On June 5, 2025 a new law goes into effect in Pennsylvania. Section 3316.1 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code prohibits using an “interactive mobile device while driving a motor vehicle”. Driving includes being temporarily stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. The law makes it clear that holding a device with your hand or another part of the body while driving constitutes ‘using’ the device. Hands free operation is permitted. Under the definitions of “Interactive Mobile Device” in Section 102 using an amateur radio would be a violation of Section 3316.1. However, Continue reading
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Adventures in Paradise #2
Well again, at the beach. You read my experiences with VHF/UHF in Bethany Beach, Delaware. I also set up and HF station and had much more luck with that. Continue reading
Amateur Radio Adventures in Paradise, Part 1
Well, Adventures at the Beach . . .
My family vacations in Bethany Beach, Delaware. We’re fortunate enough to stay only a block or so from the beach itself. If you’re looking for a nice vacation location, Bethany Beach is recommended. Small quiet town, family friendly atmosphere and only a short trip to Rehoboth, DE or Ocean City, MD. But I digress . . . Continue reading
NATIONAL Emergency Broadcast System Test Scheduled
An announcement from the Chief of the Frederick County Maryland Fire Department, Thomas Owens:
“While we are all familiar with the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) that is periodically tested and regularly used for local weather emergencies, many may not be aware that the local EBS is actually a part of the NATIONAL Emergency Broadcast System. It has been realized that although this national system has been in place since the late 1960’s….the National broadcast system has never actually been tested. THAT is about to change.
At 1400 hours on Wednesday, November 9, 2011. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first ever test of the National Emergency Broadcast System. All TV and Radio Station broadcasts will be interrupted for a three (3) minute EBS test.
Here’s a link to the FEMA announcement. CLICK HERE.
NARC APRS Special Interest Group meets
An APRS Special Interest Group (SIG) of Nittany Amateur Radio Club members and other interested amateur radio operators met for the first time on Friday, October 1, 2010 at the Office of Physical Plant Building on Penn State’s University Park Campus. The group was started by Jim, KB3TBX with the assistance of NARC Club President Woody, K3YV. Continue reading