Such an ass. Your intro to this video caused me to loose all respect for you. Guess the rest of this one will fall into all of your remaining videos I will never watch. Thanks for revealing your true self.
@@chesty1369 Yes they know. My home repeater is on 675 40 miles south of the NYC machine. It can be heard DFQ all the way out in King Of Prussia, PA… there is no way they are running 50 watts. And the constant cursing , music and rebroadcasting of a local commercial radio station. This one repeater is killing the use of the frequency for well over 80+ miles around… for so many others who share the frequency.. I’ve personally had a few discussions with the FCC on it..I’m on the freq since the mid 90’s.. that’s one machine that needs to disappear
Gotta say that I AM impressed, Randy Sir. You looked like a real grown up newsreader conducting the interview...and using only a partially working Commodore 128 computer with two serial 1571 floppy drives you put the whole thing together. NEAT!!!
i wonder if the fcc will follow atf's example and start conducting midnight, no knock, armed raids on folks they feel are violating their secret regulations.
Something about this still does not smell right... An unofficial heads-up between acquaintances, but also a rather official sounding "give me all the call signs involved"... It sounds at the very least as if someone at the FCC might be coloring outside the lines a bit. I'm prob wrong, but just sayin'.
Nothing fishy at all going on. The FCC made it clear back in January that linking GMRS repeaters via the internet to relay voice communication is illegal. You can legally link your repeater to the internet for remote control, but not for relaying GMRS comms via the internet to other repeaters. The repeater custodian must have been aware of this and didn't want to be responsible for others breaking the rules on his machine. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm only sharing what I know about this.
@@richb.4374 We've all heard the same story. It still smells like the contact at the FCC is deviating from established procedure by handling this "buddy-buddy" and via email. As far back as I can remember, I've never heard of anything like it. It is distinctly "out of character" for the FCC.
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As a member of this club, I would like to thank Carl for coming on your channel to help explain things. The reason I joined the group and not just to use the Alliance network for free was to help maintain the system with my dues. To was great being able to communicate across the state. I'm fairly new to GMRS. Was our system one of many out there that linked their repeaters the same way? Thanks Randy🤝🤝🇺🇸
The New York net appeared to be linked differently than others. GMRS repeaters are allowed to be “Remote controlled”. Soooo yes they can be connected to a network. See 95.1749 It may be that your club’s network host was sending an audio encoded gmrs rf spectrum over the internet to another repeater. I think that particular usage is what they don’t like. Tv stations and UA-cam and radio stations all do the same thing using different licenses (and authorized equipment), non rf technology (UA-cam original broadcast), and commercial licensing for rf broadcast (ie your large radio station license).
@WSCD.-.-.- I still haven't heard from the club how ours was linked, but this now makes me wonder how anyone from a three letter organization would know either.
@@tomwilliams8675 someone who knew could have described the design. Of course, depending on the lay of the land and knowing the locations of towers, they could have recognized something like “well the only way they are getting from point A to point B is digital network.” EXTREMELY unlikely that they do, but if they need to go to the towers and look at the antennas, they can make some assumptions and then contact the tower licensee and verify. A “mad bro” civilian could have done that also and reported an assumed configuration, motivation aside. Why people get so worked up over people minding their own business, I will never understand.
Although I don't like the network being shut down I do (sort of) understand why GMRS repeater networks might be something the FCC would want to avoid. With a limited number of channels (and repeaters "overlapping" with the standard simplex channels) a large coverage network sort of closes off those channels for larger areas compared to a single repeater. A large radio club that wants to run a network with significant coverage is better suited to amateur radio, where this sort of thing is not only allowed but also quite common. But that does limit it to people willing to take the tests and get new radios. Kind of a sucky situation all around. Honestly, I really wish the FCC would make a few small changes that would make things a whole lot nicer for all of us. 1. Allow linked GMRS repeaters with some caveats. Given the limitations of the channels there definitely would need to be some sort of management, and I really have no idea how this might be done, but it would at least give groups like this an option. 2. For GMRS, eliminate the need for a callsign or registration when using simplex on an HT. It's basically FRS with *slightly* more power. A callsign should only be needed to use repeaters and to use more than 5W in my opinion. 3. Allow HAM radios to transmit on GMRS frequencies "legally" using a GMRS callsign as long as all GMRS limitations and rules are obeyed. I should be able to have one radio that does both and not rely on MARS mods, which "technically" are only usable in an emergency. If I go out for a hike with my family and we all have GMRS radios, I should be able to carry my HAM radio and use it for our GMRS communication and not need to carry two separate radios. (Of course, I might anyway for backup, but my point is that I shouldn't *need* to. 😁)
Amateur radio license doesn't grant you auto access to cb or to lmr or any other service. So not sure why you should be able to access gmrs. I two hate carrying multiple radios. So currently running a harris xg100p so I can access, 2m, 70cm, 7/800 (as a scanner), as well as several lmr encrypted repeaters and gmrs if necessary. It is not type certified but just not completely frowned upon.
Drudge turned on the people that made him. That is why his site went from being one of the most visited, to nobody visiting. He was the first to come out and say Harris should b the nominee, and is clearly supporting her. As soon as thee debate was over, Drudge literally said the party belongs to Harris, and Biden should dropout and let her be the nominee. In 2020, he clearly supported Biden, and made fun of Trump when Biden won. Drudge is a goof.
I recently purchased 2 5W Baofeng GMRS handhelds. Planning to use them on a road trip to talk between cars to 5yo grandson. We'll be playing "Yellow Car" which is the new improved version of "Punchbug", since there are now so few beetles on the road. We'll be on channel 19 and maybe we'll catch some communication from a trucker or 2. I don't have a phd yet so will probably never figure out how to link to a gmrs repeater network. Not sure I want to anyhow. And yes I have a GMRS FCC issued license. This is a great UA-cam Channel, keep up the great work!
I would think twice about that. Under current part 95 subpart E regulations you must be at least 18 years of age or older to use GMRS equipment. Try a couple of cb radios and use FM. Should work out well for you.
Chevron deference is NO MORE. The rule making power of the FCC and other agencies is over. The NY GMRSers need to file a lawsuit and reference the Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce, which overturned Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, the long-standing precedent that courts provide deference to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous federal statutes.
Highly irregular to do this sort of unofficial enforcement action. The agency HAS a whole enforcement department for this, with protocols to follow. This casual email chatter smells worse than an unclean fish tank. Sounds like their custodian was in a highly leveraged position and either wanted out, and here was a convenient way to eject, or they have their other irons to protect. I'm sure some simple sleuthing can find who this mystery person is and what they do for a living that has them so worried. But it's really irrelevant. The club was in a weak position being guests on his system, and now they aren't guests any more. Wish them luck. I am sure the situation is not where anyone wanted to be.
Nobody knows what will happen next but it appears they might be the start of turning off the linked networks. We still don't know how this system that was told to shut down was actually operating. This was never addressed in this interview. I'm glad Randy is staying on top of this however.
I spent a decade in supervisory role in Federal government and you are spot on. There is a process with mgmt oversight so that some GS-5 clerk doesn’t go off playing Napoleon for a day because they just divorce papers.
I love the linked networks but repeaters are not the only victims of interference from a linked system where distant stations cannot monitor local outputs for traffic. Simplex operators on those eight 50W simplex/repeater channels can also impacted. It goes back to the very few amount of actual GMRS channels available.
As a member of US’s largest gmrs repeater network, this was a topic of discussion along with lots of misinformation. I’m always surprised at the hate generated toward notarubicon as if “thou shalt not *sarcast*” was the 11th commandment. You live rent free in so many heads. 🤦🏽♂️ 🤣🤣 Submitted edit for sad Grammar Nazi: “As a member of the largest GMRS repeater network in the US, it was a topic of discussion along with a lot of misinformation. I am always surprised at the hate generated toward Notarubicon as if 'thou shalt not *sarcast*' was the 11th commandment. You live rent-free in so many heads."
Here are your grammar errors in the given text along with explanations and corrections: 1. **Possessive Form of "US"**: - **Error**: "US’s largest gmrs repeater network" - **Correction**: "the largest GMRS repeater network in the US" - **Explanation**: "US" should not have an apostrophe for possessive form. Instead, rephrase to indicate possession. 2. **Article Usage**: - **Error**: "this was a topic of discussion along with lots of misinformation." - **Correction**: "it was a topic of discussion along with a lot of misinformation." - **Explanation**: Since "this" refers to the entire preceding clause, "it" is more appropriate. Also, "a lot of" is more commonly used than "lots of" in formal writing. 3. **Capitalization**: - **Error**: "gmrs" - **Correction**: "GMRS" - **Explanation**: "GMRS" (General Mobile Radio Service) should be in uppercase as it is an acronym. 4. **Consistent Verb Tense**: - **Error**: "I’m always surprised at the hate generated toward notarubicon" - **Correction**: "I am always surprised at the hate generated toward Notarubicon" - **Explanation**: Use "I am" instead of the contraction "I’m" for consistency in tone. Also, proper nouns, such as "Notarubicon," should be capitalized. 5. **Quotation Marks**: - **Error**: "thou shalt not *sarcast*" - **Correction**: "thou shalt not *sarcast*" - **Explanation**: The use of asterisks for emphasis is informal. However, the context suggests this is an attempt at sarcasm or informal speech, so it's acceptable. Alternatively, use quotation marks if formal writing is desired: "thou shalt not 'sarcast'". 6. **Conjunction and Punctuation**: - **Error**: "You live rent free in so many heads." - **Correction**: "You live rent-free in so many heads." - **Explanation**: "Rent-free" should be hyphenated as it is a compound adjective. Revised version with corrections: "As a member of the largest GMRS repeater network in the US, it was a topic of discussion along with a lot of misinformation. I am always surprised at the hate generated toward Notarubicon as if 'thou shalt not *sarcast*' was the 11th commandment. You live rent-free in so many heads."
Ha! Impressive! As the son of an English teacher, I mean that sincerely! Note re: your revised version with corrections… consider placing a comma after “Rubicon”.
"Sad Grammar Nazi" got it all right. Trying to read (and understand), garbled comments wastes a lot of time. Getting it right the first time, shows respect to comment readers.
It appears "Uncle Charlie" is starting to take notice. GMRS licensees are exploding right now so I guess they figure they better nip this in the bud now. As a group that has a local repeater my opinion is the linked systems should be examined. I can hear the same conversation on three different repeaters within my receive range on 3 different frequencies. They should either expand the frequencies that GMRS can use for repeaters and reveal what is and is not allowed on GMRS in terms of repeaters. Randy as always your show is worth the watch. Keep up the good work.
The government doesn't like communications of citizens, that could undermine their iron fist of control on free speech and conveyance of information outside what they can control.
BINGO. That is why I will be canceling my callsign this week and asking the FCC to remove me from said list and get rid of information I gave fourth. I am getting a bad taste about all this. I will stick with CB /with Lower and upper SB. I do intend on keeping all my GMRS equipment though for use when sHtf.
The coup already happened. We just have too many people in this country who are too afraid to look beyond the boundary of their little comfort bubbles to see it and acknowledge it.
It really makes me wonder about the big national hubs that link up like this, like the Southwest Community Radio System (SWCRS) Could this be precursor to shutting them all down? Very interesting indeed.
I didn't work for the FCC, but I was a State government investigator for many years. Sending a "heads-up" to anyone suggesting that they do or not do anything probably would have resulted in disciplinary action or worse. My agency even frowned on me answering questions from the public beyond providing copies of the laws or agency pamphlets because doing so could be used against us where enforcement action was taken. Hypothetically if I did want to quietly caution someone, I sure as heck wouldn't have sent email from the State computer system. Maybe the FCC person is a loose cannon, but I doubt it and something seems off to me. When I did send a nasty gram, I cited the exact laws and rules in question. I didn't write something as vague as Chapter 452 (or Part 95 in this instance). A good start on this situation would be to examine what laws/rules in part 95 may have been violated. Could unlicensed operators access the repeaters via the Internet back hauls and transmit on GMRS frequencies or something along those lines? That would probably get the FCC excited. Does GMRS not allow Internet back hauls? I don't know. I'm not a GMRS licensee or an expert on GMRS/Part 95, but that would be my starting point. Thanks for doing the interview, but I concur with your closing statement that there are more questions than answers.
Would like to add to a comment that was mentioned earlier about linking G.M.R.S. at a Luncheon meeting on January 25, 2024 in Harrisburg Pa. This is the video, picks right up at the question! ua-cam.com/video/86FLGl_e5nw/v-deo.html Al Furlow is a FCC Field Engineer, there is NO gray area here folks.
Isn't it wonderful to live in a country where an unconstitutional agency writes laws rather than congress? Not to mention that the system denies you trial by jury as guaranteed by the constitution.
Maybe the recent smack down of the ATF on the bump stocks could be a basis for bringing a case against the FCC; The bump stock case was won specifically because the ATF changed the definition of a rule without Congressional approval.
I mean, the FCC was created by Congress and empowered with regulation and enforcement authority. That kind of negates the "unconstitutional" business. But more to the point - the rules aren't new, and there's plenty of legal options available for those wishing to do what was done here. This whole thing is so "I broke rules I knew about,but I'm still the victim".
An unconstitutional agency? Congress (you know, those guys in DC who make the laws?) passed the Communications Act of 1934 creating the Federal Communications Commission and charged them with overseeing and regulating telephone, telegraph and radio communications. Which part of that do you not understand?
Friendly heads up and demand for user information don't mesh. Not saying Carl Bourke was wrong, but whoever at the FCC sent that email should probably stick to following their own processes.
This could be a violation of equal protection and due process. The issue is an agent potentially protecting a friend from enforcement actions that potentially other systems will be receiving is not Equal Protection. Requesting call signs may not be technically illegal or violate anyones rights but may be considered misfeasance by the agent. There is a lot to unpack here and the FCC needs to make an official statement.
There's a good chance he's in broadcast or commercial communications and his income depends on a good working relationship with Uncle Charlie(The FCC).
Thanks for doing this interview. Your interview questions were good. So many aspects remain suspect - the "working relationship" between the custodian and the FCC employee, unofficial notification that there was a potential rule violation, request for call signs. Why would someone with a substantial GMRS network just shut it down? Is there something illegal about connected repeaters?
Connecting repeaters the way these were connected, according to the FCC, violates FCC rules, as mentioned in this video and the previous referenced video.
@@TheNotaRubicon I'm not understanding what about the connection made the FCCs get mad at this repeater network, compared to other GMRS repeater networks. If you do a followup video on this and could find time to explain the illegality of the connection, I'd be grateful. Be sure to use short words and speak slowly for me ;-)
@@REXOB9 The FCC rules do not allow connecting GMRS repeaters to the internet. But the rule was written 50 years ago before the Internet even existed so the words are very confusing and normal people who speak normal english are not aware its illegal.
§ 95.1749 GMRS network connection is 99% clear that GMRS isn't allowed to link. The term "telephone connection" has, case after case been translated to ANY network, (not just the phone network), but also to IP/TCP networks since the 90s. The remaining 1% gray area is that they allow for: "may be connected to the public switched network or other networks for the sole purpose of operation by remote control pursuant to § 95.1745". But it's obvious that they literally mean remote control as in start/stop/adjustment/reboot, not linked communications. GMRS linked sysops have to be aware that they are working within nearly black and white language and just be hoping to ask for forgiveness and not permission. I'm not saying it's right or wrong - Should it be changed? Sure - But it's there in 99% black and 1% white. There's no real gray area here.
You are conflating network connection and telephone interconnection. They are not the same. The 2017 rules specifically carved out a provision allowing for network connection while continuing to prohibit telephone interconnection.
@@dalleth Many are as confused as the staff level FCC employees as to the new rules which do permit network interconnection (as opposed to PSTN) and the paragraph § 95.1733 Prohibited GMRS uses. (a) (8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station; Lets start with what is permitted, note the key word, "however": § 95.1749 GMRS network connection. Operation of a GMRS station with a telephone connection is prohibited, as in § 95.349. GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations, however, may be connected to the public switched network or other networks for the sole purpose of operation by remote control pursuant to § 95.1745. § 95.1745 GMRS remote control. Notwithstanding the prohibition in § 95.345, GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations may be operated by remote control. Here is the general prohibition, note the keywords "unless otherwise allowed". § 95.345 Remote control. Operation of Personal Radio Services stations by remote control is prohibited, unless otherwise allowed for a particular Personal Radio Service by rules in the subpart governing that specific service. See e.g., §§ 95.945 and 95.1745. Then there is that pesky scriveners error at the aforementioned paragraph § 95.1733 "Prohibited GMRS uses. (a)(8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station; " It is a scriveners error that dates back decades of revisions of the GMRS rules. I raised this question during the 2017 NPRN process and the FCC kicked it down the road. If you read the NPRM you will find my question and the FCC response, indicating they had no answer or time to resolve it. My take below: For history, there was a time when automated control (automated Repeater controller) was a new concept to FCC, (a similar concern in Part 97 also existed). The FCC required a "control operator" a human, to intervene and shut down the repeater if it malfunctioned or was misused. It was allowable in GMRS to use the PSTN for purposes of dialing the repeater and sending a signal to shut it down. But voice telephonic messages PSTN Interconnect, were not permitted. If you go back through the evolution of the rules you can piece this together. The 2017 rules magnify the problem by seemingly in conflict with this old rule, now permitting network interconnection. Detractors of GMRS interconnect. mostly "sad hams", try to leverage this erroneous prohibition to make a case against GMRS networking.
It is specific to public switched network. There is NO mention of Internet. That which isn't specifically denied, is allowed. And no, ADSL is also not public switched network. It uses the same copper but it is not going through a phone switch.
I'm glad this was aired out, I hope the FCC's Public Information Team releases something about this explaining the FCC's official stance on the topic. If the PIO doesn't respond in a reasonable timeline with answers, I will file a FOIA request as I personally believe the request for call signs to still be out of line for a Government Official to do (not illegal just unethical). I work as a tech repair guy I'm not a lawyer or legal scholar so if I said something stupid you know what to do.
It's already in the rules. You cannot directly interconnect a GMRS station with the telephone network OR ANY OTHER NETWORK for the purpose of carrying GMRS communications".
Was this an RF simulcast (all repeaters on the same channel) or an AUDIO simulcast where the RF signal appears on multiple channels (per repeater). Were the linkages between sites via public or private network?
There is probably some communications company there in NY that has a DMR network and they are worried people will start using this GMRS network instead of subscribing to their DMR services. It is very appealing to folks who need 2 way radios to have state wide UHF coverage for FREE. They probably complained to the FCC about this network. Issues like this are often about who is getting paid or not getting paid.
interesting stuff, I only keep radios for emergency shituations...and well at work but we have encrypted channels there. here's a comment for interaction points
Very interesting... about a year ago I programmed a radio for a guy on Long Island. He paid to join a GMRS group and have access to their linked system. I'm glad the repeater owner and the FCC have a good working relationship. Hopefully they'll be able to find some resolution.
When you shroud something in secrecy refusing to say who owns and runs the repeater network who sent the email this is suspicious. Also fcc doesn’t make orders by email. Why was there not an actual enforcement mail
I used to live out there... the NY area is flooded with SAD HAMS so I am willing to bet that is the origin of the action. ( not HAMS, but SAD and ANGRY HAMS )
Not so! Internet linking would be among the first things to go in a SHTF scenario. All this does is free up those limited 8 pairs and 50W simplex channels for local area use, GMRS' intended purpose. Hearing ratchet jaws blathering about nothing on the other side of the state or the nation is not conducive to local area comms.
I'm curious how this (New York) network is different than the one that goes across the entire country from coast to coast? Is that one going away next?
@@grigorirasputin5020 I'm curious why you say that? I mean... why do you care? What is it you don't like about it? As for me, it's not for me, not something I'm interested in, which is why I don't use it. But at the same time, many do use it and enjoy it, and it doesn't effect me. I simply choose not to partake in it.
@slopsec2358 Hi! As I have said many times, on GMRS we only have eight channels on which two vital tasks may be performed; repeater operation and 50W simplex operation. You could conceivably have three or more repeaters and/or 50W simplex (base/mobile) systems operating in one town, on one channel, and not have them interfere with one another so long as the operators of each system demonstrated common courtesy and consideration for each other. If one of those repeater owners decides to add a link to a regional, state, or national, network, the whole landscape of that channel is suddenly changed. Now, you will likely have chatter from other parts of the state, region, or nation, coming across the linked repeater (or in the case of simplex and too poor or lazy to do a repeater, "node"), on a very regular basis throughout the day. Unlike the relatively infrequent use of the channel by local repeaters or 50W simplex operations, the linked operations coming in from elsewhere will be unable to listen for other traffic in your town before transmitting. People dozens, hundreds, or thousands, of miles distant will likely as not be communicating on one or more (if more, via the link) repeaters and inevitably, you will have the equivalent of CB "ratchet jaws" on there flapping their gums for lengthy periods, unnecessarily tying up the frequency in your town and rendering said frequency useless for any activity other than listening to the ratchet jaws talk. Most likely, listening to those ratchet jaws talk about nothing pertinent or important to anyone in your town is not what the repeater and/or simplex operators in your town invested money in radios for. This is a common situation in areas where you have repeater (or simplex "node") operators who somehow think they are doing this great service to GMRS in their area by sharing the "ABC Linked System" or the "XYZ Network" with the locals in their area. This is not what GMRS is for. It is for local (local can be 5, 50, 100 or more miles depending on terrain and station setup) comms between family, friends, and others. It was not created so people who are too lazy to get a ham license can pretend to be hams and talk across the nation on a system (VOIP) that is no different than what you do whenever making a call on your cell phone. The linking is annoying and poor stewardship of frequency spectrum on ham also, but at least on ham, there is enough spectrum to handle the traffic. On GMRS, with only eight 50W simplex/repeater channels, there is not.
@@grigorirasputin5020 Wow... That was a mouthful. I agree with you. If you want to talk across the country, or across the globe. Get your ham licenses. GMRS is not intended for this. I personally am not fan of this linked GMRS system. I have a ham license for that, which I rarely use in that manner. The last time I felt the desire to 'ratchet jaw' with strangers was a very short fad I went through back in the early 70s on CB radios.
I live in Phoenix and there was a repeater system linked together for communications throughout Arizona and New Mexico ( SWCRS :Southwest Community Radio System) and it seems it was shut down by the FCC and I heard it was because FCC says repeaters can not be linked together
The FCC has shut-down 0 linked repeater systems. If a linked repeater system was shut-down it was because the owners shut it down, likely after the clarification of the long-standing and unchanged FCC rules.
This is a good example of why the Chevron decision is important. Some roque agent deciding he knows best shuts someone down on a wild hair. Anyone who has ever worked in the field knows the difference between pstn and internet. Even if a phone company internet service is used it is not pstn. The rule was put in place to stop radio operators from making telephone calls from radios bypassing Ma Bells monopoly. This is a legacy rule dating back before most of you were born. They need to just drop it and butt out.
Networking GMRS repeaters is a violation of regulations. The licensees transmitting over the linked repeaters are responsible. However, it sounds like the FCC agent is trying to leverage his relationship with the repeater owner to gather information for an enforcement action. Correcting the violation should be sufficient, but some government agents have to flex their muscle to feel powerful.
Linked systems will serve no great purpose, whether legal or otherwise, other than to let pretend hams pretend to be hams by talking longer distances than GMRS was intended to facilitate.
@@stevevarholy2011 This is true. It looks like something might be changing soon. My question is how does Ham Radio compare to the link system they use?
@centralfloridagmrs Hams have lots and lots more frequencies to handle linking. In most cases, it is annoying there too, but at least they have the spectrum to handle it. GMRS does not.
@@grigorirasputin5020 Understood. I have noticed here in Orlando that many of the channels are tied up because of the linked systems and nodes. It looks like the FCC might be getting ready to tackle the linking systems.
Where I live, we have a large GMRS network, and as of 6-17-2024, the FCC updated the part 95.1749 GMRS network connection and included "Or other networks" to this rule. Is it possible that his friend with the FCC was aware of this change and gave them a heads up? Guess we will have to wait and see. :(
Wrong. Nothing has changed. I have in front of me the rulemaking from 2017 in the Federal Register. I suggest you read and pay special attention to the word "however", as however is important to note. It reads: § 95.1749 GMRS network connection. Operation of a GMRS station with a telephone connection is prohibited, as in § 95.349. GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations, however, may be connected to the public switched network or other networks for the sole purpose of operation by remote control pursuant to § 95.1745.
Wonder how legal it is to give a heads up email to an associate,and if so why would they make it in writing and not just inform over a lunch date. Is there not a rule against information given on active investigation or does that not apply to minor stuff
@@rhyoliteaquacade correct.under95.1749 For the sole purpose of remote control. Not for linking repeaters together… linking repeaters together is considered a network hence not legal. I was at the fcc meeting in harrisbur*,PA And audio linking is the violation Period. All he had to do was disconnect the link and leave it as a stand alone repeater
@@cozy659 I was not at the Harrisburg meeting but viewed the video and nowhere did I hear FCC rendering any opinion on that matter. Provide a link. What I did hear was an FCC spokeswoman saying that staff opinions were not binding to rules.
@@rhyoliteaquacade To answer your question it begins with my friend asking the question on linking GMRS repeaters. And Al answers the question reading directly from the fcc rules. Starts at 1:12:40. You can use networks for remote controlO NLY. You cannot link to communicate.nthsts considered networking. I’m the guy front row infront of Al . II start at 1:18:30. My wife and are are both disabled with 2 small GMRS repeaters linked less than 13 miles apart using nanostations not even o the internet. Again he calls it networking under the rules it’s not legal period.i also brought up the NYC system that slams mine. Hence the reason for the two linked repeaters.. the discussion was also about the letter that went out a few years ago saying that linking was allowed. That letter was just an opinion of an fcc staffer it was NOT the rule… hence 95.1749 states or any other network” therefore linking of GMRS repeaters Is not legal. Unless the fcc changed that wording. Hope that explains it. Cannot be any more clearer.. good luck and no letter had to be sent to me to tell me stop linking. That in person luncheon was my warning.i happen to be a broadcast engineer. So yes I have a friendly connection on a first name basis with each of those fcc representives that were there due to my job. Here is the video of that fcc luncheon ua-cam.com/video/86FLGl_e5nw/v-deo.htmlsi=dfb71aLQt8MAkXfH
Randy just an update on the 3 repeaters being affected by this issue. The covert 725 Repeater was shut down as I stated in a previous comment I posted. Sense then we are searching for a new sight to set up the covert 725 Repeater. The alliance Repeater is doing the same and have actually placed 2 one in Lockport and one on Syracuse. The covert 725 crew has created a zello channel (aftermath725) and we are staying in with each other and have ran a net on our normal day and time 7pm on Tues. Zello is not the answer for what we want but is getting the itch scratched till we find a suitable Repeater sight. Wish the alliance success and please pray to baby zanadu we locate a sight
HUGE debate locally up here, located on the top of NY State in St. Lawrence County, as to what are the legalities of using ROIP on GMRS. Locally everyone seems to be confused about it. FCC rules are vage in this area so it has them confused. Any Chance on a video about the legal right of GMRS and ROIP? ANY help would be greatly appreciated. ~WRWQ488 Tony
I wonder why Hams get internet networked systems like AllStar, IRLP, DMR, EchoLink, D-Star, YSF, Wires-X the list goes on and on. But GMRS which is designed for easy use and access does not get any access to any network or internet unless you're controlling the repeater? I live in an area that has no GMRS repeaters and the only way I could talk to anybody on GMRS was through a linked system. I would like to know if I could get a refund from the FCC for my GMRS license since I can't talk to anybody now. My license just was made worthless now when they shut down these linked systems. I think we should all just stop renewing any Ham radio or GMRS licenses. FCC is just garbage!
Very strange fcc asking for names...why? Makes me wonder about Fast and Furious, under a certain person, who wanted to blame certain people, of gun running down in mexico.
And the irony is that the 3 letter agencies are made up of a bunch of hypocritical law breakers, but as we all know, it's never a good reason to ever have them asking for names of any kind from you.
planned escape routes for when feds come knocking. You saw what they did to that guy in Georgia, can you imagine what they'd do in NY. Oh my, going to need more flash bangs, emp devices and wire snips. FCC agents on a tear, need some headlines for that new budget proposal. Lets Go.
I'm wondering though, given the plethora of repeaters nationwide, did this repeater have some other violation that was facing investigation for enforcement on, such as oh, a connection available unlawfully to the PSTN?
Now look Gdit! I'm only a 1:08 in and I've already almost choked on my coffee and swallowed a lit cigarette! If this keeps up I won't make to the end of the show! Too funny. So glad I stumbled in! ..."Advanced Institute of Sardonic Studies" 🤣
The problem as I see it is that setting up linked repeater networks require building skills and lots of channels. The GMRS service as defined by the FCC has neither. There are only 8 GMRS repeater channels and they can easily be filled up with linked repeaters broadcasting audio from users far away interfering with local users who want to use the channel. Also, GMRS licensees are not required to have any education in how to build or talk through a complicated linked repeater network. I'm guessing that the FCC will say "you want to build a complex linked repeater network? Great! That's what ham radio is for." My understanding is that GMRS is intended by the FCC to be a simple radio service with simple repeaters for people who just want to talk on the radio without learning all the technical details and taking a test.
Such an ass. Your intro to this video caused me to loose all respect for you. Guess the rest of this one will fall into all of your remaining videos I will never watch. Thanks for revealing your true self.
Bless your heart.. Can you let us all know what exactly made you cry the hardest? I want to make sure to do the same thing twice in my next video.
lol
Life in your momma's basement must be rough.
How's your pacifier doing?
Wow...humor matters
462.675 in New York City has been jammed for years to this day!!
FCC hasn't done shit about it!!!
interesting
Does the FCC know?
When you say 'jammed', what does that mean?
@@chesty1369 Yes they know. My home repeater is on 675 40 miles south of the NYC machine.
It can be heard DFQ all the way out in King Of Prussia, PA… there is no way they are running 50 watts. And the constant cursing , music and rebroadcasting of a local commercial radio station. This one repeater is killing the use of the frequency for well over 80+ miles around… for so many others who share the frequency.. I’ve personally had a few discussions with the FCC on it..I’m on the freq since the mid 90’s.. that’s one machine that needs to disappear
This comment have name & last name- Daniel Delise - Google it his name.
I graduated from the Walmart Legal University and got my master's from Arby's School for Constitutional Law.
And, I graduated 5th grade!
So I assume that you both are getting full student loan repayment.
i'd say your qualifications "trump" those of the present regime running the department of (in)justice.
Davey Crockett said that what made him a good magistrate was that he had never read a single page from a law book.
Now I want Arby's.
Gotta say that I AM impressed, Randy Sir. You looked like a real grown up newsreader conducting the interview...and using only a partially working Commodore 128 computer with two serial 1571 floppy drives you put the whole thing together. NEAT!!!
i wonder if the fcc will follow atf's example and start conducting midnight, no knock, armed raids on folks they feel are violating their secret regulations.
Secret regulations publicly posted on their website…
Hide your dogs!
They will cover up your doorbell ring cam and shut off the power to your house like they did here in Arkansas.
The SHTF day is approaching. Internet will go down right before all hell breaks loose.
@@Skidderoperator 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you both, and best of luck to the club.
Something about this still does not smell right... An unofficial heads-up between acquaintances, but also a rather official sounding "give me all the call signs involved"... It sounds at the very least as if someone at the FCC might be coloring outside the lines a bit. I'm prob wrong, but just sayin'.
Yeah that's mixing personal and government relationships and business.
There are official terms for that and they're supposed to carry punishments.
@@RedStripeMedia I think an inquiry is required in light of that request (or was it a demand?).
Commyinterference
Nothing fishy at all going on. The FCC made it clear back in January that linking GMRS repeaters via the internet to relay voice communication is illegal. You can legally link your repeater to the internet for remote control, but not for relaying GMRS comms via the internet to other repeaters. The repeater custodian must have been aware of this and didn't want to be responsible for others breaking the rules on his machine. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm only sharing what I know about this.
@@richb.4374 We've all heard the same story. It still smells like the contact at the FCC is deviating from established procedure by handling this "buddy-buddy" and via email. As far back as I can remember, I've never heard of anything like it. It is distinctly "out of character" for the FCC.
Your channel is awesome. I have learned so much from you I just humbly want to thank you.!
Everyone has almost woken up , but there’s still a 45 million that are still sleeping. Time will start to wake the rest up after something bad happens to our Great Country,and then and only then will we all come together as Americans!! “WE THE PEOPLE “👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Trump 2024👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks Randy, very professional interview by both of you.
As a member of this club, I would like to thank Carl for coming on your channel to help explain things.
The reason I joined the group and not just to use the Alliance network for free was to help maintain the system with my dues. To was great being able to communicate across the state.
I'm fairly new to GMRS. Was our system one of many out there that linked their repeaters the same way?
Thanks Randy🤝🤝🇺🇸
The New York net appeared to be linked differently than others. GMRS repeaters are allowed to be “Remote controlled”. Soooo yes they can be connected to a network. See 95.1749 It may be that your club’s network host was sending an audio encoded gmrs rf spectrum over the internet to another repeater. I think that particular usage is what they don’t like. Tv stations and UA-cam and radio stations all do the same thing using different licenses (and authorized equipment), non rf technology (UA-cam original broadcast), and commercial licensing for rf broadcast (ie your large radio station license).
@WSCD.-.-.- I still haven't heard from the club how ours was linked, but this now makes me wonder how anyone from a three letter organization would know either.
Still lots of questions here whether they were actually going to start the process of turning off linked systems
@@tomwilliams8675 someone who knew could have described the design. Of course, depending on the lay of the land and knowing the locations of towers, they could have recognized something like “well the only way they are getting from point A to point B is digital network.” EXTREMELY unlikely that they do, but if they need to go to the towers and look at the antennas, they can make some assumptions and then contact the tower licensee and verify. A “mad bro” civilian could have done that also and reported an assumed configuration, motivation aside. Why people get so worked up over people minding their own business, I will never understand.
@@tomwilliams8675he said the repeater owner and this FCC agent were friends. Apparently he let the FCC agent see the set-up.
Although I don't like the network being shut down I do (sort of) understand why GMRS repeater networks might be something the FCC would want to avoid. With a limited number of channels (and repeaters "overlapping" with the standard simplex channels) a large coverage network sort of closes off those channels for larger areas compared to a single repeater. A large radio club that wants to run a network with significant coverage is better suited to amateur radio, where this sort of thing is not only allowed but also quite common. But that does limit it to people willing to take the tests and get new radios.
Kind of a sucky situation all around.
Honestly, I really wish the FCC would make a few small changes that would make things a whole lot nicer for all of us.
1. Allow linked GMRS repeaters with some caveats. Given the limitations of the channels there definitely would need to be some sort of management, and I really have no idea how this might be done, but it would at least give groups like this an option.
2. For GMRS, eliminate the need for a callsign or registration when using simplex on an HT. It's basically FRS with *slightly* more power. A callsign should only be needed to use repeaters and to use more than 5W in my opinion.
3. Allow HAM radios to transmit on GMRS frequencies "legally" using a GMRS callsign as long as all GMRS limitations and rules are obeyed. I should be able to have one radio that does both and not rely on MARS mods, which "technically" are only usable in an emergency. If I go out for a hike with my family and we all have GMRS radios, I should be able to carry my HAM radio and use it for our GMRS communication and not need to carry two separate radios. (Of course, I might anyway for backup, but my point is that I shouldn't *need* to. 😁)
Which all begs the question: Doesn't the FCC & GOV have anything better to do?
EXACTLY! Sad hams attempting to take over GMRS, or Sad Hams wanting to force you into being a ham to enjoy your use, of your frequencies ... duh!
Amateur radio license doesn't grant you auto access to cb or to lmr or any other service. So not sure why you should be able to access gmrs.
I two hate carrying multiple radios. So currently running a harris xg100p so I can access, 2m, 70cm, 7/800 (as a scanner), as well as several lmr encrypted repeaters and gmrs if necessary. It is not type certified but just not completely frowned upon.
And the main reason I avoided adopting the thing, insufficient channels and restrictions.
They updated the rules with better language now. They're going to give the rest of them time to shut them down.
Randy, how are we supposed to know when the video is over if you don't have a Roger beep at the end of your transmission?
How are we supposed to know if the video is what..over?
@@Kosher_Slider Roger.
Shirley, this guy is not pres, under over....over¿
What is your vector, Victor?
@@not1word331 I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.
That was a good interview. Thanks for giving the community this information and a heads up.
Dang, Randy, nice job. You are turning into the next Matt Drudge. I think I like it. We should start calling this channel the 'Rubicon Report'
Matt Drudge sold his soul. Ty
@@DaddyyCrabFacts!
The got the dirt on drudge.. full blown commie now. He probably has a dark past.
@@craigdavidson2977 NotaRubicon Teport.
Drudge turned on the people that made him. That is why his site went from being one of the most visited, to nobody visiting. He was the first to come out and say Harris should b the nominee, and is clearly supporting her. As soon as thee debate was over, Drudge literally said the party belongs to Harris, and Biden should dropout and let her be the nominee. In 2020, he clearly supported Biden, and made fun of Trump when Biden won. Drudge is a goof.
Please keep us updated on the situation🇺🇸
Good work and great video Randy! Thank you!
Thank you!
I'm just here for the t-shirts...
Facts. My mommy keeps saying she'll order me one soon!
And the background posters.
I'm just here for the background screenshots
They’re like Easter eggs!
me too hahaha
I recently purchased 2 5W Baofeng GMRS handhelds. Planning to use them on a road trip to talk between cars to 5yo grandson. We'll be playing "Yellow Car" which is the new improved version of "Punchbug", since there are now so few beetles on the road. We'll be on channel 19 and maybe we'll catch some communication from a trucker or 2.
I don't have a phd yet so will probably never figure out how to link to a gmrs repeater network. Not sure I want to anyhow. And yes I have a GMRS FCC issued license.
This is a great UA-cam Channel, keep up the great work!
I hope this question doesn't sound too stupid. Do truckers now use GMRS Channel 19 instead of or in addition to CB Channel 19?
@@rickkephartactual7706 No truckers still use CB, a handful might have GMRS.
No truckers still use Citizen Band 19 which you won’t hear on a GMRS radio
I would think twice about that. Under current part 95 subpart E regulations you must be at least 18 years of age or older to use GMRS equipment. Try a couple of cb radios and use FM. Should work out well for you.
@@VickyGeaganentirely wrong. Just read 95.1743
Chevron deference is NO MORE. The rule making power of the FCC and other agencies is over. The NY GMRSers need to file a lawsuit and reference the Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce, which overturned Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, the long-standing precedent that courts provide deference to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous federal statutes.
You listen to GOP in committees, don’t you. That’s not what that court ruling meant.
Highly irregular to do this sort of unofficial enforcement action. The agency HAS a whole enforcement department for this, with protocols to follow. This casual email chatter smells worse than an unclean fish tank. Sounds like their custodian was in a highly leveraged position and either wanted out, and here was a convenient way to eject, or they have their other irons to protect. I'm sure some simple sleuthing can find who this mystery person is and what they do for a living that has them so worried. But it's really irrelevant. The club was in a weak position being guests on his system, and now they aren't guests any more. Wish them luck. I am sure the situation is not where anyone wanted to be.
Nobody knows what will happen next but it appears they might be the start of turning off the linked networks. We still don't know how this system that was told to shut down was actually operating. This was never addressed in this interview. I'm glad Randy is staying on top of this however.
Wheres my tinfoil hat & ammo?
I spent a decade in supervisory role in Federal government and you are spot on. There is a process with mgmt oversight so that some GS-5 clerk doesn’t go off playing Napoleon for a day because they just divorce papers.
@@kolakowj Feds=💩
I love the linked networks but repeaters are not the only victims of interference from a linked system where distant stations cannot monitor local outputs for traffic. Simplex operators on those eight 50W simplex/repeater channels can also impacted. It goes back to the very few amount of actual GMRS channels available.
This video is Much more informative than National Main Stream News. Big thumbs Up.
As a member of US’s largest gmrs repeater network, this was a topic of discussion along with lots of misinformation. I’m always surprised at the hate generated toward notarubicon as if “thou shalt not *sarcast*” was the 11th commandment. You live rent free in so many heads. 🤦🏽♂️
🤣🤣
Submitted edit for sad Grammar Nazi:
“As a member of the largest GMRS repeater network in the US, it was a topic of discussion along with a lot of misinformation. I am always surprised at the hate generated toward Notarubicon as if 'thou shalt not *sarcast*' was the 11th commandment. You live rent-free in so many heads."
Here are your grammar errors in the given text along with explanations and corrections:
1. **Possessive Form of "US"**:
- **Error**: "US’s largest gmrs repeater network"
- **Correction**: "the largest GMRS repeater network in the US"
- **Explanation**: "US" should not have an apostrophe for possessive form. Instead, rephrase to indicate possession.
2. **Article Usage**:
- **Error**: "this was a topic of discussion along with lots of misinformation."
- **Correction**: "it was a topic of discussion along with a lot of misinformation."
- **Explanation**: Since "this" refers to the entire preceding clause, "it" is more appropriate. Also, "a lot of" is more commonly used than "lots of" in formal writing.
3. **Capitalization**:
- **Error**: "gmrs"
- **Correction**: "GMRS"
- **Explanation**: "GMRS" (General Mobile Radio Service) should be in uppercase as it is an acronym.
4. **Consistent Verb Tense**:
- **Error**: "I’m always surprised at the hate generated toward notarubicon"
- **Correction**: "I am always surprised at the hate generated toward Notarubicon"
- **Explanation**: Use "I am" instead of the contraction "I’m" for consistency in tone. Also, proper nouns, such as "Notarubicon," should be capitalized.
5. **Quotation Marks**:
- **Error**: "thou shalt not *sarcast*"
- **Correction**: "thou shalt not *sarcast*"
- **Explanation**: The use of asterisks for emphasis is informal. However, the context suggests this is an attempt at sarcasm or informal speech, so it's acceptable. Alternatively, use quotation marks if formal writing is desired: "thou shalt not 'sarcast'".
6. **Conjunction and Punctuation**:
- **Error**: "You live rent free in so many heads."
- **Correction**: "You live rent-free in so many heads."
- **Explanation**: "Rent-free" should be hyphenated as it is a compound adjective.
Revised version with corrections:
"As a member of the largest GMRS repeater network in the US, it was a topic of discussion along with a lot of misinformation. I am always surprised at the hate generated toward Notarubicon as if 'thou shalt not *sarcast*' was the 11th commandment. You live rent-free in so many heads."
@@daviddelaney363 LMAO! Douchey but apropos!
Ha! Impressive! As the son of an English teacher, I mean that sincerely!
Note re: your revised version with corrections… consider placing a comma after “Rubicon”.
@@daviddelaney363 says, “Ya but how do you talk to the ISS with and FRS???”
"Sad Grammar Nazi" got it all right. Trying to read (and understand), garbled comments wastes a lot of time. Getting it right the first time, shows respect to comment readers.
Great video, thanks for digging in to this event.
Thank YOU!
The FCC won't let me be · Or let me be me, so let me see · They tried to shut me down on youtubezTV· But it feels so empty without me
Best comment award 😂
😂
I heard this in his voice
Thanks for the followup, in which the president of the NY club validated the source of the email.
It appears "Uncle Charlie" is starting to take notice. GMRS licensees are exploding right now so I guess they figure they better nip this in the bud now. As a group that has a local repeater my opinion is the linked systems should be examined. I can hear the same conversation on three different repeaters within my receive range on 3 different frequencies. They should either expand the frequencies that GMRS can use for repeaters and reveal what is and is not allowed on GMRS in terms of repeaters. Randy as always your show is worth the watch. Keep up the good work.
Why didn't you ask and discuss the legalities of linking repeaters?
Because he's not particularly concerned with silly little things like rules??
Inquiring sad hams all want this answered!
I guess they could have, but anyone could just read § 95.1733 (8) and conclude that these linked repeaters are prohibited uses of GMRS repeaters.
The government doesn't like communications of citizens, that could undermine their iron fist of control on free speech and conveyance of information outside what they can control.
EXACTLY. Control the herd.
I think you might be overreaching a bit with that one. CB radio has been around for years.
Agreed
BINGO. That is why I will be canceling my callsign this week and asking the FCC to remove me from said list and get rid of information I gave fourth. I am getting a bad taste about all this. I will stick with CB /with Lower and upper SB. I do intend on keeping all my GMRS equipment though for use when sHtf.
@@centralfloridagmrs As a Signals Veteran, I can assure you, my paranoia is well founded.
Thanks again for keeping us informed
I had always read that when one is staging a coup, the first thing you do is control all means of communication
Bingo. Here's one that can see
The coup already happened. We just have too many people in this country who are too afraid to look beyond the boundary of their little comfort bubbles to see it and acknowledge it.
Oh good grief. Your tinfoil hat is too tight. Like anyone gives a crap about GMRS.
And distribute $19 Baofengs
@@stargazer7644well apparently the FCC does
It really makes me wonder about the big national hubs that link up like this, like the Southwest Community Radio System (SWCRS) Could this be precursor to shutting them all down? Very interesting indeed.
Great video!! Thank you for the update. Still a lot of questions out there unanswered.
I didn't work for the FCC, but I was a State government investigator for many years. Sending a "heads-up" to anyone suggesting that they do or not do anything probably would have resulted in disciplinary action or worse. My agency even frowned on me answering questions from the public beyond providing copies of the laws or agency pamphlets because doing so could be used against us where enforcement action was taken. Hypothetically if I did want to quietly caution someone, I sure as heck wouldn't have sent email from the State computer system. Maybe the FCC person is a loose cannon, but I doubt it and something seems off to me. When I did send a nasty gram, I cited the exact laws and rules in question. I didn't write something as vague as Chapter 452 (or Part 95 in this instance). A good start on this situation would be to examine what laws/rules in part 95 may have been violated. Could unlicensed operators access the repeaters via the Internet back hauls and transmit on GMRS frequencies or something along those lines? That would probably get the FCC excited. Does GMRS not allow Internet back hauls? I don't know. I'm not a GMRS licensee or an expert on GMRS/Part 95, but that would be my starting point. Thanks for doing the interview, but I concur with your closing statement that there are more questions than answers.
Thank you for sharing with us O great one...
Breaking news. Thanks for the update. Foxtrot Juliett Bravo!
Foxtrot Delta Tango
Would like to add to a comment that was mentioned earlier about linking G.M.R.S. at a Luncheon meeting on January 25, 2024 in Harrisburg Pa.
This is the video, picks right up at the question!
ua-cam.com/video/86FLGl_e5nw/v-deo.html
Al Furlow is a FCC Field Engineer, there is NO gray area here folks.
Isn't it wonderful to live in a country where an unconstitutional agency writes laws rather than congress? Not to mention that the system denies you trial by jury as guaranteed by the constitution.
I agree. BATF is a pain, but what do they have to do with this?
Maybe the recent smack down of the ATF on the bump stocks could be a basis for bringing a case against the FCC; The bump stock case was won specifically because the ATF changed the definition of a rule without Congressional approval.
@@grigorirasputin5020 Because of what I wrote below.
I mean, the FCC was created by Congress and empowered with regulation and enforcement authority. That kind of negates the "unconstitutional" business.
But more to the point - the rules aren't new, and there's plenty of legal options available for those wishing to do what was done here. This whole thing is so "I broke rules I knew about,but I'm still the victim".
An unconstitutional agency? Congress (you know, those guys in DC who make the laws?) passed the Communications Act of 1934 creating the Federal Communications Commission and charged them with overseeing and regulating telephone, telegraph and radio communications. Which part of that do you not understand?
Thanks for the interview Randy
Friendly heads up and demand for user information don't mesh. Not saying Carl Bourke was wrong, but whoever at the FCC sent that email should probably stick to following their own processes.
This could be a violation of equal protection and due process. The issue is an agent potentially protecting a friend from enforcement actions that potentially other systems will be receiving is not Equal Protection.
Requesting call signs may not be technically illegal or violate anyones rights but may be considered misfeasance by the agent.
There is a lot to unpack here and the FCC needs to make an official statement.
it was not a demand it was a request. .and we all know how easygoing the feds are when they want something from the peons.
Maybe they don’t want to do all the damn paperwork.
Thanks for taking the extra step and getting the rest of the story. Subscribed.
Outstanding update! Thank you Randy for providing the opportunity to bring clarity to some of the important details surrounding this situation.
if is clear Carl Bourke (WRTE329) IS INFORMO!!!!!
Great interview! Thanks for doing this.
I'll bet the FCCs agent did a lateral transfer from the A TEE EFF's group, and is looking for a new dog to kick.
Something smells fishy with the repeater custodian having a working relationship with the FCC agent.
Repeater custodian is a police officer
There's a good chance he's in broadcast or commercial communications and his income depends on a good working relationship with Uncle Charlie(The FCC).
@@512Colorado Yep I’m one of those…NYC and Philly broadcast Markets
Well shit... thanks to the commentators on this thread. Informative not politics bullshit.
Thanks Randy for covering this I think this was a very important thing to cover considering the current state of affairs in this country.
I legitimately subscribed because of your sarcasm and pointing out the high IQ respondents..
Institute of advanced sardonic studies! LOL
Thanks for doing this interview. Your interview questions were good. So many aspects remain suspect - the "working relationship" between the custodian and the FCC employee, unofficial notification that there was a potential rule violation, request for call signs. Why would someone with a substantial GMRS network just shut it down? Is there something illegal about connected repeaters?
Connecting repeaters the way these were connected, according to the FCC, violates FCC rules, as mentioned in this video and the previous referenced video.
@@TheNotaRubicon I'm not understanding what about the connection made the FCCs get mad at this repeater network, compared to other GMRS repeater networks. If you do a followup video on this and could find time to explain the illegality of the connection, I'd be grateful. Be sure to use short words and speak slowly for me ;-)
@@REXOB9 The FCC rules do not allow connecting GMRS repeaters to the internet. But the rule was written 50 years ago before the Internet even existed so the words are very confusing and normal people who speak normal english are not aware its illegal.
§ 95.1749 GMRS network connection is 99% clear that GMRS isn't allowed to link. The term "telephone connection" has, case after case been translated to ANY network, (not just the phone network), but also to IP/TCP networks since the 90s. The remaining 1% gray area is that they allow for: "may be connected to the public switched network or other networks for the sole purpose of operation by remote control pursuant to § 95.1745". But it's obvious that they literally mean remote control as in start/stop/adjustment/reboot, not linked communications. GMRS linked sysops have to be aware that they are working within nearly black and white language and just be hoping to ask for forgiveness and not permission. I'm not saying it's right or wrong - Should it be changed? Sure - But it's there in 99% black and 1% white. There's no real gray area here.
You are conflating network connection and telephone interconnection. They are not the same. The 2017 rules specifically carved out a provision allowing for network connection while continuing to prohibit telephone interconnection.
@@rhyoliteaquacade Cite the rule.
Yes, FCC Part 95 can be amended to allow GMRS linked repeaters. A petition for rulemaking can be submitted to the FCC.
@@dalleth Many are as confused as the staff level FCC employees as to the new rules which do permit network interconnection (as opposed to PSTN) and the paragraph § 95.1733 Prohibited GMRS uses. (a) (8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station;
Lets start with what is permitted, note the key word, "however":
§ 95.1749 GMRS network connection. Operation of a GMRS station with a telephone connection is prohibited, as in § 95.349. GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations, however, may be connected to the public switched network or other networks for the sole purpose of operation by remote control pursuant to § 95.1745.
§ 95.1745 GMRS remote control. Notwithstanding the prohibition in § 95.345, GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations may be operated by remote control.
Here is the general prohibition, note the keywords "unless otherwise allowed".
§ 95.345 Remote control. Operation of Personal Radio Services stations by remote control is prohibited, unless otherwise allowed for a particular Personal Radio Service by rules in the subpart governing that specific service. See e.g., §§ 95.945 and 95.1745.
Then there is that pesky scriveners error at the aforementioned paragraph § 95.1733 "Prohibited GMRS uses. (a)(8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station; "
It is a scriveners error that dates back decades of revisions of the GMRS rules.
I raised this question during the 2017 NPRN process and the FCC kicked it down the road. If you read the NPRM you will find my question and the FCC response, indicating they had no answer or time to resolve it. My take below:
For history, there was a time when automated control (automated Repeater controller) was a new concept to FCC, (a similar concern in Part 97 also existed). The FCC required a "control operator" a human, to intervene and shut down the repeater if it malfunctioned or was misused. It was allowable in GMRS to use the PSTN for purposes of dialing the repeater and sending a signal to shut it down. But voice telephonic messages PSTN Interconnect, were not permitted. If you go back through the evolution of the rules you can piece this together. The 2017 rules magnify the problem by seemingly in conflict with this old rule, now permitting network interconnection.
Detractors of GMRS interconnect. mostly "sad hams", try to leverage this erroneous prohibition to make a case against GMRS networking.
It is specific to public switched network. There is NO mention of Internet. That which isn't specifically denied, is allowed. And no, ADSL is also not public switched network. It uses the same copper but it is not going through a phone switch.
GOV does not want Citizens organizing for Self Defense, which begs the question, why?
This intro cracked me up. So glad I subscribed a while back to get this one. Nice shirt, btw! 😃
Thank you President Carl
You ARE the man! Your humor is A+
I'm glad this was aired out, I hope the FCC's Public Information Team releases something about this explaining the FCC's official stance on the topic.
If the PIO doesn't respond in a reasonable timeline with answers, I will file a FOIA request as I personally believe the request for call signs to still be out of line for a Government Official to do (not illegal just unethical).
I work as a tech repair guy I'm not a lawyer or legal scholar so if I said something stupid you know what to do.
"not illegal, just unethical" is the part of what you wrote that you should focus on when looking for ineffective thinking.
The request for callsigns from the individual does not have to be fulfilled, but keep in mind, the callsign belongs to the government.
It's already in the rules. You cannot directly interconnect a GMRS station with the telephone network OR ANY OTHER NETWORK for the purpose of carrying GMRS communications".
Was this an RF simulcast (all repeaters on the same channel) or an AUDIO simulcast where the RF signal appears on multiple channels (per repeater). Were the linkages between sites via public or private network?
Someone needs to do a FOIA request
There is probably some communications company there in NY that has a DMR network and they are worried people will start using this GMRS network instead of subscribing to their DMR services. It is very appealing to folks who need 2 way radios to have state wide UHF coverage for FREE. They probably complained to the FCC about this network. Issues like this are often about who is getting paid or not getting paid.
JPJ?
interesting stuff, I only keep radios for emergency shituations...and well at work but we have encrypted channels there. here's a comment for interaction points
Very interesting... about a year ago I programmed a radio for a guy on Long Island. He paid to join a GMRS group and have access to their linked system.
I'm glad the repeater owner and the FCC have a good working relationship. Hopefully they'll be able to find some resolution.
Thanks! I love Mr. Handsy sniffy face in the background. 😂😂😂 looks like he’s got the death grip on another unsuspecting victim 😮
Thank YOU!
When you shroud something in secrecy refusing to say who owns and runs the repeater network who sent the email this is suspicious. Also fcc doesn’t make orders by email. Why was there not an actual enforcement mail
I used to live out there... the NY area is flooded with SAD HAMS so I am willing to bet that is the origin of the action. ( not HAMS, but SAD and ANGRY HAMS )
I like Ham. Ham and eggs.
You mean “Sad Hams” 😂😂😂😂😂
@@dflynn2499to be fair, A does not negate B... sad AND angry.
@@dflynn2499 I stand corrected ! 👍
GMRS has certainly stolen ham radios thunder. The crabby old farts have gotten what they deserve. 😅
Thanks for going to the source and getting actual information out!
*They're cutting the only alternative lines of communications in case of a disaster or armed conflict in that region. The question is, why now?*
Not so! Internet linking would be among the first things to go in a SHTF scenario. All this does is free up those limited 8 pairs and 50W simplex channels for local area use, GMRS' intended purpose. Hearing ratchet jaws blathering about nothing on the other side of the state or the nation is not conducive to local area comms.
If it comes to shtf, the rules won't matter.
@@SocialistDistancing
True!
Thank you for doing this Randy. Very good reporting!
I'm curious how this (New York) network is different than the one that goes across the entire country from coast to coast? Is that one going away next?
Hopefully, it and many others will go away very soon.
@@grigorirasputin5020 I'm curious why you say that? I mean... why do you care? What is it you don't like about it?
As for me, it's not for me, not something I'm interested in, which is why I don't use it. But at the same time, many do use it and enjoy it, and it doesn't effect me. I simply choose not to partake in it.
@slopsec2358
Hi! As I have said many times, on GMRS we only have eight channels on which two vital tasks may be performed; repeater operation and 50W simplex operation. You could conceivably have three or more repeaters and/or 50W simplex (base/mobile) systems operating in one town, on one channel, and not have them interfere with one another so long as the operators of each system demonstrated common courtesy and consideration for each other. If one of those repeater owners decides to add a link to a regional, state, or national, network, the whole landscape of that channel is suddenly changed. Now, you will likely have chatter from other parts of the state, region, or nation, coming across the linked repeater (or in the case of simplex and too poor or lazy to do a repeater, "node"), on a very regular basis throughout the day. Unlike the relatively infrequent use of the channel by local repeaters or 50W simplex operations, the linked operations coming in from elsewhere will be unable to listen for other traffic in your town before transmitting. People dozens, hundreds, or thousands, of miles distant will likely as not be communicating on one or more (if more, via the link) repeaters and inevitably, you will have the equivalent of CB "ratchet jaws" on there flapping their gums for lengthy periods, unnecessarily tying up the frequency in your town and rendering said frequency useless for any activity other than listening to the ratchet jaws talk. Most likely, listening to those ratchet jaws talk about nothing pertinent or important to anyone in your town is not what the repeater and/or simplex operators in your town invested money in radios for. This is a common situation in areas where you have repeater (or simplex "node") operators who somehow think they are doing this great service to GMRS in their area by sharing the "ABC Linked System" or the "XYZ Network" with the locals in their area. This is not what GMRS is for. It is for local (local can be 5, 50, 100 or more miles depending on terrain and station setup) comms between family, friends, and others. It was not created so people who are too lazy to get a ham license can pretend to be hams and talk across the nation on a system (VOIP) that is no different than what you do whenever making a call on your cell phone.
The linking is annoying and poor stewardship of frequency spectrum on ham also, but at least on ham, there is enough spectrum to handle the traffic. On GMRS, with only eight 50W simplex/repeater channels, there is not.
@@grigorirasputin5020 Wow... That was a mouthful. I agree with you. If you want to talk across the country, or across the globe. Get your ham licenses. GMRS is not intended for this.
I personally am not fan of this linked GMRS system. I have a ham license for that, which I rarely use in that manner.
The last time I felt the desire to 'ratchet jaw' with strangers was a very short fad I went through back in the early 70s on CB radios.
So why are you a ham? That what the service/hobby is about or are you a disaster junkie and like to feel special?
I'm back off of my long long vacation I am still subscribed to your channel
All three letter agencies need to be shut down
🎯🎯🎯
I live in Phoenix and there was a repeater system linked together for communications throughout Arizona and New Mexico ( SWCRS :Southwest Community Radio System) and
it seems it was shut down by the FCC and I heard it was because FCC says repeaters can not be linked together
The FCC has shut-down 0 linked repeater systems. If a linked repeater system was shut-down it was because the owners shut it down, likely after the clarification of the long-standing and unchanged FCC rules.
Kind of like when a cop you know gives you a warning and not a ticket?
ONCE ALL IS SETTLED, HOPE YOU KEEP US INFORMED
This is a good example of why the Chevron decision is important. Some roque agent deciding he knows best shuts someone down on a wild hair. Anyone who has ever worked in the field knows the difference between pstn and internet. Even if a phone company internet service is used it is not pstn. The rule was put in place to stop radio operators from making telephone calls from radios bypassing Ma Bells monopoly. This is a legacy rule dating back before most of you were born. They need to just drop it and butt out.
Networking GMRS repeaters is a violation of regulations. The licensees transmitting over the linked repeaters are responsible. However, it sounds like the FCC agent is trying to leverage his relationship with the repeater owner to gather information for an enforcement action. Correcting the violation should be sufficient, but some government agents have to flex their muscle to feel powerful.
We will just have to stay on top of this to see if the FCC shuts down other repeaters
Thank you for the follow-up with an eye witness.
Does the FCC expect some sort of militia type use of these GMRS repeaters, if there is a negative reaction to the President loosing his election?
The Commission appears to have been concerned for awhile about the abuse of the GMRS service, going back to at least last year.
Linked systems will serve no great purpose, whether legal or otherwise, other than to let pretend hams pretend to be hams by talking longer distances than GMRS was intended to facilitate.
@@stevevarholy2011 This is true. It looks like something might be changing soon. My question is how does Ham Radio compare to the link system they use?
@centralfloridagmrs
Hams have lots and lots more frequencies to handle linking. In most cases, it is annoying there too, but at least they have the spectrum to handle it. GMRS does not.
@@grigorirasputin5020 Understood. I have noticed here in Orlando that many of the channels are tied up because of the linked systems and nodes. It looks like the FCC might be getting ready to tackle the linking systems.
Love the picture of Biden being a creep upper left hand corner
How DARE you sir! That is your President! Show some respect!
Where I live, we have a large GMRS network, and as of 6-17-2024, the FCC updated the part 95.1749 GMRS network connection and included "Or other networks" to this rule. Is it possible that his friend with the FCC was aware of this change and gave them a heads up? Guess we will have to wait and see. :(
Wrong. Nothing has changed. I have in front of me the rulemaking from 2017 in the Federal Register. I suggest you read and pay special attention to the word "however", as however is important to note. It reads:
§ 95.1749 GMRS network connection.
Operation of a GMRS station with a
telephone connection is prohibited, as
in § 95.349. GMRS repeater, base and
fixed stations, however, may be
connected to the public switched
network or other networks for the sole
purpose of operation by remote control
pursuant to § 95.1745.
Wonder how legal it is to give a heads up email to an associate,and if so why would they make it in writing and not just inform over a lunch date. Is there not a rule against information given on active investigation or does that not apply to minor stuff
@@rhyoliteaquacade correct.under95.1749 For the sole purpose of remote control. Not for linking repeaters together… linking repeaters together is considered a network hence not legal. I was at the fcc meeting in harrisbur*,PA And audio linking is the violation Period. All he had to do was disconnect the link and leave it as a stand alone repeater
@@cozy659 I was not at the Harrisburg meeting but viewed the video and nowhere did I hear FCC rendering any opinion on that matter. Provide a link. What I did hear was an FCC spokeswoman saying that staff opinions were not binding to rules.
@@rhyoliteaquacade To answer your question it begins with my friend asking the question on linking GMRS repeaters. And Al answers the question reading directly from the fcc rules. Starts at 1:12:40. You can use networks for remote controlO NLY. You cannot link to communicate.nthsts considered networking. I’m the guy front row infront of Al . II start at 1:18:30. My wife and are are both disabled with 2 small GMRS repeaters linked less than 13 miles apart using nanostations not even o the internet. Again he calls it networking under the rules it’s not legal period.i also brought up the NYC system that slams mine. Hence the reason for the two linked repeaters.. the discussion was also about the letter that went out a few years ago saying that linking was allowed. That letter was just an opinion of an fcc staffer it was NOT the rule… hence 95.1749 states or any other network” therefore linking of GMRS repeaters Is not legal. Unless the fcc changed that wording. Hope that explains it. Cannot be any more clearer.. good luck and no letter had to be sent to me to tell me stop linking. That in person luncheon was my warning.i happen to be a broadcast engineer. So yes I have a friendly connection on a first name basis with each of those fcc representives that were there due to my job.
Here is the video of that fcc luncheon
ua-cam.com/video/86FLGl_e5nw/v-deo.htmlsi=dfb71aLQt8MAkXfH
Who was the repeater custodian? Who was the email from at the FCC?
F government overreach
Randy just an update on the 3 repeaters being affected by this issue. The covert 725 Repeater was shut down as I stated in a previous comment I posted. Sense then we are searching for a new sight to set up the covert 725 Repeater. The alliance Repeater is doing the same and have actually placed 2 one in Lockport and one on Syracuse. The covert 725 crew has created a zello channel (aftermath725) and we are staying in with each other and have ran a net on our normal day and time 7pm on Tues. Zello is not the answer for what we want but is getting the itch scratched till we find a suitable Repeater sight. Wish the alliance success and please pray to baby zanadu we locate a sight
I love it! Advanced sardonic studies. lol 😆 🤣
HUGE debate locally up here, located on the top of NY State in St. Lawrence County, as to what are the legalities of using ROIP on GMRS. Locally everyone seems to be confused about it. FCC rules are vage in this area so it has them confused. Any Chance on a video about the legal right of GMRS and ROIP? ANY help would be greatly appreciated.
~WRWQ488 Tony
I also live on the Fourth Coast & that's a great highly debated question. ~WRXE693 Anthony
If they want a list of users, they need to submit a court issued subpoena.
thanks Matlock
more reasoning for us newbies to not register anything, nothing.
I wonder why Hams get internet networked systems like AllStar, IRLP, DMR, EchoLink, D-Star, YSF, Wires-X the list goes on and on. But GMRS which is designed for easy use and access does not get any access to any network or internet unless you're controlling the repeater? I live in an area that has no GMRS repeaters and the only way I could talk to anybody on GMRS was through a linked system. I would like to know if I could get a refund from the FCC for my GMRS license since I can't talk to anybody now. My license just was made worthless now when they shut down these linked systems. I think we should all just stop renewing any Ham radio or GMRS licenses. FCC is just garbage!
They were clearly breaking fcc regulations. What’s the big deal. Use an unlinked repeater. Problem solved.
Very strange fcc asking for names...why?
Makes me wonder about Fast and Furious, under a certain person, who wanted to blame certain people, of gun running down in mexico.
And the irony is that the 3 letter agencies are made up of a bunch of hypocritical law breakers, but as we all know, it's never a good reason to ever have them asking for names of any kind from you.
Thanks for the clarification of this issue
Is the FCC trying to get the mass numbers of GMRS users to come after them? Talk about kicking the hornet's nest...
Looks like they are just finally enforcing a good rule that has been long neglected.
It would be nice to also hear directly from the FCC explaining which violations were the reasoning. We know the lists, but which ones?
Why does Carl have so many doors behind him.
To store all his Baofengs
He's into repeaters
Maybe a game show?
planned escape routes for when feds come knocking. You saw what they did to that guy in Georgia, can you imagine what they'd do in NY. Oh my, going to need more flash bangs, emp devices and wire snips. FCC agents on a tear, need some headlines for that new budget proposal. Lets Go.
He are inside the Matrix!
I'm wondering though, given the plethora of repeaters nationwide, did this repeater have some other violation that was facing investigation for enforcement on, such as oh, a connection available unlawfully to the PSTN?
Sounds fishy and like a move to switch over from the clubs current manager to a new for profit club manager
They want to keep the sheeple on a tight leash
Part of the issue......it is New York 🤷♂️ the local gov were not profiting from it so it shall not continue.
No tax, no business!
@@RickBelt ahh but gmrs repeaters are not a business. 🤷♂️
Now look Gdit! I'm only a 1:08 in and I've already almost choked on my coffee and swallowed a lit cigarette! If this keeps up I won't make to the end of the show! Too funny. So glad I stumbled in! ..."Advanced Institute of Sardonic Studies" 🤣
I am an EXPERT and in my EXPERT opinion I just don’t know. 😊
I think the cellular company is just didn't like competition
William of Occam would've appreciated this observation. Not your first rodeo I'm guessing.
However; interlinked repeaters are permitted in the amateur radio service.
@@MrPotatochips4 i'm not even part of the rodeo. i just know how Grapey and parasitic the government and companies are.
Thank you so much for doing this video. Not sure where to go from here. Perhaps it's time to work with the government get the rules changed.
The problem as I see it is that setting up linked repeater networks require building skills and lots of channels. The GMRS service as defined by the FCC has neither. There are only 8 GMRS repeater channels and they can easily be filled up with linked repeaters broadcasting audio from users far away interfering with local users who want to use the channel. Also, GMRS licensees are not required to have any education in how to build or talk through a complicated linked repeater network. I'm guessing that the FCC will say "you want to build a complex linked repeater network? Great! That's what ham radio is for." My understanding is that GMRS is intended by the FCC to be a simple radio service with simple repeaters for people who just want to talk on the radio without learning all the technical details and taking a test.