Fubar-One,

I had several different responses to make, but I'll settle for this one.

In the first place, I've been in R/C since 1987, am aware of the possible problems with frequency conflicts, and would make every effort to avoid any. That said, if I was flying in my back yard on 50mHz, and shot you down two streets over because I didn't know you were there, what does my being licensed or not have to do with the severity of your loss? You're still shot down. That magic piece of paper from the FCC won't make any difference. Its no different from the kid who DOES live two streets over from me with his E-Zone or whatever foamie on 72mHz that his folks got him for Xmas. I stopped and chatted with him yesterday. He had no inkling of the potential problems, etc., because the retailers/hobby mongers aren't concerned with warning these newcomers to R/C about frequency conflict. Turns out he isn't on my freq; but I'm still not flying at home until/if I get 50mHz gear.

To soothe your ruffled feathers, I have Gordon West's book, am studying it, and intend to get that magic piece of paper before I purchase the module and receivers; if I even do it.

But here's a newsflash: I haven't done it yet because I'm concerned about your fellow licensed hams who either:

1. don't know that parts of the six meter band are reserved for R/C use
2. don't care
3. regardless of #1 or #2, flood the airways during those 'contact contests' or whatever they're called, trying to make as many contacts as possible in a certain period of time. The six meter band, I hear, is used a lot for this.

Several ham pals have told me that's not a concern. Okay; but last week, I was having breakfast at a local eatery, next to a table full of guys who were obviously hams and talking about pushing signals all over, etc. I heard "six meters" mentioned a few times. When I finished my meal, I spoke with them, telling them my interest. ONE guy of the seven knew that a portion of the six meter band was "reserved" for R/C. But he was quick to say that it was a "gentlemen's agreement", unenforced, etc., etc.

My point to all of this is, spare me the righteous indignation, please. A ham license does not not make one a saint. Regardless of the endeavor, there will always be that percentage of participants who do what they want to despite rules, or may have forgotten what some of the rules are.

I am NOT saying hams are bad, etc., etc. But the sanctimonious tone of your post simply annoyed me. And I am looking at all sides of the issue before investing in the license and gear.