$18000 Fine for Harmful Interference and Lack of Responsiveness 

Talking to an FCC officer might make an interesting video.

The guy f**ked up, badly. The neighbors should sue the neighbor for Harassment.

Im as fed up with feds as anyone but this guy was a menace. The enemy of your enemy is NOT your friend.

They will take it out of tax refunds. The government has a very good record of collecting fines.

This reminds me of my younger days. There was a CB operator over a blick away with a directional antenna. When this operator pointed towards my house, and turned on his power booster, we could hear his side of the conversation over the TV and other electronics. And our TV was connected to cable. No antenna. Figure his signal was so strong, it bled through the shielding being used by the cable company...

As both a CBer and a Ham, I glad that the FCC is cracking down on the band abuse that runs rampant on the CB band. This type of abuse will, eventually, reflect on all radio operators.

Bottom line; This cat was given every chance in the world to turn his illegal linear amplifier off, which he stiff-armed. If I were in charge, I’d send him to Leavenworth. Anybody that has a little bit of RF experience could see through this.

When I was big into CB for 25 years, I would talk to my neighbor(s) who were getting interference from my station and buy them the appropriate filters for their equipment. After I grounded EVERYTHING on my station and got my SWRs close to 1:1, I had no more issues.

FCC has always had the authority to inspect station equipment and records. It has the authority to impose "quiet hours" on violators causing interference. This was seldom done except in cases where the operator was uncooperative in trying to solve the problem. If FCC has a concern and contacts you, do not ignore them. Like with all aspects of our hobby, be polite, be respectful and be cooperative. Play by the rules and you won't have a problem. Extra class and ham since 1961.

No the person isnt required to allow a government agency inside a home without a warrant. I don't mind someone having fun with a radio and running excessive power. I am not a ham operator that gets bent out of shape if someone doesn't follow the rules.. but if you get a warning letter from the FCC, you comply. All the FCC asked for was an inspection of his radio equipment. He could have swapped out his illegal equipment for legal equipment. Called the FCC to inspect and the case will be closed. The people these days who get fined deserved to be fined by ignoring several warning letters.

As an licensed Amateur Operator for over 45 years. Warrant or not they can come and inspect the 'station'. This will usually only happen if there have been complaints of interference. Since the change to digital TV in 2009, most TV sets are immune to interference because most full power Over The Air TV broadcasters changed to UHF channels. Since that change and consumers acquiring TV from cable, satellite or, internet the interference problems have really gone down. If you read the fine print on most other consumer electronics, those devices must accept interference without any repercussions.

It's your door you don't have to answer it. It's my phone and I don't have to answer it.

Look as *that guy* back in the late 90's with my Ameritron AL-811H on 11m, I understand why his neighbors weren't happy. My setup was spewing interference up to a block away over peoples phones (landlines and cordless), TV's, stereos and radios. First letter I received was for spurious transmissions, all of my equipment was grounded and choked. Which is exactly why I received a Cease and Desist from the FCC next, and immediately stopped using the amp. If you're *that guy* and your transmissions are coming through the speaker on someones alarm clock next to their bed at 3am while they're trying to sleep...well I got news for ya, Uncle Charlie will be in touch with you. They never sent me an "hours of operations" restriction though. This is the first I've ever heard of such a thing. 10:30 4 watts RMS is legal limit on 11m. That commenter was referring to actually broadcasting at 0.5w on the 88.0MHz to 108.0MHz FM radio band. I'm not sure about the AM radio band. Speaking of the FM music band, at that time I lived about a mile away from a major FM station here in the Detroit area. I could here their broadcast over my house phones constantly, my neighbors could as well. I reported it on multiple occasions and nothing ever came of it. Also the touch lamp...omg. I had a 200w amp in my car. I would take my gf over to her grandmas house and was keying up in the driveway one night. I saw a lamp in the living room window doing exactly that. GF came out of the house and told me to stop because this poor old lady was freaking out because she thought her house was haunted.

I say that you don't have to answer the door but you do have to respond to a letter from the FCC. Also, the 4th amendment doesn't forbid all searches of your house. It only forbids 'unreasonable' searches. If the FCC has measured harmful radio signals coming from inside your house then they have probable cause to search the house and seize the offending equipment whether have a license or not. Seems like the real question is how much 'harm' is necessary to justify just a fine vs kicking down the door.

It sounds like the time restrictions were imposed in lew of scheduling the appointment for inspection. Neighbors rights are as important as anyone's, right? I'm you can't have your cake and eat it too "my rights my rights" and "screw the neighbors" it just doesn't work that way in the adult world. In little kids world, well you know.

I knew a CB operator who lived next to a church and was coming in on their sound equipment. The FCC came in and inspected his station. The FCC ended up setting times when the CB operator couldn't be on the air to prevent the interference. Definitely not unheard of... de K4DRE

Simple advice. When you get the letter get a lawyer that specializes in issues with the FCC.

The government can go to court and have your wages garnished. Government agencies can also in many cases direct the IRS to send your return to that agencies and not to you.

The 4th Amendment includes the words, "against 'unreasonable' searches." This would be an entirely reasonable search, and likely the seizure of a kW-level amp in illegal operation.

This is from the FCC part 97 and does apply to CB operators § 97.121 Restricted operation. (a) If the operation of an amateur station causes general interference to the reception of transmissions from stations operating in the domestic broadcast service when receivers of good engineering design, including adequate selectivity characteristics, are used to receive such transmissions, and this fact is made known to the amateur station licensee, the amateur station shall not be operated during the hours from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., local time, and on Sunday for the additional period from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., local time, upon the frequency or frequencies used when the interference is created. (b) In general, such steps as may be necessary to minimize interference to stations operating in other services may be required after investigation by the FCC. -- In other words If you (Ham or CBr) are interfering with someone's TV and there is nothing wrong with their TV and receiving/Antenna system and nothing wrong with your radio(s) then a time limit can be imposed . Because the FCC wasn't able in to inspect the CB station they had to assume it is legal and in good working order.

Many years ago in the 1950's my brother had his general license and did mostly CW. Our next door neigbor sent his daughter to tell us to not have my brother operate because it was interfering with his tv. the kicker was my brother had not been home for a whole month and away at college. TV's back then had poor rejection of QRM. another story of when I was in Florida in the 1970's that if you operated 6 meters you would get a WAN award, (Worked All Neighbor's ____WAN).

I deal with certain brands of cars that will not start in certain areas, particularly a area of a parking lot at a mall, cars towed from there often. Crazy intermittent interference..

If the FCC really wanted to inspect they could have just got a warrant. The one receiving interference it states that every device shall receive interference and shall not create interference. So the fcc really needs to clarify this .

A lot of AM broadcast stations (the ones that aren't clear channels) actually can't broadcast at sundown - so it's something that happens.

If you suspect a crime iin progress, and you don't have any reason to expect evidence will be destroyed or someone will be injured, get a warrant. They had PLENTY of time to get one, they could have, they didn't. then they penalized him for not allowing them to search their home. Until they have the warrant, they have not provided any evidence a crime has been committed therefore it is reasonable to assume there is no evidence. Anyone that says, the police wouldn't be here if they didn't have evidence of a crime, is incorrect, they often show up to find evidence. If you can penalize them for maintaining their 4th amendment rights, they they are not rights. Being arrested is functionally the same as a fine, it is a legal punishment for not waiving your rights. They don't have to be a Jerk, they can come back and say "Sir, we have a warrant to inspect your equipment." If they STILL refuse, then you have the right to fine/enter the home regardless and due process and their rights have both been maintained. If someone wants to come in and inspect my house because my CB is causing an issue. I'd ask them to get that warrant, leave me a copy of it, and I will make arrangements for them to inspect my equipment. Then I know they actually had evidence and were not just fishing.

In the USA you are NOT required to answer the door.

Based upon what was in the article alone, in my opinion, the guy was running a linear amp. A five watt CB isn't going to cause the interference as described by his neighbors. The second harmonic of 27Mhz is 54Mhz (TV Channel 2) and third is 108Mhz (FM band and the beginning of the aircraft band.) If you are cranking out power and your linear is splattering, it will cause interference. The FCC can impose operating restrictions on hams, CBers, etc until they inspect the equipment. 97.121 Restricted operation.

Unless the FCC issues some sort of Lien, against his property. There is no way to ever know, that they issued a fine! Thus NOT affecting a person's ability to get a home loan! (From a Professional, Land Title Abstractor's view! (Me))

is HE GOING TO BE ON NO FLY LIST? OR ABLE TO BUY A FIREARM?

broadcast verb: transmit (a program or some information) by radio or television. noun: a radio or television program or transmission. adjective: relating to radio or television transmission. 😉 Great episode.

As to denial of a ham radio license or a renewal, I can think of two. Actually, three. Look up cases involving Glen Baxter K1MAN, Herb Schoenbaum (sp?) KV4FZ, and Richard Burton, WB6JAC. Herb was denied renewal, as I recall, over something to do with telephone fraud or something. Glen is pretty infamous for his longtime broadcasts, and his license was not routinely renewed, though he continued to operate on its status pending final disposition until his death. As to Richard, I was never clear on what his offense was, but he made Newsline in, I think, the early 90s for passing a ham radio exam after not having a license for a long time, then having said license pulled shortly after. He was somehow affiliated with the also infamous 147.435 machine in the Los Angeles area.

Does this mean I'm not supposed to be blasting my favorite tunes over the CB nonstop whenever I'm driving my boogie van around town, on random channels that get changed every 2 or 3 songs? The CB came with the van, and I figure some good tunes over the airwaves is always a good thing... besides, who or how could a person be caught when the antenna is laying across the top of the roof, unseen unless yur high enuff to see it up there...

Part15 broadcast is a thing. This is the rule based on which we have small fm transmitters that you can buy in cars or some small open area movies

I had a similar experience with an actual ham operator intentionally causing RFI. He lived directly across the street from me. I ran several HF nets at that time and had to stop because of it. I wasn't the only one he interfered with either. Another ham 3 blocks away and another half a mile away. FCC did nothing until we had an RFI hunter come and pinpoint the antenna the RFI was coming from. He got numerous letters afterwards from the FCC. They came and got the same results as the RFI hunter. Needless to say, all 3 of us ended up moving out of that town due to other reasons but still. It's not only cb operators that cause RFI. Hams do it as well, intentionally. 73's

The FCC Handled it properly by sending notice first. To show up out the blue and demand inspection short of the person endangering life or limb would be un gentleman like.

he was probably using CB with amplifier or modified Ham HF for CB frequency. I don't think 4 watts carrier would cause a such problem. AG6JU

Surprised one of the neighbors didn't put a chain on a bumper and reorient the tower to a horizontal position. Clearly, he went out of his way to be a problem for an extended period of time.

In the late 1960's through the late 1980's there was CB & 2 Way Radio interference in at My Family's old house from passing cars mostly. We had a stock 4 watt am CB that would cause trouble with the next door neighbors TV at night & he would complain. But back in the day kids had cheap CB HT's at 100 M.W. that did the same thing. Car or Motorcycles or lawn mowers would also do the same thing! How about that 1968 VW Bug 4 houses down you could hear on the TV when ever they left or came back home! In the 1970's & 80's they d sold an inline filter for T.V.I.

Other people cannot infringe on your rights. They can break laws but not infringe on your rights. Im all for imposing fines for breaking the law but to argue that your neighbor infringed on your rights is a step too far. You are protected from the government infringing on your rights not protected from your neighbors.

Back in the day i got sewing needled someone pushed a sewing needle into my coax and clipped the end flush with wire nips

I like watching these videos..I was a 11M Guy for 35+ Years & I get a good Chuckle when i hear things like Illegal cb 4-5w or 20-30w it is just amusing to me as it is really common for most to be running an average of 2kw Almost Every one i Know other than maybe 1 person Runs More Than 2kw & to be Perfectly Honest & Blunt 75KW-100kw is Not Un Heard Of Now Days Mater of Fact 2 Cars was having what we call a shoot out the other day & Just between them 2 cars was Running North Of 250,000W & Even a long time ago When i Was into 11m 8-10 years ago Long before i got my armature Radio License ! I Could Tell Some Stories From All The Amps Ive Saw & may or may not have used 5kw isn't even that rare in the cb world ! O I am Pretty Sure The Max Power is 12W now Days Legally That Is..I Always Ran Xport Radios past my second radio i ever had

Anyone has the right to do what they think is best in that type of situation. Me personally, I would let them in. I don't have a CB, I don't run HF, and I only have 4 radios. There isn't much to look at. Shouldn't take very long at all. They leave, I'm cleared, happy ham shack.

The Communications Act of 1934 gives the FCC broad, hard regulatory power over the radio spectrum and communications in general. RF is a shared resource, much like public roads or land, and when you use it you are agreeing to abide by the rules and license terms dictated by the FCC, like it or not. That license may be with the person, like our Ham Radio licenses, or with the equipment as with FRS or CB equipment - but there’s a license. Just like with speeding on the highway, where an officer can pull you over and demand to see your license, the FCC has the legal right to demand your license (including equipment tied to a license) to validate its all in order. If the FCC has probable cause to believe you’re violating your license or operating illegally, they have the ability to demand to see your equipment (or verify you have none), and otherwise verify you are not violating the Communications Act. This is why the release mentions they used direction finding equipment: they have evidence of interference, and they’ve determined that interference is coming from a specific house. Legally, they have every right to search the house for whatever is causing the noise. Does that mean they can go into your office and start looking through your tax documents? No - that’s outside their authority and would be unreasonable. Can they just show up at a random person’s house without reason and demand to see all their radios? Also no, that’d be unreasonable. As to the fines: again, the Act gives the FCC broad authority here. Like any administrative fine, there’s a process to allow you to plead your case and have the fine reduced - but if you are just refusing to cooperate at all, then that’s on you. Just like a civil court case where, if you refuse to show up and defend yourself (or flagrantly ignore the rules of the court), you can end up with a default judgement against you. We live in a society, yknow?

This is about laws. Following laws. You are not obligated to allow entry. I would say you could leave a note on the door saying “my bad, I’ll stop” and stop..while that’s not what they wanted I’m sure it would have helped. When feds come things change lol. I get where the home owner is coming from but ignoring it is worse. You could just move…no interference means no reports and no reports means no door knock..not advice not a lawyer lol

CB operation at legil powers will fall short of the FCC And ya... withotu a warant they dont have right to enter. They have a do diligence oblegation to work out atime to speek with the operator not just show up. AND if that time can not be determind a warent to inspect the equipment. Fine is invaled otherwise as there is no proof of ownership or operations of invaled equipment. and again if it's within the CB guidelines of operation (as in not braking any laws) then. well there is nothing the nabour can do.

Funny. Here in Michigan if you’re not running a 4pill. Or more u ain’t talking. 😂😂

Your Rights end where My Rights begin.

I think it's simple, it's apparently obvious that we need rules / laws because some people are so selfish and only consider themselves. How many attempts to contact and remedy the problem should be given, how patient must one be! He had sufficient time to resolve this before the fine, to say that his rights somehow are more important than his neighbor is absurd, even if you're at odds with them you should try to maintain peace which he did not. In conclusion, it is people like him who give bad example and who instead of helping promote the hobby they push others to hate and shy away from it. I get this from some ham operators as well.

i currently have my tv next to my CB in my office. the TV has an antenna. no interference.

Thing I don't understand is the guys transmitting on the super bowl (ch6), Many of them even record themselves on RU-vid showing their illegal stations cranking out thousands of watts that splatter five channels up and down from a thousand miles away. I do use 11 meter and talk to local net's on SSB from time to time with my old Cobra 148 so it really doesn't affect me, but it does seem odd the FCC don't track them down.

Well, I guess now we know who your biggest sponsor is

Wicked thing on your record? You mean like any felony, which could include driving 25mph over the speed limit, a 2nd DUI, and all sorts of other "crimes" that didn't result in the 1 year in prison that is supposed to constitute a felony conviction.

I would love the ACMA (Australian equivalent of the FCC) to knock on my door. I would gladly show them my amateur radio station and how horrendous HF is in my area. The QRM from external sources is insane. My biggest complaint is the S9+ noise generated by the National Broadband Network VDSL2+ internet used in my city. I used to love weak signal operating on 30m and it's now impossible due to the RF noise.

I suspect he had a dirty transceiver and or a bad antenna match that really caused this issue. Even if he was running some extra power, if he had a clean signal nothing would had ever happened.

I know that's one of the questions on the test. That you're supposed to let the FCC inspect your equipment upon request. But on the flip side for example what does it cost to get a speeding ticket or a parking ticket? I'm just saying why does it cost so much to be fined by the FCC?

Old CB operator from mid '60's & Imho, the FCC was initially Trying to be Least possible invasive to that CB operator in responding to Neighbors/neighborhood Rf Interference complaints investigation & Resolution...All 27 MHz transmitter operation Implies operator is Aware of and Agrees to compliance within FCC Regs Part 95 CBRS permitting station equipment Inspection, installation of effective low pass Filter(s) &/or imposing station Operating hours Restrictions to resolve the Interference problems....Quite possibly, simple operator Proactive response measures to reduce/Correct likely Over-modulation, harmonic & Spurious emission radiation issues would've defused & Minimized the scope of FCC's penalty.....Sometimes simple cooperative Response to Agency notices works miracles.....

Some of these comments are really sad !

The inspection is just a request? Being fined for not complying is a direct contradiction to that statement. If you can be fined for not complying, then the inspection is not just a request.

The burning question is why didn't the FCC just get a warrant?!

Sad ham sad ham sad ham sad ham wait.... did you say CB?

I am not a lawyer, but there’s no criminal investigation going on. The fines are all civil with no jail time. There’s no warrant requirement for a fine to be levied. Additionally, since it’s not a criminal matter, the local PD likely would not have access to any fines assessed by the federal government either.

Love the old spice ad

Flagrant disregard for the regs and denial of their authority. I'm seeing someone "special" that rules don't apply to and doesn't care about being responsible. I wouldn't let ANYONE in without a warrant. Local LE, FCC, ATF, or any other 3 letter agency, can get a judge to sign a warrant. Even if I somehow was unknowingly causing interference, highly unlikely, I wouldn't ignore the letters or their visit. We could talk through the camera or across the fence and I would correct the issue. The time restrictions I find puzzling. Is it now OK to violate the regs but only at certain hours? I think many of us can read between the lines here. A cheap high power amp, operated by an uneducated and uncaring person splatting everywhere. The neighbors had likely approached him and got no results so they had no other legal recourse. Of course, there are ways to solve the problem, but I would never suggest anything illegal. Asking and demanding entrance are two different things.

in my area we have a few ham guys that cause some bad RF to peeps radios and other electronics I always find in y 45 plus years in RF that a lot of ham guys should have there equipment taken from them

He needs to deny it and get a lawyer. Without a warrant I don’t see that they can inspect the rig not that he is required to allow it.

nice story. The problem I have with that they do not know who the person is that is causing interference. who did they give the fine to? home oner ? what if that house was rented out ? how do they know the letter even got to home oner ? was it signed for ? buy whom ? with a radio station I can say FCC sends registered letter for inspection making appointment. but that broadcast. part 95 FCC different. wounder what ever happened . 73's

Jason, the comment was about very low power broadcasting, nothing to do with CB. There are limits on putting up your own unlicensed station, but the power has to be very low, and must not interfere. 1/2W ? Maybe. I thought it was less than that.

No warrant?????? good bye!!!!

I don't make any ham records, am i making a mistake? Im typically mobile.

I’ve only been a ham for a couple of years but I’m also a retired expert with 28 yrs (USAF) experience in all forms of RF systems “stuff” all over the electromagnetic spectrum. Trust me if I were to suggest the those FCC guys had their ducks quacking in tight single file line formations (haha). Most folks have no idea of the (technical / forensic) analysis that can be quickly and easily performed on an RF transmission source (given the proper equipment) that, trust me again, the gub-ment has. License to person or license by rule makes no difference when you key up the mic. Good job Jason. You do good. I enjoy your channel.

chances are it was not 5 watts. I suspect a dirty Power AMP. 5 watts to 1000 watts.

I doubt that a legal power CB radio as come from the factory (no modifications) would interfere with telephone, television, other electronics under normal transmissions. If it did there was something wrong with the radio, as equipment sold has at least a test of spurious emissions correct? The fact that the person never responded to the FCC leads me to think he at least is not a person of moral character. If I as a licensed Amateur Radio operator hear that I was interfering with a neighbor, I would want to know what the interference was and how I might be able to help stop the interference by providing technical help. I want to get along with my neighbors.. So what I am saying, is I would hopefully help my neighbors resolve the problem before they reported the issue to the FCC or at least work with the FCC and neighbors to eliminate the interference complaints.

They should have a warrant in hand if they want to inspect your station. This guy had plenty of opportunities to either clean up his station or just say no to an inspection. Let's face it he knew why they were there. But I feel that you are kinda giving up your 4th ammendment in that if you can say no but still get a fine and or have to forfeit your equipment

I know that most hams in the city are plagued by interference from their neighbour’s solar, switch mode power supplies, every item with a badly shielded micro controller, smart meters…you get the picture. When the power in the area goes out, noise on 40m drops from S8 to S1

FCC have no way to enforce that fine without going through court. 😂

I hope the neighbor mentioned it before reporting. They will offer you time slots if your ham if they need too. It is a test question in the old extra question pool . However i think cb is illegal if over 4 watts regardless.

FKing CB'rs using 2000 watt amps!

👍

If you're going to exercise the PRIVILEGE of using the radio service, get a license and follow the rules.

Send the guy a low pass filter and more than likely watch the RFI disappear. BUT there is something to be said on the devices that were receiving the interference. What were they? What was in common beside the 11 meter operator. Was it coming in on the CATV lines, telco lines, power lines? It may not have been 100% the CB'ers fault if there were utility line issues that were overlooked. Could be some crap Chinese equipment. What happened to the "MUST ACCEPT ANY AND ALL INTERFERENCE" ? Unfortunately there isn't enough information provided to really point fingers here. Its like Radioshack. You've got questions, they have blank stares.

How about some nice juicy FCC ham violations instead of busting on the CB and GMRS guys most of the time? There's got to be some good stories out there.

All electronics sold these days have a sticker on then saying "This device must except all types of interference". But still, operate correctly.

If this is about the Johnson case from Pittsburgh, rest assured that he's still on the air. It was so bad for so long that the neighbors contacted their congressional representative and senators about the problem. The lesson here is that if you just ignore the FCC and DOJ they will just go away.

Operate split freq. to avoid being labeled a broadcasting station. Lol

I thought CB was dead

How old is this gossip?

Did the FCC fine the legal home owner in this case? Maybe the house was rented and the home owner knew nothing about this FCC violation. I'd think the FCC would have to identify who the violator might be before fining a home owner who might be innocent. The guy was obviously causing interference to the neighborhood, but how can they enforce their fine when they have no idea who the violator might be? Would be interesting to see if the home owner ignored this fine and to see how the FCC could enforce their fine.

10 months of communication without a response....they exercised more than enough patience.

Um there are filters to put on TVs for reception interference... we put them on our neighbor's for free. doh. I won't talk because... you kmow... maybe next year.

It's just safer to not interfere and NOT have a license. Governments use callsigns to track people.

Anytime we let a NON ELECTED government body fine you like this for not liking what you say and for refusing to let them in your house without a warrant (which means they have no real proof) you have had your fourth amendment rights taken from you. I understand the upset of the neighbors but THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE COURSE OF ACTION is to get a warrant so you can get the proof and then punish and fine. ANYTHING ELSE IS FACISM.

what proof did the FCC have? seems they failed to provide any evidence of the leaking transmission or the specific frequency's that were coming from this Operator and causing issues with others electronics. all they seem to have said is its from you and we have no proof other than when we knock on your door it goes away(could be someone else watching and setting this guy up). also who the hell has any electronics in this day and age that are not shielded from RF interference? the FCC needs to provide a list of all the Electronic devices that were being interfered with and an investigation into what frequencies was causing this, then must provide data and spectrum analyzation showing that a signal from this Operators Antenna was the cause. seems the FCC isn't capable of doing even a basic investigation into this, bet this is the neighbors not liking this guys antenna. P.S. Who lived there first?

This are the kind of stories that make HAMS finally happy... at least for a moment.

You have no rights to broadcast, broadcasting is a privilege. Licenses and rules grant you that privilege.

My philosophy being a technician, walk on egg shells and not fafo. 73, kq4hcu