RadioBanter - View Single Post

Michael Coslo · March 26th 08, 05:30 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.moderated

wrote:
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.

The concept of reserving privileges by license class is not a bad one.
While some may argue that any sort of class distinctions are elitist,
there are many of us who believe in education and advancement.

While I would not want to mess with the license class band access as it
is now, I would not at all object to new license classes that were just
based on knowledge, and didn't confer any particular privileges.

Knowledge is way cool! 8^)

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?

It would seem consistent and appropriate.

�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?

I've heard a little - not much. But by and large, most people who use
non-voice modes such as PSK31 and OOK Morse are going to be less likely
to engage in shenanigans because the very nature of the modes slows
things down a little, and the Op is more likely to give a little more
thought about what they type or key.

And let's not forget that everyone out there can hear what goes on on
SSB, so statistically things will get skewed a bit.

Amateur radio is largely a knowledge and skill based activity, and it
has been for a long time. I look at the different classes as a way to
work up to a high level of that knowledge and skill, rather than
require the highest level at the start. Even the technician level
license allows significant privileges, such as the ability to construct
high power stations and experiment in a lot of different areas.

That Ops are encouraged to gain in skills and knowledge are a great
thing IMO. The increased privileges are a nice enticement.

- 73 de Mike N3LI -