HAM radio license?

[TJDave]

I understand you need a license to operate a HAM radio. Now, say someone was to run a HAM radio without a license, would you actually get caught for this? If so, is it a huge fine or what?

Sorry, I don't want to sound like I am actually going to do this. I am mostly just curious what is keeping people from going out and buying a HAM radio without actually having a license.

 

[AOR]

Section 301 of the Communications Act prohibits the ``use or operat[ion of] any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio'' without a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Thus, generally, in order to use or operate a radio station, the Communications Act requires that you first obtain a license by the FCC.

The Commission takes enforcement of Section 301 seriously. Parties found operating radio stations without FCC authorization will be subject to a variety of enforcement actions including seizure of equipment, imposition of monetary forfeitures, ineligibility to hold any FCC license, and criminal penalties.

Example: http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-upholds-17-000-em-forfeiture-order-em-to-tennessee-ham

http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-fines-former-radio-amateur-for-unlicensed-operation-on-20-meters

KF6QDE

 

[TJDave]

Thanks @AOR

I was mostly just curious. Sounds like it's a hefty fine!

 

[Shawn of the farm]

I know its an old thread but did you get your Ham license yet? I got mine a few months back for transmitting FPV video from RC planes. I love driving to a remote location and then flying a plane with a camera to explore even more remote locations. I don't have any cool videos like this one but you get the idea. And with the same ham license then I can also talk to other ham's (don't have a vehicle radio yet)

 

[801 Driver]

To anyone out there thinking about ham radio. Yes a license is required to be legal. Ham radio guys are very protective of their hobby as they do not want it to go the route CB did back many years ago with a lot of foul language and jerks. We try to keep it a great family world wide hobby.

I would suggest you look up some ham radio clubs in your area and visit a meeting. They will be more than happy to help you with study tips to get your license. Many operators most likely can show you how easy it is to track down people that are using ham radio talking without a license. We do it for fun, usually have one of our law enforcement ham buddies with us.

Yes it can be handy out on the trail, and a great hobby to use at home on a cold wither day or just meating new people on the air. When all other communications fail, ham radio operators can communicate.