It appears that in September of 2016, the ARRL formed a committee, looking into the possibility of petitioning the FCC to create a new entry level Amateur Radio license. At this point, they are looking for membership input.
So if you're a member of the ARRL, please log in to their Web site and take a survey, by clicking here.
Personally, some of the best times I have had in Amateur Radio occurred when I was a Novice. I learned so much, most of it by the Amateur Radio School of Hard Knocks. So, I was very saddened when the FCC ditched the Novice license. I thought this was an excellent way to enter the Amateur Radio world, with the focus on operating in the HF bands, not just VHF/UHF. Not that there's anything wrong with VHF/UHF, but I think opening up the world of the HF bands is the way to go, keeping interests piqued and offering endless possibilities.
It will be interesting to see how this all pans out and if anything comes of it.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!
I took the survey and feel it was poorly designed. There was no mechanism to indicate you didn't go along with the changes. You needed to select something for each answer even if you didn't agree with the question. I left a comment indicating the survey should be reviewed and structured such that those that oppose some of the changes could answer appropriately.
ReplyDeleteHi Larry,
ReplyDeleteThe Tech license has CW privileges on 80, 40, 15; and CW/SSB on 10. Pretty much what was available in 1969 when I was a novice (I think we had voice privileges on 2). I think that the HF opportunities are there right now, without the need for a new class of license. Perhaps new Techs are just not being encouraged to consider HF?
Regards,
Dale, W9ESE
I worked a lot of non-rare 15 meter DX back in 1981 when I was a Novice. Most fun I ever had in amateur radio. I became disgusted with the ARRL/FCC some years ago when, as a General class, some of my 40 and 80 meter CW operating privileges were reduced. CW band plan reduction for Generals. Yes they can take away that which you formerly had a right to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with David's comment on the survey. Except I don't think it was poorly designed, but rather designed to fulfill an agenda. The heck of it is I am all in favor of generating HF mojo with new hams. This behind the scenes, backroom approach by the ARRL is casting a negative pawl on the subject. They are not asking what I think, they are asking to confirm their think.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I'm still trying to get the bad taste from my mouth after last month's QST "Broken Windows" rant by the esteemed Tom Gallagher. I'm not sure the venerable ARRL and I are on the same page these days.
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