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HERMES radio enables voice and data communication over vast distances

189 points · 71 comments · SamuraiLion

  1. mesh · · focus · HN ↗
    This is a cool project, but fyi, in the US, this would require a license to broadcast (not receive), and I am pretty sure encryption, even with a license, is not legal (again, when broadcasting from US).

    And then only on certain bands:

    <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.arrl.org&#x2F;files&#x2F;file&#x2F;Regulatory&#x2F;Band%20Chart&#x2F;Hambands4_Color_17x11.pdf" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.arrl.org&#x2F;files&#x2F;file&#x2F;Regulatory&#x2F;Band%20Chart&#x2F;Hamb...

    1. _whiteCaps_ · · focus · HN ↗
      Going to be super pedantic here - in ham radio you don&#x27;t broadcast, you transmit.
      1. kanbankaren · · focus · HN ↗
        What is the difference between the two?

        A ham operator might put out 20W of ERP while a radio station operates at 100W though international broadcasters use upto 500 kW.

        1. drivers99 · · focus · HN ↗
          Part 97 defines broadcasting as &quot;Transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed.&quot;

          Then there&#x27;s a section that says:

          &gt; An amateur station shall not engage in any form of broadcasting, nor may an amateur station transmit one-way communications except as specifically provided in these rules

          <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.ecfr.gov&#x2F;current&#x2F;title-47&#x2F;part-97#p-97.113(b)" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.ecfr.gov&#x2F;current&#x2F;title-47&#x2F;part-97#p-97.113(b)

          Since &quot;broadcasting&quot; is prohibited (except for the exceptions), there is a distinction. There actually are a number of exceptions that allow different kinds of one-way transmissions though.

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