[KYHAM] Recent FCC action...

[David A. Smith]

In Response to Pat KD4PWL & Ron KA4MAP

I agree with both of you on carrying copies of your license with you.  The
administrative change may seem trivial but�

Some years ago, the FCC was proposing a plain language rewrite of part 97.
For openers they completely gutted the purposes of amateur radio in the
preamble.  Thus, it could be assumed that Amateur Radio had no specific
purpose and perhaps served no purpose.  Since the purpose of the rewrite was
to reduce the size of federal regulations and make them more understandable,
something had to be changed.  A requirement to transmit pure emissions was
modified or removed since following �good amateur practice�, whatever that
is would cover.  Some of us remarked that does mean we can run raw AC in
self-rectified transmitters again.  Fortunately, the preamble was retained.
Developing a reservoir of technical experts is an importation function.
This is encouraged in a way to work with local, state and federal agencies
to not only provide emergency services but training in RF technology as
well.  I do maintain a site, www.3960.net <http://www.3960.net/>  that has
that as its main theme.

Respectfully Yours,

David Alkire Smith W8YZ
Member Michigan Section ARRL