[QCWA] FCC NPRM:

[Jim Wilhite]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "W1EOF" <w1eof at hamnutz.com>
To: "Discussion of QCWA" <qcwa at mailman.qth.net>; <k9ps at arrl.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 12:49 PM
Subject: RE: [QCWA] FCC NPRM:



>
> I just don't buy the argument that the CW test is a barrier to riff-raff. 
> If
> it is, then how did we get some of those hams on 75m who use inappropriate
> language and poor operating tchniques? Me? I'd much rather that they make
> the tests harder.


You really don't want to know the answer to the first question.  If you 
knew, you would be really mad.  As for the tests being harder, check any old 
ARRL License Guide.  I have one from 1976 and the test I took in 2000 came 
from study material much harder than the 76 exam material.

As for stupid comments from old timers, I don't see that as true.  Most true 
old timers welcome new comers, What I have seen is the influx in the last 15 
or so years of people who think they own a frequency and believe any 
brochure Yaecomwood publishes and gets mad when someone is within 3 kc of 
them.   Now you may find on the repeaters guys who won't talk to anyone who 
is not local with whom they are not familiar.  That is very prevalent.

So since the FCC has decided that CW is not necessary, then the tests should 
be about receivers, 3rd order intercept, adjacent interference and the 
practices necessary to make new comers feel welcome.  Drop the Earth Station 
and Keplerian information and focus on operation skills and practices. 
Include how to manipulate the menu of a software radio so as not to be 4 Kc 
wide on SSB.

After all I think most of the argument is not about CW skills but basic 
knowledge and operating practices.  Instead of Smith Charts, questions on 
how to build a dipole.  I have even seen questions about how much current a 
wire can carry on some reflectors.  If we are doomed to appliance operation, 
then make the questions about operating and rules much more stringent.

What about petitioning the FCC to relinquish Amateur rules, regulations and 
enforcement to a quasi-governmental agency?  Have, say 5 or 10 members of 
the Amateur community from the QCWA, ARRL, IARA (please forgive me), W5YI 
group or other substantial groups plus Mr. Hollinsworth who would represent 
the FCC.  They could perform the duties the FCC is reluctant to involve 
itself in and promulgate rules and perform enforcement actions that would be 
referred to the FCC for final action.  Following extensive investigation and 
solicitation of our community, they could write rule changes and enforce 
them.

73  Jim
W5JO