Ashtabula Bill Gets FCC's Attention

[k4kyv]

I can attest personally that 7290 has been an AM hangout at least as far back as 1970.  There used to be a regular group on that frequency, mostly old-timers who would be well past 100 if they were still around today.  They originally called themselves the "knucklehead" group, but by 1970 when I first got acquainted with them, they had dropped that name, and were just an informal AM group who got together every morning.  They were about the only AM'ers left to be heard on 40m at the time (remember, this was during the era when AM had almost disappeared off all the bands, and nearly everyone, ARRL included, had declared it "dead.") One of the regulars of the 7290 group was an XYL, and one of the best-known members was K4AGY (if I remember his call sign correctly) in Chattanooga.  He went by the name of Kingfish.  He  really  sounded just like Kingfish in Amos 'n Andy - even more so than Ed Bolton when he does his Amos 'n Andy show.  I used to fire up my KW and join them from time to time, especially when slopbuckets would deliberately try to QRM them off the frequency.  But sometime in the early 70's Kingfish developed throat cancer, and did not make through surgery.  After his passing the group began to fall apart, but by the mid 70's I was still hearing other AM groups using that frequency.

I'm not sure how long the No-Traffic Net has laid claim to 7290, but they have been sharing that frequency with AM for over 36 years.

From ARRL website:
The "Considerate Operator's Frequency Guide"

The following frequencies are generally recognized for certain modes or activities (all frequencies are in MHz).

Nothing in the rules recognizes a net's, group's or any individual's special privilege to any specific frequency. Section 97.101(b) of the Rules states that "Each station licensee and each control operator must cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and in making the most effective use of the amateur service frequencies. No frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station." No one "owns" a frequency.

It's good practice--and plain old common sense--for any operator, regardless of mode, to check to see if the frequency is in use prior to engaging operation. If you are there first, other operators should make an effort to protect you from interference to the extent possible, given that 100% interference-free operation is an unrealistic expectation in today's congested bands.

7.040   RTTY DX QRP CW calling frequency
7.075-7.100   Phone in KH/KL/KP only
7.080-7.100   Data
7.100-7.105   Automatically controlled data stations
7.110   QRP Novice/Technician CW calling frequency
7.171   SSTV
7.285   QRP SSB calling frequency
7.290   AM calling frequency

[Pete, WA2CWA]

I can attest personally that 7290 has been an AM hangout at least as far back as 1970.  There used to be a regular group on that frequency, mostly old-timers who would be well past 100 if they were still around today.  They originally called themselves the "knucklehead" group, but by 1970 when I first got acquainted with them, they had dropped that name, and were just an informal AM group who got together every morning.  They were about the only AM'ers left to be heard on 40m at the time (remember, this was during the era when AM had almost disappeared off all the bands, and nearly everyone, ARRL included, had declared it "dead.") One of the regulars of the 7290 group was an XYL, and one of the best-known members was K4AGY (if I remember his call sign correctly) in Chattanooga.  He went by the name of Kingfish.  He  really  sounded just like Kingfish in Amos 'n Andy - even more so than Ed Bolton when he does his Amos 'n Andy show.  I used to fire up my KW and join them from time to time, especially when slopbuckets would deliberately try to QRM them off the frequency.  But sometime in the early 70's Kingfish developed throat cancer, and did not make through surgery.  After his passing the group began to fall apart, but by the mid 70's I was still hearing other AM groups using that frequency.

I'm not sure how long the No-Traffic Net has laid claim to 7290, but they have been sharing that frequency with AM for over 36 years.

I mentioned it in my earlier post. Their web site history section claims they have been there since 1952.

[W3SLK]

Pete said:

I mentioned it in my earlier post. Their web site history section claims they have been there since 1952.

Does it matter???

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Pete said:

I mentioned it in my earlier post. Their web site history section claims they have been there since 1952.

Does it matter???

Not to me;

But Don said:
"I'm not sure how long the No-Traffic Net has laid claim to 7290, but they have been sharing that frequency with AM for over 36 years."

Maybe it is to him from a historical perspective.


And, even with all this dialogue about this net, the Enforcement Letter makes no mention of who actually filed the complaint nor the time of day.

[W3SLK]

Pete,
    My point was big deal. So the Marconi Net was established and meeting on 7.290 since 1952. They could have been meeting there with Hiram Percy Maxim himself but it still does not entitle them to 'freq. reservations'. This will be interesting to watch. We can all hope that Ashtabula Bill prevails in this case.

[Jim, W5JO]

And, even with all this dialogue about this net, the Enforcement Letter makes no mention of who actually filed the complaint nor the time of day.

Pete, want to bet your manual business on where the complaint originated?  I would bet one or more of those clowns filed the complaint

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Pete,
    My point was big deal. So the Marconi Net was established and meeting on 7.290 since 1952. They could have been meeting there with Hiram Percy Maxim himself but it still does not entitle them to 'freq. reservations'. This will be interesting to watch. We can all hope that Ashtabula Bill prevails in this case.

So we keep you on the right road, it's not the Marconi Net; it's the 7290 Traffic Net.

I agree on your point, but the issue at Bill’s feet is “alleged deliberate interference to communications on 7.290”. Their(the Net) activity (frequency reservation), if it is them, is not cited in the Enforcement Letter. It’s unfortunate we don’t have the background leading up to the Letter. Maybe we all should spend some time listening and documenting their activities to provide additional fodder in event “deliberate interference” issues come up again.

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Pete, want to bet your manual business on where the complaint originated?  I would bet one or more of those clowns filed the complaint

Sorry Jim. You'll have to talk to my son about that.

I won't argue your assumption; I don't know.

[Jim, W5JO]

Being in the thick of this idiot's club, I hear the complaints every time some little bit of interference occurs Bill or not.  I am reaching my limit on them and the nonsense they broadcast.

I guess I should come up with a cable to interface to my computer or get a tape recorder.

Jim

[Herb K2VH]

From ARRL website:
The "Considerate Operator's Frequency Guide"

The following frequencies are generally recognized for certain modes or activities (all frequencies are in MHz).

Nothing in the rules recognizes a net's, group's or any individual's special privilege to any specific frequency. Section 97.101(b) of the Rules states that "Each station licensee and each control operator must cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and in making the most effective use of the amateur service frequencies. No frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station." No one "owns" a frequency.

It's good practice--and plain old common sense--for any operator, regardless of mode, to check to see if the frequency is in use prior to engaging operation. If you are there first, other operators should make an effort to protect you from interference to the extent possible, given that 100% interference-free operation is an unrealistic expectation in today's congested bands.

7.040   RTTY DX QRP CW calling frequency
7.075-7.100   Phone in KH/KL/KP only
7.080-7.100   Data
7.100-7.105   Automatically controlled data stations
7.110   QRP Novice/Technician CW calling frequency
7.171   SSTV
7.285   QRP SSB calling frequency
7.290   AM calling frequency

With regard to the last line, above, that 7.290 is the AM calling frequency, I seem to remember a few years ago that Riley was very serious about these kinds of "band plans," and expected them to be honored almost as if they were officially decreed frequencies.  Apparently he no longer subscribes to that view, nor does the very group who publishes them, as they use 7.290 for bulletins, and schedule Boy Scout jamborees on that frequency as well.

I must say that I see a lot of hypocrisy surrounding some of these issues.  The ones that should be cited, following Riley's earlier logic, are the 7.290 traffic net.  What are they doing on another group's recognized and published calling frequency?  Oh me........some things never seem to change........

vH

[WA3VJB]

Here is a different example that may play out the same way as the Dolvin case.
From Amateur Radio Newsline, re-posted with permission.


ENFORCEMENT:  FCC SAYS INTERFERENCE CHARGES HAVE NO MERIT

The FCC has dismissed an interference complaint against Robert Dudick, K3KDK, of Mc Clure Pennsylvania.  This, in an October 23rd letter to one Gene M. Long who had filed the complaint back on June 28th of this year.

In his letter to Long, the FCC stated rgat it had reviewed Long's complaint and had then requested and received information from Dudick..  After review, it found Longs complaint to be without merit. 

The FCC went on to advise Long that any future complaints that he may file must contain tape recordings and specific information regarding his conclusion as to the interference source.  It will also require signed verifications from other licensees participating with Long in the location of the alleged interference source.

The FCC also wrote to Dudick to let him know that the case was now closed and thanking him for his cooperation in putting the matter to rest.  (FCC)[/tt]

[Tim WA1HnyLR]

I wrote out a thoughtful post in regard to Bill situation with the FeeCCee. I related one of my own experiences. but somehow in the process the message  screen dissappeared  losing about an hour of my precious time . I was pissed. But I digress. I have A feeling I may be the next victim due to slobucketeers firing up on a QSO I later had joined that was on 3894. The slopbucketeers pissed and moaned about my presence . We were here first. NO we were here first . I refused to acknoledge their presence . I singed when I was good and ready to sign. The slopbucketeers were planning on a writing campaign to Riley. It will be a waste of his time to write me and a waste of my time to have to deal with it should it happen. But if I happen to be on 3894 or thereabouts  and these idiots fire up I will handle this matter in the same fashion that I always handle it. Just keep on operating. I imagine the piss and moan factor will increase dramatically when I get the Blockbuster back on line . There were claims that I must be running grossly illegal power . I guess these fools never thought about antenna. I was just running 180 watts out!!I imagine a full 1500 watts would reinstate my use of the frequency. Its the age old stuggle of turf wars . It is too bad that if it is a clear frequency it is first come, first served. De Tim WA1HnyLR

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

It doesn't matter where you operate Tim, they will piss and moan anyhow. They come into an area of the band with several AM QSOs in progress, then begin the complaining. Wednesday night one fool came onto 3884 after Paul 'VJB identified, repeated Paul's call then said 'hokayee, we will be eeusin' this in our complaint ree-port'. Not even sure if Paul heard the dork. I just chuckled and ignored him. Another case where we were there operating (Paul was on well before me with others) and the slopbucket whiners didn't like it.

I do think that band conditions had something to do with it. I was hearing you guys up on 94 a bit down on 84, and I don't get anything from most of the stations here in the northeast unless they are within 5 kcs or less.

The new phone expansion will help, but I still think there will be a few who just go looking for trouble. The swishers and wannabee jammers come to mind.

Heard the strapping sigs of you and 'High Gain' Bill HI HI FB last night, O. M. Wanted to jump in but was busy hauling firewood. Usually when you're hearing the east, you don't hear the west and  vice versa. 'Twas noice.

[W2VW]

I wrote out a thoughtful post in regard to Bill situation with the FeeCCee. I related one of my own experiences. but somehow in the process the message  screen dissappeared  losing about an hour of my precious time .

One thing which will fix that would be to write your post in another application like email. Just copy and paste it when it's all done and ready to post.
Those slopbuckets really don't have much interesting going on. That bunch is pretty low on the food chain. The only thing they have going for them is they are 1 of about a dozen groups who ran Fearless Phredd off when he tried his usual M.O. At least you gave them something to do.

[k4kyv]

Who is Fearless Phredd?

I wonder, now that news of the Ashtabula Bill case has spread, that slopbucketeers are now about to start a new tactic of getting together and formulating complaints to the FeeCee, backing each other up so that it becomes the word of every member in the slopbucket group vs the one or two lone AM'ers.

I was up on 3891 or thereabouts the other night with Ashtabula Bill. I clearly heard Bill calling CQ, and no other activity on the frequency.  He called several times before I got tuned up, and still no other activity was heard on the frequency.  I came back to him, and within 5 minutes there was a whole wasp nest full of slopbucketeers pissing and moaning, and I heard one of them mention something about composing a complaint to send to Riley.

Now that they know that all it takes is a complaint, bogus or otherwise, to get a report published on the web, it will be very easy for these loser groups to formulate fictitious complaints, and have all their buddies back them up as witnesses.

[W2VW]

    Fearless Phredd is a loser who likes to try to pass himself off as a good ham. He is anything but a decent example of what a ham should be. He is also the very reason there is an organized nest of slopbuckets on 3892. They started out there after Glenn Wackster was effectively removed from 3890. Soon after, so did the Fearless Phredd Net.  The slopbuckets spanked Phredd pretty hard and ran him off. That group is now staked out on 3892 almost 24/7.
     Fearless Phredd has his very own FCC Part 97 regulations which exist only in his oddly shaped cranium. Within these rules is a subpart which states that any ragchew group can own a frequency. All that is necessary is for the group to meet on a   frequency for 2 nights and for it to have a name ending in the word "net". The whole concept is some kind of offshoot of members who smell funny from the ECARS net on 40. Phredd tried to run for Grand Poopah of that group and lost.              Phredd always picks a net frequency very near AM activity. He secretly wants to be an AMer when he grows up.
    Fearless Phredd has very obviously been smacked around severely in the past. Remember the kid who got his head flushed in the toilet in the high school locker room? That was Fearless Phredd.  Somewhere along the way, employer(s) must have shown him the door using a carefully crafted paper trail. He has seen the utility of a good paper trail and has made several failed attempts at attacking other hams by writing officials. The 7th grade writing style was not an asset. Word has it that he sued one of his ex-employers and....like always....lost.
    There are still a few folks who like to take this guy at face value. These folks probably received poor grades as they never did their homework. This guy has wasted all kinds of FCC man hours and is VERY well known as a trouble maker. He delights in pulling the wool over people's eyes. Typical of a person who likes to stir the pot then sit back and watch. Often times Phredd is a very poor judge of where he tries to throw bombs.
     Aren't you glad you asked? BTW the enforcement pages have plenty of Fearless Phredd material.

[W9GT]

Care to give us a hint at Phredd's call sign, or did you already?

73,  Jack, W9GT

[KF1Z]

Care to give us a hint at Phredd's call sign, or did you already?

73,  Jack, W9GT

HMMMMMMM.....

kb2ixt?

[Joe Long]

From QRZ.com.

[W3SLK]

Who is Fearless Phredd?

I wonder, now that news of the Ashtabula Bill case has spread, that slopbucketeers are now about to start a new tactic of getting together and formulating complaints to the FeeCee, backing each other up so that it becomes the word of every member in the slopbucket group vs the one or two lone AM'ers.

I was up on 3891 or thereabouts the other night with Ashtabula Bill. I clearly heard Bill calling CQ, and no other activity on the frequency.  He called several times before I got tuned up, and still no other activity was heard on the frequency.  I came back to him, and within 5 minutes there was a whole wasp nest full of slopbucketeers pissing and moaning, and I heard one of them mention something about composing a complaint to send to Riley.

Now that they know that all it takes is a complaint, bogus or otherwise, to get a report published on the web, it will be very easy for these loser groups to formulate fictitious complaints, and have all their buddies back them up as witnesses.

Don, I can only hope that the FCC will see them for what they really are and keep an ear out for Bill. Then listen forthemselves to see who is mitigating the interference.

[Herb K2VH]

From QRZ.com.

Enough to rot your socks, eh, Joe?

vHerb

[KB2WIG]

      Stripes strobe, checks bleed.....                     so say a BE



klc

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

One point: there was regular SSB activity on 3892.5 when Baxter was still around on 3890. I'm not sure we can totally blame Phredd for those now on 3892. But, yes, he is a loser.