On June 7, 2011 the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability to John Hays. Hays The fine was in the amount of $15,000 for using an external power amplifier with his CB. Normally, a CB has very low power levels (4 watts). Using the external amplifier, Mr. Hays was able to get about 750 watts of transmitting power out of his CB. Apparently, this caused interference to other electronic equipment in the area. Mr. Hays was first given a written letter warning him to stop, and later a verbal warning. When he was discovered to be using an amplifier on a third occasion, he was given the NAL.
The FCC rules are clear that an external amplifier cannot be used to increase the power of your CB. In fact, most amplifiers are of poor quality and often cause interference to other equipment. That is one reason we filed a response to the FCC's request for proposals on modifying the FCC's rules regarding CB equipment. CBs are not longer as popular as they were in the 70's. With only 4 watts of power, it is often difficult to find others to talk to without using an amplifier to increase power. If the FCC raised the power limits of CBs, there would be little need for the use of an external amplifier and less likelihood of interference.
The NAL reports that a "letter" was sent to Mr. Hays warning him against the use of power amplifiers. As has been repeatedly pointed out on this site, no NAL may be issued unless the FCC first issues a formal written Citation to a non-licensee who violates the rules. No license is required to operate a CB, and Mr. Hays does not appear to have a license. Unless the "letter" meets the formal requirements of a Citation, which is unlikely otherwise it would be posted on the FCC's website, Mr. Hays should be able to beat the NAL. Let's hope he is smart enough to hire an attorney experienced in these matters.
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ReplyDeleteIf they gave licensed Amateur radio operators high power privileges on the Citizen's band, then manufacturers would actually make good, clean running amplifiers for it.
ReplyDeleteI have long said a Tech should be allowed 100 watts on CB, a General 500, and an Extra the full 1500.
Not only would this create an environment were we see high quality, specturally pure amplifiers, but it would also open more of a motivation for CBers to become licensed Hams.