govt' got seriously involved in a hurry. Now there are all sorts of rules and requirements along with real enforcement - all because of a small number of people doing stupid things. If/when GMRS violations become a real problem - the FCC will grow fangs. Until then, they don't give a flying F about your UV5R.

[@HunterKleinTheHuntzman]

We had a guy transmitting soundboard bytes on top of operators passing NTS traffic on a statewide linked system for almost a YEAR until presumably he got bored and nobody fox-hunted his ass. FCC won't do shit about UV5R being used properly on GMRS, agreed. The resources required to put up time-of-flight towers everywhere that can fingerprint radio transmitters to triangulate "illegal" radios on GMRS would result in a very-much-so negative ROI.

[@GOINGNOMAD]

See now all those drone pros switching to mini sports kites and helium balloons for shots where they cant use drones. Pretty cool stuff

[@donaldoc]

"Well Said" Sensei, and to admit when wrong, carries a higher honor in society! 🙇👌👍

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

I was wrong once, yeah once I thought I was wrong and I really was right, that made me wrong. It has only happen once though.

[@DennisMcCracken]

I listened to your last video and couldn't wait for this one to come out. Pure gold my friend. Love your content.

[@TheNuggetshooter]

Retired Deputy Attorney General here: I did a bit of research, and found the following: A proposed fine (technically called a "Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture") is the first formal step toward a potential enforcement action. It informs the company, person, corporation, etc., of the alleged unlawful activity, establishes the maximum penalty that could be assessed for that violation, and provides the company, person, entity, etc., with an opportunity to contest the allegations. At this stage of the process, the Commission has notified the company of its proposed fine. The proposed fine is not owed or due to the Commission. Hope this helps. Great video as always.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

But, as he's pointed out in two videos so far, that first step has yet to be taken for the two very specific activities he mentions: Using the wrong type of radio and transmitting "normal conversations" without a proper license. Heck, that first step doesn't even get used for nearly everything that takes place on 7.200...

[@TheNuggetshooter]

@@TheREALJosephTurner I was only responding to his question in the video as to the meaning of a "proposed fine". There are additional steps in the process after a proposed fine is put forth by the FCC. I would venture to guess that many of these cases are settled any criminal enforcement measures being implemented.

[@craigdavidson2977]

yes, its a "Notice of Apparent Liability". I have been hearing that phrase for 45 years but you have to admit it sounds so much more fun when randy says "stern letter" and "the FCC will be sad"

[@RDavies126746]

Now I have been a "Happy" HAM for about 3 years now and I must say....I totally agree with you! The FCC isn't going after you unless you are a complete "Richard" and don't know when to quit. Thanks for the great channel and content!

[@richardgrigsby6693]

I resent that lol,lol,ol

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

I know, right? There are, what, 2 or 3 well known ham frequencies that have been famous for decades for the content (for lack of a better word)? And these freqs have had pretty much the same little group of users- many with licenses, so the FCC knows their addresses- and the FCC has done exactly squat about it.

[@fried1537]

Joseph Turner what freqs?

[@jneale5204]

@@fried1537 I know 7.200 is one.

[@daleallen7634]

@@fried1537 : Just tune across 75/80 meters just about any day that ends in "y"! You'll find some real "gems". 😁😁😁😁

[@tactical-daddy]

I love your videos my dude. They help more than you know since I'm not a comms guy. My only comment is the way you said Bexar. It's pronounced as Bay-Harr as it is Spanish.

[@ke8mattj]

Nice beard, Jonathan!

[@rabbi6225]

False. It’s pronounced “Bear”.

[@craigdavidson2977]

This comment is hitting close to home for me because my friends who live in San Antonio had to correct me on the pronounciation of 'bear' County. 3:54 If you check the address on my GMRS license it is in Bexar County but yet I was saying it the exact same way Randy did in the video. This is just another thing that Randy and I have in common. If this keeps up I might come to believe that Randy and I are identical twins seperated at birth.

[@pgprentice]

I have NOT been a ham for over 60 years and I agree it takes a lot to get the FCC to move on any of these infringements. I have never heard of anyone being fined or doing jail time for CB radio issues either. (They may have occured but I have never heard of any). Keep up the good work and thanks again.

[@2fathomsdeeper]

Many moons ago, the FCC did do a few sweeps against the CB'ers running 1KW linears. My uncle had a 100w linear and it would transmit on all 40 channels at once. It's fun for awhile to talk with the power of God in dealing with the idiots out there deadkeying, but not something for long term social use. Now transmitting 5 miles on a 400W lightbulb used as a dummy load is cool! Good SWR on it too!

[@jerrydiver1]

There was a day and time when the FCC was one of those ridiculously large Fed agencies working their tails off and getting after small-time violators. Those days are long gone; there are thousands of big-power operations that their resources have to be used on. You can hear some of that type of operator on CB6 any day of the week. Thousands of watts blasting through on adjacent channels even hundreds of miles away. And hunting club operations running linears on VHF marine band all over the country. 'Export' amateur transceivers (many of them mobile) blasting away on ham call channels and operated by people without any license but lots of money for linear amplifiers. There are so many hard-core hi-power violators out there, the FCC just hasn't got the time for pissant little violators on GMRS.

[@klv400]

@@jerrydiver1 1600 w Texas Star sweet 16

[@talkntrash]

I accidentally hit the PTT on my baofeng radio without a license and I haven't been heard from since.

[@cb2000a]

You live in China?

[@ducksonplays4190]

@@cb2000a Nobody knows, as they said, they have not been heard from since.

[@Minnross1]

LOVE IT.... Just received my first 2 GMRS radios! Wouxum UV9G and a KG1000. Immediately found a great local community and talked to people MANY fars away. Thank you so much for being a cool reference.

[@gua742]

I’ve been a ham radio operator for over ten years and man you’re right and these hams need to chill out. -KF7OCD

[@spacecoyote6646]

Nice call sign

[@gua742]

@@spacecoyote6646 thanks!

[@timgoudy662]

@@spacecoyote6646 I thought the same thing!!

[@RobSchofield]

Your ability to predict when you are going to receive out-of-band comments is remarkable. A true gift. That keeps on giving.

[@ncsd98]

These examples are the reason I stay with CB and not get my "sad Ham license"... "some people" are too ridiculous to even deal with... Great content BTW.. I look forward to your Videos...

[@1noetic]

Thanks for the video. Just getting into HAM and yours is the first channel I've subbed to. P.S. Its a horrible and dangerous UV-5R.

[@curtmartini66]

I am new I am literally unboxing my first radio right now. What I find interesting is that "Boogie man" stories exist in ever form of hobby. And each hobby has its own proclaimed "Experts"

[@TheRickJames]

What I've never understood was the freedom loving undertone that ham folks are supposed to have while they seem to directly invoke their hypocrisy with the FCC bootlicking... The way it should be is don't fuck with essential infrastructure communications and everything else on the spectrum should be fair gain(pun intended). The licensing clearly only had the goal of being able to easily track, regulate and profit off free citizens communication otherwise they never would have required them to identify in the first place.

[@mattdisero]

I love the double barrel middle finger of this video. It warms my heart

[@marv8481]

It’s actually refreshing to see the fcc going after Robo callers. (I was looking up their prosecutions and even towards the robo callers they were only handing out cease and desist letters first)

[@gregiep]

I’ve been a Ham operator for over 20 minutes. The FCC put me in prison for 1,000 years for thinking about GMRS!

[@GunzOrDie]

Love your videos ! That being said I got my GMRS license and use my radios for my family in a correct “use” on a regular use, nothing makes me happier than “sad hams” hating on your content !

[@Cre8tvMG]

I appreciate your solid research. I'm a noob this very week and learning. Thanks.

[@chrisecker9341]

I‘m not here for HAM or GMRS, I‘m here for the show

[@KB0OTY]

I transmitted on a GMRS frequency with a Fisher Price Rescue Fireman walkie talkie without a license and the FCC came to my house and they kicked my dog, and now my dog needs an operation.

[@MrEye4get]

I live in Thailand. I contacted the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand about licensing. The overly expensive (10x the price of any radio) and extensively time-consuming (average 6-8 months) process to obtain a license is ridiculous; making use of "illegal" radios, common practice. HAM radios are sold everywhere (in local shops and online) and no one is bothered to apply for or obtain a license. When the government over-regulates something, people will do whatever they choose. Safe to say, 99% or more of all radios used by non-government officials are "illegal" here!

[@chrisrock340]

Love this! I would watch your videos even if I wasn't a GMRS guy, for the sheer entertainment value. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@feetoorourke]

"if you come back to my house imma answer the door with a rifle" is a valid response to people trespassing on your property.

[@bereadyeveryday6764]

Isn't it great how folks just keep leaving comments on your videos that instigate additional content so you don't have to waste time on that? Fun stuff.

[@guyinthewrinkledwrangler]

Thanks man. I don't know nothing about any of the radio world, but I have recently been trying to learn. Appreciate your useable content cause a lot of these radio guys make is sound like it's so technical that it's impossible to get started, besides the fact, they speak in so much weird lingo, I can't figure out what anything is they are talking about. Oh and, I dig your humor. It's good to laugh wile learning. Keeps you engaged. God bless you and yours.

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

I can’t love this video more. How do I send more love on this video?? HOWWWWW???? This is so fantastic I can’t even express how happy I am.

[@GruntProof]

These radio karens are the same clowns who turned into Mask Gestapo 2 years ago.

[@spldrong]

I have been a HAM for a while, but no one I want to talk to has a HAM license.

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

I refuse to pay money to talk on HAM radios, because my speech is my 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech in the Bill of Rights !

[@slopsec2358]

I've been talking on ham radio since the mid 70s! I've been a licensed ham since 1988! My ham is very happy, thank you!

[@timemeddlertardis5343]

The only cases of "type acceptance" fcc action I've heard of were directed at shops importing and selling them, or someone running way over the power limits.

[@davidmoran4471]

Back in the older days, 1970s, I knew someone that was impersonating a licensed amateur radio operator for years. Once the FCC figured out who he was, he only received a Cease and Desist letter. I didn't know before then that he wasn't licensed.

[@benhawke7231]

Then you just change your call sign 😂🤣😂🤣

[@adlucem9845]

Nowadays you just find a call sign online. This is Carl KN9D.

[@aidd1938]

The FCC is no more interested in spending their scarce resources enforcing those minor infractions than a State Trooper is in writing you a ticket for going one or two miles an hour over the speed limit on a busy interstate. Sure, they are violations, but this is also the real world.

[@jarmstrong2843]

After listening to your video, my only comment is this: The FCC, though tasked with the regulation of the air waves, does not have the necessary staff to monitor everything happening over the radio waves. Their enforcement capabilities are like a junk yard dog; a lot of bark and no bite. This is why HAM radio is a self policing activity. The FCC relies upon licensed operators to “patrol” the air waves for illegal activities and report them. But, over the years that self policing activity seems to have taken a back seat to the raunchy language often heard nowadays and nothing done about it. It is slowly becoming the licensed version of CB radio where basically anything goes. Civility in many instances has gone to the wayside where crude language is heard; often when talking about politics where everyone has an opinion and never agrees with someone with differing point of view. It’s best to keep topics of politics and religion off the air to avoid conflict.

[@SuperWillie0]

Defiant and funny at the same time! Love it.

[@1AXMRDR]

Whoo! That's good to hear Randy. I thought I heard the FCC knocking on my door and I was terrified. Ended up being my buddy just coming by with a six-pack.

[@donnaphen503]

This has to be the best entertaining video yet! It's so refreshing to hear someone that's not inclined to be politically correct, afraid of offending anyone, but rather says it like it is! I subscribed awhile ago after watching your first video (for me). Keep up the good work, and if someone objects how you present yourself, then F 'em

[@Stioall]

We need some old fashioned CB handles to go with these outlaws of the radio waves. David "Fuzzy Bear" The Menace of San Antonio

[@tbk1801]

You shattered their world…

[@rksg2003]

NotaRubicon You made me a subscriber, I knew what was going to happen after that last video and man do I Love it. The same crap goes on in my home town "The better than Thou crowd" It's no wonder ham radio is dead and the hobby is fading quickly.

[@akblair3862]

I have been a ham since 1993 but I have never been “ sad”. Enjoy the channel.

[@toml.8210]

I was using (testing) my GRMS radio today, to see if it says HI or Low (power): it does, and I don't have a GMRS permit! No one in black suits or sunglasses knocked on my door...

[@jaybarr3307]

Yet. I did see a helicopter outside...

[@ke8mattj]

You do see that black car with the men with dark sunglasses on parked near your home, right?

[@nelsonward7981]

The problem is that Karens on Ham LOVE to cry to the FCC trying to get you busted because you don't belong to their exclusive club.

[@G19amc]

I have been using some waki-talkies I bought at a yard sale about 2009 well my family and I have been using them hunting. Fishing. Camping. 4x4in since. Come to find out after getting into 4wheeling again; the walk-in-talkies are GMRS. Didn’t even know what that was till I found your site.

[@michaelgrace884]

Sir you are lucky to have survived the wrath of the elite hams. They think that ham and associated frequencies are only in their little playground and how dare anyone ever play on their playground without the proper license. What a horrifying and stressful thing you went through.

[@ToadSprockett]

Nothing worse than entitled hams who got their fee fees hurt…

[@benhawke7231]

Careful you might piss off the hammy Karen's, then they'll come after you too 😶😶

[@404-Error-Not-Found]

As someone who was in the professional radio environment (Military/NSA), Sad Hams *really* put me off from wanting to join the hobbiest / amateur environment. These people are just so depraved, God forbid you ask a question, God forbid you give input, God forbid you tell them they're wrong (with sources). I have a GMRS license, I'll likely stick with that for now.

[@mrboom4570]

ASA or INSCOM ???

[@witkr904]

Exactly why I won’t upgrade to being a Ham.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

The sad hams are actually a minority, but they're a LOUD minority. They spend so much time complaining online that it makes me wonder if they even have time to transmit. Wanna piss them off? Do what I did- take and pass all three tests before ever owning a radio, then tell them that no one cares that they had to learn CW to pass their tests.

[@404-Error-Not-Found]

@@TheREALJosephTurner yeah, from the outside it's impossible to tell. I haven't been to any ham meets, but from my impressions I've gotten online, I would assume it to be a bunch of self righous annoying fucks comparing radio cock size. That minority is absurdly loud. I've probably seen a hundred comments of people giving the good ol 'we'll just hunt you down with DF' and show up to your house, as if that's appropriate for civilians to do. They don't even do it right anyways, which I find hilarious. I could take and pass the exams fairly easily, I've seen the tests. I did this stuff professionally. I might one day, but I doubt I'll be involved in their "community" much. I'd really just like to experiment around with some rasbery pies, a lot of the systems hams mess with were developed in the 80's or 90's and never really updated. It's possible to do a lot more cool stuff now. It's just all in the commercial or military market. Not hard to implement though.

[@404-Error-Not-Found]

@@mrboom4570 inscom, ASA is before my time. I got out in the last few years, pretty sure ASA ended in the 70's.

[@Soupcan35]

I also remember hearing that the FCC was going to lower the cost of a GMRS license from $70 to $35. That was supposed to take place in 2021, never happened. Shocked? Of course not!

[@GunzOrDie]

Why wouldn’t they take happiness in collecting more money for a system they do nothing to help out ?

[@etITWright]

Moving at the speed of government, they just haven't adjusted the fee quite yet.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

You should see how half the ham community is freaking out over the FCC instituting a $35 fee for an amateur license (there were no previous FCC fees). Yes, the guys with the most expensive radios, the most expensive amps, and the most expensive equipment are losing their minds over $35 for a 10-year license...

[@witkr904]

Government lowering license fees? Are you from the USA?

[@675Films]

@@TheREALJosephTurner Man wait until they find out about fishing licenses

[@jamieb9556]

I think im going to get on MURS with my Yaesu now. I think i will use 65 Watts instead of 2 watts. I will also use wide band instead of narrow.

[@ScottMitchell2]

💯🤣

[@ke8mattj]

OH NO! DON'T! YOU'LL SET THE TREES ON FIRE!

[@2fathomsdeeper]

@@ke8mattj And those tinfoil hat folks will explode like Jiffy Pop!

[@sagsfv3122]

I had a friend in the mid 1980s who would bootleg 2M ham once in a while to speak with a specific friend, while keeping his conversations short. He said as long as you use proper ham protocol and etiquette, along with an unused license (he had a current copy of the call book), that u would be safe. I, on the other hand, got my license. I became active with several ham clubs, RACES & TORRA (The Rose Parade). My shack has a 2m, 2m & 440, Kenwood Rcvr, a few CBs and some scanners. Also 2 PCs (1 Win 7, 1 Linux) and a Laptop. along with a few big bins of misc parts for each hobby. . .

[@TheJoedonbakerfan]

Reminds me of the scene in Die Hard where McClain tries to contact the police through radio frequencies and they threaten to complain to the FCC. Of course, it’s also claimed that those radios are CB, which police wouldn’t be using, but whatever.

[@benhawke7231]

Actually back in the day police did use CB. They especially monitored channel 9 because that was the emergency frequency. 🤯

[@TheJoedonbakerfan]

@@benhawke7231 True, but probably not in major cities like Los Angeles. At least, I assume.

[@robertyoung9589]

FCC rules and regulations allows a person to transmit on any frequency when it is a life or death emergency.

[@victorvalleytv1]

Thank you for your clear and accurate explanation of the cases that were commented on. It's amazing the BS that so called "experts" will say in order to prove their stupidity on the internet! Now I have to get back to teasing the cops on my CB radio. 10-4.

[@DesertVan]

Im writing this comment on my UV-5R thru a GMRS repeater thru a ham frequency while using MURS channels! And I’ve been a licensed ham for 0 years!

[@ScottMitchell2]

🤣💯👍🏼

[@heinzpilot]

Happy newer HAM here. I always watch your videos. So much great information here! Thank you.

[@thomlinz77]

You Sir, are cooler than the flip side of my pillow! Lol...I seriously hope these types don't bother you. I find your demeanor hilarious 😆. Your channel helpful. I still can't program a repeater but that's probably because I'm laughing through the video every time!! Keep it up my friend

[@angryheathen3463]

I have recently started getting into GMRS and this has become my go to channel.

[@charlie_nolan]

I'm actually in the process of starting a commercial radio business, and I was on the phone with the owner of a radio manufacturer recently, I asked if they made any MURS/FRS/GMRS stuff and he said "no but you can use our equipment on part 95, it will probably be fine." This isn't some crappy or foreign company, they make great part 90 products. So yeah the only people who care are grumps. Only experience I ever had was some guy getting mad my dad and I were using the wrong talkgroup on a DMR repeater, but somehow he couldn't figure out how to put his radio in promiscuous mode so it was just "I know you are using the wrong talkgroup but I can't hear you... but keep in mind I will figure it out and you're going to get in trouble." And nobody had been using the repeater except us for hours until then. So now we use some amateur repeaters and a homemade illegal repeater on part 90 frequencies. Oh well. Oh, sad HAMs.

[@guyfromsac1]

The FCC was going to lower the cost of a GMRS license from $70 to $35. It's been well over a year with no resolution, so until they do, I'll talk without a license ...

[@duckysolman]

WELL OVER!!!

[@brianmiller1098]

Another fine job sir! Thank you for keeping it 💯 real and FACTUAL! God Bless keep the shiny side up and rubber side down!

[@mikeneale2459]

Absolutely fantastic video! Thank you for separating myth from reality! We need more of that in this world!

[@tombrockman6225]

I been a ham for 34 yrs. I enjoy your videos !

[@ramadaxl]

Don't you just LOVE the self confessed 'experts'. The one phrase that always sticks out in my mind ( about any subject ) is 'An ex is a 'has been'...and a 'spert' is a drip under pressure'. Not always of course...but frequently.

[@brianmcdaniel2693]

Thank you for always making me laugh and making the sad hams even sadder.

[@childrensbooksbycrossfire7039]

In what I have been able to research, the FCC has never had any authority to regulate the communications between two private individuals over the air ways. their authority was for commercial only. They have "assumed" authority never granted them.

[@craigdavidson2977]

Wait? What? I don't know where you have done your 'research' but the communications act of 1934 gives the FCC the authority to regulate all radio frequency transmitters within the United States. It does not matter who that signal is intended to reach. In fact, your comment is so dangerously false I'm surprised that Randy hasn't deleted it. Sounds like you are getting your info from the same guys who claim that federal taxes are voluntary and you don't have to pay if you send a letter to the IRS rescinding your citizenship.

[@craigdavidson2977]

Most outrageously false statements start out from a source of truth but along the way they get amazingly twisted and confused. I'm guessing that your false statement above started out with someone telling you that telephone calls between two private individuals is protected by law. The phone company and the government are not allowed to monitor or restrict what you say on the telephone (without a court order, of course) . This law does not apply to the airwaves.

[@JoeAnderson86]

Your videos are always spot on! Keep up the great work and lets get to Jeepin!

[@nadeaugrj]

If one were to broadcast onto the GMRS/FRS frequencies with a UV-5R how would they ever be distinguished from someone with a set of off the shelf walking talkies?

[@danno02]

Here's a question. If any of this was true, wouldn't we all be in big trouble for using Zello on our phones to transmit over GMRS via connected repeaters? I mean my phone is not Part 95 approved right? Is there some kind of an exception to this? Or is this ok since the repeater is actually doing the transmission?

[@jaybarr3307]

That's a great point. Zello, Echolink, others out there. Maybe they're completely internet based and use no RF? It's an interesting question...

[@ke8mattj]

Thanks for mentioning Zello. I figured there was an app that did something like this, but was too lazy and busy being an armchair expert to look for it.

[@craigdavidson2977]

The radio in your cell phone is not regulated by Part 95. The cellular system is classified as a 'common carrier' and has very different rules. The cellphone company makes sure your phone and their towers comply with all the FCC rules so you never have to worry about it. With GMRS and Ham radio you own and control the transmitter so its up to you to make sure your equipment complies with the FCC rules.

[@BroloCholo]

I have a ham radio license and think you're f'n hilarious. Keep up the great work, bro! :)

[@jeffwarren8154]

Having been sent to various “fork and knife” classes, I learned that “expert” consists of two parts. 1. ‘Ex” = has been: 2. “(s)pert” = drip under pressure.

[@MOKPT3]

Ohhhhh...so many flashing lights......Opps you're still on there. Thanks man. Love the content. Now I need to go back and look the comments that were pinned to the top.

[@valentin.32]

i love this guy, great video and don't mind the heaters... that's all because you doing an excellent job... WRHT677

[@ronv6360]

All the informers are angry..Things only happen when others act or inform on you right?even if the person is in the wrong..