[TenTec] Extra Class Licensing

[Mark Erbaugh]

I have to put in my 2 cents worth.

> Many of
> those now "getting" amateur licenses are only interested in communicating;
> not in the technology at all.

Technology is only one aspect of amatuer radio. Communicating is an equally
important aspect.

I don't think it's essentiall that everyone using any technology, including
ham radio understand the all the details of the technology. For example, I
completely understand the 'technology' of an outhouse (stuff goes into a
hole in the ground), but the most important thing I know about modern
plumbing is the phone number of my plumber. Does this mean that I'm should
stop using my indoor facilities?

Seriously, there are probably, few if any people, who fully understand all
the technology that they use each day.  An electonics designer may
understand the hardware components of his cellphone, but probably wouldn't
be able to debug the cellphone's firmware.

In an environment where people are free to explore their interests in
different areas, such as what we have in ham radio, advances in one area can
feed off of advances in other areas.  A technology guy can implement a new
feature in the hardware, a software guy can exploit that and create a new
mode of communication. A communication guy can see how to use that new mode
to provide better communication.

Please don't condemn another ham just because their interests don't coincide
with yours - instead look for ways to work together to advance the hobby for
us all.

73,
Mark, N8ME