[QCWA] FCC NPRM:

[Hays, Christopher B]

Frankly, the this was to be expected.  The Feds have not wanted to deal
with the amateur radio segment no more then they once did the CB sector.
I think the hand writing is on the wall.  Further deregulation is coming
only slower then it did the CB sector.

Appliance operators will become more the normal as increases in
technology further keep amateurs from understanding let alone able to
work on their store bought gear.  Radios today do not require "tuning
up", adjustment, etc.  About the only thing to adjust next to the VFO
knob is the mic gain.

It is interesting that such a minority of individuals that refuse to
learn entry level 5 WPM CW can change the entire hobby for the majority.

CW is a very popular mode, contrary to what the NCI camp spews out.  It
is the most reliable mode and able to maintain a contact much better
then a voice signal.  Language isn't a barrier either if one uses the Q
signals, etc.

I see a further deregulation on the horizon, a change to perhaps one
license class, an Operator's License and no more license class levels.
Too many NCT's complain already about the stigma associated with being a
NCT or someone being an Extra Class.  I see that as the next shoe to
drop.

Keep your eyes open.  Watch for it.

Afterall, if the Feds were honestly interested in Amateur Radio, why
would they authorize deployment of a harmful interference source (i.e.
BPL)?

It's all about $$ folks! 

-----Original Message-----
From: qcwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:qcwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of L M
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 11:33 AM
To: Discussion of QCWA
Subject: Re: [QCWA] FCC NPRM:

Since the international regs no longer require the code, it is difficult
to successfully argue that it should be retained in its present form.  I
have supported the ARRL position seeking to retain code for the Extra.

If we assume the nprm is enacted as proposed, we should then focus on
how the written element question pools should be changed to better
address the concerns that Jim raised below.  The predominance of
"appliance operators" 
that seems to have been increasing for decades is a challenge for all of
us. 
Our local club seems to provide support for new and technically
unsophisticated operators. All kinds of questions are entertained on our
repeaters. Some of them I can recall being answered for me, more than 40
years ago.

In my experience, it seems that most new hams get started because of
contact with other hams. We must increase those person to person
contacts so that we both increase the number of new hams as well as
their quality.

As an active ARES and RACES member, I am concerned that the increase in
demand for our service by public agencies, will probably overwhelm our
numbers.  After 9/11, in NYC, we provided many weeks of around the clock
shifts of operators for the Red Cross and Salvation Army.  I know first
hand how much some of our "work" was appreciated at "ground zero".  As
we all "age out", we must look to our youth to carry more of the load.

73,
Lew N2RQ
n2rq at arrl.net
member #20,800

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Wilhite" <w5jo at brightok.net>
To: "Discussion of QCWA" <qcwa at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 9:41 AM
Subject: Re: [QCWA] FCC NPRM:


But certain people will
> hide behind the strict literal translation to mask questionalble 
> operations. Do we want that?  I leave that up to you, but the one
thing I 
> detest is amateurs holding the highest class of license who have very 
> little or any knowledge of the rules, the equipment they operate (even

> basic knowledge of antennas) and their general demeanor toward others.
Be 
> careful of what you request, you might get it.
>
>
> 73  Jim
> W5JO


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