[KYHAM] New NO THEORY License class

[Steve Ellington]

> Theory, unlike CW, is a part of amateur radio regardless of what mode or
> protocol you use

In order to communicate one must put "theory" into practice. Communication
electronic theory always begins with the generation of radio frequencies by
an oscillator. The operator "keys" the oscillator on and off to communicate.
A code was chosen so that messages could be passed. When one uses SSB, AM,
FM, PSK etc., they are using methods that all have their roots in CW. At the
risk of repeating myself, the reason knowledge of cw was originally required
was to insure the amateur had a basic understanding and WORKING knowledge of
communications. Among other things, Amateur Radio was intended to be a
training and proving ground for future engineers, technicians and radio
operators. From the ARRL Handbook: "Operating an amateur station with even
the simplest equipment likewise develops operating proficiency and skill."
Yes, it takes "proficiency and skill" to be a true amateur radio operator.
This conception is much like military boot camp. Hard work, marching,
formation, rule memorization and self discipline make the solider. Nowadays
many people want to skip these important fundamentals. They wish to obtain
their operating privileges by the simplest means possible. Code is seen as
an stumbling block to them and they spend much of their energy complaining
to others how pointless it is to learn code. Imagine our soldiers
complaining about all the "obsolete" physical training they endured. They
would say "Why must I learn how to dig a fox hole when we have steath
bombers?"
This constant cry from new hams, prospective hams, radio manufactures and
others with monetary interest has resulted in a generation of amateurs who
are able to little more than push the PTT button on their walkie-talkies and
it will get worse. Now people are saying that unless we continue on this
path of deregulation, simplification and lowering of standards, ham radio
will cease to exist. If ham radio evolves into a bunch of total appliance
operators then I say, "Let her rip". Who needs it?
So get out your license manuals, warm up your soldering irons and bang on
that telegraph key until you become a real radio man xxx person. Once this
is accomplished then try every mode and facet of amateur radio and enjoy
what others have enjoyed for over 100 years!

Steve Ellington N4LQ.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tyler Allison" <tyler@allisonhouse.com>
To: <kyham@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 7:21 PM
Subject: Re: [KYHAM] New NO THEORY License class


> > If cw is not the qualifier, then some added theory should be.
>
> I have no issue with this.  Making the tests harder as you go up, and thus
> giving you greater access into the amateur bands is fine with me.
>
> Theory, unlike CW, is a part of amateur radio regardless of what mode or
> protocol you use.
>
> -Tyler
>
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