[Lowfer] Common Sense (was: 'CO' medfer will continue on 1704.8)

[lowfer@mailman.qth.net]

John,

<<< While I don't necessarily see the current Commission relying a lot on
> tradition or common law, I do agreed with his point that they impart a
> certain validity to our operations.>>>>
>

  Thanks for your thoughtful comments.  Again, I aplogize for putting that
post on the reflector.  You're statement below reminded me of a
conversation I had with FCC Commisionser Nicolas Johnson, many, many years
ago.  I'm not sure if it was the Nixon, Johnson or Carter years, but Barry
Goldwater, who was a friend of my father's, was in the Senate, and I had
been a ham for over a decade.  I was able to talk to Mr. Johnson at length
at a relative's house in Bethesda, MD. Like most political appointees,
technical issues were not his strength, but he was very aware of the
amateur radio service and somewhat aware  of experimental radio outside
the ham bands.  I think I had recently bought a "lowfer Handbook" (or some
similar title)  that had been published by an east coast ham, so I knew
just a little about the subject.  I remeber Nicolas Johnson saying that he
was very impressed by the contribution of amateur radio public service and
that the technical people at the FCC were very favorably impressed by the
technical ability and ingenuity of radio experimenters, hams and others.
I think that remains true, and that the FCC engineers and technicians are
aware and approve of the contributions of Lowfers/medfers (so many areas-
propagation studies; weak signal receive software writing, testing and
use; antenna, receive and transmit hardware design, etc., etc.).  Of all
radio hobbyists, lowfers/medfers are among the most technical, the most
ingenious, and the best radio citizens, all things considered. It appears
to me that they trust us to regulate ourselves.  So I don't think we need
be defensive or critical.  I violated the lowfer/medfer culture with a
long feedline and said immediately that I would correct that. What got my
dander up was the suggestion that I was a bad boy for violating part 15!
No, it's not part 15, it's the Lowfer/Medfer culture (which I approve of)
that was violated.  I think all of us who are within the spirit of the law
concerning this hobby can hold our heads high.
Doug W0AH