So
WHY is this "division" there? And it can't even be discussed politely. If the hams object to illegal activity (and most of them vehemently object to illegal operations within their
own ranks, much less that of the 11 Meter outlaws) On the one hand, the CB operators either wink at, agree with, tolerate, or othewise overlook the "extra" channels, the splattering amplifiers, the over-modulation (Swing
), the tampering with and "tuning" of radios that don't NEED "tuning" to start with, and many hams, the upstanding ones, at least, find no NEED for this simply because their rules permit experimentation and the building of equipment so long as it operates within the rules of the Service. Part 95
prohibits ANY tampering with CB radios, and how many people have even READ those rules? Who knows? And, surely, the hams find an unlicensed operator chatting on 10 Meters and report such findings, and they are branded as "uppity", snooty, or "elitists". He is a "snitch", but the same CB operator that just got finished talking illegally on 28.085 AM would dial 911 if he found an intruder in his house and think, "
I am NOT a snitch" for calling the cops! Double standard? You BETCHA!!!! :laugh: We want rules to apply to the OTHER fella, but we want to WINK at them when it suits OUR purpose.
But they are, flawed as they may be in ones OWN opinion, designed to apply to ALL and prevent interference to others.
So, yeah,
some hams DO take the division to extremes, some MOCK (and this is their way of finding relief from an insurmountable problem where illegal equipment and operators create problems for them), It's frustration at seeing tables full of illegal amplifiers at hamfests and so-called "10 Meter 'amateur' Radios" proudly displayed, tables weighted DOWN with illlegal radios that the frustated ham knows will likely either end up ON 10/12 Meters (Bu-bu-bu, Mr. FCC agent I didn't KNOW I couldn't talk on them channels...............................
). To CBers, accustomed to lax rules, or NO rules at all, the hams seem, at the least, too strait-laced or too concerned with "rules" and, it comes off as "uppity" or "snooty". But, in truth, the citizen of the US (and other countries, too) has the SAME privilege of testing and receiving the same privileges granted under the Amateur license, and the RESPONSIBILITY to obey the rules of both services as written, just as he does when driving his car or truck. PART 95, US Code is written for a
common carrier, public service two-way radio outlet with no "hobby" provisions. Thus it has NO leeway for
modifications, or changes to equipment to either enhance distance or "loudness, or to "compete" with Amateur Radio as a "hobby". It just so happens our government has decided not to put a huge amount of money into enforcement of something that shouldn't be causing trouble to start with!
OTH, the Amateur Service rules (Part 97) is where one is SUPPOSED to be exercizing his "hobby" aspirations. The rules are actually pretty lenient, preventing much interference while allowing the operator much freedom in operating his station. And that, too, is cause for frustration for
some hams who see the flaunting of CB rules as unfair to them because they, after all, had to test for their privileges and are held to a higher standard of behavior. It cuts MANY ways, and no matter WHAT we say, both sides will argue.
73
CWM
