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Unlocking Cellular
by Bill Talanian 19 Jul '14

19 Jul '14

Seybold: Bill Would Allow Consumers to Unlock Cell Phones, But Whats the Point? Seybold (Courtesy of Wikipedia) By Andrew Seybold | Published on 07.18.2014 4:08 p.m. [] On Tuesday, the <http://www.senate.gov/>U.S. Senate finally passed a bill that if signed into law would allow all of us to legally have our wireless devices unlocked so we can move them from one network to another without breaking the law. A locked phone is usable only on a given network and not on any other network. When the device is unlocked, it can be moved to another network. This means we can change networks without having to buy a new phone, or so those in the Senate seem to believe. But is this so? The answer is a mixed bag of yes, no and maybe. It really doesnt matter what <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress>Congress passes or what the president signs into law. Some unlocked phones will be capable of being used on other networks and some will not. Let me explain. Why and Why Not! In 1981 when cellular systems first came to the United States, the <http://www.fcc.gov/>Federal Communications Commission allocated radio spectrum in the 800-MHz range. At that time, only two networks were permitted in each area so one network was allocated half of the spectrum and the other network was allocated the other half. Years later, the government decided that only two network providers in an area did not provide for competitive pricing, so in 1996 the FCC auctioned more spectrum for wireless operators, this time in the 1,900-MHz range. <http://www.sprint.com/mysprint/pages/sl/global/index.jsp?context=CC&s_tnt=1…>Sprint and what is now <http://www.t-mobile.com/>T-Mobile came to be with these auctions, and we ended up with four nationwide network operators and a number of smaller operators covering mostly rural areas of the United States. Wireless broadband emerged in the mid-2000s and with it a huge increase in demand for wireless network capacity. The FCC found additional spectrum for broadband by relocating some existing users, including some federal users, and auctioning it. These frequencies were in yet another portion of the radio spectrum. Since then, demand for capacity went through the roof with the advent of fourth-generation wireless broadband or LTE. Once again the FCC found more spectrum to auction, this time by relocating TV channels 52 to 69, spectrum different from any that had been used before, and this was also put up for auction. As a result, U.S. wireless network operators today run several different systems on several different portions of the radio spectrum. Europe and Asia operate on even different frequencies. Some network operators such as <http://www.att.com/>AT&T and <http://www.verizon.com/home/verizonglobalhome/ghp_landing.aspx>Verizon own spectrum in most if not all of the different bands, but Sprint and T-Mobile do not own spectrum in the two most important bands. Further, next year there will be more auctions, this time to replace TV channels 32 to 51 with wireless services, carving out yet another portion of spectrum. Todays U.S. wireless operators operate on so many different portions of the radio spectrum that the internal radio element of a smartphone is jammed with different radio modules, antennas, filters and other parts. There is no such thing as a single radio that can operate on all of the different spectrum that is being used. So not all phones are built with all radio channels in them. For example, lets look at a phone on AT&T (or Verizon). It probably has most of the other necessary frequencies to move from one network to another, but in the most important newer portion of the radio spectrum that is used for LTE or fast broadband services, AT&T phones do not support the Verizon spectrum and Verizon phones do not include the AT&T spectrum. So yes, you could unlock an AT&T phone and move it to the Verizon network, but you would not get Verizons fourth-generation broadband speeds for Internet browsing, video watching or any other type of data. The same would be true when moving a Verizon phone to AT&T. Moving a phone from Sprint or T-Mobile is even worse. While it can be done, you would only have a portion of the AT&T or Verizon network available to you. This would greatly reduce your coverage since the network operators do not use every portion of their spectrum in every city or even within every area within a city or county. In other words, being able to unlock a phone in the United States is a nice idea, but it would cause more problems for customers than it would solve. In Europe, where all networks use the same frequencies, unlocked phones are a way of life. However, in the United States unlocked phones wont solve anything. Besides, most operators are beginning to follow T-Mobiles lead by doing away with two-year contracts and phone subsidies. Instead, you will spend more for a phone upfront or over time and sign up for a month-to-month contract that does not tie you to penalties. Still, if you want to move to another network you will need to plan to move your phone number over but dont count on moving your smartphone, tablet or laptop without sacrificing system performance and/or coverage. Passing a law requiring unlocking phones might seem like a good idea, but the law of physics cannot be changed. Until there is a single phone capable of covering all of the portions of the radio spectrum in use for wireless voice and broadband services, unlocking phones serves no purpose. Andrew Seybold is a wireless communications consultant. The opinions expressed are his own.

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Re: [Sbarc-list] SBARC-list Digest, Vol 132, Issue 5
by Theo Howe 18 Jul '14

18 Jul '14

Hi Jug- those are handy to have in your home. I first started installing those in home around September of last year (generation 1) was a bit problematic and when I saw how handy they were, I put a couple in my kitchen countertop. You can buy them at CES on S. Milpas for about $25/duplex. >. Theo Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 18, 2014, at 8:30 PM, sbarc-list-request(a)lists.netlojix.com wrote: > > Send SBARC-list mailing list submissions to > sbarc-list(a)lists.netlojix.com > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.netlojix.com/mailman/listinfo/sbarc-list > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > sbarc-list-request(a)lists.netlojix.com > > You can reach the person managing the list at > sbarc-list-owner(a)lists.netlojix.com > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of SBARC-list digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. AC power Receptacle with USB charging ports included therein. > (Michael P. ('Jug') Jogoleff - WA6MBZ) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 20:30:52 -0700 > From: "Michael P. $'Jug'$ Jogoleff - WA6MBZ" <wa6mbz(a)yahoo.com> > To: Paul Horvitz <wa6iaf(a)sti.net>, Gary Barr <tana(a)as.net>, Mike > Forest <mforest(a)citlink.net>, "John W. Pritchett" <w6jwk(a)aol.com>, > Harry Edwards <n6esu(a)aol.com>, Dan Farrell <w6qz(a)arrl.net>, James > Adriansen <jadriansen(a)gmail.com>, Bud Allain <budall90(a)aol.com>, "Joe > D. Heumphries" <k6dxw(a)sbarc.org>, Sbarc List > <sbarc-list(a)lists.netlojix.com>, Rod Fritz <wb9kmo(a)sbarc.org>, Brian > Milburn - K6BPM <brian(a)k6bpm.com>, "Levi C. Maaia" <k6lcm(a)arrl.net>, > David Jacobs <k9kbx(a)hotmail.com>, "Michael S. Taylor" > <mst56(a)yahoo.com>, Laura Hutton <k6htn(a)arrl.org>, Scott W7IZ > <w7iz(a)clatskanie.com> > Subject: [Sbarc-list] AC power Receptacle with USB charging ports > included therein. > Message-ID: > <1405740652.95784.YahooMailNeo(a)web162601.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > HI All, > > I first saw this type of receptacle at a newly refurbished > restaurant several days ago, and today, I bought one at a > local hardware store and built up an extension cord using > > it. > > Feel free to pass this around if you like. > > ? > ... ??73 de 'Jug',?? WA6MBZ, ? DM04DK, ? wa6mbz(a)yahoo.com. >

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The Drones Are Coming: Special Addition to Tonight's SBARC Meeting
by Levi C. Maaia 18 Jul '14

18 Jul '14

Before our regularly scheduled SBARC program this evening, I am planning a demo of a radio controlled quadcopter/drone with a prototype 2m ham repeater. Bob Simmons, WB6EYV and I have been working together to develop a quickly deployable repeater design for emergencies and special events and there has been quite a buzz this week on the Tues and Thurs nets about it. Although our meeting hall on North Fairview is in SBA controlled airspace, I was able to get special permission from the FAA tower to fly the craft *400 feet above the meeting!* In fact, they will be clearing the airspace above North Fairview just for us at *7:30pm tonight.* Come see this exciting new technology in action and bring your HT to try it out. Tune to 146.940 MHz simplex, no PL. Please note that you may need to disable automatic repeater shift on your radio in order to transmit and receive on 146.940. See you tonight, Friday, July 18, 2014, at 7:30 PM at the Goleta Union School District, 401 North Fairview Ave. in Goleta. - Levi, K6LCM More photos and video at: http://levi.maaia.com/2014/06/20/the-drones-are-coming/ [image: Inline image 5] [image: Inline image 3][image: Inline image 1]

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Elks Lodge Bazaar location correction
by Darryl Widman 08 Jul '14

08 Jul '14

It's not "just off of Hollister Avenue". It's Calle Real.. Thanks to Bill Theerenger, W8PEY.

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SBARC Annual Bazaar July 12 at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge
by Darryl Widman 07 Jul '14

07 Jul '14

SBARC ANNUAL BAZAAR The 2014 BAZAAR is upon us. We've waited for this fun day and now here it is. It's this Saturday morning. As you know by now, our Bazaar will be held at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge from 8:00 AM until 11:30 AM. The Elks Lodge is located at 150 No. Kellogg Ave. in Goleta, just off of Hollister Ave. Park on the mountain side of the building. The other side is for Elks members only. If you are bringing things to drop off, there will be one space reserved close to the Bazaar area for that purpose. After you have dropped them off, please park your vehicle in another area of the parking lot right away. You have been wondering if you could part with all that stuff that you have been looking at for all these years. Yes, you can part with it. If you haven't done anything with it by now, you're not going to. That's the stuff we want for our Bazaar. We need lots of stuff for this to be a success for our club. Look through your shack and find all that stuff you haven't used. This is your opportunity to clean out all that stuff and lay it on us! If you haven't a vehicle appropriate for the job, we will ask someone to drop by and help you move it into his vehicle and transport it to the Bazaar for you. What a deal that is! But, please don't wait until the last minute. Do it now. Give me a shout. If you have something that has obvious value, you may bring it to our Bazaar and place it on the Red Tag Table next to the building. Put your name/call and asking price on a Red Tag and attach it to your item. Then, either you or your agent should be nearby to sell it. Remember, the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club get its 10% of the sale amount. That's a pretty good deal. For other items that are for sale at the Bazaar, let one of our salesmen know that you wish to purchase an item or items or a box of stuff and ask what they want for them. See what they say. Make a deal. Haggle. Take your sales slip over to our treasurer, Tom, N6YX, or to our secretary, Dorothy, KJ6UGL, and pay them for your new treasure. Then, quickly take your purchase out to your vehicle and lock it inside so that it doesn't get sold again! Of course you may come back and shop some more. Now what exactly are all these things that can be dropped off and purchased by others at our Bazaar? Well, OK, here we go -- Antennas of all sorts, J-Poles, Yagis, Tower parts, Antenna masts, Coaxial cable, Rotators, Wire, Cable, VCRs, DVD players, Antenna tuners, Hand-held radios, Telegraph keys, Base stations, Test equipment, Meters, Electronic components, Relays, Vacuum tubes, Metal chassis, Tools, Computers, Software, Computer boards, Books, QST, 73, etc. plus hundreds of other kinds of things that fall into the miscellaneous category. You should see what's coming over from our Club Station! The area will be roped off where all the stuff is and kept vacant between 7:45 AM and 8:00 AM after which the sales can begin. Before 7:45 AM you may look it all over. Then at 8:00 AM you will hear someone say something like, "OK, open for business." Jug, WA6MBZ, has enjoyed being our Bazaar sergeant-at-arms for years and will check that the stuff leaving the area has been paid for, as in a paid receipt. All paid-for items must be removed from the area right away lest they, in error, be 'sold again' to someone else. Ice Cold Drinks will be available for sale as it will probably get a bit warm out there on the concrete on that July morning. Coffee and donuts may be available. This year's Bazaar promises to be a real hoot and will provide an opportunity for everyone to get rid of stuff that has been sitting around for far too long! Bring it all over to our Bazaar and say 'goodbye' to it and let someone else enjoy it for awhile! 73, Darryl Widman, KF6DI 2014 Bazaar Chairman Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club kf6di(a)sbarc.org 805-969-2326

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"Contesting" From The San Diego Union Tribune
by Alain Michel 07 Jul '14

07 Jul '14

The World Cup of ham radio The World Cup of ham radio No sleeping. Not if you want to win. And John Barcroft wants to win. View on www.utsa... Preview by Yahoo

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ARDF and SOTA
by Marvin Johnston 07 Jul '14

07 Jul '14

Joe Moell and I will be putting on an ARDF practice at Mt Pinos on the weekend of July 19-20. Each day will start near the Nordic Center parking lot, and end at McGill campground. For more information, go to the homingin website at: http/www.homingin.com/ I also got an email from a Scout leader who will be on a week long backpacking trip at Sequoia National Park with some scouts. He is interested in trying to get a SOTA (Summits On The Air) contact to activate Kettle Peak near Summit Lake. If anyone is interested in helping them activate the summit on their trip (and maybe activate Mt Pinos if it needs it), let me know and I'll put you in contact. This SOTA will be taking place on the same weekend as our ARDF practice, July 19-20. Thanks! Marvin, KE6HTS

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"Contesting" Article San Diego Union-Tribune
by Alain Michel 07 Jul '14

07 Jul '14

The World Cup of ham radio The World Cup of ham radio No sleeping. Not if you want to win. And John Barcroft wants to win. View on www.utsa... Preview by Yahoo

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Chain-saw work
by Bill Talanian 02 Jul '14

02 Jul '14

WANTED Aggressive person and one assistant with a good chain-saw to trim trees at the TZ Mesa site. Should take about 2 hours. Get in touch via email so I can schedule you in. Thanks Bill Talanian

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List server issues
by Jay Hennigan 02 Jul '14

02 Jul '14

The SBARC-list server has been offline for about four days due to a hardware failure. System has been moved to a new machine, archives and other trivia will be available shortly. -- -- Jay Hennigan - CCIE #7880 - Network Engineering - jay(a)impulse.net Impulse Internet Service - http://www.impulse.net/ Your local telephone and internet company - 805 884-6323 - WB6RDV

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