On Mar 25, 2:28�pm, "Mr Fed UP" wrote:
My code skills have been lost from years of not
using them, but now
that I don't have to gain a certain word speed to
"upgrade" I have a
paddle and will be starting CW again. �

I don't see the connection. btw, all US amateur licenses that
required code tests were available for just a 5 wpm code
test and a doctor's note since 1990 (18 years) and for just
a 5 wpm code test since 2000 (8 years).

Ashame that a hobby that is
suppose to promote experimentation and communication
had blocked
of so many frequencies for "elitist" use.

What frequencies were those?

The only CW/data spectrum reserved for Extras is the bottom
25 kHz of 80, 40, 20 and 15 meters.

Oh by the way straight from the
current ARRL QST April issue Page 12 "This Just In" �"U.S. hams
who wish to operate with full privileges in European countries
covered by the
European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administrations
(CEPT) must now hold an Extra �class licensee"

Extra or Advanced.

I was studying for my Extra, but if all it is to be,
is another elitist" use of rules and reg's to validate the
"high standing" of VEC's and 'higher ups'
then maybe I should skip the Extra Class.

The change has nothing to do with the VECs. It is the result of CEPT's
Radio Regulatory Working Group re-evaluating the equivalence between
CEPT country license requirements and US license requirements.

IOW, the CEPT folks decided that having a General or Technician class
license does not qualify the licensee to have full operating
privileges in CEPT countries. Since Techs and Generals don't have full
US operating privileges, why should they have full privs in CEPT
countries?

�I have heard OT's and many in the
Extra portions of the bands using as poor practices / illegal
power / rude and
foul language as in any other portions of the bands.

Have you heard those goings-on from hams using non-voice modes?

73 de Jim, N2EY�