Welcome to the Delaney.rocks Web site.
This site provides resources to those interested in amateur radio, as well as post files and information for those who have inquired about more detailed information.
Keep an eye on the local page for repeater changes, as well as other local activities such as hamfests and local meeting information.
Also, helps to always know the rules (Part 97) – FCC Part 97 has been amended as of January 8, 2024, specifically Part 97.305 and Part 97.307. Click here to view the latest FCC Part 97 rules.
Know someone studying for their license? Check out Amateur Radio Study Buddy at https://study.affirmatech.com– a great tool on your PC or phone. More information about getting your amateur radio license can be found on the Getting Started/Links tab.
Be sure to check out the Local Events/Repeaters page for changes in repeaters in our area.
HOT Topics – see the News section for more
New DMR Network – AmComm DMR Network
A new, well at least as of October 2023, DMR network is now available called AMCOMM. Some talkgroups (such as America Link and Alabama Link) that were previously on the popular Brandmeister network have left that network and are now part of the AMCOMM DMR network.
You can find information on this new network at https://www.amcomm.network/
So, with all of the DMR networks already available, why AMCOMM?
1. Fast, Friendly, Helpful Support.
2. No time limits on talkgroups.
3. Local Support.
4. Multiple Servers with multiple available server admins.
5. Shared Amcomm only APRS Mapping with APRS. fi reporting.
6. Redundant system of interconnected servers.
7. A phone number to call when you need something (can you believe that!)
8. Need a Talkgroup, no problem.
9. Proven software that’s both reliable and scalable.
10. Enjoy and have fun
ARRL Network Intrusion/Breach
The arrl.org network and headquarters systems were impacted recently by an intrusion/breach. The details of this intrusion are unknown, but the ARRL is posting in their news section the initial information and updates. Systems such as the Logbook of the World (LoTW), have been unavailable for weeks.
To learn more, click here to read about this issue on the News section of their Web site.
Keep up with the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
S.3690 – Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act – Keep up on this bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the application of certain private land use restrictions to amateur station antennas, and for other purposes. This bill was introduced on January 30, 2024. Click here to see it’s status.
ARRL Volunteers Obtain Ham Exemption to Pennsylvania Handsfree Law
05/09/2024
Member-volunteers of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® in Pennsylvania have successfully protected the legal right to use amateur radio while operating mobile within the state. For more on this story click here.
Lakeland NXDN Repeater Off-the-Air
As of 02/26/2024, the Lakeland NXDN repeater, 444.6625, is currently off-the-air. This repeater is an affiliate repeater that was also connected to the NI4CE NXDN repeater system. It is possible that the repeater could be offline for an extended period of time. The best option available, that covers the footprint of this repeater, is to use the Bartow NI4CE NXDN repeater on 442.1375.
*** Update *** As of 05/23/2024, the Lakeland NXDN repeater on 444.6625, is back on the air, and has been since the beginning of April. However, it does not appear to be Internet connected and is operating as a local NXDN repeater only.
Did You Know?
Many are aware of FCC Part 97.101(D), General Standards, which states “no amateur operator shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communication or signal.” You’ll hear this rule mentioned in some net preambles.
But… did you know that Florida itself has a rule regarding interfering with radio communications? You can click here for a link to Florida Statute Chapter 877, Section 27, which states unauthorized transmissions to, or interference with, a public or commercial radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission is prohibited.
Did You Know #2?
Living in Florida, or one of the areas affected, you need to know this rule when operating on UHF. Specifically, FCC Part 97.313 as we have some different power standards here in Florida.
Part 97.313 states “(f) No station may transmit with a transmitter power exceeding 50 W PEP on the UHF 70 cm band from an area specified in paragraph (a) of footnote US270 in § 2.106, unless expressly authorized by the FCC after mutual agreement, on a case-by-case basis, between the Regional Director of the applicable field facility and the military area frequency coordinator at the applicable military base.”
To follow those guidelines, you need to pull up that footnote US270. The portion that affects us in Florida states that “
US270 In the band 420-450 MHz, the following provisions shall apply to the amateur service:
(i) The peak envelope power of an amateur station shall not exceed 50 watts in the following areas, unless expressly authorized by the FCC after mutual agreement, on a case-by-case basis, between the Regional Director of the applicable field office and the military area frequency coordinator at the applicable military base.
(A) Arizona, Florida and New Mexico.”
US270 goes on further with specific military bases in other states and restrictions in operating in those areas. For us in Florida though, just know that we have a 50 watt UHF power limitation.
ARRL Board Votes to Offer Free ARRL Membership for Students – 01/21/2024
FREE ARRL Membership for Students. For decades, ARRL has offered a reduced dues rate for young hams, currently priced at $30 per year. At this meeting, the Board established a new option for a no-cost Associate membership for full-time students of age 21 and younger.
Learn more about radio technologies at Tait Radio Academy
If you’d like to learn more about various radio technologies such as DMR, P25, etc., check out some of the free courses offered by Tait Radio Academy. Click here to check out these free courses.
My email is good on qrz.com, so if you wish to reach me directly, check out my QRZ page by clicking here.
Be sure to click on my social media icons on the home page, especially my YouTube channel, Spurious Emissions.
73 de Russ N4RTD
Are you a member of the ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio? If not, why? It’s a great organization that provides education, supports growth, advocates for spectrum, and much more. Learn more about joining the ARRL by clicking here.
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