In article , Mike Coslo
writes:

N2EY wrote:
In article k.net, "KØHB"
writes:


"Michael Black" wrote

| Take out that history from amateur radio, and I really
| don't see it starting up today.

You absolutely NAILED it Michael. Amateur radio was started and
sustained until post-WWII by tinkerers, experimenters, and technically
orientated types.


Also traffic handlers, ragchewers, DX and emergency types.
Skilled operators, IOW.

The early hams had to be technically oriented, because the
equipment of the time demanded it. A ham who knew what s/he
was doing could work the world with arelatively simple station,
while a ham who didn't couldn't hear a station in the next
town.

Of course, much of the development of electronics since those
times has been aimed at reducing and eliminating the need for
"users" to have technical knowledge and/or operator skill.
Amateur radio is one of the few places where such things are
considered important. Indeed, the whole concept of "radio
operator" has largely disappeared outside amateur radio.

Careful Jim!! One of the arguments against Morse testing is that
outside groups do not use Morse code any more, so it isn't needed. Since
outside groups don't use "trained radio operators" any more, this is one
more reason not to test for anything.

We've been going in that direction for almost 30 years, Mike.

The issue isn't Morse Code testing or question pools or VEs vs. FCC examiners.
It's much bigger than that.

Remember the old original Rod Serling "Twilight Zone" TV show? One of the most
memorable episodes was called "The Obsolete Man". Starred Burgess Meredith and
Dennis Weaver in a future totalitarian state where most books were banned.
Meredith's character was a librarian - and was declared "obsolete" by The
State,
because without most books there was no need for libraries or librarians.

From the beginnings of radio, the concept of "radio operator" has been part of
our thinking. To us, that concept means "a person trained and skilled in the
operation and adjustment of radio equipment". An honorable profession
going back to at least Jack Binns if not before.

Remember when ham rigs required skill and knowledge to use? A piece of gear
that the average person couldn't get a peep out of becomes a worldwide
communications system in the right hands. Some folks don't like that.

And it's exactly the concept of "radio operator" that some want to eliminate,
I think.

In the case of maritime radio, it was for economic reasons - the beancounters
said it was cheaper to buy satellite equipment than to pay ROs. Coast Guard
could replace their coast stations and ops with automated stuff. The military
and airlines did it years ago for similar reasons. Broadcasters hopped on the
wagon several years ago too. In fact it goes all the way back to Western Union
and the RRs getting rid of the wire telegraph.

The idea they're selling is simply that radio isn't supposed to require radio
operators, just as the telephone network and the internet don't require them.
That's why they avoid the word "radio" and instead say "cellphone" or "wireless
network" or "broadband" or "satellite" - *anything* but "radio". The "modern"
equipment is supposed to be so automatic that there's no need for operators, or
their skills.

Of course they can't just come out and say that, nor eliminate the licenses.
I don't see how arguing the point with FCC can accomplish anything but get them
mad at us, which we don't need.

I think the some folks are trying to slowly but surely declare radio operators
"obsolete" - along with their licenses.

All that's left is us hams to keep the concept alive.

Carl will be very upset you put *this* idea in people minds too! ;^)

Carl has expressed his disdain for the concept of skilled radio operators here.
Look up some of his posts under his old call (WA6VSE) and phrases such as
"electronic paintball wars" "stomp into the dust" "wetware modem" "emulate a
modem" "better modes and modulations"....

73 de Jim, N2EY