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Editorials/Op-Ed
(May 2001) Jammers have an agenda.
They either have an extreme need
for attention, feel the group on the repeater did he or she a disservice or just
hates the world in general. The problem
with this individual (s) is that if they get the attention they will continue
to do what they do.
How should you
address the problem of the jammer? It is a fair question as jamming gets under everyone's skin.
As a director of a repeater that
had major problems with jammers both licensed and not licensed, I will give a
few ideas that worked. Granted it
took a while but we have solved the problem.
- We know the jammer wants attention.
The worse thing to do is make
threats or other comments on the air about the jammer or directed to the
jammer. Doing so accomplishes
what he or she wants: RECOGNITION. In giving recognition you add fuel to the fire. So we say nothing about the jammer
on the air. Avoid comments like
"We can talk over him he dose not bother me" or we know who you
are. This only serves as a challenge
to the jammer.
- Document the jamming incidents:
date, time, type of transmission.
- Tape record the transmission.
Another reason for saying nothing
on the air about the jammer.
- Send all documentation to the
FCC.
- Use another frequency 220 , 440
or E-mail if comments are needed as it can be heard on the input. This helps to get a general idea where
he is transmitting from.
- Develop a Fox Hunting unit to
track the transmission. Just
remember to follow all state motor vehicle regulations.
- Above all DO NOT CONFRONT
the jammer yourself. Leave that
to local police and the FCC.
- Keep a cool head. We have a lot of other frequencies
we can use. It is, after all,
a hobby. The person causing
the jamming is a sick individual needing rest at Happy Dale.
- Ignore the jammer and he will
soon tire of it and go to another repeater to get attention or explaining
to the FCC why he should not be paying fines and spending time in jail with
his new found friend who wants to date him.
73, John Kiernan (KE2UN)
NYC RACES Radio Officer
- Manhattan/Bronx
Gizmo
(KC2ENI) The author of this column,
Mark Philips, takes us into the realm of beneficial devices for use by NYC RACES members. For that matter, his wisdom and research
abilities provide a valuable resource for Hams in general. You will find tips and techniques on topics
related to portable operation, weather resources, and new technologies affecting
today’s amateur radio operator. Read
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