Hi, Guys,
I agree with Ed; let's get this properly to the FCC. I was in the process
of doing just that through Chris Imlay, but unfortunately, in all this
hoopla, they have changed their web pages so that what used to say "147 MHz"
now lists non ham frequencies. Half of my evidence is now out the window.
By policy, ARRL will only get involved with Amateur Radio issues, so I may
have to actually order one of these devices to proceed.
These devices are illegal to market in the US -- period. The use of "export
only" is NOT sufficient to get them off the hook,
according to my contacts at the FCC.
If anyone printed out the original Web page that listed amateur frequencies,
please FAX it to me at 860-594-0259. Thanks.
73,
Ed Hare, W1RFI
ARRL Lab
225 Main St
Newington, CT 06111
Tel: 860-673-7869
Internet: w1rfi@arrl.org
Web: http://www.arrl.org/tis
> -----Original Message-----
> From: EDWARDS, EDDIE J [mailto:eedwards@oppd.com]
> Sent: Monday, May 21, 2001 11:24 AM
> To: 'RFI'
> Subject: [RFI] FW: More info on 2 mtr long range phones
>
>
>
> Here's what I tried to send earlier.
>
> I want to repeat something that N7LT says at the end:
> Please remember, DON'T attack these businesses! It only
> makes them mad, and
> then they work harder to hide what they are doing.
>
> In the end they'll get what is coming to them if we act
> properly and get the
> info to the FCC.
>
> 73,
> de ed -K0iL
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: n7lt [SMTP:n7lt@montana.net]
> > Sent: Sunday, 20 May, 2001 10:37 AM
> > To: eedwards@oppd.com
> > Subject: Fw: Custom Electronics says that Hams are Jerks
> that think
> > they're gods!
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "n7lt" <n7lt@montana.net>
> > To: <allinterestedamateurradiooperators@interference.com>
> > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2001 09:34 AM
> > Subject: Custom Electronics says that Hams are Jerks that
> think they're
> > gods!
> >
> >
> > > I'f your a Ham Radio Operator interested in interference
> caused by long
> > > range cordless phones, read ALL of this email, it's long
> (sorry) but
> > very
> > > interesting!
> > >
> > > "HOLLY CATS! This thing is getting out of hand!" That
> was my first
> > > thought when I started receiving all this hate mail from Custom
> > Electronics,
> > >
> http://customelectronics.tripod.com/phones-cell/Index/phoneindex.html,
> > > seller of Long Range Cordless Telephones of which most
> are illegal to
> > use
> > > but not sell in the USA.
> > >
> > > Let me start over and "Set the stage" so-to-speak about what has
> > happened
> > in
> > > my simple quest for a cordless phone for a customer of
> mine who wanted
> > > extended range.
> > >
> > > On May 13th, Sunday afternoon I was cruising the internet
> for long range
> > > cordless phones. I checked into ebay and sure enough,
> there was one!
> > > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1236628446
> > > Here is exactly what they claimed:
> > >
> > > --------------------------------------------------
> > > Range (City) 2-8 miles Range: (up to) Open area:
> 5-18 miles Air
> > range:
> > > 95 miles
> > > New for the year 2002 the CE 6-150CIDM Extreme Long Range
> Cordless Phone
> > now
> > > Mobile Kit Phone and standard handset. Available for
> use with any
> > power
> > > system around the world so be sure to let us know which
> power source
> > > (110VAC, 220VAC, or 12VDC) this phone will be used with
> in your winning
> > > reply. Extra added new features, such as FSK/DTMF caller
> IDs, automatic
> > > phone on/off, power indicator, saving mode, and
> extended range makes
> > this
> > > a gem in any users hand. Those in the mission field have
> demanded this
> > unit
> > > and we have heard their pleas. So simple a child can use
> this cordless
> > phone
> > > at home or office . Other features include noise
> reduction, a frequency
> > > which will not interfere with HAM or military equipment,
> handset keypad
> > > lock, call waiting and talk time indicator.
> > > The FSK/DTMF auto-compatible caller ID on handsets
> are also nice
> > for
> > > when the phone is in another location out of range. Yes,
> even when you
> > can
> > > not reach the base, you will still know who is calling you.
> > > This small yet powerful phone works better than any
> other in our 6-1xx
> > > line. Our work shop and offices are somewhat secluded
> and a drive to
> > the
> > > post office or retail outlet is 5 miles away. No problem
> for cordless
> > phone
> > > which is included with this sale.
> > >
> > > This is an EXCLUSIVE to us for per-public sales. We have
> tested this
> > system
> > > to 95 miles. Developed because the public demanded a phone with a
> > longer
> > > range for everything from Missionaries to pizza and taxi
> drivers. Even
> > one
> > > of our law enforcement units are now using these in place
> of their Cell
> > > Phones.
> > >
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > > I'd heard through various sources that they were putting
> these things on
> > 2
> > > meters of all places! So, I thought I'd just ask some
> simple questions.
> > > Here is my first email contact with Custom Electronics.
> > >
> > >
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > (first email question to Custom Electronics on 05-13-01)
> > >
> > > If these phones do not use 800-900 MHz....what exactly are the
> > frequencies?
> > > What is the power output of the base unit and handset.
> What license do
> > you
> > > have to get to operate these phones?
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks for your time.
> > >
> > > -------------------------------------------------------------
> > > (Custom Electronics Reply)
> > >
> > > "Custom Electronics - Marla Harmer (CEO)"
> <Sales@Custom-Electronics.net>
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > Sorry
> > > That information is not provided for several reasons and
> one of them is
> > the
> > > Fq of the unit will depend on where we ship the unit.
> These are listed
> > in
> > > the international section of ebay. Everyphone is
> inspected at customs
> > when
> > > it is shipped into this country. None of what we are selling is
> > unlawful
> > > which brings me to the next reason we do not list the
> information you
> > are
> > > asking for: Jerks, most of them HAMs living in some
> socialist nation
> > like
> > > to
> > > TRY to make trouble for us. And that is fine as we do
> not care, but it
> > does
> > > make their time on earth harder if they have to work to get the
> > information
> > > they are wanting.
> > >
> > > Just a note, Ebay and FCC and US Customs have had a big
> go-around with
> > our
> > > attorneys last December and we settled out of court for a
> sum of money
> > for
> > > the time ebay denied us access to sell these phones.
> > >
> > > If this answer is not to your satisfaction, please do not
> enter a bid.
> > >
> > > Thank you
> > >
> > > Renee (accounting)
> > >
> > > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > > (my second response to Renee of Custom Electronics)
> > >
> > > Renee,
> > >
> > > Wow! Working on a Sunday huh? Must be a home based business.
> > > Don't worry, I wouldn't bid! I'd be buying something
> that is illegal to
> > use
> > > here in the USA!
> > >
> > > I guess the first question I should of asked was, "Can I
> legally use
> > this
> > > phone in the USA?"
> > >
> > > What Socialist nation do you keep referring to???? That's almost
> > becoming
> > > more interesting than the phones! :)
> > >
> > > The specs were easy to find for your "CE 6-150CID"
> cordless phone.
> > Took
> > > about 5 minutes. Google.com is a great search engine!
> > >
> > > SPECIFICATIONS
> > > Item Handset unit Base station
> > > Transmitting Frequency(MHz) 172-173 133-134
> > > Out put power (W) 1 Watt 5 Watts
> > > Current Consumption : Standby (mA)
> > > Talk (mA)
> > > ≤30
> > > ≤100
> > > ≤550 ≤1.4
> > > Receiving Frequency (MHz) 133-134 172-173
> > > Sensitivity at 12db SINAD (CCITT): 0.2UV ≥12dB
> 0.2UV ≥15dB
> > > Channel spaces 25k 25k
> > >
> > > Channels Single Single
> > >
> > > Power source (V) 6.0 14
> > >
> > > Dimension (cm) 15.1*4.7*3.5 18*16.1*4.9
> > > Weight (g) 205 1750
> > >
> > > Cordlessmart.com has the "CE 6-150CID" for $299.00
> > >
> > > Thanks for the lesson about long range cordless phones.
> You got me
> > digging
> > > for info now and it's been interesting!
> > >
> > > One last thing.
> > >
> > > You should really brush up on your customer service
> skills Renee, "You
> > > never know when the next person you talk to could be the
> person who
> > might
> > > make you millions!"
> > >
> > > Take Care!
> > >
> > > Lyndel, N7LT (One of those so called jerks)
> > >
> > > -----------------------------------------------------------
> > > 5-14-01 (Custom Electronics second response)
> > >
> > > Hi Lyndel L. THIESEN
> > > 1679 REMUDA DR
> > > BELGRADE MT 59714
> > > USA
> > > Birthday 12 Mar 1963
> > > Socialist Security Number: OMITTED because it is
> unlawful to transmit
> > it
> > > without permission of the assigned person.
> > > License ID: L00141351
> > > LAT: 45.68 N
> > > LONG: 111.04 W
> > >
> > > Renee works 6pm to 2am Sunday to Thursday. Sometimes she works
> > > from home but last night she was here in the office. She
> is a HAM as
> > > is about 5 others who work here.
> > > Thanks for the specs on the 6150CIDBH however, that was
> not the phone
> > > listed. It was the 6-150CIDM. This may look close to the
> phone you
> > > looked at and since we are the distributor/service center
> for N & S
> > > America , we know about all those who sell our phones.
> No-one has the
> > > unit we listed. The frequency has changed as did the way the phone
> > worked.
> > > We just enjoy keeping people guessing.
> > > As for customer service and millions, we like selling
> wholesale and we
> > do
> > > 99% of our sales to countries other than the US. We only
> have 3 buyers
> > > in the us and they also sell most of their phones overseas.
> > >
> > > At work and not at home.
> > > Echo (accounting)
> > >
> > > --------------------------------------------------
> > > 5-14-01 (Custom Electronics 3rd response which shortly
> followed the
> > second
> > > response)
> > >
> > > I was in the process of cleaning the board. I got to
> your note and was
> > > thinking about your comment
> > > "You never know when the next person you talk to could be
> the person who
> > > might make you millions!"
> > > You know, putting the phones aside for now, in the 13
> years this company
> > has
> > > been in business, we have had far more people try to take
> us over or
> > > outright close our doors than ever did offer us a million dollars.
> > People
> > > in general want things for nothing, think they are gods
> to be served at
> > our
> > > expense and never understand the company serves the
> employees. They
> > make
> > > unfounded complaints, and demand that we do more than the
> law requires,
> > buy
> > > products like cam corders, night vision and VCR recording
> equipment, use
> > it
> > > for a week or more and return it for a full refund (more
> than one person
> > has
> > > left a tape in a recorder of a wedding, game, or
> nighttime fun) or they
> > buy
> > > one
> > > unit and return another which we never sold and demand a
> refund. This is
> > not
> > > to
> > > mention bounced checks, Hot Credit Cards or bank mistakes
> which have
> > cost
> > us
> > > this year alone over $7000.00 so far and may take 6 month
> or more to
> > fix.
> > > And then we have the "HAMS" who think they too are a god
> of some kind.
> > Not
> > > all-but some, and none of them ever offered us a deal to
> make a million.
> > All
> > > those who ever asked the question you did, already made
> up their mind
> > and
> > > most started making trouble before we ever answered them.
> In the end
> > (the
> > > last time) Ebay ended up paying us for following the
> instructions of the
> > FCC
> > > when no one bothered checking their facts. I wonder what
> ebay would tell
> > > a person now who mad a complaint that we were selling
> illegal phones?
> > >
> > > Anyway, before I sent your mail to our "possible trouble
> hold" file, I
> > got
> > > to thinking.
> > >
> > > Echo (accounting)
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------
> > > 5-15-01 (Custom Electronics 4th message from their "supposedly"
> > attorney)
> > >
> > > Wasilla Radio
> > > 5000 W Greensward Dr
> > > Wasilla, AK 99654-8164
> > > Tolley, Steve
> > > Wasilla, AK 99654
> > > 907-373-1033
> > >
> > > GENE K. LYNCH
> > > PO BOX 567
> > > BOULDER MT 59632-0567
> > >
> > > Lyndel L. THIESEN
> > > 1679 REMUDA DR
> > > BELGRADE MT 59714
> > > To all concerned:
> > > It has come to our attention that some concern exists over the
> > > communications equipment sold by my client, Custom
> Electronics. In some
> > > cases threats are being made and in other cases false
> complaints are
> > being
> > > filed.
> > > E-mails of this type WILL result is a suspension of the users ISP
> > account
> > if
> > > they continue. My Client is NOT a public corporation and
> maintains all
> > > Rights afforded to privet individuals.
> > > This type of action is not new to me or my client.
> In the past, we
> > have
> > > countered some of those actions with REAL legal actions
> and we have been
> > > compensated for our lost time and product sales.
> > > For those who wish to file formal complaint, you are
> free to do so -
> > > HOWEVER, if any complaint filed results in lost time and
> income to my
> > client
> > > as a result of any false claim, or if information is
> publicly presented
> > > which damages my client in any way, swift and immediate
> action will be
> > taken
> > > against those who are at the root cause of such damage as
> I have done
> > for
> > my
> > > client in the past.
> > > My Client is not selling, or offering for sale any
> product which is
> > > considered unlawful by the laws here in America. My client is an
> > > international distributor of communications equipment and
> also provides
> > > warranty service to 15 countries. The United States has
> no authority in
> > the
> > > regulation of the internal affairs of these nations, and:
> to the extent
> > that
> > > my client comply with the inport/export laws, our
> paperwork is in order
> > and
> > > available to any inspection via a court order.
> > >
> > > Respectfully
> > > Richard Goodin (attorney at law)
> > >
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> ------------
> > --
> > >
> > > So there you have it so far. As of May 20, 2001 anyway.
> Boy! Did I hit
> > a
> > > raw Nerve with Custom Electronics? Interesting that on
> their web page
> > they
> > > call Hams Jerks and gods and then in Renee's email she
> says Hams are
> > Jerks.
> > > Finally, the person called Echo (only person I ever heard
> called Echo
> > were
> > > little kids who kept repeating everything you said :) )
> say much of the
> > > same thing? I'm beginning to think this is truly a "mom
> and pop" type
> > of
> > > business run by the CEO herself named Marla Harmer and no
> one else!
> > >
> > > I decided it was my turn to check her out. Well, turns
> out that their
> > (her)
> > > company is most likely run from her home in Witt,
> Arkansas. If you look
> > at
> > > the company address:
> > >
> > > Custom Electronics
> > > #1 Main Box 152
> > > Tilly, AR 72679
> > > (870) 496-2474 united states of America
> > >
> > > And then look up Marla Harmer's address of:
> > > Rt 3
> > > Witts Springs, AR 72686-0000
> > >
> > > Then goto a map and look up Tilly and Witt Springs AR.
> You'll notice
> > that
> > > Witt Springs is about 3 to 5 miles from Tilly. Just as
> their web site
> > says
> > > "Our work shop and offices are somewhat secluded and a
> drive to the post
> > > office or retail outlet is 5 miles away" It looks as if
> this business is
> > run
> > > from her home. Her staff probably consists of her herself.
> > >
> > > Interesting thing is she is using these phones HERSELF!
> The web page
> > > quotes"Our work shop and offices are somewhat secluded
> and a drive to
> > the
> > > post office or retail outlet is 5 miles away. No problem
> for cordless
> > phone
> > > which is included with this sale." " We have tested this
> system to 95
> > > miles." I'd say she pretty much confesses right there
> that she is using
> > > this particular phone to talk from the town of Tilly to
> her home near
> > Witt
> > > Springs!!!
> > >
> > > One last note. Why would her Attorney use her email
> address to send out
> > a
> > > "warning" letter??? That doesn't make any sense? My
> attorney does
> > > EVERYTHING through him and strictly on his letterhead via
> mail. I tried
> > to
> > > find the Attorney Richard Goodin. No luck in all of my
> searches of the
> > > internet.
> > > I did find a person named Rick Goodin down south of Fort
> Smith, AR.
> > About
> > 50
> > > to 70 miles away but nobody is listed as an attorney named Richard
> > Goodin
> > > from the Arkansas Attorney web site. That doesn't say he
> doesn't exist,
> > I'm
> > > just saying from all of the fluff above, I have my
> doubts. I'm going to
> > > check with my lawyer if this Richard Goodin lawyer is for
> real. If he
> > is,
> > > I want to know why he feels I'm a threat to Custom
> electronics by my the
> > > emails above? All I did is ask frequency and license
> questions. If he
> > sees
> > > otherwise, then he can speak with my lawyer. Real
> lawyers publish there
> > > contact information. Mine is Daniel J. Roth, Attorney at
> law, Oakwood
> > > Professional Plaza, 2417 W. Main St. - Suite 2A, Bozeman,
> MT 59718.
> > >
> > > This is getting interesting huh? Could Custom
> Electronics be doing
> > > something suspicious? Seems like it doesn't it?
> Otherwise, why would
> > they
> > > (she?) get in such a tizzy? , I'm a nobody to large
> companies and my
> > email
> > > would of gone nowhere but with Custom Electronics, they
> seem to really
> > be
> > > bothered by my very basic and simple question that any
> customer could of
> > > asked!
> > >
> > > Marla Harmer lists herself everywhere as the "CEO" and
> I'm sure she
> > > is! I also think she is the accounting persons named
> "Echo" and Renee.
> > She
> > > is probably also the janitor, dishwasher and everything
> else a home
> > based
> > > business person would call themselves.
> > >
> > > For the record, the sellers of the long range cordless
> phones must be
> > > feeling
> > > some heat because suddenly around the 17th of May,
> they've gone to their
> > > websites and changed the frequencies shown! They are
> working to hide
> > the
> > > fact that they are WANTING to sell these long range
> cordless phones the
> > > the USA public! I've had quite a few Hams email me back
> saying that
> > they
> > > don't see on any of the web pages that I first listed as
> showing any
> > proof
> > > that
> > > they are using Amateur Radio frequencies. Well, they're
> not going to
> > quit
> > > selling profitable long range cordless phones that
> operate in illegal
> > bands
> > > in
> > > the USA just because some Hams are upset with them. As
> they say, It's
> > not
> > > their fault that the buyers in the USA don't know the
> rules! Well, some
> > of
> > > these phones do operate on Amateur bands. We've had
> interference on
> > > the ham bands from a long range cordless phone in the
> Helena area. Don,
> > > W7MRI of Helena, MT, purchased a long range cordless
> phone from ebay
> > > (I don't know who was selling it, i'll get that info from
> Don ASAP and
> > pass
> > > it along) Don verified on the bench that the long range
> cordless phone
> > he
> > > purchased was transmitting from the base unit on 146.765
> MHz at over
> > > 5 watts and the handset unit was transmitting on 227.675
> MHz at 2 watts!
> > >
> > > If you know of any others having this same problem, email
> me and let me
> > > know, we'll start a database of where these phones are
> located, what
> > > frequencies they are on and what makes they are.
> > >
> > > I hope all of you found some interest in this? Pass this
> on to your
> > other
> > > ham
> > > friends if you feel they might also be interested in
> interference from
> > long
> > > range cordless phones.
> > >
> > > Help stamp out bootlegger long range cordless phones with
> education
> > before
> > > we have a repeat of the 11 meter band on 2 meters!
> > >
> > > Don't think it can happen? Here is a quote from Custom
> Electronics,
> > >
> > > "Developed because the public demanded a phone with a
> longer range for
> > > everything from Missionaries to pizza and taxi drivers."
> > >
> > > 73
> > >
> > > Lyndel, N7LT
> > > n7lt@arrl.net
> > >
> > > Here are some contact and reference links to learn more about
> > > long range cordless phones.
> > >
> > > (Please remember, DON'T attack these business! It only makes them
> > > mad and to work harder to hid what they are doing against Amateur
> > Radio.)
> > >
> > >
> > > Custom Electronics
> > > #1 Main Box 152
> > > Tilly, AR 72679
> > > (870) 496-2474 united states of America
> > > Sales@Custom-Electronics.net
> > > CustomElectronics@juno.com
> > >
> > > Check out their web site where they advertise the long
> range cordless
> > phones
> > > at:
> >
http://customelectronics.tripod.com/phones-cell/Index/phoneindex.html
> > can you find anywhere they say that these phones are illegal in the USA?
> > www.cordlessmart.com lists their long range cordless phones a illegal in
> the
> > USA. I don't have a problem with them!
> >
> > Also, Custom Electronics are selling these long range cordless phones on
> > ebay. This is where this all started with me.
> > Check out what they have for sale at:
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1236628446
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1237177662
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1237887313
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1237888175
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1237909735
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1238389705
> >
> > Check out the ebay feedback for Custom Electronics at:
> > http://cgi2.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll
> >
> >
> > I just was hunting on ebay for more of their stuff and found another guy
> > called Electronicks who is selling ALLOT of these phones!!!!! His even
> > specify a frequency range of 145 MHz and 230 MHz!!!! Check it out at:
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1233750897 They
> > appear to be flooding the market with these phones! It's looking really
> bad
> > for amateur radio if this gets out of hand!
> >
> >
> >
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