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Radio Communications. New Mexico Radio Sales, Inc. Al Lowenstein. Radio Bands. FRS GMRS CB Amateur Radio Commercial Commercial – Trunking Aircraft Cell phone. FRS. Family Radio Service A sub-set of GMRS Very low power – ½ watt (read – short range!) Millions in use!.
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Radio Communications New Mexico Radio Sales, Inc. Al Lowenstein
Radio Bands • FRS • GMRS • CB • Amateur Radio • Commercial • Commercial – Trunking • Aircraft • Cell phone
FRS • Family Radio Service • A sub-set of GMRS • Very low power – ½ watt (read – short range!) • Millions in use!
GMRS - who can use? • The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws • Fees: $75 for 5 years to FCC
GMRS – what can you use? If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS,you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas.
Citizens Band Been around for years Antennas very inefficient on portables Most conversations not fit for family consumption! Bad choice for ballooning CB
Amateur Radio • Operation of an amateur station requires an amateur operator license grant from the FCC. Before receiving a license grant, you must pass an examination administered by a team of volunteer examiners (VES) to determine your operator class. • Fees: None to FCC
Amateur Radio • Bands of interest are VHF and UHF, can be high power (5 watt portable, 50 watt mobile) • Either is fine for ballooning • Equipment relatively inexpensive • Can be used for telemetry - GPS tracking, TV and other fun stuff • Can set frequencies to avoid conflicts • Can go through repeaters to increase range • Must have licensed “ham” at BOTH ENDS!
DOT or Itinerant Frequencies VHF or UHF Specific, shared channels, limited numbers Anyone can be on “your” channel Can privatize by PL or DPL coding 5 watt maximum Assigned Frequencies VHF or UHF Single, assigned frequency Protected within a certain geographic area Can privatize by PL or DPL coding High power available Commercial
Commercial • A company or organization can obtain license for all “members” • Anyone can use your radios under your individual or group license • Equipment medium priced, a lot is available used as business users switch to other communication methods • Radios must be programmed by licensed Radio Shop
Commercial • Fees: FCC application fee of $100 • Frequency Coordinator fee of $200 • Good for 10 years
Commercial – Trunking • Works through repeaters on a mountain or tower. • Private – only “your” radios hear or talk to each other • Covers a large area – if you can see the tower, you can talk to any other radio that can see the tower • No license required, the system operator has them • Requires a monthly fee per radio, usually about $15 • Due to the monthly costs, probably only for commercial operations
Aircraft • October 26, 1996-----eliminated the individual licensing requirement for all aircraft operating domestically • Should be carried/used when near airports or controlled airspace –contact and advisory purposes • Frequencies assigned by FCC for specific applications • 123.45 is VERY ILLEGAL • AIM 4-1-11: Aviation instruction, Glider, Hot Air Balloon (not to be used for advisory service) 123.300 123.500
Aircraft TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION --PART 87--AVIATION SERVICES--Subpart K Aviation Support Stations Sec. 87.323 Frequencies. (a) 121.500 MHz: Emergency and distress only. (b) The frequencies 123.300 and 123.500 MHz are available for assignment to aviation support stations used for pilot training, coordination of lighter-than-air aircraft operations, or coordination of soaring or free ballooning activities.
Aircraft • Balloon is covered as aircraft, no license is needed • Chase vehicle: Aviation Support Ground Station license is required • Cost: $150 for 5 years
Cell Phone • Pilot cannot legally use while in flight • Passengers cannot legally use while in flight. • Should be carried by pilot, and should be in chase vehicle for emergency situations. • Emergency numbers should be available both in balloon and chase vehicle. • When in doubt, call 911.
Legal vs. Actual • Very few FCC field personnel • Chance of being “caught” slight • Fine – $100,000 per day of misuse possible • Amateur – self policed • AAAA Club Commercial License – keep yourself legal
???? Questions ???? FRS GMRS CB Amateur Commercial Aircraft
NEWS FLASH!!!! NEWS FLASH!!!! NEWS FLASH!!!! NEWS FLASH!!!! NEWS FLASH!!!! • AAAA Club License is issued!!!!!!!!! • Call Sign -- WPYJ574 • License will be on web site, download it, print it, carry it, USE IT!!!!! • All VHF and UHF Itinerant channels OK • List will be with license (16 VHF, 16 UHF) • Special thanks to Goodie for getting it done NEWS FLASH!!!! NEWS FLASH!!!!