You holier than thou guys just crack me up.
It's ok to covert a ham radio to talk on 11meter but not the other way.
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Yes, it IS! That's because the amateurs
generally follow the law, and because they DO test on their technical AND regulatory knowledge, they are expected to toe to a higher standard. In fact, there are GOOD, solid, and LEGAL reasons to modify amateur equipment.
1). To take advantage of the 60 Meter band that does not come already enabled. LEGAL
2) To participate in Army, Navy/Marine Corps & USAF MARS. LEGAL with authorization from State MARS & and National MARS HQ.
3) To participate in FEMA and other agencies"
HF communications on designated
HF frequencies. LEGAL with authorization and proof of NTIA compliant equipment from designated authority.
4) To participate in Homeland Security exercises, military and shared traffic nets Appointment and authorization from the correct military agency.
5) To assist in emergency operations requiring operations on a wide variety of
HF frequencies--many of whom are not widely known nor are permitted to be shared with others due to Operational Security restrictions. (See #4)
6) To participate in specific communications activities of both civilian and military agencies as needed--some of which
FCC has
absolutely no sayso in!
(See above # 4 & 5 7) Because such modifications are encouraged by the agencies who receive assistance from mature, dedicated amateurs and communications volunteers who are serious, semi-professional communicators that can be counted on in a pinch when the ball drops.
Even though the Lic. required to run a ham radio is easy to get.
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TOO easy. Has nothing to do with elitism, but with technical and operational standards.
I bet a lot of you were crying when the Morse code restriction was lifted. HaHaHa.

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I didn't have to wait because *I* couldn't master it back in the 80's.
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Then your ecstatic about someone getting fined. I'm sure you guys run 10 meter radios in your personal vehicle.