[KYHAM] New NO THEORY License class

[KG4ERU - Bob Myers]

Amateur radio is in trouble. There are many organizations that would love to
take over the ham bands and, if they are not being used, then that
reallocation will become a reality. There is a need to create more on-air
activity. Changing the privileges and requirements of operators is a way to
do this. However, it needs to be done in a manner where the license is
earned and the privilege is respected. Learning the rules and understanding
what amateur radio is about needs to remain a priority.

I know a few hams quite proficient with Morse Code. I have a high regard and
respect for their knowledge and their skill, but I don't believe there
should be a requirement for those who are unable or who do not wish to
communicate using CW. Every hobby has its niche. I know someone who studied
for his ham license just to use the frequencies for radio-controlled planes.
Not everyone is interested in the same aspect of amateur radio.

Although having the requirement to learn CW is a goal, it isn't necessarily
a goal everyone wants to achieve. It could just as easily be stated since
PSK and EchoLink use computers, a requirement to learn about computers is
needed to get a ham license, whether you are interested in using those modes
or not.

There needs to be a place for everyone's interest in amateur radio on the
bands, but there should not be a requirement to learn something that is only
a small part of amateur radio today. Levels of amateur radio should
progress, expand and enhance the knowledge and skills of operators. Less
emphasis should be placed on learning CW while other forms of communications
should be expanded. The feasibility, expandability and diversity of amateur
radio's various ways to communicate need to be emphasized. Do not destroy
the past, but do not hinder the future by limiting the expansion of the
hobby.

If you watch the old black and white Andy Griffith shows, you may recall
Andy picking up the phone asking Sarah the operator to connect him to
someone. As the phone system changed, we dialed numbers, then used
touch-tone, then cordless, then cellular. The idea of communications is the
same, it just changed throughout the years. Then there was the Internet on
dial-up modems and later cable, DSL and satellite. Now we can get online
from cell phones and PDA's.

All this is a form of communications, like amateur radio. It serves a
purpose, like amateur radio. And it has changed, like amateur radio has
changed. Don't limit the capabilities, expand into the future. Just as we
embrace cellular phones instead of the rotary dial phone, we should make way
for the new and not demand the old. If someone wants to use a rotary dial
telephone, that's fine. If someone wants to use CW, that's fine also. Each
of us needs be able to use amateur radio our own way, whether it is in the
form of classic communications or the latest technology.

Times are changing. If amateur radio does not change with the times, it will
disappear. Enjoy and develop what you know and allow others to do the same.
Be open to new possibilities and welcome those who have a serious interest
in being a ham. Encouragement and elmering are the keys to our future. Unity
and diversity are the keys to our success.

KG4ERU
Bob Myers, Jr.