@@thinmizzy365 Missouri. I haven't heard this stuff locally, I was just referring to multiple videos like this where hams in the Helene disaster zone have acted like Fudds.
Congrats on the Tech ticket. There's an element that can be very Fudd-like, in my experience the examples that make it to videos like we've been seeing lately are in these videos because they are the exception rather than the norm, that is I can't think of any hams personally that act like that, although I absolutely hear (or more frequently come across them in forums) them. Stick with the parts of the hobby you enjoy, use that enjoyment to set a good example and when a Fudd oversteps, join the rest of us in the forums mocking them.
They should spend 5 yrs in the BOP, and when they are released, be placed on probation for life. That's the easy, the hard way it would go the for these enemy criminals, well you know how it would go.
Yes please do. Please do, and all you unlicensed people who are saying fuck the rules and reg please make sure you use your real name and tell them why you're reporting something.
@@user-lp3cf5yn5bwill do. The law is clearly on the side of emergency responders. Hopefully those hams get stripped of their government issued license, so they get to become just like those they despise.
GMRS Limits are really awful..... Can only talk to your Immediate family....? WTF...? My Immediate family is all dead....... Can't use GMRS Comm's, good, don't freaking like it any way...!
People have been saying ham is declining since it began. It just changes. GMRS fills a useful niche, but neither of them is being displaced by the other.
The hams, can't call them Amateur Radio operators, who have used these repeaters for years know the voices and callsigns of the people doing it. "Oh that is Johnny". During a tornado outbreak here in Texas in the spring (2024) a new operator was letting me know on a local repeater that he had 1 1/2' hail at his house and wanted to report it. I had the link for the national weather service up to report it. I thanked him for telling me and as I began to send in the report a voice came over the repeater. "Please keep this repeater clear of traffic. We use it to talk to the National Weather Service. If you continue we will ban you from using this repeater." It wasn't the repeater owner but someone 'in charge' who wanted ALL reports to go through him. I thanked the person reporting the significant weather event and signed off. After sending in the report I sent a message to the repeater owner who responded he had already been notified of my violation and warned me not to do it again. I know I am rambling but the SAD HAMS are real and will interfere as often as they can.
Yes they lost the passion to help.. society..I'm sure it will be a pirate radio station hacker type to get beneficial work done for disaster situations
When I got my license, I didn't know you could be blocked off repeaters. I wouldn't have bothered. I talked to someone I know, a fellow asshole, he told me about HF. That is an option.
@@waterhead1027 it’s sad it took a hurricane and the deaths of many to change this type of behavior. But even then, it’ll be a fight with 30 years of bad habits
@@johnduh1900 We're learning that it wasn't just amateur operators that were found unprepared. Some of the governments (local and county) had become lax in their preparedness. We found radios and associated laptops with software that were out of date. Too many of us had to bring our own equipment to Emergency Operating Centers (EOCs). It has been a huge wake-up call. As for the one or two Sad Hams, they are being counseled privately. For the others operators that helped out, many people owe them a debt that can't be repaid... and I'm choosing to use those bright spots to deal with the dark ones.
There is a bumper sticker I read the other day, "The world is full of nice people, if you can't find one, be one." So this applies to Ham Radio Operators, " The world if full of awesome ham operators, if you can't find one, be one! "
I watched the video you are talking about. I agree with S2. My brother is a ham. He stays on gmrs. His words. Hams are Aholes and everybody else is on gmrs.
The FCC actually has Official Observers. It's not a paid position and they listen for people that break the rules and report and record them and send this info to the fcc. They are basically the tattle tails of the hams. Just thought you should know they exist LOL :)
It makes sense to dedicate frequency bands to certain uses only. That's about it. The FCC shouldn't give a shit if I say a naughty word over the radio to my brother down the hill while we're mending fences or moving cows.
@@chuckfinley3152 I'm not following you. How is it Communist to have a self-policing group of volunteers help them triangulate people that are interfering with emergency communications? If it were being executed just at a means of being a tattle-tale, I would agree. But that's not really how it plays out. Not to mention, its saving the tax payers money to help keep auxiliary communications clear during emergency situations. Was there something you had in mind that I'm missing? I want to make sure I'm not missing something that can be addressed. We all develop blind spots some times and I love it when folks help me find mine.
Well said. I would like to build self sufficient mobile repeater trailers that could be deployed to disaster zones for everyone to use. Those SAD HAMS need to be put in their place.
Your post was also well said. Why wait unnecessarily when you can bypass a problem like this? You'd need someone smarter than me to set it up properly, but in the event you can't commandeer the existing ones, linked mobile disaster repeaters would work.
@@thinmizzy365 and if you are in central NC, come see us in Raliegh. We do all sorts of fun projects together, and hang out, and just generally try to have fun while also doing public service.
@@daviddickey9832 It already is, emergency traffic is priority during an emergency, objecting to or obstructing emergency traffic (even if it doesn't conform to a given Ham's autistic need for regularity and order) is already a license violation.
@@daviddickey9832 well... it already is. Most amateur operators aren't into gatekeeping, but they are into safe operations and orderly communications. What you were hearing is/was well a grey area and it turned into gatekeeping. That wasn't cool and misses the spirit of the law. I'm pretty sure we are only a few years away from that kind of gatekeeping going away.
Jamming is illegal, regardless whos doing it, w/exception of military during a military event (operations), but in the civilian world, if I knew of a HAM op doing that. I would ensure he/she looses their license and gets a visit from the FCC. If they are restricting their repeaters, report it to the FCC.
The FCC doesn't give a shit. You could play Albanian folk music 24/7 on the 2m band, and unless you threaten a large revenue stream, you won't be stopped.
Excellent comments! As a ham radio operator myself, I think these 'sad hams' are a disgrace to the amateur radio community, which had always been known as the communications frontline in any emergency. These idiots who won't allow non-hams to use their precious repeaters in an emergency should be called out by the rest of the ham community, as well as legally liable for impeding emergency services. What turdbags!
I agree with your, except the name calling at the end. We've already took one of the sad hams from the disaster response aside and it won't be an issue anymore. He was initially proud, but realized he was in the wrong. There were several net control operators that handled unlicensed calls for help quite gracefully and we should hold them up and celebrate them.
The FCC is to blame. They created this mess and made it even worse by not only not policing thier own rules but allowing the community to do so on thier behalf. This is the only logical outcome to doing what they did.
Part of it is hams see other interests taking bandwidth that was historically for Amateur use. Those "protecting" those frequencies don't want to set a precedent that might mean the loss of more frequencies. The other side of that coin is that those hams complaining should really know better. Nobody owns the frequencies, and if Emergency communication is actively going on, a net is obligated to either relocate, reschedule, or cancel the net for that time, since the active communication was there first. Reference 97.111(a)(2) and (3).
I think you meant "self regulatiing". I've only been an amateur in the last 3 years. However, ive been free banding before that, and CB, before that. Ive helped lots of people, that were over skip, and otherwise. One thing that ive learned about hams is, they love to talk and tout the rules, but as people, theyre full of themselves and have little skill outside of talking.
It might be on this thread, but one guy said mediocre people embrace rules because it's all they can excel at. Adherence to rules other people decide that they should follow. Sheep.
The frequency is not their equipment. If they want to turn off the repeater or move it, fine. Walking on emergency communication is not okay in any context. That includes telling others to stop talking. When this results in a death or other loss, we need to have records of these malign actors and their call signs to pursue legal action (criminal and civil as fits the event).
Yeah I don’t care if the repeater is turned off, you’re allowed to save your power and do what you want with your equipment, but intentionally leading to the death of others because of screwing with comms otherwise is wild.
Sad HAMs suck. I have my license so I can legally test equipment among friends for natural disaster coordination (clearing roads of trees/snow etc.) I've listened to nets and I cannot stand them and I've never called them because I want nothing to do with them. People like them deter normal people from getting licenses because they're so damned "off." I hope the glut of cheap handhelds and the growth of prepping push them all out of the space. That said, the ones who are good people are truly good people. They rarely seek power in the petty realms of repeater ownership though. Maybe that's what normies have to do. Run our own repeaters so we can help people in radio use and be available for the very purpose of communication when the networks fail.
This is the way. Truly be a good person. Mimic them. The more people that just ignore them, that stand up their own repeaters, and show what good amateur operating looks and sounds like, the less "space" there is for the sad hams.
I have been seeing and hearing a lot of problems on hf. People will be having a conversation and someone will blast high power noises or tuning over the conversation or pota activation.
Yes. There were MAGA recordings and conspiracy theory broadcasts interrupting emergency communications during Hurricane Milton in Florida. It prevented the National Hurricane Center from talking to storm spotters as the tornados broke out across Florida.
I'm a General License holder. I helped relay messages in NC. The vast majority of amateur operators worked with non-license operators using the Mt. Mitchell repeater. There were only one or two "sad hams" and they are being ... talked to privately. Publicly roasting a person is poor form. We're not going to let a few sad hams ruin a good thing.
@@devinhedge publicly roasting a few sad hams sends a message which clearly is being utilized. The culture is changing, and thankfully videos calling out bad behavior is what’s doing that.
@@johnduh1900 but is it in the spirit of kindness and goodwill? Praise in public. I was taught to criticize in private, first one-on-one, then with a group to insist on corrective action. It gives someone the opportunity to come back in humility while focusing on the the positive things that can some of it. For me, it's a way to descalate, diffuse, and de-toxicify the sad-ham situation. I do think that both ways have a place. Calling out behavior that is socially unacceptable is fine so long as it is the last resort and is done in compassionate sternness. Isn't that how you would want to be treated if you were behaving poorly?
@@lawdogdaddyusa1255 1. Time, 2. Money, 3. Don’t want my name and address out in a public database, 4. Why would I go through the trouble of getting said license to talk to sad hams? And 5. This one is really important so pay attention. If sad hams shut down their repeaters or cause disruptions to comms during an emergency, their full names and addresses are on a public database where anyone can find out who they are and where they live. If my family was hurt or lost due to a sad ham finding their hobby more important than the lives of my family and well being, and I had nothing to lose and plenty of time on my hands, they best be wearing level 4s all the time.
its real easy to find out who these folks are. if you know their call sign, you can look them up in the FCC database. you get their name, address, and license type. some folks might have a PO Box for an address, but street addresses are still easy to find.
As a ham operator I'm ashamed of this behavior. The main reason for ham radio is for emergencies, Period. That being said it should not be abused. Repeater owner and controllers should realize this emergency is not going to last forever. One of the questions that is on all levels of ham license tests is ( what form of communication is legal in an emergency?) Answer, any form of communication. So in an emergency it is legal for non licensed people to use ham frequencies. I apologize for the lame hams that don't know the main reason for ham communications. This doesn't mean after the emergencies are over you keep using the frequencies. Go get your license and have fun. It's a diverse hobby.
I'm not saying to do it, but a few $20 Boofwangs tossed around a few base stations, mic button keyed up on certain frequencies with duct tape, might send a message to the twaddle-heads involved... if they're mobile, mount it under the car... and if you're really motivated, hard wired in to key up anytime the car key is on.... Nails through coax do wonders, as well... less annoying to everyone else, but it is actual damage of someones property at that point... I play nice until others don't... and I remember seeing some of the CB people back in the day doing stuff like this to flagrantly annoying SADs... Again, I am NOT saying to do these things, they are malicious and spiteful and potentially criminal damage to property...
The great Circus ( or Cuban) Band wars back in the day was fkn epic! One guy buried a shitty radio shack hand held at the base of a power line pole - cut the copper ground that is stapled up the side at ground level and attached the antenna lead to that = instant 3/4 wave antenna. At low power settings tha battery would last for days and the asshole could never find it. Antenna pulling parties were for the bigger assholes
Let's identify those call signs boys! Any call sign can be looked up to identify where they live, and find any repeaters they own........map it and note it to everyone.......
@@juliusarnold2844 because getting a license isn’t going to fix the issue, that’s going to feed the toxic culture of ham. No, change imo needs to start with the top down. The FCC needs to either change the license conditions in an emergency or get rid of it altogether. Potential ways to make this change goes as listed below. 1. Petitioning the FCC: Since the FCC regulates amateur radio in the U.S., you could petition them to take a more active role in addressing certain issues. For example: • Strengthening enforcement of rules regarding the use of repeaters during emergencies. • Introducing clearer guidelines or penalties for operators who abuse their power or engage in what could be seen as “criminal negligence” by shutting down repeaters in emergencies. • Encouraging or mandating better coordination among ham operators to ensure emergency access remains available. 2. Community-led Initiatives: Addressing these issues from within the ham community could be effective as well: • Training and education: Emphasizing the importance of amateur radio’s role in public service and emergency communications. Some operators may simply need better awareness of their responsibilities. • Forming oversight groups: Local ham groups or organizations could create committees to handle complaints and ensure that repeaters remain open and properly managed during emergencies. • Promoting collaboration: Encouraging a culture of cooperation among operators through ham clubs or online communities may lead to fewer conflicts and better mutual respect for the purpose of ham radio. 3. Engaging repeater owners: Many repeaters are privately owned, and repeater owners hold significant control over their use. Reaching out to them to ensure they understand the critical role their repeaters play in emergency situations might help. Some repeater councils also coordinate repeater use and could be involved in finding solutions. A mix of regulatory and community action might be needed for lasting changes. Engaging both the FCC and ham radio organizations in dialogue could be key to fostering a healthier ham radio environment.
I. Was. A. CB. GUY. Got. My. Ham. Tech. Lic. Working. On my. Gen. I. SO. agree. With. You. Look. Up. Fox hunting. Is. Exactly. What. You. Are. Talking. About. . Yes. There. Sadly. Are. A. Lot. Of. Hams. Like. That. Not. Me. Find. A. Friend. Who. Has. A. Lic. And. Use. There. Help. To. Learn. How. To. Use. It. Copy. Call signs. When. You. Go. To. A. Ham. Fest. Lol
Just start buying your own equipment and take over the hobby. I am not a fan of asking for more government and the smug smile of a tattletale. Hams are epic nerds
you are as bad as the fudds... find them take their equipment... 😂 set your own repeater up i am not a ham dud but thinking of figuring the repeater out for my harem of baefongs
Why are these prepper comm experts not installing GMRS repeaters? These anti-gov types are now demanding the Govt take amateur equipment away. So much for "muh rights." Build your own disaster comm systems if you want to larp as a disaster commando.
I guess I could have something to do with, at least in this latest event , how do you get a f'ing repeater up on a mountain when most of the area is destroyed and keep it powered? Thanks for being a sam ham. I'm glad you can be so high and mighty. What an ahole.
My argument with shtf operators ,why are you using a ham radio band? Use business or other bands much better suited to those roles,less hassle factors involved.
Repeaters are personal property of clubs or individuals. The owners of these assets have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. Just like RU-vid, Instagram, etc. If you want to send the FCC after them like the Feds forced a religious baker to bake a cake for the deviants, then you are the evil one. Individual rights are supposed to trump any made-up "common good" as per the BOR.
A silver lining to this disaster is it exposed what absolutely awful people you hams are and hopefully there is enough outrage to cause reform of the system and I pray that the lot of you get reported for hindering disaster relief efforts and lose you precious licenses for life. You really are some of the worst people on earth
