[Mobile-Portable] Emergency Frequencies: was Want advice (long)

[Art Clemons]

> According to the ham, they exausted all normal means of communications,
> however, I don't believe that's the case.  First of all, the ham made
> preparation to use the sheriff's frequency rather than HF or other amateur
> frequencies.  I highly suspect that in their case, the ham will ultimately
> fail in his attempt to justify using the sheriff's frequency.  I don't
> believe that the ham and his buddy are bad people or that they should suffer
> sever punishment.  I would hope it is no more than a night at the sheriff's
> hotel and a $500 fine.  But I do believe a message needs to be made to STAY
> OFF THE SHERIFF'S FREQUENCIES.


Your scenario though requires a ham to be carrying at minimum a small HF 
rig, something that many hams don't do, afterall a Yaesu 817 or Icom 703 
is not as small as an HT.  You are focused on HF, many other hams are 
not.  May I also point out that while I don't have a modified radio, if 
I could not reach another amateur or amateur system in an emergency, I 
probably would modify a radio and use it to get aid.  I also suspect 
that few police departments would actually find prosecution or an 
attempted forfeiture of the amateur equipment a viable option.