Has Ham Radio become too easy?

[bill4long]

It is illegal to hit the transmit button without a licensed control operator present - see FCC Title 97.5(a). I believe the penalty is you have your gear taken away if you are unlicensed and are found to be transmitting.

Of course. What I mean is that it should be illegal to SELL the radios to unlicensed people.

 

[elk2370bruce]

Walmart would only charge $8.88. That's why. And convenient. You can stock up on doritos and macaroni and cheese and delicious horsemeat while you're there. You can also get your eyes checked and your oil changed and at select stores, visit the minite-clinic and have a proctology exam so as soon as you get your license you can get on the air and let everyone know the results.

Try doing that at your local ham club.

Save money.. live better.

Try getting the proctored FCC exam from Wallyworld. Unless they maintain approved VE's, it ain't gonna happen (regardless of cost) even if they throw in a blister pack of FRS radios.

 

[WB4CS]

The main problem I see facing Ham Radio today is vendors at the flea markets who sell cheap Baofengs to unlicensed people who commence to get on repeaters and jam. IMO, this should be illegal, and carry stiff penalties.

TELL ME ABOUT IT. Those little Boafengs should go away and die. In just the past month there have been 2 posts with people that have bought those radios and asked for help with them on here, only to discover they want to use them for everything EXCEPT ham radio. One thread I was in, the guy had just punched in some random frequency for him and his coworkers, they were using a frequency in the UHF TV band, and were on here asking how to improve their coverage area. I even saw a pair for sale on Craigslist listed as "handheld CB radios." Sure, this could happen with any piece of ham radio gear (how many 10 meter radios are being sold as CB) but those Boafengs are dirt cheap so they seem to be the hot item right now when someone wants to buy a "walkie talkie" and doesn't understand that they are for ham radio use.

 

[KD8TZC]

Of course. What I mean is that it should be illegal to SELL the radios to unlicensed people.

I agree 100%, but unfortunately, the FCC would need to change the rules for that to happen and we know how likely that will be.

 

[N4DES]

Of course. What I mean is that it should be illegal to SELL the radios to unlicensed people.

Maybe it should be like firearms. If you have a valid license it is like having a an FFA license from ATF and you can only sell to others that have a similiar license.

Yes I know that will never happen....

 

[TheSpaceMan]

I agree 100%, but unfortunately, the FCC would need to change the rules for that to happen and we know how likely that will be.

Hasn't it been illegal to sell linear amplifiers made for 11 meters for quite some time, or 10 Meter radios that include the CB band as well as the "Freeband"??

 

[chidd_88]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (BlackBerry; Opera Mini/7.1.32543/28.3821; U; en) Presto/2.8.119 Version/11.10)

I love being around radios, I generally know quite a bit out of my friends and know about procedures for being on ham and what not. But as for taking tests, I'm just not a good test taker in general, so whether it be easy or hard, I still am horrible at it. I also think that being a ham operator and working with radios is kinda like being a doctor, theirs always something new to learn. Their also isn't a lot of public knowledge about the hobby or plenty of resources available everywhere which is sad. Just my 2cents.

 

[N4JKD]

Of course. What I mean is that it should be illegal to SELL the radios to unlicensed people.

They won't though, simply because the fact that the FCC says anyone can have these radios, and it is perfectly legal to listen on them. Problem with that is, the FCC has so much other stuff they have to worry about. That is pretty much why they have washed their hands of the CB band for the most part. I did however read about the FCC busting a CB operator last year for running way over power and causing interference. I don't see the FCC banning selling to those who are unlicensed, unless unauthorized transmissions become such a huge problem across the country, only than will they do something. Even than, all a person has to do is buy one of these Chinese radios direct from China, and that would be the loophole to getting one.

 

[TheSpaceMan]

They won't though, simply because the fact that the FCC says anyone can have these radios, and it is perfectly legal to listen on them. Problem with that is, the FCC has so much other stuff they have to worry about. That is pretty much why they have washed their hands of the CB band for the most part. I did however read about the FCC busting a CB operator last year for running way over power and causing interference. I don't see the FCC banning selling to those who are unlicensed, unless unauthorized transmissions become such a huge problem across the country, only than will they do something. Even than, all a person has to do is buy one of these Chinese radios direct from China, and that would be the loophole to getting one.

Exactly! Besides, with the Federal government in so much debt as it is today, It's hard to imagine politicians giving any more money to the FCC to increase enforcement now.

 

[feets]

They can dumb it down as much as they want. If you can't idle along at 25mph on 40cw ... you won't be working me!

(and nope, sorry, you won't find me on the local 2m FM repeater either

)

^ This ^

Brand new HAM here and the comment above says it all. I can't "idle along at 25mph on 40cw". I'm on primarily 2m repeater. I'm okay with not working k9rzz for now. As I learn, gain interest and funds become available, I may find that I do want to work k9rzz. It's called 'incentive' and 'progression'.

cw has it's place. I have not learned it and do not know if I will. I don't see a need to return it to being a requirement. Those that wish to advance and work k9rzz will learn it.

IMO, you all should embrace the Baofengs. Mine gave me the incentive to progress and use the thing, thus I became a HAM. If it would have been more cost prohibitive, I would not have bothered. Just as with anything, it's the user's responcibility to know the laws. At most, I would suggest clear discloser about the legality of the radio be implemented in the advertising and sales of the radio.

I'm heavily involved in a dying hobby because of a lack of new blood. It has a steep learning curve, is cost prohibitive, and many old timers and succesfull members are resistant to change. I highly recommend Ham keeps a fairly easy and inexpensive means of entry into the hobby and keeps a method to progress.

73s

 

[KC0KM]

To some agree I agree with a lot of you. Many times I have seen questions that I too have thought that covered in the Tech test. If you ever want a laugh, go over to N4MC Vanity HQ site and look at some of the rejected calls, and further down are the ones out right rejected that could not be even processed (N4MC's Vanity HQ).

I am one of those who did not have to learn code. My father, who would have had his license over 50 years ago, never could hear code -- he could send it, but cold not hear it. (He later made all three, and now is an Extra, although he has yet to even GOTA). I too have some problems hearing it. Now as for taking my Tech, I first tried it "about" ten to thirteen years ago -- I got the Now Your Talking book from Radio Shack (the ARRL Tech Book), and attempted to study it for all of about a month or so. At the time it was "clear as mud" and I gave up. Years later, I was able to go to a Tech Class, and did study for it, both online and using my old book. I was able to pass my Tech at a 100%. I did not attempt to take my General at the time, I never even had looked at it. A few months later I did start to study for it, on my own, and pass it in ten months after I has taken my Tech. When I decided to go for my Extra I found it hard -- perhaps too hard. I did study -- and I did use the ARRL book (as I did for General). When I took my test I was told that was the hardest way to do it, but I really wanted to know the material and just not the correct answer. My main problem, was when it came to the math -- I simply did not (and still do not) understand it. I also used Ham Test Online, which helped a little, but I felt like it was just trying to teach me the answer, and not really teaching me how to find the answer.

Perhaps later I will learn code, I want too, but I still have problems. As for the math, perhaps too it might come to me.

 

[TheSpaceMan]

^ This ^

Brand new HAM here and the comment above says it all. I can't "idle along at 25mph on 40cw". I'm on primarily 2m repeater. I'm okay with not working k9rzz for now. As I learn, gain interest and funds become available, I may find that I do want to work k9rzz. It's called 'incentive' and 'progression'.

cw has it's place. I have not learned it and do not know if I will. I don't see a need to return it to being a requirement. Those that wish to advance and work k9rzz will learn it.

IMO, you all should embrace the Baofengs. Mine gave me the incentive to progress and use the thing, thus I became a HAM. If it would have been more cost prohibitive, I would not have bothered. Just as with anything, it's the user's responcibility to know the laws. At most, I would suggest clear discloser about the legality of the radio be implemented in the advertising and sales of the radio.

I'm heavily involved in a dying hobby because of a lack of new blood. It has a steep learning curve, is cost prohibitive, and many old timers and succesfull members are resistant to change. I highly recommend Ham keeps a fairly easy and inexpensive means of entry into the hobby and keeps a method to progress.

73s

I agree. With so many Baofengs around today selling for such a low price, there will be a lot of new people picking them up and listening in on 2 Meter and 440 repeaters. Back in the '60s, kids got CB Walkie Talkies for $20 bucks with those zero selectivity regenerative receivers, and they could hear plenty of local hams chatting away on AM! That got many kids interested in the hobby, and lots of those kids would eventually graduate up to Ham radio.

 

[Robinsmark]

Spacemans Right

These current hams tests are absolutely not the medical boards or the Bar exam! Anyone with even average intelligence can pass them.

Very true: I know..I am STILL trying just to get into law school. It is amazing difficult!

 

[TheSpaceMan]

These current hams tests are absolutely not the medical boards or the Bar exam! Anyone with even average intelligence can pass them.

Very true: I know..I am STILL trying just to get into law school. It is amazing difficult!

Yes getting in could sometimes be a problem, but a bigger problem often comes at the end. I know some lawyers who didn't have that much difficulty getting into law school, but in the end had to take the Bar exam a few times before they passed.

 

[AC2OY]

Wow two local Hams sorta....Robin and Spaceman what bands,frequencies do you guys operate on?! Maybe one day we can chat!!!

 

[k3cfc]

I'll give you an example of an actual post that appeared on a well-known, now-defunct, ham site a few years ago:
"I've just received my amateur license. Can anyone please tell me what frequencies I'm allowed to operate on?"
I swear that I am not making this up.
Yes, it's a bad situation, and I don't think it's getting any better.
Question is, "Realistically, what can be done about it?"

I know your not making this up. we have a knucklehead here who is a real trouble maker came over from cb. we ask another ham to please stop encouraging him to get his tech. well he is a general now just in a license sense. so he finally talked his ol lady into getting her tech and then down the line get her general. these two can't operate a computer much less a ham radio. she and i kid you not can not call her hubby on the radio like you should because she just can't stop her self from adding an extra f at the end of his call sign. should be ff and not fff. so she will put her call out there and he will answer. she tried more than 3 times to pass the general and here is another thing i know this for a fact she was taking practice test right up to the time to take the real test. i just can't help thinking there was some fudging going on there. now i find out the only reason she took the general was to be like so many other ones that have there general and nothing more.

K3CFC

 

[VE5JL]

I hope this thread doesn’t turn into a flame war, but this is something I’ve wanted to say for quite some time and would love some intelligent and mature feedback. One caveat to this post, this pertains to licensed Amateur Radio Operators and not users of other radio services or scanner listeners.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time on radio forums such as this one, and have lately been shocked at how uneducated hams are when it comes to their own hobby. I won’t reference any particular posts by name, but there are quite frequently posts asking “Can I do this or that on the radio, does my license allow me to do this or that?” Sure, I’m not perfect and from time to time still ask for advice, and I haven’t picked up a license study manual in almost 20 years. I have no idea what is in the current pool of exam questions, but when I read some of these posts I can’t help but think, “Wasn’t that on your test?”

When I received my license, I had to study hard for it. There were two written tests (Technician Class) that were filled with rules, theories, and schematics. The rules of the radio were laid out pretty clear, and when I received my license I had a pretty good understanding of what I could and couldn’t do with my Amateur Radio license.

Don’t get me wrong, having an Elmer (more experienced ham that offers guidance) is an essential part of the hobby. I can’t tell you how many times I was appreciative when an older ham would give me guidance on how to be a better radio operator. So, I can say that I’m glad that new hams are asking these questions and seeking guidance instead of being uneducated, poor operators. To those new people in the hobby, I thank you for that. However, I find it hard to believe that someone who recently passed the license exam could be so unknowledgeable about the rules and responsibilities their license entails.

What do you think? Has it become too easy to become a ham, or is the service making a needed change to keep up with the times?

When I look back at all of the studying I did, the hours of code, learning about physics, electronics, having to be able to draw block diagrams, ham radio is not what it once was. Now, I'm sure at the behest of the manufactures, the more hams there are the more equipment can be sold. The simple answer is; all you need to do to answer your question is listen to the HF bands. They sound more like the end of 11 meters each year.

When I studied to become a ham, (1987) it was hard, but not as hard as studying for my private pilots license which I'm sure to say, you will never be able to get a ppl out of a cracker-jack box like you can a ham license.

 

[k3cfc]

Both the Tech and the General tests are quite easy, and almost anyone who studies and memorizes the practice exams can pass. Ham radio is a hobby, not a career where one should be expected or required to know vast amounts of technical knowledge in order to perform in their jobs.

Yes and by the same token i don't want to run into some clown and get cooked from the inside out because he doesn't know the power requirements for some bands.


K3CFC

 

[k3cfc]

Here is my take as an outsider looking in. I'm not a Ham. But wouldn't mind getting my license. I don't think it is easy enough to get your license. They should offer (at a minimum) the tech class license as an online test (or course if need be). Colleges offer senior level courses online. Maybe a local licensed Ham could verify you as being a real person or something to that nature? I read that new Ham Licenses have declined for several years, this would allow people to more easily get their "beginner's" license and may attract new people. The closest test to me for the next few months is at least an hours drive. That isn't very convenient to me. There may be rules or laws that prevent this, that I am unaware of. Just my $0.02.

If it's worth having or wanting then it's worth going after.


K3CFC

 

[k3cfc]

It is illegal to hit the transmit button without a licensed control operator present - see FCC Title 97.5(a). I believe the penalty is you have your gear taken away if you are unlicensed and are found to be transmitting.

And how do you propose to catch them? when you do tell me so we can get the one that has made it almost impossible to talk on our repeater.


K3CFC