The AM Forum

Hello: I was copying two stations a couple of days ago when one said it was a law that you had to have a copy of the FCC PART 97 RULES AND REGULATIONS in your ham shack or where ever you were transmitting from at all times. I do and have had a copy in my shack for a number of years. But I have never read anywhere anything about this.

What is the answer yes or no?


John W9BFO

If you had a copy of part 97, you'd know!  ;D

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=336ab7469b61ecbfa15086dbf1bf2c59&rgn=div5&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.6&idno=47#47:5.0.1.1.6.1.157.1 (http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=336ab7469b61ecbfa15086dbf1bf2c59&rgn=div5&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.6&idno=47#47:5.0.1.1.6.1.157.1)

I've never heard of such a requirement. I did a search on the word station at the link Al posted. I didn't not see anything nearby any instance of the word station that included Part 97, or copy or posted, etc.

Simple answer.

No.

Once upon a time yes, now no at my last reading

Must have been a looooong time ago, as I don't recall any requirement and I have held a ticket for 74 years now...  

Yeah, started down this crazy path at the tender age of 13...  ::)

A copy of the rules, nah. :P

A valid ham ticket helps, tho. ;)

73DG

Given all the changes to the amateur service over the last 50 years, I'd bet that more then once either the FCC and/or the ARRL has suggested in various write ups, magazines, etc. that amateurs keep a copy of the latest Part 97 as part of their amateur radio operating stuff. Not a formal rule, but maybe part of "good operating practices". Having the latest Part 97 handy, and reading it, still doesn't guarantee the "stupid" isn't going to throw the transmit switch.

I don't recall exactly Ralph but remember hearing it said like this thread so went to look and found it.  Best of my recollection it was the early 70 and it was removed shortly after that.  I believe it was removed at the same time the FCC eliminated the logging requirement.

Yes, I remember hearing about that rule too. In fact, I have always made sure I had a little book copy of the rules on display, and still do, in case Charlie ever shows up...  ;). Old habits die hard.  Whether it was required or not, the AM group I knew back in the 80's told me it was required, so I believed it without searching it out in a day when there was no internet.

Like many rules of yesteryear, this one was probably eliminated.  Notice the govt doesn't require us to have a copy of the rules of the road when we drive a car or fly an airplane. Or a copy of the fishing or hunting rules on our person when we are out doing it, etc. So makes sense since all of these require licenses too.

I'm off with Yaz for some sailing on this beautiful windy day in May....

T

Bookmark the link to Part 97. If anyone asks, you  can show them you know whee to find it.

You found what? Text of Part 97 requiring a copy in the station? Please post.

I always keep a copy of the ARRL's Considerate Operators Guide on the operating desk of my station.

Yes, I'm thinking that would be a good thing to have in the shack.  Anyone know of a copy suitable for framing?

BTW - Happy Mommie's Day!!  Nice and warm up here did a 17 mile bicycle ride in the morning - nice pork chop with Caesar's Salad and oven seasoned French fries for Mommie's dinner

Al

Thanks guys for the help, I cant find anything on it either. I just heard a ham say on the air it was a requirement so I am checking it out.

I do think it is a good idea the ARRL has copys in stock.

John W9BFO

I've heard hams say a lot of stupid stuff on the air. I ignore it.

The only thing I found from the ARRL is their "Considerate Operator's Frequency Guide" (http://www.arrl.org/files/file/conop.pdf)

However, there is the IARU document
"Ethics and operational Procedures for the Radio amateurs" (http://www.iaru-r2.org/documents/explorer/index.php?dir=Guia%20operativa%20%7C%20Operating%20guide/&file=Ethics%20and%20operational%20Procedures%20for%20the%20Radio%20amateurs.pdf)

If you want a copy of Part 97 in PDF form, dated September 2014 (having one from the 90's, 80's, 70's, etc. isn't very useful), it's here:
Part 97 in PDF (http://www.arrl.org/files/file/FCC%20Documents/47%20CFR%20Part%2097%20-%20September%2023%202014.pdf)

Thanks Pete,  for what it's worth,  I now have a copy of the 32 page federal gobbledegoop regulating our ham operations in my computer...  ::)

I wonder, has anyone here actually read the whole 32 pages?

At one time there was a requirement to have a copy of the regs.  But it has been more than 35 years ago.

Steve - is this what you were referring to?  Scanned from 1945 "The Radio Amateur's Handbook"

Al

I read all the pages. I thought I could lay my hand over the document on the screen and get it by absorption but that didn't work. I even read all the ARRL Board of Directors meeting minutes when they're posted.

It's been revised over the years.

"The Amateur is Loyal"

"He owes his amateur radio to the American Radio Relay League, and he offers it his unswerving loyalty."


I'll bet that was written in the 30's or early 40's ...  ;)

It was written by W9EEA in 1928.

Thom

I didn't pick up on that in the version I scanned.  HMMM ???

Pete

Thanks.  That's exactly what I was looking for.  Interesting about the redaction over the years.  Wonder what the original looks like.  But this'll do.  The bottom scroll work is a bit clipped.  Where can I get the original?  Suppose I can look for it.

Al

The words in the one you posted is the original version from 1928.


I Googled Amateur Code and a bunch came up. The one I posted (at least the words) came from the ARRL web site:
http://www.arrl.org/amateur-code
I added the frame, changed the font and font sizes and made it look pretty.

I've been licensed for more than 35 years. It was never a requirement in my time.