Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio - END of thread
Hey guys, I have a suggestion. Let's take all the energies used to write to this reflector and use them to write to the FCC, especially if you are passionately against this proposal. That's what they want from us, comments and feedback. Maybe... just maybe, it will make a difference, but I doubt it:-) Mark W5EZY = In the interest of keeping list traffic under control and in not drowning out our regular traffic, let's let this thread rest for now. If everyone posts their opinion on it well have well over 2000 emails. I'm sure it will have a very spirited discussion on hundreds of other forums ;-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Elecraft list moderator Larry Phipps wrote: Saw this posted on TowerTalk... from the following link... http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/ddtoday.html AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPLEMENT WRC-03 REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATOR LICENSES IN THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE. Revised the amateur service rules to elimnate the telegraphy testing requirement. ___ __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
On Wed, Jul 20, 2005 at 10:29:32PM -0700, EricJ wrote: And those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys! Eric KE6US Bah, humbug! Many other countries ceased code testing right after the ITU dropped the requirement and I don't recall seeing much of a reaction. As an OF of 66 years (licensed for 52 of them), I don't look at this as the end of the world at all (nor do I fear the regulation by bandwidth proposal). CW isn't going away. At least it will no longer be looked at as a hindrance to potential hams. 73, Bob, N7XY (20wpm Extra) -- Bob Nielsen, N7XY Bainbridge Island, WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
In a message dated 7/21/05 1:30:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys! Not true! In the summer of 1968, at the age of 14, I passed the General and Advanced written tests as well as 13 wpm receiving and sending. In the summer of 1970, at the age of 16, I passed the Extra written test as well as 20 wpm receiving and sending. I took the test at the first session after the 2 year waiting period for Extra had elapsed. Both tests were at the FCC office at 2nd and Chestnut in Philadelphia, in front of FCC examiner Joe Welch (locally known as Joe Squelch for his no-nonsense demeanor). Sending tests were done with a straight key, receiving with a legal pad and #2 pencil. For the 20 wpm code I was the only person taking the test. The fact that some hams didn't have to meet the requirements I did is not their fault. FCC makes the rules - blame FCC if there's a problem, not those who met the new requirements rather than the old ones. I don't like many of the rules changes of the past 20-25 years, but it's the FCC that made them, not the newer hams. btw, from those days to the present, I have always been able to pass the current license exams. I take an online practice exam every few months just to stay in shape, as it were. Nothing to it. -- 8 years ago I paid a lot of money for a 200 MHz 32 mb P1 Dell PC. Today you can get a lot more computer from the same outfit for a lot less money. Should I be mad at those who didn't pay what I did in 1997? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
For the first time, I elmered a ham recently who is pretty darned excited about learning morse code. He realized how much fun it was at our field day site. While he was trying to make SSB contacts, we were making CW contacts left and right... I am now trying to talk him into a K2 :) 72/73 Jason Hissong (who did pass 20wpm... but dang... still trying to use it in casual ragchewing :-) -- A long journey starts with the first step and an understanding spouse. http://www.undermidnight.com - astronomy and astrophotography http://www.n8xe.com - ham radio http://www.jasonhissong.com - electronic music composition ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
I guess I am like k3ese! I like to sit back and work CW in the evenings. To me it is very relaxing. Early Wed. morning... 3AM... could not sleep so I worked KZ8G who just happened to be in the town in Michigan where my 2 older children went to highschool.. Had a nice chat. I was at the American History Museum yesterday in Wash. DC and did manage to work on CW a guy in Kansas City, MO. I was surprised because the bands have been so lousy during the day. Paul Gates K1 #0231 KX1 #1186 XG1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Jason Hissong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 7:48 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio For the first time, I elmered a ham recently who is pretty darned excited about learning morse code. He realized how much fun it was at our field day site. While he was trying to make SSB contacts, we were making CW contacts left and right... I am now trying to talk him into a K2 :) 72/73 Jason Hissong (who did pass 20wpm... but dang... still trying to use it in casual ragchewing :-) -- A long journey starts with the first step and an understanding spouse. http://www.undermidnight.com - astronomy and astrophotography http://www.n8xe.com - ham radio http://www.jasonhissong.com - electronic music composition ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
Jeez. I can't believe I'm commenting on this (or maybe I can?) But before Eric comes in and closes down this thread as OT, here goes. First, I think I'd've been happier if the 5 WPM requirement was still in place for Extra, at least. I won't lose any sleep over the fact that it probably won't be in several months' time, however. See, maybe I'm mellowing, or maybe I've actually learned something useful in my mere 32 years on the big blue marble, but I don't, as I did at one time in my life, think that ham radio's gonna go to hell in a handbasket (what's a handbasket, anyway?) I remember when the first code-free licenses came down. Actually, I remember the heated debates leading up to it happening...of course, not the first ones, because I haven't been around that long, but the ones around 1989-90. I remember being vehemently opposed to the idea. Never mind that I was a happy product of Novice Enhancement; if I wasn't, I'd've got a ham license anyway--because it was important to me to get one, and I'd've done the required work to do it regardless. I remember studying a bunch of stuff and resolving that I'd get that license, even if I did have to learn morse, which I'd naturally never use but would learn because I had to. I remember being very disappointed when I learned that not only was a code-free license going to be available, but that they'd get full VHF and up privileges, never mind that what they got really had absolutely no bearing on my life or operating. Then, Valentine's Day came and went; I met new local hams; many were excellent operators; many didn't pass a code test. I met some other guys (then and before) who passed all the same tests I did and acted like children. Well, actually, they were worse. Anyone know the Southern White Racists and Biggots Net on 3853? :) And most importantly, the world didn't come crashing down round my ears. Course, a lot of supposedly great ops who passed that all-important test spewed venom all over creation about how ham radio was now going to be wall-to-wall CB, but it's a funny thing...it never really happened, at least not where I lived or visited, no worse, anyway, than it had been before. Since that first great big change, I've taken the other changes a lot more easily. Maybe I grew up, or maybe I just decided that it really didn't matter and it was all down to us regardless of the rule.s Maybe I decided to live and let live. Would I rather that things didn't change so much and that the license structure and testing was more similar to how it was when I got my test? I s'pose; I used to tell people that if I was giving tests that I'd still give a sending test, even though I myself never had to take one. But today, I think maybe all this has more to do with the human condition of not liking change than anything else, really. Could I have passed the Extra from 1970? Sure, but it would definitely have taken a lot more work on my part to do it. Same with Advanced. I'm sure to some, I'd be an Extra Light because my test was multiple guess, from a published question pool, and no way in Hades I could do a bunch of the technical stuff without a lot of hand-holding to learn it. Could I have passed a 1930- something Class A test? Not in this lifetime, I'm pretty sure; again, not without a lot of help, anyway. But that's the best part of this hobby: the help's there for the asking. And if that goes away because we're all crying about how these new guys don't have to do what we did, well then, ham radio really will be dead. Then, we really will be those old duffers who just sit in our basements talking to the aliens. So what's my point? I probably had one when I started, but it's gotten lost somewhere. Vy 73, Buddy, KB5ELV (a proud know-code Extra who thought the written tests were harder) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
I applaud the action of the FCC in removing the requirement to pass a code test. It is both an obstacle to entering amateur radio for those with no interest in code, and an obstacle to using the code for those who have learned it just to pass a low speed test. I recently refused a request to change my Morse trainer program MorseTest (on my website) so that it would do 5wpm, because I believe that it encourages the wrong kind of learning. I have spent many years struggling to overcome a 12wpm brick wall because I learned the code at that speed, to pass the UK test, instead of using what is now known as the Koch method. Those who want to learn the code will be able to learn it using this method, and will not have the problems I and many others have had struggling to master a speed that is comfortable to actually use on the air. Morse is far from being a dead mode, because it has so many unarguable advantages. 73, -- Julian, G4ILO G4ILO's Shack: http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
For me Julian, K7QO's CD is the best way to learn and increase CW speed. I had not hit a lick of CW since 1985. I checked my speed and I was copying solid at 10 wpm. With the K7QO CD MP3 Files I went from 10-18 wpm in 3 weeks. I did it by spending 15 min at a time 3 or 4 times a day. You are correct on CW being a hindrence to some people. I have a dear female friend in MS who cannot it seems pass the 5WPM exam. She does have a slight mental problem... She had decided to sell all her new equipment and antenna. I hope she hasn't The other thing... In the past when guests come by the ham station at National Museum of American History and discover there is a no-code license, their eyes perk up and immediately want the information how to get the license. I do think that most people should be able to get 5wpm. I figured the FCC would keep that requirement at least. Paul Gates K1 #0231 KX1 #1186 XG1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Julian, G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 9:19 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio I applaud the action of the FCC in removing the requirement to pass a code test. It is both an obstacle to entering amateur radio for those with no interest in code, and an obstacle to using the code for those who have learned it just to pass a low speed test. I recently refused a request to change my Morse trainer program MorseTest (on my website) so that it would do 5wpm, because I believe that it encourages the wrong kind of learning. I have spent many years struggling to overcome a 12wpm brick wall because I learned the code at that speed, to pass the UK test, instead of using what is now known as the Koch method. Those who want to learn the code will be able to learn it using this method, and will not have the problems I and many others have had struggling to master a speed that is comfortable to actually use on the air. Morse is far from being a dead mode, because it has so many unarguable advantages. 73, -- Julian, G4ILO G4ILO's Shack: http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
I have some mixed feelings about this, but I think it's generally for the better (I still can't believe I'm saying that). For a long time I was against no code, less code, etc. Like many others I took all of the various speed CW tests to get to Novice, General and Extra. I felt that many of the new hams were getting off easy. I still feel partly that, but then I read things like the bands are much more empty than they were, myself being off the air more often than not included. I suppose it's a good thing to get more on HF to hopefully keep the bands a little more active. I have friends who have absolutely no interest in CW that for years have wanted to get on HF. They either didn't have the time or the determination to learn CW especially if they think they aren't going to use it. I think because of this some will change, but not much. I know a lot of No-coders in our club who eventually learned CW because they wanted to build things such as a K1 and use it. I predict there may be an increase in digital modes such as PSK-31, but CW won't be going any time soon. I'll still be stubborn and say that I had wished they keep the 5wpm requirement for extra. My friend even agrees with that. James Kern Network Administrator Kurt S. Adler, Inc. 1107 Broadway New York, NY 10010 212-924-0900 x222 (work) 212-807-0575 (fax) 908-451-6801 (cell) 800-209-7438 (pager) [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
Julian... I did not want to leave the impression that I was stopping at 18wpm CW. I am still using the CD and making on the air CW contacts to continue to increase my speed. My goal is 30wpm. Then I figure I can work any CW operator on the bands. Paul Gates K1 #0231 KX1 #1186 XG1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Julian, G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 9:19 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio I applaud the action of the FCC in removing the requirement to pass a code test. It is both an obstacle to entering amateur radio for those with no interest in code, and an obstacle to using the code for those who have learned it just to pass a low speed test. I recently refused a request to change my Morse trainer program MorseTest (on my website) so that it would do 5wpm, because I believe that it encourages the wrong kind of learning. I have spent many years struggling to overcome a 12wpm brick wall because I learned the code at that speed, to pass the UK test, instead of using what is now known as the Koch method. Those who want to learn the code will be able to learn it using this method, and will not have the problems I and many others have had struggling to master a speed that is comfortable to actually use on the air. Morse is far from being a dead mode, because it has so many unarguable advantages. 73, -- Julian, G4ILO G4ILO's Shack: http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
I was playing off Craig Rairdin's comment that ...the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me either. I'm sure he was kidding as I was. I forgot to pepper my post with sideways winky faces so it would be obvious. Code has been an artificial barrier to entry for a long time. I fought every attempt to reduce or eliminate code. In the end, the joke was on me. Reducing it didn't hurt ham radio, and eliminating it will most likely help. Not to swell our ranks, but to bring in quality people who will advance the hobby, but have always thought ham radio was irrelevant. And those newcomers who are bright enough will recognize for themselves when Morse Code makes sense and they will use it. Frankly, I think the written tests have been FAR more irrelevant than the code test. I doubt I could pass even a General written test today without study. And study would amount to memorizing a lot of things I have never used in 48 years, and no doubt wouldn't use for the rest of my time as a ham. BTW, 30 years ago I bought a Victor pocket calculator the size of a brick that would only add and subtract for $135. I can't stand being in the same room with people with free calculators on their tiny free cell phones ;^) Eric KE6US _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 3:34 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio In a message dated 7/21/05 1:30:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys! Not true! In the summer of 1968, at the age of 14, I passed the General and Advanced written tests as well as 13 wpm receiving and sending. In the summer of 1970, at the age of 16, I passed the Extra written test as well as 20 wpm receiving and sending. I took the test at the first session after the 2 year waiting period for Extra had elapsed. Both tests were at the FCC office at 2nd and Chestnut in Philadelphia, in front of FCC examiner Joe Welch (locally known as Joe Squelch for his no-nonsense demeanor). Sending tests were done with a straight key, receiving with a legal pad and #2 pencil. For the 20 wpm code I was the only person taking the test. The fact that some hams didn't have to meet the requirements I did is not their fault. FCC makes the rules - blame FCC if there's a problem, not those who met the new requirements rather than the old ones. I don't like many of the rules changes of the past 20-25 years, but it's the FCC that made them, not the newer hams. btw, from those days to the present, I have always been able to pass the current license exams. I take an online practice exam every few months just to stay in shape, as it were. Nothing to it. -- 8 years ago I paid a lot of money for a 200 MHz 32 mb P1 Dell PC. Today you can get a lot more computer from the same outfit for a lot less money. Should I be mad at those who didn't pay what I did in 1997? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
Once again, I apologize for not using sideways winky faces to alert everyone the note was in jest. Eric KE6US http://www.ke6us.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Nielsen Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 3:16 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio On Wed, Jul 20, 2005 at 10:29:32PM -0700, EricJ wrote: And those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys! Eric KE6US Bah, humbug! Many other countries ceased code testing right after the ITU dropped the requirement and I don't recall seeing much of a reaction. As an OF of 66 years (licensed for 52 of them), I don't look at this as the end of the world at all (nor do I fear the regulation by bandwidth proposal). CW isn't going away. At least it will no longer be looked at as a hindrance to potential hams. 73, Bob, N7XY (20wpm Extra) -- Bob Nielsen, N7XY Bainbridge Island, WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
Code has been an artificial barrier to entry for a long time. I fought every attempt to reduce or eliminate code. In the end, the joke was on me. Reducing it didn't hurt ham radio, and eliminating it will most likely help. Not to swell our ranks, but to bring in quality people who will advance the hobby, but have always thought ham radio was irrelevant. And those newcomers who are bright enough will recognize for themselves when Morse Code makes sense and they will use it. True enough, though many of us operate CW now only because we were forced to learn it then found out it was fun. Without the motivation to learn it, there will be fewer practitioners. As all you Really OF's (i.e. older than me) die off, there won't be as many people to talk to on CW. The other side of this coin is that I hang out with a whole bunch of Technicians who know way more about electronics, antennas, and propagation than I do. Their interests are in the bands I use to cook food. They're certainly no less hams than I even though none of them know any code. Craig NZ0R K1 #1966 K2 #4941 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio - END of thread
In the interest of keeping list traffic under control and in not drowning out our regular traffic, let's let this thread rest for now. If everyone posts their opinion on it well have well over 2000 emails. I'm sure it will have a very spirited discussion on hundreds of other forums ;-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Elecraft list moderator Larry Phipps wrote: Saw this posted on TowerTalk... from the following link... http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/ddtoday.html AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPLEMENT WRC-03 REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATOR LICENSES IN THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE. Revised the amateur service rules to elimnate the telegraphy testing requirement. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
I'm in the same boat! I struggled with code for a long time. Finally got in when the Novice Class was started in 1951! I took my test the month after it started. I didn't get an Extra until 1968! The code was still a struggle! I did take the Extra as a warmup for 2nd Class Radiotelegraph, which was required for my job! Passed both of them the second try. As I worked with code on the ships, I began to see the uniqueness of it! You can send and receive messages in a foriegn language you can't speak or read using CW! Amazing! No computers required, no interpreters required! I've been practically on nothing but CW now for about 20 years. It's a great mode when you have a sore throat and can't talk! Too bad the knuckleheaded newbie people think Morse is too antiquated to carry over into the 21st century! Ain't nothing like CW for QRP work! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Craig Rairdin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 10:59 AM Subject: RE: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio | Code has been an artificial barrier to entry for a long time. I fought every | attempt to reduce or eliminate code. In the end, the joke was on me. Reducing | it didn't hurt ham radio, and eliminating it will most likely help. Not to swell our | ranks, but to bring in quality people who will advance the hobby, but have | always thought ham radio was irrelevant. And those newcomers who are bright | enough will recognize for themselves when Morse Code makes sense and they | will use it. | | True enough, though many of us operate CW now only because we were forced to learn it then found out it was fun. Without the motivation to learn it, there will be fewer practitioners. As all you Really OF's (i.e. older than me) die off, there won't be as many people to talk to on CW. | | The other side of this coin is that I hang out with a whole bunch of Technicians who know way more about electronics, antennas, and propagation than I do. Their interests are in the bands I use to cook food. They're certainly no less hams than I even though none of them know any code. | | Craig | NZ0R | K1 #1966 | K2 #4941 | | | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. | Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/54 - Release Date: 7/21/2005 | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
Larry, N8LP wrote Sad day for amateur radio -- Not at all, Larry! The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes? Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC, qualified to work on it today. This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio. The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted their own standards of competence through their professional organizations. We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations. But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny. We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes. The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them in our stations. We don't need a government agency to which is important to us. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
I guess I should have read it more completely. Yes, I guess it's just another case of deregulation, and I suppose we don't need the government telling us to like cw ;-) BTW, I too have that pretty blue piece of wallpaper on my wall, although I did need it way back when ;-) 73, Larry N8LP Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Larry, N8LP wrote Sad day for amateur radio -- Not at all, Larry! The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes? Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC, qualified to work on it today. This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio. The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted their own standards of competence through their professional organizations. We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations. But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny. We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes. The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them in our stations. We don't need a government agency to which is important to us. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
I read the entire NPRM. They make their case well, but they ignore some logical extensions of their arguments. If the telegraphy requirement is defined simply as demonstrating basic ability in one mode of communication and is therefore unnecessary becase skill in other modes is not required, then certain questions need to be removed from the testing pool. For example: What is the standard video level, in percent PEV, for white in an amateur fast-scan television transmission? Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of FMTV as compared to vestigial sideband AM television? What is the approximate bandwidth of a slow-scan TV signal? These questions go on and on. Since I have no interest in video modes, why should I have to demonstrate that I know anything about them? After all, those who have no interest in CW weaseled out of the code test! Which of the following digital protocols does APRS use? Di-di-dah-dah-di-dit? I don't know. Who cares? Take it out. What do the letters FEC mean as they relate to AMTOR operation? Another mode I don't care about. Take it out. What this shows is that there's nothing special about the code requirement. 5 WPM is no more difficult to learn that it is for me to memorize a bunch of nonsense about satellites, digital LMNOP-mode, and whatever. It's duplicitous to claim that CW is being treated special. It's not. The difference between CW and these other modes is that it requires some skill to use. It may be the only mode that's skill-based. Other modes can be asked about in a written test. That's tough to do with CW. So the Commission specifies a very simple test. Just like I can't be expected to have a clue how to conduct SSTV transmissions just because I know the bandwidth of the signal, I can't be expected to carry on a QSO in CW (or build a CW receiver) just because I passed a 5 WPM test. So either they need to remove all mode-specific questions from the test or they need to treat CW like any other mode and require a rudimentary (i.e. 5 WPM) knowledge of the mode. OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) And THAT makes me an Old Fart! Craig NZ0R K1 #1966 K2 #4941 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Larry Phipps Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 6:16 PM Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio Saw this posted on TowerTalk... from the following link... http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/ddtoday.html AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPLEMENT WRC-03 REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATOR LICENSES IN THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE. Revised the amateur service rules to elimnate the telegraphy testing requirement. Seek comment on these proposed rule changes. Rule changes proposed by some petitioners are unnecessary, or being considered in the Phone Band Expansion NPRM. by Order. (Dkt No. 05-235). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/15/2005 by NPRM. (FCC No. 05-143). WTB FCC-05-143A1.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.doc FCC-05-143A1.pdf http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.pdf FCC-05-143A1.txt http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.txt 73, Larry N8LP Gary Hvizdak wrote: We are now accepting orders for our PCB based K2 un-module header kit. We have priced it as low as possible, with the intention that every K2 owner can find sufficient justification for having a set. Being that it is a kit, the K2 is the kind of radio that you just naturally want to get your hands into. We wonder how many K2 owners who would like, or perhaps even need to be digging into their rigs, aren't doing so simply because of the time required to do it right. We realize that our kit isn't for everyone, and that most un-module headers can be replaced with the appropriate gauge jumper wire or a single cap. However, this solution assumes that every K2 owner has the necessary parts on hand, knows where they need to be installed, and actually installs them in the correct location. (Remember that some K2 owners either bought theirs used, or from a builder-for-hire.) Then there's the UN-J12/KNB2 header, which isn't so easy. Plus, even using the KE1L approach of soldering the parts directly onto headers, there's still no way to fabricate an Audio Filter un-module.
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
You're right on, Ron. I left most of my hearing in SE Asia 40 years ago, and CW is my choice, particularly for contesting. I worked my way through college in the late 50's/early 60's in FM and TV broadcast with a 1st phone. I still hold the wallpaper you mentioned. I worked my senior year in HS in a coastal marine station on CW with a 2nd telegraph which I let lapse. Times change, technology moves ahead. I'd rather have a thriving and growing hobby, with lots of young folks entering, than demand that everyone learn my favorite mode. Nearly all of those young folks can hear very well, and SSB works for them. Well said, and I'll probably file some comments. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw PS: My KSB2 has some PTT problem I haven't had time to diagnose yet. I may be back with questions. Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Larry, N8LP wrote Sad day for amateur radio -- Not at all, Larry! The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes? Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC, qualified to work on it today. This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio. The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted their own standards of competence through their professional organizations. We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations. But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny. We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes. The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them in our stations. We don't need a government agency to which is important to us. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
On Thursday 21 July 2005 01:33, Craig Rairdin wrote: OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) Hey Craig, Look me up, AB2GR .. a beige Extra. :) Ian, K2 #4962 -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Craig Rairdin wrote: OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) And don't forget, Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical Sailboaters. Thom www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
One other thing Thom When I got my Extra in 2002 @ 72 years old, there were Extra's who were unhappy about 5WPM So I said, OK guys I passed a 13 WPM test for your information. And, let's get down to brass tacks I will take a 20wpm test and you guys take the theory exam for Extra. They did not go for it because they indicated that the exam would be too difficult. These are the same guys that were preaching we should make the Extra Class exam tougher!! Incidently I was at the Historical Electronic Museum in Linthicum tonight with the camera from the space craft 40 years ago. I belong to the Ham club at the museum. You should visit us sometime on 2nd Thurs. at 6PM. Paul Gates K1 #0231 KX1 #1186 XG1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Thom R LaCosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Craig Rairdin [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 9:57 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Craig Rairdin wrote: OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) And don't forget, Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical Sailboaters. Thom www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) I took my extra in 1978, in Fargo, ND, if I can recall correctly, the code speed was actually 21 wpm. However, I may be one of the weird ones, but I don't look down on any hams, whether they took a code test or not. I just don't think it was difficult to mean anything at all - maybe if it had been at 60 or 70 wpm. In other words, just because I sat down and successfully wrote out a string of characters at 21 wpm just doesn't make me any better than anyone else. Personally, I'd like to see the code included, if nothing more than to honor tradition. But I won't hold something against a newcomer, just because he or she did not have the opportunity to take a code test. Also, everything is relative - I also took and passed California's three-day bar exam on the first try. So adding code, more and tougher questions, or whatever - it would still be a walk-in-the-park by comparison to other tests. If you really want something worth bragging about (and I think some people do), I think the test should be at least three days, where one is required to draw up plans and build a transceiver. Tom W6EIJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either. This 20 WPM Extra Class licensee will welcome the No Code Extras and do my best to help them discover and enjoy Amateur radio. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Paul Gates wrote: One other thing Thom When I got my Extra in 2002 @ 72 years old, there were Extra's who were unhappy about 5WPM So I said, OK guys I passed a 13 WPM test for your information. And, let's get down to brass tacks I will take a 20wpm test and you guys take the theory exam for Extra. They did not go for it because they indicated that the exam would be too difficult. These are the same guys that were preaching we should make the Extra Class exam tougher!! Yes, I have seen that kind of argumentbut that's like arguing about whether the booze is 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 proofit's still booze. I think many of the people who are bemoaning the lack of a CW requirement are doing it because to them, it represents a dimunation of the skills required to join the ranks of amateur radio. From my vantage point, lowering entrance requirements is very much like the recent moves in educationMontgomery County, Maryland recently decreed that no student will receive a grade of less than 50 out of a 100 in any course. When I taught in a program for students who had never been sucessful in traditional school systems, my contract was not renewed because I insisted that students be able to perform basic math(addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) without the aid of a calculator. I'm proud that not only did all of the students master the basic entry skills, but several of them thanked me for insisting that they meet the challenge and jump the hoops. I, like many others struggled to master the codeI recall migrane headaches, a sense of dispair and total frustrationbut, because I wanted to become a ham, I accepted the fact that I had to jump the hoops. Sorry to be so long winded...I'm not really too happy realizing that as a society we think that milk shakes are nothing more than soft icecream served in a big wax cup. Thom ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
Back in the day, when I had the blue paper (FCC First Phone) and the white paper (FCC Second CW) and the blue and white paper (Amateur Extra acquired before the days of incentive licensing) I considered that any compromise on the code requirement would lead directly to the demise of Western Civilization. (Side note: In those days, passing the 20 WPM code test was no big deal. You had to be a General for two years before you could even apply for an Extra. Any active CW operator who starts at 13 WPM will be well over 20 WPM after two years. The big bugaboo on the Extra was the written exam. I had the First Phone and Second CW for several years before I took a crack at Extra.) By the early 80s when the no-code topic first came up in a serious way (and CBers were getting ham licenses in droves), I was very energetic in the effort to nip the no-code thing in the bud. However, I now see that, after quite a few years of no-code licensing on VHF, we're not really closer to perdition than we were back then. As an exclusively CW operator, I find that CW is still thriving. Also, I do find no-code VHF licensees who want to learn the code, and 5 WPM Extras who want to get good at CW. Dropping the code requirement does not prevent the members of either group from doing so. I do sympathize with Thom LaCosta's point. Isn't the gradual relaxation of the Morse requirement part of an overall relaxation in standards that seems to be bedeviling all levels of contemporary society? Certainly, I used to think so. However, I once ran across a translation of a 4000 year old Egyptian hieroglyphic text that essentially said, I don't know how we're going to make it. The youth of the land don't have to achieve what we did, and they have no sense of responsibility. This seems to be literally an ages-old concern. I expect that the real situation is that each generation needs to be good at different things. When we see the rising generation not placing value on skills we value, we forget that they are also mastering other skills which are indispensable to them, but on which we do not place high value. There is one other thing that should not be forgotten. Passing a code test is not an assurance of either moral or intellectual virtue. It is not even an assurance that the passee will be a good CW operator. There seems to be a little enclave between 7035 and 7050 kHz where the quality of the sending is absolutely abysmal. Nevertheless, every one of those operators passed a code test, and probably well above 5 WPM. Should the new generation of hams, especially the new Extras, by expected to pay the dues to get the privilege? Absolutely! Must they pay them in the same coin that we did? This seems unnecessarily arbitrary. 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
And those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys! Eric KE6US -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Craig Rairdin Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 6:33 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
Aren't those F.A.R.T.S. just called Sailmail customers for FCC purposes? Eric KE6US -Original Message- And don't forget, Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical Sailboaters. Thom www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
