[KYHAM] Right To Know?

[Ron Dodson]

I had an interesting talk earlier today with some of the
folks at the local Radio Shack store.  Twice in 2001 we had
people in possession of and using 2 meter equipment in
this area who were unlicensed and did not apparently even
realize they needed one.
Luckily, both were eventually handled with a minimum of
complication.

While buying some connectors etc. for a project today, I
asked the local RS folks if they ever asked to see an
amateur radio license before they sold someone one of the
Amateur Radio transceivers that they sell.  The two workers
looked at me and said, " No, If they got the money, they can
buy anything they want.  What they do with it is their
problem."  I then told them that I felt that they at least
should TELL the buyer that a license was required and they
did not seem to agree as they again did not feel this was
their problem.  Has anyone else ever tried asking this
question??? If so, where your results favorable or more on
the order of mine?  I realize that they might not be Legally
required to do this, though as I tried to tell them, I felt
it would be in everyone's best interest if they would.  An
uniformed person may well buy either a two meter, ten meter
or dual band rig thinking it is CB or FRS and unknowingly
open the Pandora's Box of trouble for everyone.  Yes, the
manuals generally have a caveat about licensing, but how
many HAMS read the manual first ! ;^)  Maybe it is me, but I
think a buyer has the right to know what he/she is buying
and of any license requirements for the use of the
equipment.  To amateurs BUYING the gear this may not be a
big issue, but to the uniformed, it could save us all a load
of grief.

Most dealers who advertise in amateur magazines ASK FOR A
CALL SIGN or verify license possession before a sale, just
to keep everyone straight.  Perhaps we need to start asking
my earlier question more of our local vendors who sell
consumer market goodies and amateur rigs as a sideline.

Just a thought.

73 all,

Ron