Well, this is sure to stir up some discussion! Please, guys, try to
keep it civil.
I had the same experience with Incentive Licensing, having to pass not
one, but two exams to regain the use of frequencies for which I had
already qualified when I passed the General CW and theory exams in 1966.
I was bitter about that for a number of years. However, some exclusive
frequencies (mainly in the CW sub-bands) for Extra-class licensees came
out of that. Before, the Extra-class ticket was mostly a matter of
prestige.
Although not initially in favor of the no-code Tech license, it did give
the XYL a chance to share the hobby with me. She is one of those rare
people who sincerely could not learn the code and retain it.
What's sad about many of the licensees is that they don't see the
potential of their privileges. There is so much that can be done on 6m
and above that isn't permitted on the HF bands. But many don't see
anything beyond the local repeater, and when they tire of that activity,
what do they do? I have to wonder how many of the original no-code
Techs didn't even bother to renew their licenses at the 10-year mark.
Of course, I'm biased toward CW, but I don't claim that it's the only
mode to use.
Remember, it isn't what class of license you have, but rather what you
do with it on the air. There are plenty of lids with that Extra-class
ticket, and others who couldn't figure out how to build a simple dipole.
73 de Jim - AD6CW
On 2/27/2013 4:14 PM, N4RS wrote:
In my opinion, YES, you have to be able to use a code key to be a "real
ham".
Having said that, I was one of the early supporters for the no-code license.
I feel that was correct. I'm happy it was implemented. It helps keep our
hobby alive.
However just as I had to cope with incentive licensing, and learn again and
test again to get my privileges back, after having them taken away, I feel
that others can learn the code if they want to be called a "real ham".
How about them apples? ;-)
73
Rick, DJ0IP
Them apples stink!! You want quantity rather than quality. Shame on you.
Tom N4RS......CW it's still magic!
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