Bill Sohl wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...
I find it interesting to note what is *not* part of the NPRM, despite a
bunch of proposals that asked for changes beyond code testing:

- No change to the written tests at all

The VEC organization has full authority to change written
tests (e.g. specific questions, subjects, etc) without any FCC
action needed. The NPRM specifically mentioned the
process is much quicker than rule making via the FCC.

All the QPC/VECs are allowed to do is increase the size of the
question pool. They cannot change the methodology of the written test,
such as how many questions are on the test, the passing grade, the
marking method (some tests take off points for wrong answers so that if
you don't know the answer, you're better off leaving it balnk instead
of guessing), etc.

For example, the current format is multiple-choice with 4 possible
answers. Can the QPC/VEC go to six possible answers (reduces the
chances
of a pure-guess correct answer)?

- No new entry-level license class

- No free upgrades or consolidations of existing licenses, except that
all Technicians will essentially become Tech Pluses (in privileges but
not in name).

I'll have to read the NPRM again. I didn't come to that
conclusion myself.

It's not clear to me - I just assumed that since the Tech requirement
would be Element 2, and since all Tech Pluses are being renewed as
Tech, and the only difference between Tech and Tech Plus is Element 1.

- No "refarming" of subbands, nor expansion of license
privileges except the above-mentioned Techs-get-Tech-
Plus-privileges change

Didn't the FCC mention that was being considered under
different RMs?

Yep, but it seems odd to do it piecemeal.

And now the big one

- "Entry-level-licensd" hams (for lack of a better term that includes
Novices, Technicians and Tech Pluses) will still have
very limited HF privileges. Ironically, they will have only
Morse Code/CW on small segments of 80, 40 and 15 meters, plus
SSB and Morse Code/CW on a somewhat bigger slice of 10 meters.

No digital/data/image modes, no FM on HF at all - even though most of
those "entry-level-licensed" hams have all privileges above 50 MHz. No
access to five of the HF/MF bands at all.

Seems FCC went for "minimum change".

Seems that way to me too.

Is that the best we can do?

What else do you want?

The problem I see is that the current entry-level license funnels
people to VHF/UHF. This came about in part because of S25.5, which has
been history for over two years now.

Now there's nothing wrong with VHF/UHF operating, but it has certain
limitations. With basic equipment it's usually limited to local and
maybe regional communications. It's also not the easiest part of the
spectrum for homebrewing.

Wouldn't it be better to offer newcomers a more balanced selection of
frequencies to use? And more than two modes on HF?

73 de Jim, N2EY