5 ms·

Amateur Radio Parity Act Passes in the US House of Representatives

100 points by AstroJetson 10y ago

jMyles 10y ago
Is there a Ham radio comeback happening right now? I'm hearing about it more and more. Can anyone recommend a post or series of posts about the process of obtaining the license?
- LeoPanthera 10y ago
  US: http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed UK: http://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/foundation/ http://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/foundation/
- platz 10y ago
  Might be interesting after getting something like a transmit capable SDR like the LimeSDR
- electricEmu 10y ago
  I don't know, but I was quite surprised to see more than 30 people in a weekend HAM class.
- AstroJetson 10y ago
  It's about to get bigger because of Hams being able to put up antennas in places that now have deed restrictions. On getting a license, you no longer need to know Morse code, about 20% of the questions are easy safety questions. Do a search for a local ham radio club, lots of them run a 3 hour license class. At the end you take the test and 99% pass.
  - pmoriarty 10y ago
    I don't think most people that enter the hobby get a license that would grant them access to bands on which the lack of an outdoor antenna is a hinderance. They usually get a technician license, which gives them access to the 2-meter band, and that can be accessed from a hand-held radio with a built-in, tiny antenna. So, really, I don't think this law will result in any significant growth in the hobby. The people who will benefit from it will be the more advanced hams (of which there are a lot fewer), and the people they serve.
    - AstroJetson 10y ago
      Local hams are working on a dual 2.4 and 5mhz mesh network. From inside the house, I can't get to anyone. With an antenna @ 10 above the roofline, I can get to 2 of them. Likewise, I can hit one repeater very well and two others with some noise. Same 10' above the roof! I can get to about 10 with full copy. Both are cases of tech level license access. I'm an Extra, seldom use HF, but want the rule to give me better VHF/UHF access.
    - tzs 10y ago
      Technicians also get 6 meters, and SSB/RTTY/data on 10 meters, so might have use for for an outdoor antenna. (And if they learn Morse code, they have CW access on 15, 40, and 80 meters).
- wepple 10y ago
  I'm currently going thru the process. It seems quite simple, buy the book[1], sign up for a $15 exam, do a bit of study (there's a test quiz trainer app on iOS), and you should be good. [1]https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/1625950136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474221676&sr=8-1&keywords=arrl+technician https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/1625...
  - pmoriarty 10y ago
    Some people don't even study, and guess their way through the technician (lowest level) license exam. It's that easy.
  - Sanddancer 10y ago
    I used Ham Study when i got my license. It's free, and pretty useful in terms of the questions and making flash cards and practice tests. https://hamstudy.org/ https://hamstudy.org/
- wepple 10y ago
  I'm actually also very intrigued as to how ARRL seem to wield so much influence. Don't get me wrong, I'm currently studying to get my technician license and think it's great, but the privileges and allowances given to hams seems to be fairly out of sync with the benefits in many ways. Coming into it as a newbie, I noticed there was a bit of a reputation for it being predominantly old white guys having a bit of a chat and a fair bit of a whinge on the airwaves. I'd like to say I haven't seen that myself, but can't.
  - superuser2 10y ago
    The allowances made for hackers and amateurs in both radio and aviation are pretty incredible. If either of those things were invented today, there's no way the amateur radio or private pilot licensing programs would exist. Food for thought. We have these programs because the hacker/maker/tinkerer community was at one point pretty good at lobbying. We'll lose them if we don't keep up.
  - pmoriarty 10y ago
    They don't really have that much influence, which is why so much government-owned bandwidth has been sold off to commercial interests, instead of being given to hams. However, the government does recognize, to a certain extent, the importance of amateur radio -- particularly, these days, for emergency communication (which is the main reason for this bill that's mentioned in the article). Some hams are disappointed that other aspects of the hobby are underappreciated and emergency communications are becoming the main reason for the existence of ham radio, but that's the way it is. And if it wasn't for the emergency services provided by hams, this law would probably not have passed.
  - mcbits 10y ago
    Amateur radio has a role as kind of a communications militia that can be called up in times of emergency, and the ARRL happens to be the most influential voice in that community. Aside from the chit-chat and banter, hams regularly take part in emergency drills, trying to locate and contact faint signals, setting up infrastructure to extend the reach of communications, etc.
  - beachstartup 10y ago
- sandworm101 10y ago
  Software Defined Radio (SRD). You now no longer need racks of equipment in a dedicated shed. A laptop and a 20$ dongle can now do what once took hundreds of thousands of dollars. The only things that haven't really changed are the antennas, which this law seeks to address. The physics haven't changed, but there is a growing movement that fears any antenna as a source of, for lack of a better term, bad energies. Even a passive antenna only used to listen to FM radio can catch the ire of those who fear EM waves. This law is a bit of a bulwark against that movement.
  - hatsunearu 10y ago
    You still need a good antenna to do any sort of HF work.
  - pmoriarty 10y ago
    "there is a growing movement that fears any antenna as a source of, for lack of a better term, bad energies. Even a passive antenna only used to listen to FM radio can catch the ire of those who fear EM waves. This law is a bit of a bulwark against that movement." A lot of opposition to outdoor antennas is from people who just think they're ugly.
    - sandworm101 10y ago
      Aesthetics were also an issue 20 years ago (wow, I'm old) in 1996 resulting in the FCC adopting OTARD rules to prevent HOAs from restricting the newer/smaller satellite dishes. If so for DirectTV dishes, so too for ham. https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule "The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna. The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes." OTARD = Over The Air Reception Devices
- M_Grey 10y ago
  I don't think it ever went away; it's been a pretty stable hobby for a long time now.
- diego898 10y ago
  I just got my Technicians license. The process was very simple. A local club had a class [1] after which I took my now free license exam! To study, I browsed the manual[2] and did a bit of quizing on Ham Study[3]. Really though, the class right before was the most helpful, as I could keep many of the rules in mind right before the test. Let me know if you have any other questions! [1] http://www.jsg.org/sandiegohamclasses/San_Diego_Amateur_Radio_Classes/Home.html http://www.jsg.org/sandiegohamclasses/San_Diego_Amateur_Radi... [2] https://amazon.com/dp/1625950136/ https://amazon.com/dp/1625950136/ [3] https://hamstudy.org/ https://hamstudy.org/
- Tunecrew 10y ago
  I got my FCC Amateur Extra Class license about a year ago - went from nothing to that, but I'm an EE so the technical part wasn't difficult - just had to cram for the regulations and best practices and stuff. I got the ARRL study books for each class - Technician, General, Amateur Extra then did the online practice exams on the ARRL website.
- mesh 10y ago
  Yes, due in part to the rise of the maker movement and interest in electronics.
- nullc 10y ago
  In the US to obtain a license you take a written test. There are no more morse code requirements like there used to be. In most built up areas there are tests multiple times a month, administered by volunteer examiners. In a few places the tests are free, most places you pay a fairly nominal amount (like $15). You show up, show ID, take the test, and learn if you pass on site. Your paperwork is sent to the FCC and tada (your address shows up in a public license database). There three levels of licensing: technician then general then extra. Tech gives you all permissions for VHF and above, if you are only interested in VHF+ then a tech license is all you need. To transmit on HF (shortwave, which is not limited to line of sight) you will need at least general. Extra adds access to a few small reserved segments and the ability to request a vanity callsign. Assuming you want to do the study, it's possible to take and pass all three levels at one event (usually this will only cost the single fee, if any fee is charged). The tests are multiple choice and drawn from public question pools, so study is fairly easy. Several people have put up data files for flashcard programs. If you know a bit about radio and apply some common sense, you can probably pass the technician test cold or get very close to it. You can try the tests online: http://www.eham.net/exams/ http://www.eham.net/exams/ Standard procedure is to take the online tests until you reliably pass whatever test segments you'd like to try.. then go take it. I would strongly recommend trying for general+tech, even if you only plan on using tech-- it's not much harder to do general as well and you get access to a lot more spectrum that way.
  - dmoy 10y ago
    Wait is the drop of morse requirement only for tech or for anything up to extra as well? Last time I started to teach myself morse, it did not go over... well... at home.
    - Tempest1981 10y ago
      It is no longer required for any class (Tech, General, Extra). BTW, it's cooler if you capitalize Morse, as a hat tip to Samuel Morse. Just like Mr. Hertz/Hz.
      - deleted 10y ago
- Animats 10y ago
  Just go to the site of the American Radiator Delay League.[1] [1] http://www.arrl.org http://www.arrl.org
- rmason 10y ago
  You can find everything your need at arrl.org to get licensed. Also recommend getting involved with a local club, they're sort of like a user group but for amateur radio. http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club Ham radio is a very diverse hobby. Some hams just love to build gear, others explore tech frontiers, some are all about public service (storm spotters or event communication), others are competitive communicating against each other in contests and some are social and just like to chat with others. A club will usually have all types and in time you will be drawn to one specialty.
mtreis86 10y ago
If I am reading the bill correctly, this effectively prevents HOA's from forcing antennas to be taken down?
- themartorana 10y ago
  I've always found those restrictions interesting. No satellite dishes, no antennas, etc. If these antennas get a pass, does the satellite TV industry immediately lobby for similar treatment?
  - techsupporter 10y ago
    Mini dish satellite systems (and OTA antennas) already have that rule: https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule
Tempest1981 10y ago
The proposed law still says "non-intrusive antennas" -- I wonder who defines that. (I didn't read the bill.) It passed the House by a voice vote. Does that imply smooth sailing through the Senate?
Overtonwindow 10y ago
Finally!!! I support this.
Animats 10y ago
Hams already had the right to put up antennae despite local ordnances. Federal law preempts local law on this. This new bill just extends that to planned unit developments with private covenants and restrictions. But really, who puts up HF towers and beams any more?
- jimhefferon 10y ago
  > who puts up HF towers and beams any more? Physics doesn't change. If you want to hear better, and to be better heard, a high-quality antenna is your first go-to.
AstroJetson 10y ago
This is to give hams some leverage over HOA/COA to be allowed to put up antennas. This will also help with some communities that have not allowed antennas, even with the FCC coverage. It's a huge expense / pain to go to lots of zoning hearings. Lots of hams put up HF towers and beams now days. On the other hand lots of hams also use hidden antennas or something like a vertical that's not as obtrusive. The ability to put up something that's small or not obtrusive is a big win for people living in HOA's. The existing ham base is excited for two reason, one it gives new hams the chance to put antennas up. The other is as hams move into retirement communities that have a HOA/COA they can still be part of the hobby. The ARRL is amazing, it's not "just a hobby" to them. They have been working on this for years and they have been very diligent about keeping on top of this. As a ham, I've helped by sending letters to my congress people. Someone mentioned frequency assignments, the ARRL guards ours like a mother bear watching cubs. They have successfully fought off multiple attempts across decades. We have also gotten some new band access, those efforts have been appreciated. While the vote passed by a voice vote in the House, the Senate isn't a done deal. It would be possible for an amendment to be added that will kill it off. If you are a ham send a letter/email to your Senator, we can still use all the help we can muster.
hyperpallium 10y ago
> Hurricane Sandy brought down the power grid, and “we saw all the advanced communications we take for granted…completely fall by the wayside.” Ham radio volunteers provided real-time communication in the storm’s wake This will sound so alarmist, but ham radio would also be useful if someone took down the internet https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12491084 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12491084

100 points by AstroJetson 10y ago

Is there a Ham radio comeback happening right now? I'm hearing about it more and more. Can anyone recommend a post or series of posts about the process of obtaining the license?

LeoPanthera 10y ago
US: http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed UK: http://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/foundation/ http://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/foundation/
platz 10y ago
Might be interesting after getting something like a transmit capable SDR like the LimeSDR
electricEmu 10y ago
I don't know, but I was quite surprised to see more than 30 people in a weekend HAM class.
AstroJetson 10y ago
It's about to get bigger because of Hams being able to put up antennas in places that now have deed restrictions. On getting a license, you no longer need to know Morse code, about 20% of the questions are easy safety questions. Do a search for a local ham radio club, lots of them run a 3 hour license class. At the end you take the test and 99% pass.
- pmoriarty 10y ago
  I don't think most people that enter the hobby get a license that would grant them access to bands on which the lack of an outdoor antenna is a hinderance. They usually get a technician license, which gives them access to the 2-meter band, and that can be accessed from a hand-held radio with a built-in, tiny antenna. So, really, I don't think this law will result in any significant growth in the hobby. The people who will benefit from it will be the more advanced hams (of which there are a lot fewer), and the people they serve.
  - AstroJetson 10y ago
    Local hams are working on a dual 2.4 and 5mhz mesh network. From inside the house, I can't get to anyone. With an antenna @ 10 above the roofline, I can get to 2 of them. Likewise, I can hit one repeater very well and two others with some noise. Same 10' above the roof! I can get to about 10 with full copy. Both are cases of tech level license access. I'm an Extra, seldom use HF, but want the rule to give me better VHF/UHF access.
  - tzs 10y ago
    Technicians also get 6 meters, and SSB/RTTY/data on 10 meters, so might have use for for an outdoor antenna. (And if they learn Morse code, they have CW access on 15, 40, and 80 meters).
wepple 10y ago
I'm currently going thru the process. It seems quite simple, buy the book[1], sign up for a $15 exam, do a bit of study (there's a test quiz trainer app on iOS), and you should be good. [1]https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/1625950136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474221676&sr=8-1&keywords=arrl+technician https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/1625...
- pmoriarty 10y ago
  Some people don't even study, and guess their way through the technician (lowest level) license exam. It's that easy.
- Sanddancer 10y ago
  I used Ham Study when i got my license. It's free, and pretty useful in terms of the questions and making flash cards and practice tests. https://hamstudy.org/ https://hamstudy.org/
wepple 10y ago
I'm actually also very intrigued as to how ARRL seem to wield so much influence. Don't get me wrong, I'm currently studying to get my technician license and think it's great, but the privileges and allowances given to hams seems to be fairly out of sync with the benefits in many ways. Coming into it as a newbie, I noticed there was a bit of a reputation for it being predominantly old white guys having a bit of a chat and a fair bit of a whinge on the airwaves. I'd like to say I haven't seen that myself, but can't.
- superuser2 10y ago
  The allowances made for hackers and amateurs in both radio and aviation are pretty incredible. If either of those things were invented today, there's no way the amateur radio or private pilot licensing programs would exist. Food for thought. We have these programs because the hacker/maker/tinkerer community was at one point pretty good at lobbying. We'll lose them if we don't keep up.
- pmoriarty 10y ago
  They don't really have that much influence, which is why so much government-owned bandwidth has been sold off to commercial interests, instead of being given to hams. However, the government does recognize, to a certain extent, the importance of amateur radio -- particularly, these days, for emergency communication (which is the main reason for this bill that's mentioned in the article). Some hams are disappointed that other aspects of the hobby are underappreciated and emergency communications are becoming the main reason for the existence of ham radio, but that's the way it is. And if it wasn't for the emergency services provided by hams, this law would probably not have passed.
- mcbits 10y ago
  Amateur radio has a role as kind of a communications militia that can be called up in times of emergency, and the ARRL happens to be the most influential voice in that community. Aside from the chit-chat and banter, hams regularly take part in emergency drills, trying to locate and contact faint signals, setting up infrastructure to extend the reach of communications, etc.
- beachstartup 10y ago
sandworm101 10y ago
Software Defined Radio (SRD). You now no longer need racks of equipment in a dedicated shed. A laptop and a 20$ dongle can now do what once took hundreds of thousands of dollars. The only things that haven't really changed are the antennas, which this law seeks to address. The physics haven't changed, but there is a growing movement that fears any antenna as a source of, for lack of a better term, bad energies. Even a passive antenna only used to listen to FM radio can catch the ire of those who fear EM waves. This law is a bit of a bulwark against that movement.
- hatsunearu 10y ago
  You still need a good antenna to do any sort of HF work.
- pmoriarty 10y ago
  "there is a growing movement that fears any antenna as a source of, for lack of a better term, bad energies. Even a passive antenna only used to listen to FM radio can catch the ire of those who fear EM waves. This law is a bit of a bulwark against that movement." A lot of opposition to outdoor antennas is from people who just think they're ugly.
  - sandworm101 10y ago
    Aesthetics were also an issue 20 years ago (wow, I'm old) in 1996 resulting in the FCC adopting OTARD rules to prevent HOAs from restricting the newer/smaller satellite dishes. If so for DirectTV dishes, so too for ham. https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule "The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna. The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes." OTARD = Over The Air Reception Devices
M_Grey 10y ago
I don't think it ever went away; it's been a pretty stable hobby for a long time now.
diego898 10y ago
I just got my Technicians license. The process was very simple. A local club had a class [1] after which I took my now free license exam! To study, I browsed the manual[2] and did a bit of quizing on Ham Study[3]. Really though, the class right before was the most helpful, as I could keep many of the rules in mind right before the test. Let me know if you have any other questions! [1] http://www.jsg.org/sandiegohamclasses/San_Diego_Amateur_Radio_Classes/Home.html http://www.jsg.org/sandiegohamclasses/San_Diego_Amateur_Radi... [2] https://amazon.com/dp/1625950136/ https://amazon.com/dp/1625950136/ [3] https://hamstudy.org/ https://hamstudy.org/
Tunecrew 10y ago
I got my FCC Amateur Extra Class license about a year ago - went from nothing to that, but I'm an EE so the technical part wasn't difficult - just had to cram for the regulations and best practices and stuff. I got the ARRL study books for each class - Technician, General, Amateur Extra then did the online practice exams on the ARRL website.
mesh 10y ago
Yes, due in part to the rise of the maker movement and interest in electronics.
nullc 10y ago
In the US to obtain a license you take a written test. There are no more morse code requirements like there used to be. In most built up areas there are tests multiple times a month, administered by volunteer examiners. In a few places the tests are free, most places you pay a fairly nominal amount (like $15). You show up, show ID, take the test, and learn if you pass on site. Your paperwork is sent to the FCC and tada (your address shows up in a public license database). There three levels of licensing: technician then general then extra. Tech gives you all permissions for VHF and above, if you are only interested in VHF+ then a tech license is all you need. To transmit on HF (shortwave, which is not limited to line of sight) you will need at least general. Extra adds access to a few small reserved segments and the ability to request a vanity callsign. Assuming you want to do the study, it's possible to take and pass all three levels at one event (usually this will only cost the single fee, if any fee is charged). The tests are multiple choice and drawn from public question pools, so study is fairly easy. Several people have put up data files for flashcard programs. If you know a bit about radio and apply some common sense, you can probably pass the technician test cold or get very close to it. You can try the tests online: http://www.eham.net/exams/ http://www.eham.net/exams/ Standard procedure is to take the online tests until you reliably pass whatever test segments you'd like to try.. then go take it. I would strongly recommend trying for general+tech, even if you only plan on using tech-- it's not much harder to do general as well and you get access to a lot more spectrum that way.
- dmoy 10y ago
  Wait is the drop of morse requirement only for tech or for anything up to extra as well? Last time I started to teach myself morse, it did not go over... well... at home.
  - Tempest1981 10y ago
    It is no longer required for any class (Tech, General, Extra). BTW, it's cooler if you capitalize Morse, as a hat tip to Samuel Morse. Just like Mr. Hertz/Hz.
    - deleted 10y ago
Animats 10y ago
Just go to the site of the American Radiator Delay League.[1] [1] http://www.arrl.org http://www.arrl.org
rmason 10y ago
You can find everything your need at arrl.org to get licensed. Also recommend getting involved with a local club, they're sort of like a user group but for amateur radio. http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club Ham radio is a very diverse hobby. Some hams just love to build gear, others explore tech frontiers, some are all about public service (storm spotters or event communication), others are competitive communicating against each other in contests and some are social and just like to chat with others. A club will usually have all types and in time you will be drawn to one specialty.

mtreis86 10y ago

If I am reading the bill correctly, this effectively prevents HOA's from forcing antennas to be taken down?

themartorana 10y ago
I've always found those restrictions interesting. No satellite dishes, no antennas, etc. If these antennas get a pass, does the satellite TV industry immediately lobby for similar treatment?
- techsupporter 10y ago
  Mini dish satellite systems (and OTA antennas) already have that rule: https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule

Tempest1981 10y ago

The proposed law still says "non-intrusive antennas" -- I wonder who defines that. (I didn't read the bill.) It passed the House by a voice vote. Does that imply smooth sailing through the Senate?

Overtonwindow 10y ago

Finally!!! I support this.

Animats 10y ago

Hams already had the right to put up antennae despite local ordnances. Federal law preempts local law on this. This new bill just extends that to planned unit developments with private covenants and restrictions. But really, who puts up HF towers and beams any more?

jimhefferon 10y ago
> who puts up HF towers and beams any more? Physics doesn't change. If you want to hear better, and to be better heard, a high-quality antenna is your first go-to.

AstroJetson 10y ago

This is to give hams some leverage over HOA/COA to be allowed to put up antennas. This will also help with some communities that have not allowed antennas, even with the FCC coverage. It's a huge expense / pain to go to lots of zoning hearings. Lots of hams put up HF towers and beams now days. On the other hand lots of hams also use hidden antennas or something like a vertical that's not as obtrusive. The ability to put up something that's small or not obtrusive is a big win for people living in HOA's. The existing ham base is excited for two reason, one it gives new hams the chance to put antennas up. The other is as hams move into retirement communities that have a HOA/COA they can still be part of the hobby. The ARRL is amazing, it's not "just a hobby" to them. They have been working on this for years and they have been very diligent about keeping on top of this. As a ham, I've helped by sending letters to my congress people. Someone mentioned frequency assignments, the ARRL guards ours like a mother bear watching cubs. They have successfully fought off multiple attempts across decades. We have also gotten some new band access, those efforts have been appreciated. While the vote passed by a voice vote in the House, the Senate isn't a done deal. It would be possible for an amendment to be added that will kill it off. If you are a ham send a letter/email to your Senator, we can still use all the help we can muster.

hyperpallium 10y ago

> Hurricane Sandy brought down the power grid, and “we saw all the advanced communications we take for granted…completely fall by the wayside.” Ham radio volunteers provided real-time communication in the storm’s wake This will sound so alarmist, but ham radio would also be useful if someone took down the internet https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12491084 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12491084