Automatic control privileges suspended

The FCC has suspended the automatic remote control priveleges of a repeater that Jack Gerritson used to operate on without an Amateur Radio license.

This, as the Los Angeles District Office informs Jeffrey Stieglitz, AE6NZ, of Torrance, California that until further notice, his 147.435 MHz repeater has to have control operators present at all times, or go off the air.

In her letter to Steiglitz, District Director Catherine Deaton alleged inadequate station control, deliberate interference, failure of users to identify and use by unlicensed operators as the primary reason for suspension of the automatic control priveleges. She also noted that Steiglitz amateur station AE6NZ is under review by the Enforcement Bureau
for numerous and continued apparent violations of the Commissions rules.

But for all of its problems, the same repeater is also legendary for its involvement in local public service.

Back in the 1970's under its first owner, the idea of sending hams to hospitals at Christmastime to permit kids to talk to old Saint Nick was born. Operation Santa Clause as it
eventually became known is now an important part of seasonal ham radio club services performed nation wide.

More recently, the repeater raised in excess of $3000 to assist in relief efforts following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It has also sponsored a "Hams for Tots" operation for the past decade and a half.

None the less, the FCC sys that it will not permit the system to resume automatic remote control while the investigation of its longtime operation is ongoing, or until the agency says otherwise. Nor is this the first time that automatic control priveleges have been pulled from it in its 40 plus years of operation.

Source: ARNewsline, FCC