"Martin" wrote in message
...

It's funny - that's exactly what many in Australia said 2 years ago, but
look at us now, no code requirement at all! Don't be too quick to expect
FCC to maintain its ground when everyone else is changing....

Hm, well, it'd be nice if the FCC were known for quick and efficient
decisions. I am not sure which regulatory body makes the rules for
Australia's amateur radio ops, but congrats on having such an apparently
efficient one yourselves. The FCC here in America seems to be more concerned
with pushing through technologies that would ultimately ruin the use of the
HF spectrum altogether (BPL) than concern themselves with anything having to
do with amateur radio. I have talked with many American hams about this
subject, and even if we do not agree on what should be done about the code
test, we all agree that the FCC will most likely be exceedingly slow to act
on making a decision about the Code test either way. They have no real
incentive to do so. Then again, why should American hams expect the FCC to
make a quick decision if we can't stop fighting about it amongst ourselves?

I am thinking it will be at least 2-3 years before we hear from them about
the Code test. If it's earlier, fine by me. I have already passed the damned
thing anyway, and couldn't care less if hams that come after me need to pass
it or not.

Cheers to you Down Under, and 73,

Jackie

They'll drop the code in time. It'll give the old "I had to do it so you
should too" twits something to talk (bitch) about on the radio.


"Martin" wrote in message
...

It's funny - that's exactly what many in Australia said 2 years ago, but
look at us now, no code requirement at all! Don't be too quick to expect
FCC to maintain its ground when everyone else is changing....

Cheers

Martin, VK2UMJ

They'll drop the code in time. It'll give the old "I had to do it so you
should too" twits something to talk (bitch) about on the radio.


Damn right, and crystal controlled too! By gum, if you don't upgrade in one
year, that's it ... NO RADIO FOR YOU!

We used to wind our own transformers ... (mumble mumble)

Dad gum kids .... (mumble mumble)

jw
k9rzz

Michael,

Just in case you are not aware of these articles about using the IC-746Pro
as a SWL DXing rig, check out these informative piece:

http://www.kongsfjord.no Look under "The Dallas Files" and you'll see the
IC-746Pro review.

http://www.dxing.info/equipment/icom_ic746_mjelde.pdf This one is a
follow-up to the above article.

73,

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA USA


"Michael" wrote in message
t...
Hiya.....

For about a year, I have been considering buying a new tabletop sw rig. I
currently use the R-75, and I was thinking of getting a DSP radio. After
reading some receiver comparison reviews of radios like the NRD-545 and
getting other advice from people on this ng, I became more and more
interested in the IC-746Pro. It seems to be an amazing DSP DX'ing rig. I
also know about the reported problems with the transmitter, but I'm not so
worried about that. It can be fixed.

Up until now, I have not been interested in transmitting as an amateur.
Just sw listening. I figure, if I am going to get an IC-746Pro, I might
as
well look into getting a ham license. It might be fun....

I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license
and
I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it
to
get set up to take the test itself ???

Michael

"4nradio" wrote in message
news:F6P%c.7244$D%.4528@attbi_s51...
Michael,

Just in case you are not aware of these articles about using the IC-746Pro
as a SWL DXing rig, check out these informative piece:

http://www.kongsfjord.no Look under "The Dallas Files" and you'll see the
IC-746Pro review.


Great info. Thanx... I'm probably going to get one. :-) It looks to be
a supreme DX'ing rig.

Michael

Don't waste your money on the license, it is just a formality. It's like
driving without one. No big deal.

Jari Savolainen


"Michael" wrote in message
t...
Hiya.....

For about a year, I have been considering buying a new tabletop sw rig. I
currently use the R-75, and I was thinking of getting a DSP radio. After
reading some receiver comparison reviews of radios like the NRD-545 and
getting other advice from people on this ng, I became more and more
interested in the IC-746Pro. It seems to be an amazing DSP DX'ing rig. I
also know about the reported problems with the transmitter, but I'm not so
worried about that. It can be fixed.

Up until now, I have not been interested in transmitting as an amateur.
Just sw listening. I figure, if I am going to get an IC-746Pro, I might
as well look into getting a ham license. It might be fun....

I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license
and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is
it to get set up to take the test itself ???

Michael

On Thu, 09 Sep 2004 10:18:06 +0000, Jari Savolainen wrote:



I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license
and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is
it to get set up to take the test itself ???

Michael

It's no big deal, go to the ARRL site and they have a section where you
can locate local ham clubs. Make a few calls and you'll find a club that
tests, usually at hamfests or ham radio classes. You can do it, get the
book "Now your talking", study it for a month or so and go for it.

Jari Savolainen wrote:

Don't waste your money on the license, it is just a formality. It's like
driving without one. No big deal.

Jari Savolainen

Until you get caught.

"Ordeal?"
The ham license is now far less challenging than putting money in a parking
meter. You've got the code crybabies and corporate charlatans to thank for
that.

Smokey

"Michael" wrote in message
t...
Hiya.....

For about a year, I have been considering buying a new tabletop sw rig. I
currently use the R-75, and I was thinking of getting a DSP radio. After
reading some receiver comparison reviews of radios like the NRD-545 and
getting other advice from people on this ng, I became more and more
interested in the IC-746Pro. It seems to be an amazing DSP DX'ing rig. I
also know about the reported problems with the transmitter, but I'm not so
worried about that. It can be fixed.

Up until now, I have not been interested in transmitting as an amateur.
Just sw listening. I figure, if I am going to get an IC-746Pro, I might
as
well look into getting a ham license. It might be fun....

I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license
and
I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it
to
get set up to take the test itself ???

Michael

The key to getting a Ham license is determination as is any license.
If you see it as an ordeal -- you'll probably flake out.
If you see it as another of life's challenges -- you will pass as has
675,000 others from ages 9 to 90

For an overview -- See URL:
http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.html

Practice tests and tutorials at URL's:
http://www.aa9pw.com/
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html
http://www.w8mhb.com/exam/
http://www.geocities.com/w8bbs/2004techstudyguide.pdf
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl


Good Luck as Amateur Radio is a great service with numerous hobby aspects.

One Watt

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism;
to steal from many is research.
-- Comedian Steven Wright
---------------------

"Michael" wrote in message
t...
Hiya.....
I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license
and
I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it
to
get set up to take the test itself ???

Michael