"Corwin, Prince of Amber" wrote in message
...
So what if I invent my call sign, learn the lingo, and start using my
2M radio without jumping through all the hoops to get licensed.

Thats not a good idea

anyone *really* care?

Yes! Ham radio is self policing & has the FCC to back them up.

Is 'big brother' really going to bust through
my front door with a SWAT team? Of the 1+ million HAM operators, how
many are actually fined each year for doing what I'm considering?

You'd be amazed & fines are stiff. Jail can also be in your future for
doing so. They'll take your equipment (for keeps)


If I stick with it instead of packing the radio up and putting it next
to my photography equipment, I will get licensed, I promise.
Also, even if I *really do* need a license to transmit, I don't need a
license to turn the radio on and listen, do I?

No you can listen all you want ;-)

Rick Bryan
New York, NY