My thought also...
To save space, stellarpod; how do the rest of us great unlicensed, best communicate legally? Or does the FCC do much checking up in the mountains? What would a citation be and likelyhood? I've heard of CBr's being tagged for amplifiers (had a friend with one in his truck that could light up a 4 foot flourescent bulb on key up).
I'd go for a new CB if they would work.
Obviously, as a ham operator myself, it would be wrong for me to suggest/condone illegal usage of the equipment. However, there is a clause within FCC regulations that states that ANY piece of communication can be used by ANYBODY if it is used in an emergency where a life-threatening situation is at hand. Clearly, that does not apply to casual communications, but it does legitimize (to some degree) having the equipment on hand should such an emergency present itself.
But, seriously, using such equipment to its utmost potential means having some understanding of its abilities and limits. And this is precisely the kind of info that one gains by studying for and passing the test for the entry level ham radio license, Technician Class, which affords the user access to the very frequencies we're discussing here. (BTW - Morse code is no longer a testing requirement) Testing for these licenses are provided by ARRL-affiliated (
American
Radio
Relay
League) ham radio clubs which are available from time to time in most major cities. A simple Google search should provide plenty of opportunities.
These VHF/UHF radios gain even more range by utilizing repeater stations, which are set up and maintained mostly by local clubs. These repeaters are installed at high elevations and give even a handheld radio substantial range (30-50 miles or more in some cases). But, understanding their availability and the methods necessary to access them are just one example of why the study/licensing process is important.
QUESTION: Why does the government impress and enforce such regulations to begin with? Because without some thoughtful control we would have a disastrous mashup of frequency jams, with everyone doing their own thing and no one really being able to accomplish anything. No Wifi, no cell phones, no dependable electronic communication of any kind really. Furthermore, your other electronic devices could also be subject to interference from rogue users.
NOW... all that being said, anyone can certainly thumb their nose at the authorities and do as they please, regardless of regulations. That is a decision each person has to make for themselves. I'm a libertarian and am not inclined to try to tell people what they should/shouldn't do (within reason). But, I do think there is value in making the effort to get legal where these radios are concerned. Alternatively, one can use the Motorola-type handheld FRS radios (albeit they are limited in power and therefore range) or the age-old CB radio. I own them all.
(EDIT) - Regarding what fines/punishment might be expected? That's kind of a gray area. I know of cases where individuals have been fined $10,000 or more for continuing to broadcast unlicensed. Here is a link to the extremely vague FCC statement on such.
Unauthorized Radio Operation
Steve
