Netherlands Use of Ham Radio Handheld Microphone While Mobile

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If you are driving a vehicle, you may not hold a mobile electronic device that can be used for communication or information processing. This is regulated in Article 61a of the 1990 Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations (RVV 1990). But can you still hold a microphone now?

Article 61a states the following:

It is prohibited for anyone driving a vehicle to hold a mobile electronic device that can be used for communication or information processing while driving. A mobile electronic device is in any case understood to mean a mobile phone, a tablet computer or a media player.

With this decision, the legislator has removed an inconsistency in the legislation. Article 61a has been amended to such an extent that it applies to all drivers of a vehicle. So also for cyclists, tram drivers and drivers of disabled vehicles. These drivers are not allowed to hold a mobile electronic device while driving. The old article specifically refers to a mobile phone.

In the explanation (page 5), an exception is made for operating a speech key

The speech key of a mobile phone or 27MC "bakkie" [Citizens Band} built into the vehicle is not covered by the term mobile electronic device.

So here one does not speak of holding a microphone, but specifically the term speech key is used here. You can then find it on the website of the ambulance blog.

This means that it is no longer allowed to hold a speaking key or mobile phone while driving. It is permitted, for example, to use a transmission button or foot pedal of a C2000 device which is permanently mounted in the vehicle. Not every ambulance service offers this option. An adjustment is therefore necessary here because otherwise communication with the control room or other units is impossible.

The law specifically refers to a button on a wire. The question is whether the judge sees this as such and allows holding a microphone. As long as there is no judgment by a judge, it is not yet possible to give an opinion. Keep it safe in traffic. Hands-free kits or bluetooth solutions are available and also keep our hobby safe.

VERON - https://tinyurl.com/IARU-Netherlands

NCVEC Question Pool Committee Seeks Input for an Updated Technician Question Pool

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The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC - http://www.ncvec.org/ ) Question Pool Committee (QPC - http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=333 ) is requesting input from the amateur radio community on new or modified questions for the 2022 - 2026 FCC Element 2 Technician Pool, which goes into effect on 1st July 2022. This may include suggestions for new questions, changes to current examination topic areas, or changes to existing questions in the current Technician Question Pool.

The QPC offered guidelines that said it's seeking input that focuses on topics that enhance public interest, understanding, and use of amateur radio, or focus on STEM hands-on learning and education, as well as questions on new technology, digital modes, station setup and operation, antennas, and emergency and non-emergency operation.

To submit suggested questions for QPC review, the committee asks that questions have no more than two 70-character lines, including spaces. Distractors should be no more than 70-character lines long, and shorter if possible. Each multiple-choice question must be accompanied by four possible distractors and only one correct answer. The answer choices may be in any order, but the correct answer must be indicated by the letters A, B, C, or D at the beginning of the question. Those submitting suggestions should provide the resource information that supports the correct answer or the FCC Part 97 rule.

The QPC will accept question comments, revisions, and submissions from the amateur radio community via email through 30th June 2021. This email address is a bulk forwarding mailbox, so no acknowledgement will be sent by return email. The NCVEC QPC will take all comments into consideration as it updates the Technician Question Pool for 2022 - 2026.

The email address is QPCinput@ncvec.org