Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Transmit legit, become a ham

[Kelly Martin]

Gregory Maxwell wrote:
> Moreover, the amateur license gives you a ready and simple explanation
> for anyone who might want to claim that you possession of radio
> equipment signals some kind of intent to operate in a forbidden
> manner. "Why do you have all this radio stuff? Are you a terrorist??"
> "No. Ham radio operator." "oh. Okay. I'll just leave now before you
> geek-out on me."
>   
Another point to consider is that the EB's approach toward interference 
is different when the interference comes from an unlicensed source as 
opposed to a licensed one.  If harmful interference to a licensed 
station originates from an unlicensed source and the unlicensed source 
is an intentional radiator that isn't just a malfunctioning part 15 
device or something, the FCC is very likely to slap the responsible 
party with a Notice of Unauthorized Operation, or NOUO; NOUOs typically 
carry an $11,000 fine and that fine is often assessed on the first 
offense.  However, interference which originates from a licensed 
station, even if the licensee is not authorized to operate on the 
frequencies in question, will typically result in a Notice of Violation, 
or NOV.  Licensees subject to a NOV are typically given an opportunity 
to correct the violation without penalty, especially when the 
interference was not intentional or was due to a misunderstanding or an 
ordinary technical error on the part of the licensee.  Amateur radio 
operators, in particular, are often given considerable leeway here.  
NOVs also tend to carry smaller fines (at least for amateur service 
licensees) than an NOUO for the same behavior, and the FCC is less 
likely to confiscate offending equipment. 

As an aside, I'm a ARRL/VEC accredited volunteer examiner, and have 
administered nearly 100 license examinations now, so I think by now I 
have some concept of how the process works.  If anyone has any questions 
regarding this process, I'll be glad to answer them.

Regards,

Kelly (AB9RF)