Back in the late early 70's time frame, I was busily trying to break a
pileup on 15-Meter CW. I hadn't gotten my Extra Class license yet (I
only had an Advanced), and was sending my call repeatedly with the rest
of the mob.
Several weeks later, I received a violation notice ("Reply in Duplicate
Within 10 Days!") from the FCC - I believe it was from the Spokane, WA
monitoring station. They noted that the band edge was 21.025 MHz for
Advanced Class licensees, and I had been observed operating on 21.02476
MHz. Of course, I replied immediately, and never heard anything further.
I learned several things from that FCC letter:
* The FCC had some good high-speed CW operators.
* The FCC's frequency readout was better than my Drake Twins with the
analog dial (which were "state of the art" gear back then.)
* The FCC was in the "enforcement" business back then.
* The FCC had lots of "free time" to cruise through the ham bands.
* The FCC guys probably did a big business during DXpeditions with their
"pink slips" (the one I got was white).
* The FCC probably had a few chuckles sending out the violation notices
since they knew that the hams receiving them really had just
"accidentally" been out-of-band ever so slightly.
I kept the letter so that I could frame it someday, hang it on the wall
in the ham shack, and be able to show visitors "how the FCC used to
work."
Where were the OO's, instead? I did get a couple of key-click notices
from them in the mid-1960's using my Heathkit DX-40 transmitter (and
eventually a postcard from the FCC!)
Oh, and yes, I did get through the pileup, and received the QSL card.
Funny thing though, the Callbook had mistakenly listed me as having an
"Extra" class license for a few years.....
Larry K7LJ
(K7VZH back then)
Chuck K3FT wrote:
>
> I think everyone who has ever received an (in)famous "POPKIN-GRAM" should
> keep it as a memento of becoming a member of the club. Perhaps we can see
> who gets the first 5-band RAP (Received All Popkin-Gram) for 80-10? Mixed
> mode? 6-band? the possibilities are endless! They've been coming out
> since the mid-60's I believe so there may be eligible hams out there.
>
> ;-)
>
> K3FT
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