[Milsurplus] Radios, manufacturers, limitations...

[Facility 406]

> Or, that even though an entry level tech license allows one to operate 
> from 420-450, but 440 rigs generally don't operate below 430, due to 
> pressure from the ARRL, and their "bandplan", as explained to me by 
> manufacturers.
> 
> Yep, I'm not an ARRL member, so the plan of some back room club lunacy 
> doesn't apply to me, my license was issued by the FCC, which allows me 
> certain frequency ranges, but, you know, screw everyone, by the 
> manufacturers, on behalf of ONE of several thousand clubs in the US...

I had meant to add...

We've all heard of MARS/CAP mods to get an amateur radio to transmit 
"out of band".

My primary radios, once modded, mobile, transmitted from ~170kHz to 200 
MHz, all mode, and my previous HT, 100-500 MHz FM.  Current HT is 
136-174, and 420-470 MHz.  Yes, it's a glorified "business band" radio. 
  Amazingly, I am able to operate within my decades-old license class, 
after the modifications.

BUT, try contacting a radio manufacturer asking for the MARS/CAP mod!

They'll ask for a license, or certification, and refuse to provide any 
information without it.

Try asking, "OK, I have Technician and above privileges, here's a copy 
of my license, from the issuing authority, with a link to view direct, 
how do I get this radio to match my license?"

THAT is when I was told that radios are designed to ARRL band plans, and 
the ARRL doesn't want anyone to TX from 420-430 in FM, because, "that's 
for weak signals and satellites".  I pointed out, "Also repeater links, 
one of which I am a custodian in my region, and the FCC requires 
monitoring and control."

Across several more emails, the response was, basically, 'Piss off!', 
and they provided a copy of the ARRL bandplan at the time, to show where 
the ARRL wanted me to operate.  I responded with a copy of the CFR, 
showing where the issuing authority of my license allowed me to operate, 
while pointing out I'm not an ARRL member, so the band plan was not only 
meaningless to myself, and others who also aren't members, therefore 
making it irrelevant, it held no self-imposed limitations, control, or 
authority with me, in response to the seemingly self-assigned notions of 
others.

Didn't matter.

What a way to control a hobby!

Kurt