The reservation for the annual picnic site has been sent in for August 1st 2026. More information will be coming soon keep checking back here!

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has responded to a complaint involving a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, amateur for operating outside the privileges of his Technician Class license and causing interference to local emergency service communications by transmitting on a public service frequency, 470.4375 MHz.

According to a letter released by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, agents investigating an interference complaint from Allegheny County Emergency Services determined that the interfering signal originated from the residence of David Knudtson, KD3ASC, who also holds a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license, WSDQ885. The letter states that Knudtson gave the agents a BTech UV-Pro handheld which had been programmed to monitor the county emergency services frequency. Agents determined that its “Audio Relay” feature had been activated, turning the HT “into a simplex repeater that was retransmitting the Allegheny County channel.”

The letter continues that Knudtson, who is a relatively new amateur licensee, surrendered the radio to the agents, who then “verified that the interference to the Allegheny County system had ceased.” The letter also notes that Knudtson’s BTech radio was certified as a Part 90 (private land mobile radio) device and that he was not licensed to transmit on the emergency services frequency.

Knudtson was warned that unauthorized operation and its associated harmful interference must not resume. He was given 10 days from the date of the March 25 letter to respond with a description of the steps he is taking to avoid a repeat violation.

Amateurs are reminded to exercise care when programming non-amateur frequencies into their VHF/UHF radios, and to ensure that transmitting on those frequencies is disabled.

The 47 repeater group is looking for good used gear that you are willing to donate to the group. These items are being sold at the table at this function to help maintain the repeater throughout the year. So please look around your shack to see what items you are will to donate to this worthy cause. If you have something get in touch with Don KD7AVI or anyone of the board members to arrange pickup. Thank you in advance!

44^th ANNUAL ELECTRONICS
SHOW & SWAP MEET

— Saturday, March 7, 2026 —
— Ticket Sales open at 8:00 AM; Doors open at 9:00 AM —
— Dealers Close by 3:00 PM —

— See Flyer for Advance ticket sales and 2026 seller tables —

The two upcoming events for the repeater group are 1. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for February 28th 2026. 2. The Mike & Key Swap meet is scheduled for March 7th 2026. Keep these dates in mind and keep looking for the updates as they happen by checking the web site from time to time.