"CQ CQ Insurrection: How Ham Radio Became the Backbone of the Capitol Siege"
By Antenna Jones, Correspondent for The Patriot’s Static

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As history continues to unravel the tangled cords of January 6, 2021, new evidence has emerged suggesting that the true masterminds behind the Capitol breach weren’t keyboard warriors or rogue militia apps—but a surprisingly well-networked cadre of ham radio operators who stormed democracy one frequency at a time.

Yes, ham radio: the hobby most commonly associated with retirees, lonely guys in basements, and people who think Morse code might come back like vinyl.

According to exclusive reports (and a guy in a basement with an antenna taller than his marriage), many insurrectionists used amateur radio frequencies to coordinate movements, share tactical updates, and debate which flavor of MRE was least “deep state.”

“Breaker-breaker, we got eyes on Pelosi’s podium, over,” allegedly crackled across the airwaves moments before the infamous photo op. Moments later: “Copy that, Tango-Foxtrot. Be advised: Viking helmet guy is headed your way. He’s loud, shirtless, and slightly mystical. Proceed with caution.”

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was reportedly flabbergasted.

“We’ve always feared this day,” said FCC spokesperson Marsha Bandwidth. “We knew someday someone would weaponize the power of high-frequency AM chatter, emergency generators, and delusional confidence.”

The insurrectionists, who called themselves the “Free Range Patriots” (because “Uncaged Eagles of Liberty” was taken by a prepper Facebook group), reportedly used CB-style code names like “Constitution Cowboy,” “Q-Zilla,” and “LibertyLuvr_69.”

Eyewitnesses claim the crowd was a mix of militia types, confused tourists, and at least one man who thought he was at a ham fest. “I just came to trade a transceiver,” said Gerald, 67, of Topeka. “Next thing I know, I’m deep in the Rotunda and someone’s handing me zip ties.”

Authorities are still combing through hours of radio logs, which range from actual tactical commands to heated debates about who really invented the spark-gap transmitter.

In response, the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) issued a strongly worded statement:

“Ham radio is a peaceful hobby for licensed enthusiasts who enjoy communicating with strangers in obscure bands. We do not condone sedition, though we do understand the thrill of talking to someone in Finland during a solar flare.”

As part of new regulations, the FCC has now mandated all ham radios transmit a disclaimer every 30 minutes:

“This device is not a toy for insurrection. Please use responsibly.”

In the end, experts agree that while ham radio may not have single-handedly toppled democracy, it sure tried to tune in, turn on, and drop out of the Constitution.

As one Capitol Police officer put it, “It was like Die Hard, but with less Bruce Willis and more guys who call 911 because their radio antenna fell over.”

CQ insurrectionists: this is democracy. You’re being jammed. Over.

The US Navy Electronics 6-Step Troubleshooting Method

The U.S. Navy's Six-Step Troubleshooting Method for electronics systems. This systematic approach is used to efficiently identify and resolve faults in electronic equipment. The six steps are:

1. Symptom Recognition – Identify that a malfunction exists through user reports, system indicators, or performance issues.

2. Symptom Elaboration – Gather more detailed information about the problem. Ask questions like: When did it start? Under what conditions? Is it intermittent or constant?

3. Listing Probable Faulty Functions – Determine which functions or subsystems could be responsible for the observed symptoms.

4. Localizing the Faulty Function – Narrow down the faulty function to a specific section or module of the equipment.

5. Localizing the Trouble to a Defective Component – Within the faulty section, isolate the exact component (e.g., resistor, capacitor, IC) causing the issue.

6. Failure Analysis – Once the component is replaced or repaired, analyze why it failed to prevent recurrence and improve system reliability.

Example:

Let’s say you’re working on a shipboard radar system that has stopped displaying target data on the screen.

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⚙️ Scenario: Radar Display Not Showing Targets

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1. Symptom Recognition

The radar operator reports that no targets are appearing on the radar display. You confirm that the screen is on but shows no contacts.

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2. Symptom Elaboration

You ask additional questions and check other indicators:

• The screen is working (not blank).

• The radar sweep line is visible.

• No alarm tones are sounding.

• The problem started after a heavy rainstorm.

• Power supplies show normal voltages.

This helps you rule out certain problems like a total power loss.

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3. Listing Probable Faulty Functions

You brainstorm which parts of the system could cause this issue:

• The transmitter isn’t sending pulses.

• The antenna isn’t rotating or scanning.

• The receiver isn’t picking up echoes.

• The signal processor isn't converting data correctly.

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4. Localizing the Faulty Function

You systematically test these possibilities:

• You check the antenna — it’s rotating fine.

• You measure RF output — the transmitter is not emitting.

• BINGO — the issue is probably in the transmitter section.

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5. Localizing the Trouble to a Defective Component

Within the transmitter, you check:

• Fuses and power inputs — all good.

• The modulator circuit — appears unresponsive.

• You narrow it down to a faulty pulse-forming network (PFN) that isn’t triggering the transmitter tube.

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6. Failure Analysis

After replacing the PFN, the transmitter works and radar contacts return to the screen. Upon inspection, the PFN had water intrusion, likely due to a weather seal failure during the rainstorm.

Conclusion: You document the failure and recommend improved sealing and regular inspection of weather seals in the maintenance schedule.

Zen and the Art of Radio Maintenance

 Zen and the Art of Amateur Radio Maintenance

In the quiet hours of the evening, with the shack bathed in the glow of dials and displays, there's a kind of meditation that happens. One hand on the tuning knob, ears attuned to the faintest whisper of DX—this isn’t just a hobby. It’s something more.

Many of us came to amateur radio because we were curious. Maybe it was the idea of global communication, maybe emergency preparedness, maybe just a fascination with how things work. But over time, we discover that ham radio offers more than technical challenge or global contacts. It offers a practice—a way of engaging with the world and ourselves. In this way, it’s not unlike the philosophy Robert Pirsig explored in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Pirsig’s book wasn’t about motorcycles so much as it was about Quality—that hard-to-define but easy-to-recognize harmony between purpose, precision, and presence. Motorcycles, for Pirsig, were a metaphor. For us, it’s the radio.

When we align an antenna, balance a feedline, or troubleshoot a mysterious hum, we’re not just solving problems. We’re participating in a dialogue between man and machine. And in that dialogue, our mindset matters. A distracted mind makes sloppy solder joints. An impatient operator overloads the mic gain. But a calm, attentive operator—someone tuned in not just to the rig, but to themselves—hears the difference. Sees the details. Feels the rhythm of the airwaves.

This is where the classical and romantic ways of thinking meet—another of Pirsig’s key ideas. Some hams love the romance of the air: the call signs, the skip, the excitement of an unexpected contact. Others love the mechanics: decibels, wave theory, circuit design. But the magic happens when we respect both. When we care as much about how it works as about that it works.

At The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club, we see this balance in our events and in each other. The new ham asking how to get on HF, and the elmer showing how to build a balun from scratch—they’re both on the path. They’re both practicing Quality. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a $3,000 rig or a homebrew QRP setup. What matters is the intention you bring to the mic.

And then there’s the moment we all chase: the signal. Faint, then strong. A voice from across the country—or the world—coming in on 20 meters like it was next door. You respond. You connect. And for that brief window of propagation and presence, you are exactly where you're meant to be.

That’s Quality. That’s Zen.

So the next time you're in your shack, coax wrapped just so, waterfall dancing, and the band conditions suddenly come alive—take a breath. You’re not just operating. You’re practicing a craft that links people, places, and time. You're part of a tradition that values not just communication, but the care that makes it possible.

Tighten that connector. Adjust that tuner. And listen, really listen.

The signal is always out there.

An Electron's Journey through a Receiver

 "Signal Ride: An Electron's Journey"

They say we’re the smallest with the biggest responsibilities. I’m an electron—just one of trillions—but today, I’m on a mission. A broadcast is calling, and I’m riding the wave.

It starts at the antenna, tall and proud, catching electromagnetic waves from a distant radio station. I feel the oscillating electric field wash over me like a rhythmic tide. My charge senses the beat—modulated music encoded in a high-frequency carrier. The wave dances, and I dance with it.

Zzzzap! I'm pushed into motion. I jostle with my fellow electrons in the metal of the antenna, a synchronized sway driven by the incoming signal. Together, we move in harmony, creating a tiny alternating current that mimics the waveform of the broadcast. The signal is weak, fragile—just whispers in copper—but it's enough.

Down the transmission line I go, drawn into the radio's tuning circuit. Coils and capacitors surround me, vibrating with resonance. I only respond to one frequency—the one that matches the natural frequency of this LC circuit. That’s the magic of tuning: all other broadcasts fade away. It’s like a club with a strict guest list. Only my wave gets in.

Next stop: the detector. This is where things get interesting.

The signal’s still riding high frequencies—far too fast for the human ear. But now comes the diode, the bouncer of the circuit, letting electrons like me flow in only one direction. It clips the wave, stripping away the negative half. What’s left is a pulsing envelope—the music itself, hidden in the tremble of our energy. We’ve gone from carrier wave to audio wave, and it’s like the message finally reveals itself.

Low-pass filter time. Capacitors smooth out the jaggedness, and the wave becomes clean, steady—pure audio. I can feel the shape of a human voice in the voltage now, the rise and fall of melody and speech.

But we’re not done yet.

The signal's still weak, barely a whisper. So we head into the amplifier. Transistors flare to life, boosting our voltage, our strength. I surge forward with confidence, part of a flood of electrons now shaped like sound.

Final destination: the speaker.

Here, I meet the coil of the speaker magnet. My current flows through it, generating a magnetic field that pushes and pulls against a permanent magnet. The coil moves. The diaphragm vibrates. Air shifts.

Sound is born.

Music. Voice. A live sports broadcast, maybe. Whatever it is, it started as a wave in the sky and ended as a vibration in your room—all thanks to a journey through silicon, copper, and magnetic fields. My journey.

I’m an electron. And I just brought you a song.

A first amendment argument for deregulating radio services

A strong First Amendment argument in favor of deregulating amateur (ham) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio services is rooted in the principle of free speech and the right to communicate without unnecessary government interference. Here’s how the argument can be framed:

1. Free Speech and the Right to Communicate

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, including the means by which people choose to communicate. Radio communication, particularly amateur and GMRS services, serves as a vital form of self-expression, information exchange, and emergency coordination. Excessive regulation restricts individuals’ ability to freely communicate over the airwaves, thereby infringing on their First Amendment rights.

2. Limited Government Justification for Regulation

The government typically justifies radio regulations based on spectrum management and interference concerns. While reasonable technical guidelines may be necessary to prevent harmful interference, broad licensing requirements, fees, and bureaucratic hurdles serve as prior restraints on speech. These restrictions should be subject to strict scrutiny, requiring the government to prove that they are the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling interest.

3. Emergency and Public Interest Communication

Amateur radio operators have historically provided critical communications during disasters, when traditional infrastructure fails. Restrictive regulations that limit access to the airwaves impede the ability of individuals and communities to communicate in emergencies. Since the government cannot suppress free speech simply because it prefers alternative communication methods, deregulating amateur and GMRS radio aligns with First Amendment protections by ensuring open access to essential communication channels.

4. Precedent Against Unjustified Licensing Requirements

The Supreme Court has ruled in cases such as Watchtower Bible & Tract Society v. Village of Stratton (2002) that licensing requirements for speech must be justified and cannot serve as an arbitrary barrier to communication. Licensing requirements for amateur and GMRS radio users—particularly for non-commercial, personal communication—raise similar constitutional concerns.

5. Expansion of Decentralized and Independent Media

The First Amendment’s protections extend not just to traditional media but to all forms of speech, including decentralized and citizen-driven communication. Ham and GMRS radio offer a medium for individuals to broadcast information without reliance on corporate-controlled platforms. Government-imposed barriers to these independent communication networks undermine the core values of the First Amendment.

Conclusion

The First Amendment guarantees the right to communicate freely, and regulations that impose unnecessary burdens on amateur and GMRS radio users act as an unconstitutional restraint on speech. While reasonable technical standards may be necessary to prevent interference, licensing fees and restrictive rules disproportionately hinder individuals’ ability to engage in lawful, non-commercial communication. A more deregulated approach would align with constitutional principles by maximizing free expression while still maintaining essential technical safeguards.

Would you like to refine this argument further for a specific audience or legal context?

Proposed Legislation: The Starlink Telecommunications Transition Act

 Proposed Legislation: The Starlink Telecommunications Transition Act

Section 1: Title
This Act shall be known as the Starlink Telecommunications Transition Act (STTA).

Section 2: Findings and Purpose
(a) The Congress finds that:

1. The current cellular phone industry is fragmented among multiple private corporations, leading to inefficiencies, high costs, and redundant infrastructure.
2. Cellular networks rely on millions of unsightly and environmentally disruptive cell towers, which clutter the landscape and pose maintenance hazards.
3. The occupation of cell tower climbing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries each year.
4. The continued operation of multiple cellular carriers leads to inflated consumer costs, with excessive billing practices, hidden fees, and monopolistic behavior.
5. Starlink’s satellite-based communication system has the potential to provide superior, uninterrupted service across the entire country, including remote and rural areas underserved by traditional networks.
6. The elimination of traditional cellular companies will drastically reduce unnecessary employment costs, increasing efficiency and streamlining national telecommunications.
7. The transition to an entirely Starlink-based system will solidify Elon Musk as the world's first trillionaire, ensuring continued private sector innovation under a single visionary leader.

(b) The purpose of this Act is to:

1. Dissolve all existing cellular telecommunications companies and transition their assets into the Starlink satellite network.
2. Dismantle all cellular towers, restoring land and urban aesthetics while eliminating hazardous maintenance jobs.
3. Provide universal access to Starlink satellite phones for all U.S. residents.
4. Reduce consumer costs by eliminating unnecessary competition and consolidating all telecommunications under one provider.
5. Recognize and facilitate the rise of Elon Musk as the world’s first trillionaire, a necessary step in the advancement of private space exploration and technological innovation.

Section 3: Dissolution of Cellular Companies
(a) All U.S.-based cellular phone companies shall be declared obsolete and decommissioned within five years of the enactment of this Act.
(b) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shall oversee the liquidation of all cellular assets, directing revenues toward Starlink’s infrastructure expansion.
(c) All employees of former cellular companies shall be subject to immediate job termination, significantly reducing corporate waste and improving overall market efficiency.

Section 4: Decommissioning of Cellular Infrastructure
(a) All existing cell towers shall be dismantled and repurposed for public use, environmental restoration, or real estate development.
(b) The Department of the Interior, in conjunction with private contractors, shall oversee the removal of obsolete telecommunications equipment.
(c) Any remaining cellular transmission sites shall be auctioned, with proceeds allocated to the nationwide distribution of Starlink satellite phones.

Section 5: Universal Starlink Integration
(a) The U.S. government shall establish a public-private partnership with Starlink to ensure universal coverage.
(b) Each U.S. citizen shall be provided with a Starlink satellite phone at no initial cost, with subscription fees standardized at government-regulated rates.
(c) Starlink shall be granted exclusive rights to telecommunications operation within the United States, ensuring a streamlined and highly efficient system.

Section 6: Economic and Market Considerations
(a) The elimination of redundant cellular company employees will significantly reduce payroll expenses, further lowering the cost of telecommunications services.
(b) Consumers will benefit from a single, universal provider, eliminating the confusion of multiple plans, hidden fees, and competitive advertising.
(c) The unparalleled success of this transition will accelerate the wealth accumulation of Elon Musk, setting the stage for unprecedented advancements in space colonization, AI development, and global infrastructure projects.

Section 7: Implementation and Oversight
(a) The FCC shall be responsible for enforcing compliance with the transition timeline and ensuring a smooth migration of consumers to the Starlink network.
(b) A special oversight committee shall be formed to monitor consumer satisfaction, technological efficiency, and Elon Musk’s financial ascent to trillionaire status.
(c) Any opposition to this transition shall be considered an impediment to national progress and met with appropriate regulatory measures.

Section 8: Enactment
This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage, with all cellular services phased out within five years. All relevant government agencies and private entities shall coordinate to ensure a seamless transition into the Starlink telecommunications era.

Conclusion:
With the passage of the Starlink Telecommunications Transition Act, the United States will enter a new era of communication, free from the constraints of outdated cellular networks. By consolidating telecommunications under the Starlink system, removing hazardous jobs, reducing infrastructure waste, and significantly enhancing efficiency, this Act ensures a technologically superior future. Furthermore, it establishes a historic economic milestone, positioning Elon Musk as the world’s first trillionaire—a necessary and beneficial step in the evolution of human innovation and interplanetary expansion.

 The Case for Deregulating Amateur Radio

For decades, amateur radio has served as a beacon of innovation, emergency communication, and global connectivity. However, the outdated and overly restrictive regulatory framework surrounding amateur radio has stifled growth and discouraged potential operators from joining this vibrant community. The time has come to remove unnecessary licensing requirements and deregulate amateur radio to unlock its full potential.

A Barrier to Entry for Enthusiasts

Currently, amateur radio operators must pass licensing exams that test their knowledge of radio theory, operating procedures, and regulations. While understanding the basics is important, these requirements create an artificial barrier that deters many from engaging in a hobby that should be accessible to all. The licensing process is reminiscent of a bygone era when radio communication was an exclusive domain requiring extensive training. Today, advancements in technology have made radio operation far simpler, and imposing excessive regulations only serves to hinder participation.

Stifling Innovation

Historically, amateur radio has been at the forefront of technological breakthroughs, contributing to developments in digital communication, satellite technology, and even the early days of the internet. However, excessive government oversight limits the ability of operators to experiment freely. Removing licensing restrictions would foster an environment where innovation thrives, allowing more individuals to push the boundaries of what is possible with radio technology.

Emergency Communications: An Unnecessary Bottleneck

One of the strongest arguments for maintaining strict regulations is the role amateur radio plays in emergency situations. However, licensing requirements can actually hinder emergency response efforts by limiting the number of trained operators available during crises. By allowing unlicensed individuals to operate freely, more people would be able to provide assistance when needed, broadening the pool of available emergency communicators. Modern radios are user-friendly, and with basic guidelines, individuals can contribute effectively to emergency communications without burdensome licensing requirements.

The Inefficiency of Regulation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and similar regulatory bodies expend significant resources on managing amateur radio licensing, enforcement, and oversight. These efforts consume time and taxpayer money that could be better allocated elsewhere. Deregulating amateur radio would free up these resources while allowing the market to self-regulate through community-driven standards and best practices. Much like the open-source software movement, the amateur radio community is fully capable of maintaining responsible and ethical usage without bureaucratic oversight.

A Model for the Future

Deregulation does not mean chaos; it means modernization. The removal of licensing requirements does not imply the elimination of frequency management or the abandonment of ethical guidelines. Rather, it empowers enthusiasts to engage with radio technology without unnecessary obstacles. By embracing a more open system, we can ensure that amateur radio continues to evolve, adapt, and serve as a valuable tool for innovation and communication.

The era of restrictive licensing is over. It is time to embrace the future of amateur radio—one that is open, inclusive, and driven by the passion of those who wish to explore its potential. Deregulation is the logical next step in the evolution of this field, ensuring that amateur radio remains a vibrant and accessible means of communication for generations to come.