Alun L. Palmer wrote:

"Dee Flint" wrote in
:


"Alun L. Palmer" wrote in message
...

Mike Coslo wrote in
:

[big, big snip. Do you have to quote EVERYTHING??]



Well, it is a problem. No-coders may have been in the hobby, but they
couldn't do everything that they wanted to do. Not that I'm saying
that the Tech theory should get you full privileges, but there have
always been many Techs who could pass Extra class theory. Herding
them above 30 MHz is a problem, not for you perhaps, but still a
problem.

No one can do everything they want to, not even the Extras. We must
comply with the mode regulations, special power limits in the old
novice subbands, and we should comply with the band plans.


Certainly, but that doesn't stop us from advocating that those rules be
changed. A rule that those who can't read on/off keying by ear can't
refract their signals from the ionosphere is lacking in logic of any kind.

An argument can be made that no one should be tested at all.
Freebanders do it all the time. All rules are arbitrary.

But somewhere, somehow, a group of people decided that those were the
rules. Those rules came from rules that were in force previously. The
rules change constantly. That's a fact.

One of those changes 10 or so years ago was to give access to *most* of
our allotted frequencies to people without having them take a code test.
Also a fact.

This has had mixed results. Also a fact.

Possibilities:

Removal of the Morse code test has made the testing process easier.
This has allowed people who have only a passing interest in Ham radio to
get their license. Passing interests pass, and they allow their licenses
to lapse.

The Morse code tests are so hard that the No-code Technician either
becomes so discouraged that they quit, or their convictions are so
strong that they would rather not be a Ham than take the Element one test.

You can decide for yourself which sounds more likely.


There is no "herding" involved. The "gate" wide open.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE





No. The gate is shut and only those who can jump over it can get in, but
jumping is purely optional once they get in. (More weird metaphors,
although I suppose I started this one).

I pounded and pounded and pounded that key until I broke the gate
down.......... (yoiks) 8^)

- Mike KB3EIA -