it isn't like they caught those guys in the middle of a key up and the FCC came running in with their field strength meters and said "A-HA, caught ya red handed!"
'
I do not mean to be bagging on you, but this is not true.
Once you have gained enough attention to get them to move on you, they damn sure will not show up empty handed.
If the FCC sends field agents to your area looking for you, rest assured that the have located you and have listened to you.
I have personally observed FCC agents in action during an enforcement investigation, this was a joint effort with them, the Sheriff`s office and some local amateurs and CB radio guys in the area to get a real dickhead off of air.
In fact, the local CB club asked for help getting this guy off the air....yes he was that bad.
Here is another case, Search the forum for " Ira Jones" a rouge CB radio operator in Merced,CA that uses the handle "Falcon".
Another real dick head.
I remember back in the 80`s when we had a guy in the middle of town running a rather healthy henry amp, lived 6 blocks from the local police station.
Yes, he was splashing them, and got numerous complaints sent to the FCC about him...however he was a little smarter.
By the time they got to his place, he had a bone stock president washington sitting on his desk.
When asked to inspect his station, he allowed them in and directed them to this radio, coax, and outside to the antenna.
He told me they asked to look in other rooms, he told them NO, this is my CB station, and you can look all you want at it, but nowhere else.
He knew better, they knew, the "authority to inspect" is not a blanket warrant to search the whole house.
(He was also smart enough to sell the amp, and tone it down after that.)
He complied with the inspection...yes he got a warning and a fresh copy of the rules to ofically let him know not to run more than 4 watts, but no enforcement action.
OK, so Yes, we all know how the game is played, but if you are going to follow the letter of the law, it is what it is.
Even the coast guard, and FEMA have bought "export radios" in the past for use.
This was also documented here on the forum.
It has always been this way, even back when we used to swap crystals in our old Johnson radios to get away from the traffic on the regular 23 channels.
But, as 9C1 has said, IF you run the radio on 11 meters and are not a dick about how you operate your station, 9 times out of 10 you will never see them. Do understand that if you are stupid enough to get that attention, yes it is aginst the rules to use the radio on CB unless it has that magic FCC ID plate on the back of the radio.
Now...off the soap box.
There are many on-line study guides to help you work towards your Ham Ticket.
If you enjoy playing radio, it is the only way to go....gives you so much more room to play.
And a lot less to worry about.
The cost is not much, just to cover some the cost of the VE`s to give the test.
You can run up to 1500 watts depending on you class of Lic.
Search online to see if you have a Ham club in your area, that is your best source of info on testing.
73
Jeff
