On Apr 26, 11:27�pm, Mike Coslo wrote:
wrote grou
ps.com:

Reg Edwards' (G4FGQ) whole selection of design software

Yoiks! I can't believe that I forgot Reg (at least his software) Thanks
for that addition, Jim

He's just one example that came to mind. There are lots more.

G4FON's Morse Code learning software, to name just one of many
Older versions of Spectrogram, an audio spectrum analyzer software
with many uses in the ham shack.
Several free online Amateur Radio practice test websites

All good additions, Jim

Thanks. And they're just a drop in the bucket.

The "big drop-off" is largely being replaced. While we ca
n discuss the
reason that it happened - it did happen. I suspect that we will get
to that earlier level at some point.
One factor I have not seem mentioned recently is the effect of rules
changes other than license test requirements on the number of hams.

For example, in the USA, the license term was doubled from 5 to 10
years back in 1984, and the 'grace period' doubled from one to two
years.

This is truly not an exact science! The licencing qualifi
cations
and expiry conditions have been quite dynamic.

Exactly.

Another rules change that effects expirations is the vanity callsign
program. Unlike address changes, upgrades, etc., getting a vanity call
also generates a renewal. This may profoundly affect the distribution
of license expiration dates.

With the license term at ten years and the grace period at two years,
it can take a pretty long time for the actual loss of amateurs to show
up in the totals.

Indeed. While I would presonally like my license to remai
n in
effect forever without renewal,(hehe) a shorter renewal cycle would be of
great utility in keeping track of how we are doing in retention of Hams.

There was a time when you could get a renewal almost any time in the
license term if some other change was happening, like an upgrade or an
address change. From 1967 to 1983, even though the license term was 5
years, I only renewed once, because of all the upgrades and address
changes I made in that time.

It is also important to know the details of what is included in the
numbers being cited.

It is a problem with all statistics/numbers.

Yes, but too often those making a statement can neglect to note what
is included in their totals.

What I have noticed in my area is that the upgrades from
Tech to
General has been mostly been by recently licensed Techs.

That says (to me) that a lot of newer folks are more interestd in
upgrading.

I would venture that there is not much use in trying to pick
up anything from our numbers except from long term statistics (in spite
of my yapping about the success we are having in my area). on a weekly
basis, nothing real can be determined.

The success in your area is simply one data point you have observed.
You're not saying it's a widespread trend, just that it's what you
have observed.

The day-to-day variations are so large that it will clearly be some
time before a long term trend is clear.

IMHO, what we're really seeing is a whole bunch of trends overlapping
each other.

The new hams in our area are good people, and are becoming active and
well mannered hams.

IMHO, that's more important than how many.

When it all boils down, that is what is important. Despite all the
concerns voiced by various segemnts of the Amateur community, what we
need are good, active people.

Agreed.

73 de Jim, N2EY