Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #25 – May 27, 2021, 02:26:20 pm Since I mentioned my fantastic mobile antenna, here is a website with reviews, for anyone interested. eHam.netI think I said it was a 4 inch SS tube, actually it's 3 inch, just seems that big. I bought it directly from Bob, N9JMX at a Dayton Hamvention. I was totally impressed with its construction and the results of the many "shootouts" they used to have in the Midwest. The only antenna that could compete with it was the old "bugcatcher". It sure looked good on the back of our 2000 MB. Rich - W7JVL 1 Likes
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #26 – September 22, 2021, 06:09:58 pm Quote from: JohnR - May 26, 2021, 11:11:22 amI hadn’t heard that the FCC license fee proposal had been finalized. Of course free is better than $35 but I’m glad that the FCC settled on a lower price than the original $50 proposal. The fear was that $50 may discourage younger (teenage) applicants. It’s a great hobby and many older hams are more than willing to donate equipment to the younger hams just starting out.An update: Just submitted my 10 year renewal request and there was no mention of a fee required at this time. Also, updated my address they allowed me to use our PO box instead of a physical address. 1 Likes
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #27 – September 22, 2021, 06:48:41 pm Quote from: HiLola - September 22, 2021, 06:09:58 pmAn update: Just submitted my 10 year renewal request and there was no mention of a fee required at this time. Also, updated my address they allowed me to use our PO box instead of a physical address.Congratulations Greg.Although the FCC approved the $35 fee for new, upgraded, vanity and renewed ham licenses, they haven’t yet got the infrastructure in place to collect the fee. The VE’s will not be burdened with collecting the fee and that’s a good thing. Here’s a recent ARRL article on the $35 FCC fee status. FCC Application Fees Unlikely to Go into Effect Until 2022. If you’re going to get a new/upgrade or renewed license or vanity callsign, now is the time. Also, the FCC has allowed a PO Box to be used for several years now.- John 1 Likes
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #28 – September 22, 2021, 09:11:02 pm Thanks for the update, John!73
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #29 – September 23, 2021, 10:57:18 pm I renewed my GMRS license in July and paid $70 for the $35 license. Asked my congressperson about it. Haven't heard back yet. . . 1 Likes
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #30 – September 24, 2021, 12:36:34 am Quote from: joel wiley - September 23, 2021, 10:57:18 pmI renewed my GMRS license in July and paid $70 for the $35 license. Asked my congressperson about it. Haven't heard back yet. . .The same FCC ruling that raised the amateur radio license fee from $0 to $35 also lowered the GMRS license fee from $70 to $35. The delay in implementation is good news for Greg but I’m sorry to say, it’s bad news for you Joel. I hope your congressperson has some better news.- John
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #31 – September 24, 2021, 08:16:19 am So, in other words, the new Ham license funds will be paying for the decreased cost of the GMRS license? 1 Likes
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #32 – September 24, 2021, 10:30:44 am Quote from: HiLola - September 24, 2021, 08:16:19 amSo, in other words, the new Ham license funds will be paying for the decreased cost of the GMRS license? Greg,There are currently 840,111 amateur radio licenses issued in the USA (source: ae7q.com). I don’t know how many GMRS licenses there are but I believe it’s safe to say that it’s a small fraction of amateur licenses. Yes, I think the feds are making out ok on this deal - John 1 Likes
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #33 – September 24, 2021, 01:42:45 pm As of April 26, 2021 where were 100,320 GMRS license issued.
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #34 – September 24, 2021, 08:10:14 pm Quote from: HiLola - September 24, 2021, 08:16:19 amSo, in other words, the new Ham license funds will be paying for the decreased cost of the GMRS license? No, FCC initially was going to institute a $70 fee to cover the costs of the computer program to issue the ham and GMRS licenses.They added ham licensing to the fee structure. In response to pubic outcry, they reduced the fee to $35 for both licenses. 1 Likes
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #35 – November 30, 2021, 04:09:03 pm My application for license renewal was granted a couple months ago, according to the ULS website. This is the first time I've renewed. Do they mail a new license or do you just use the old one?
Re: Ham Radio and Trip/Traveling Privacy Reply #36 – November 30, 2021, 09:30:49 pm Quote from: HiLola - November 30, 2021, 04:09:03 pm...Do they mail a new license or do you just use the old one?All done via the ULS. A new "Official" issue of your license will be available there as well as the "Official Copies." If you renewed a few months ago, the "Official" issue is waiting for you to download it. 2 Likes