[Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio

Wed Jul 20 21:33:24 EDT 2005

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: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Larry Phipps
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 6:16 PM
Cc: elecraft at 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.
>
>    Once installed, an un-module header becomes a functional part of your
>radio.  Because of this, and given the inherently superior mechanical and
>electrical reliability of PCB based construction, we recommend our kit to
>every K2 owner.  No matter how yours is configured, it is likely that this
>is a worthwhile investment for you.
>
>    As with insurance, first-aid kits, umbrellas, spare tires, and jumper
>cables, this may be a worthwhile accessory to have on hand just in case you
>ever do need it.
>
>    To learn lots more, please visit our vastly expanded RoadRunner hosted
>webpage at http://home.cfl.rr.com/garyhvizdak/KI4GGX/unpcbs.htm
>
>73,
>Gary, KI4GGX
>Ken, WB2ART 
>
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