What's new in the ham radio world?? - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

**Rick** · 05-25-2009, 01:01 AM

I haven't been staying current on rules and regs, technology etc. Anything significant over the past few years besides the elimination of Morse code for HF licensing??

**rizzjc** · 05-25-2009, 10:26 AM

Nothing too major. As far as frequency privileges go, here is the latest band allocation chart:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html
If you have a "vanity" callsign, they are raising the rates.

I think the most interesting discussions that have been going on are the PRB-1 laws that many states are adopting, which makes it more difficult for municipalities to limit your antenna installations. This still has not rolled over in any way to covenant communities, unfortunately, but I read something recently about a new bill that's being considered that looks like it MIGHT touch that subject, but I could be wrong.

**Rick** · 05-25-2009, 10:31 AM

That would be great if they could do something about HOAs... Out here it's nearly impossible to find a new home that isn't in a HOA. Our first home had restrictions. I made the most of it though. I had an HF vertical which I painted black and only used at night in "stealth mode"

One day a guy came over to the house and in a very stern voice asked "is that a radio antenna in your backyard". I said "yes it is". He said "GOOD! I'm K7xxx pleased to meet you"

That's interesting stuff about 60 meters. I hadn't heard anything about that. Thanks for the info.

**rizzjc** · 05-25-2009, 08:26 PM

Yeah, I haven't done anything on 60 meters. I guess that got added in 2003 or somewhere around there. I do mostly PSK31 on 20 meters and 40 meters, though I've been getting a little more interested in 30 meters lately. I don't really do any voice operating on HF. Too many distractions around the house.

I live on an HOA community too. I didn't like it, but family rules. Outside the city limits and "planned community" MUST have covenants, so you're pretty much stuck with them. Mine don't disallow antennas, you just have to ask. I have a 40 meter dipole up out back, didn't ask, and haven't had a complaint. Neighbors look up sometimes and say, "Hey, are you a ham?" - "Yeah." - "Cool." And that's the end of that. I want to put up another, oriented perpendicular to this one, and am also thinking about hiding a vertical somewhere back there. Plenty of space with 2 acres, but mostly open. We have a great local club which has helped me out a lot.

05-25-2009, 01:01 AM	#1
Rick Admin Pumpkin Pilot Wayoutin, Aridzona '93 XL Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 21,630 Vehicle Specs	What's new in the ham radio world?? I haven't been staying current on rules and regs, technology etc. Anything significant over the past few years besides the elimination of Morse code for HF licensing?? __________________ Rick Horwitz, AB7FH "Serious Exploration's" Admin Rick's '93/'98 Explorer Dodge Dart 512 Resto/Race 2004 Mustang Mach 1 2003 Dodge Ram/Cummins Dually

05-25-2009, 10:26 AM	#2
rizzjc Scubajoe - Radio Mod Garner, NC '97 AWD V8 XLT Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,817 Vehicle Specs	Nothing too major. As far as frequency privileges go, here is the latest band allocation chart: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html If you have a "vanity" callsign, they are raising the rates. I think the most interesting discussions that have been going on are the PRB-1 laws that many states are adopting, which makes it more difficult for municipalities to limit your antenna installations. This still has not rolled over in any way to covenant communities, unfortunately, but I read something recently about a new bill that's being considered that looks like it MIGHT touch that subject, but I could be wrong. __________________ *Joe, N1LVN* '97 XLT AWD V8 STOCK Amsoil Synthetics throughout. Amsoil Ea air filter. Bilsteins. Scanguage. Search ExplorerForum

05-25-2009, 10:31 AM	#3
Rick Admin Pumpkin Pilot Wayoutin, Aridzona '93 XL Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 21,630 Vehicle Specs	That would be great if they could do something about HOAs... Out here it's nearly impossible to find a new home that isn't in a HOA. Our first home had restrictions. I made the most of it though. I had an HF vertical which I painted black and only used at night in "stealth mode" One day a guy came over to the house and in a very stern voice asked "is that a radio antenna in your backyard". I said "yes it is". He said "GOOD! I'm K7xxx pleased to meet you" That's interesting stuff about 60 meters. I hadn't heard anything about that. Thanks for the info. __________________ Rick Horwitz, AB7FH "Serious Exploration's" Admin Rick's '93/'98 Explorer Dodge Dart 512 Resto/Race 2004 Mustang Mach 1 2003 Dodge Ram/Cummins Dually

05-25-2009, 08:26 PM	#4
rizzjc Scubajoe - Radio Mod Garner, NC '97 AWD V8 XLT Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,817 Vehicle Specs	Yeah, I haven't done anything on 60 meters. I guess that got added in 2003 or somewhere around there. I do mostly PSK31 on 20 meters and 40 meters, though I've been getting a little more interested in 30 meters lately. I don't really do any voice operating on HF. Too many distractions around the house. I live on an HOA community too. I didn't like it, but family rules. Outside the city limits and "planned community" MUST have covenants, so you're pretty much stuck with them. Mine don't disallow antennas, you just have to ask. I have a 40 meter dipole up out back, didn't ask, and haven't had a complaint. Neighbors look up sometimes and say, "Hey, are you a ham?" - "Yeah." - "Cool." And that's the end of that. I want to put up another, oriented perpendicular to this one, and am also thinking about hiding a vertical somewhere back there. Plenty of space with 2 acres, but mostly open. We have a great local club which has helped me out a lot. __________________ *Joe, N1LVN* '97 XLT AWD V8 STOCK Amsoil Synthetics throughout. Amsoil Ea air filter. Bilsteins. Scanguage. Search ExplorerForum