Thanks for the URL, Jim

It is an interesting proposition. I've stated before that I can't justify
the *need* for CW, but I'll admit in my years of operating I never (and some
may have) experienced the jamming, swearing, or whatever on CW. Perhaps the
mode is too difficult for those of limited mentality who like to swear; more
likely they don't have the instant gratification of other folks yelling back
at them over a microphone.

One thing seems to stand out to me. If we are to attract and *keep* them,
we will likely have to allow some HF access, preferably on bands that will
have some dx capability. Although cw was the only mode on hf when I had my
novice ticket (1962/63), it was fun to communicate with states half a
continent away on a regular basis - if not other counties entirely. If it
is only VHF and above, we may experience a quick increase for folks wanting
to use the service as MURS or CB (but only for their family). If this
service was limited to those still in school, it might serve an excellent
purpose. As you may remember, the old novice license (back when it was
originally created) was *not* renewable and was good for only one year.
Perhaps the license could be extended until the individual reached the age
of 18.

As far as power limits go, they changed the limits years ago for the novice
from 75 watts input to 100 watts output (I think ... hmmm ...??). The
reality is that most commercially available equipment runs 100 watts out.
There are a few exceptions of 150 and 200 watts and, of course, there are
some qrp rigs and a few that will do 20 watts or so. Reality forces me to
question a limit that will likely be exceeded anyways and teach the
individual that rules are to be broken

Amateur radio does indeed compete with the internet and, upon thinking it
over, we will likely want hf access (likely including phone privileges) if
we wish to really "infect" new folks with the radio bug.


73 from Rochester, NY
Jim AA2QA


"N2EY" wrote in message
om...
Folks,

Recently there has been mention of a paper by KL7CC titled "Amateur
Radio in the 21st Century". It can be downloaded in Word format from:

http://www.qsl.net/al7fs/NCVECplan.doc

That document spells out what the NCVEC leaders are thinking about in
terms of changes to the license structure as a result of WRC 2003.

73 de Jim, N2EY


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