... thus halting any further enjoyment for anyone else wanting to fool with this fantastic technology.
There is another side to the enjoyment factor that we seem to be ignoring. There is a growing group of hams that are involved in ATV (Amateur TV) communication. They are hobbyists, just like us. Most of the innovative wireless video stuff we see today is a result of their activities over the last few years. Many of the best RF product designers are ham hobbyists in their spare time.
These licensed ham enthusiasts can have
their enjoyment reduced by the unlicensed users. The unlicensed users do not follow the operating procedures, which can affect the ham folks' transmissions. Operating a wireless video system requires a license and has operating procedures that involve the types of communication, station ID, protocols, etc. Because the RF spectrum is shared, the procedure attempt to help reduced communication conflicts.
Amateur Radio Operators (hams) are hobbyists, just like us R/C'ers. They have invested serious dollars in their equipment (probably more than most R/C'ers have spent). They took the time to educate themselves on the technical and operating issues, passed the FCC required tests, and follow the regulations. All in an effort to ensure enjoyment for their hobby group.
They deserve our respect at what they do, just as we deserve their respect at the local field where we fly our models. Putting it another way, how would we like it if the flying field was visited by rule ignoring dudes that did not care to follow the rules posted at the flight line?
I would like to encourage everyone that uses wireless video gear to take the time to earn the ham license. It is VERY low cost, the things you learn in order to take the tests will directly help you improve your video results, and the license is good for 10 years.
I am constantly amazed at the clandestine operation of radio gear. If the same amount of effort that was used to avoid the ham license, was directed at getting it, these discussions would be totally unnecessary. Anyone that thinks getting a license is too difficult should keep in mind that little old grandmothers are doing it. You do not need to have interest in the other areas served by a ham license. Instead, you can just utilize those that will increase the enjoyment of your R/C efforts (6-meter R/C Tx operation and wireless video ATV systems).
Have questions about the Technician Class ham license? Answers can be found here:
www.arrl.org