Radio tag

[420TEE]

I know the yellow streamer goes on the antenna tip with that little clip but what do I do with the 1x2 plastic tag with the channel number on it?

[ropanach]

420TEE:
The clips on the one side, put it on the antana

[420TEE]

ropanach, I see how it goes. Thanks. Initially I'll be running in a pond in the woods, nothing but squirrels till someone hears it.

[wingnut163]

out in that wood pound is just were the FCC will find you if your luck is any were like mine.

[Aerominded]

Well, better to have this stuff on I think- especially when you decide to start boating with others around. :)

[ropanach]

Are you frindly, and give the squirrels a ride :D :D

[420TEE]

I don't like squirrels but I'd be happy to take them dang revenooers for a ride deep in the woods. :cool:

[420TEE]

Actually Wingnut that's a good point. I have no idea what's legal, what isn't, what I'm supposed to have, etc. Is there somewhere I can get the rules in English that I don't need a lawyer to explain? Lawyers are just below squirrels on my list of favorites. :p

[Massey]

420Tee, so I take it you dont like the site www.illwillpress.com then? Now there are a few squirrels on that site you cant help but to love :).

Massey

[420TEE]

Massey, Interesting. I'll have to peruse that site when I get back from entertaining the gumment agents in the deeeep woods. :D

[CG Bob]

Here are the FCC rules (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/47cfr95_04.html) for R/C systems in the USA - Sections 92.201 - 95.225. There are 25 R/C rules issued by the FCC. I'll paraphrase the most commonly asked ones.

Rule 7 On what channels may I operate? Aircraft and surface models on 27 mHz band. Aircraft and surface models on 50 mHz and 53 mHz with an Amatuer Radio (Ham) license. Aircraft only on 72 mHz. Surface model only on 75 mHz. Aircraft and surface models on 2.4 gHz (Spektrum radios).
Surface models include trucks, cars, boats, hoverdraft and submarines.

Rule 9 What equipment may I use at my R/C station? You can operte a FCC Certified R/C system. You can assemble your own transmitter from a kit (old timers will remember the Heathkit R/C kits). You must not make any internal modifications to a certified transmitter (see rule 22). Any internal modifications made to a certified tx cancels the certification and voids your authority to operate.

Rule 12 What communications are prohibited? Anything that violates federal, state, or local law.

Rule 18 Penalties - The FCC can fine you $10,000 for each violation, up to a total of $79,000. The Federal Court can fine up to $10,000 and 1 year in jail.

Rule 22 May I make changes to my transmitter? You can't make internal mods to the transmitter. Internal mods do not include: servicing or repairing the transmitter; or changing plug in modules that were certified as part of the tx. Technically, using the Spektrum modules in your Futaba or JR radio violates this rule, as the radios were certied before the Spektrum system came out. Futaba says not to use the Spektrum 2.4 gHz modules in their radios.

[420TEE]

CG Bob, It seems, according to the definition in 95.23, my surface Tx
(75mHz) would be considered a "Station" and thereby require a license per 95.3. Is that right?

[Ghost 2501]

is the tx on a standard 75meg channel?

[CG Bob]

CG Bob, It seems, according to the definition in 95.23, my surface Tx
(75mHz) would be considered a "Station" and thereby require a license per 95.3. Is that right? Those 2 rules don't apply to r/c use. The r/c rules are Sections 95.201- 95.225. The specific rule governing r/c licenses is 95.204; the exception is operating on 50 mHz or 53 mHz requires a Ham license.

Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service

Sec. 95.204 (R/C Rule 4) Do I need a license?

You do not need an individual license to operate an R/C station. You
are authorized by this rule to operate your R/C station in accordance
with the rules in this subpart.

Here are the rst of the rules, again.
Rule 1 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.201.htm)
Rule 2 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.202.htm)
Rule 3 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.203.htm)
Rule 5 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.205.htm)
Rule 6 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.206.htm)
Rule 7 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.207.htm)
Rule 8 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.208.htm)
Rule 9 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.209.htm)
Rule 10 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.210.htm)
Rule 11 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.211.htm)
Rule 12 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.212.htm)
Rule 13 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.213.htm)
Rule 14 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.214.htm)
Rule 15 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.215.htm)
Rule 16 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.216.htm)
Rule 17 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.217.htm)
Rule 18 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.218.htm)
Rule 19 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.219.htm)
Rule 20 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.220.htm)
Rule 21 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.221.htm)
Rule 22 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.222.htm)
Rule 23 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.223.htm)
Rule 24 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.224.htm)
Rule 25 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.225.htm)

[Shaun Hendricks]

So, if I read that correctly, my understanding of antenna channel ident is correct. It is a courtesy to other RC'ers and not mandated. The yellow/red flag is just so you don't poke your eye out because you can't see the antenna end! LOL! :D

[420TEE]

Thanks Bob, that about covers all the bases.

Ghost- Yes. I have 2, channels 63 and 69. :)

[CG Bob]

So, if I read that correctly, my understanding of antenna channel ident is correct. It is a courtesy to other RC'ers and not mandated. The yellow/red flag is just so you don't poke your eye out because you can't see the antenna end! LOL! :DYou're right, but it may be required by your clubs bylaws or constitution. My club, the Clebvelnad Model Boat Club, has the channel ID and yellow flag as a requirement in our safety rules (http://www.clevelandmodelboat.com/Constitution.htm).

Most clubs also use the spring clothespin frequency system. The more common clothespin system has a clothespin marked for each of the available freqeuncies (A1-A6, 61-90, and the Ham freqs). There is usually a board that has all of the clothespins on it. Your channel is open if the clothespin is on the board; remove the pin from the board and place it on your radio antenna. When you are done running, put the pin back on the board.

There is a lesser used alternate pin plan. Each club member makes up a pin for each frequency they use, the pins have that members name on it. In this system, you place your pin on the board when you are running. All other club members are to check the board for their frequnecies before turning on their radios. The advantage to this system is that I know who is on my frequency, and I can go ask them to yioeld the channel.

[Ghost 2501]

420, then as its standard, you probably do not need a licence, though check first as you being state side have different regs than here in the uk

[Shaun Hendricks]

CG Bob:

Fully understand the club thingy, I was only referencing US-FCC rules.

I am toying with the idea of using a Jack in the Box antenna topper on mine instead of a flag. Even if I am un-alert enough to whack myself (or worse, someone else) with the antenna end, you get hit by a round foam ball with a smiley face on it! I always thought these with Channel Numbers on them would sell like gangbusters to the RC crowd. Two items in one and can even work with a channel board! Maybe like the old Union 76 antenna balls but with different numbers! :rolleyes:

[Ghost 2501]

i use a 27mhz style green ribbon with the last 3 digits of my frequency on, the standard method of id'ing 40mhz here in the uk.

so mine has 925 on it, someone else on 40.725 has 725 on a green ribbon, etc etc,

[CG Bob]

Shaun,

From the AMYA (http://www.modelyacht.org/) (sailboaters) website: SAFETY FIRST - for your antenna tip, some type of safety ball is required practice golf balls, or antenna balls are good choices. Check our Full Suppliers listing for some available on the web. Here's one source for antenna balls (http://www.happyballs.com/).

[LtDoc]

This is sort of 'beside' the point, but what about if you are using one of the newer radios that 'finds' it's own clear channel? I realize that in most cases you just don't have to worry about which channel you're on, but how do 'they' handle the freq. board?
- 'Doc

[CG Bob]

"They" handle the frequency board for 2.4 gHz the same way "most of them" handle 50 mHz - there is no clip. Considering that the 2.4 gHz radios have an 80 channel window, most clubs might make up 10 clips for 2.4 gHz. The flyboys at an AMA field might have a different solution, suggestion, or recommendation; since the AMA seems to be the lead sanctioning body when it comes to dealing with the FCC.

Shaun - another idea might be a rubber ducky (http://www.smileyantenna.com/product_info.php?products_id=86) antenna, you can get them in yellow, black, and other colors.

[Jim Duda]

Yellow ball is a ping-pong ball...