Technician privileges

[alcahuete]

I can see two license classes: an easy one with limited privileges so people can get their feet wet, see if they like it before they invest time & effort for a "full-blown" license (having only the "full blown" license might scare off some people, which would be counter-productive). I think it might be Canada (and someone please correct me if it's different country I'm trying to think of) where the introductory license lets the licensee use 50MHz and up, and once they get experience and decide if they like it, they can get the second license that let's them use everything else. Sounds like an interesting approach...

I might be okay with that, but again, why limit HF? That I don't understand. We have always treated HF as some sort of holy grail, and just want to keep newbies off of it, but I'm not really sure why. It seems like it's just for the sake of keeping people off, honestly.

 

[MUTNAV]

The only argument that I could think of for limiting HF is the potential for a lot of interference. I don't know if that is a good enough reason, but like I said,it's the only argument I could think of.

Well,... maybe also because it has been in use longer, and there is a bit of a bureaucracy that has built up to protect it ( I mean straight bureaucracy, not just old guys trying to protect "thier" turf).

Just like how 30 years ago the use of electric bikes or scooters would have been fought tooth and nail by people insisting on the old ways of doing things (its powered so you need a license, and insurance, and registration, and it needs to be certified, (all for your protection of course)).

Thanks
Joel

 

[KO4IPV]

I have absolutely no sympathy for anyone who memorizes just enough to pass the tests. There's no excuse for that. There's plenty of information out there in the form of books and websites where anyone can actually learn something rather than just engage in rote memorization. Unfortunately, we live in a society that demands instant gratification and looks down on having to actually learn anything. It's not just a hobbies like ham radio either--just take a look at what it takes to get a driver's license in the US versus Germany, for example.

To all the whining crybaby Techs out there: if you want to operate on HF phone, study the material and pass the General exam. It's literally so simple that kids less than ten years old have done it.

Maybe true what you say but that is the same with all the elements!

 

[WB9YBM]

I might be okay with that, but again, why limit HF? That I don't understand. We have always treated HF as some sort of holy grail, and just want to keep newbies off of it, but I'm not really sure why. It seems like it's just for the sake of keeping people off, honestly.

I think that since HF has (literally) a global impact--signals can be heard world-wide, especially during good band conditions--we want to put our best foot forward, give a positive impression (as well as limit problems) by making sure users of HF have a bit more technical aptitude. Of course I have no actual proof of this way of thinking, so I could be off-base...

 

[cmdrwill]

And now the FCC is trying to put a fifty dollar "fee" on any Amateur license or changes to the license. IE Vanity call signs, address changes, and renewals.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD Docket 20-270
.

 

[vagrant]

That's my favorite rebuttal. I agree with them and say, "Yeah it has become easier. Perhaps they did memorize the answers." Then I ramp it up.

"You know you are right. Even better, testing should be periodic to ensure people actually know what they're doing and that they are up-to-speed on the latest digital modes and whatever else now asked on the test. You've got a good point and testing every license renewal should be mandatory. You either know what you're doing or get out! Honestly, if one cannot pass a renewal test consistent with their class of license they don't deserve a license."

They're pretty much in a WTF state at that point. I push it a little more by asking if they have sent their recommendations to the ARRL and if they have gotten others involved. It is interesting when hushed responses are all they give after that. I have seen others within earshot start laughing and sometimes have to walk away. We have all heard that same walked up hill, bare feet in the snow to test jibber jabber at one time or another.

I am fine with the tiered license structure. Amateur radio is about learning and having fun. If one is content with Technician, fantastic, another happy ham. I wanted more privileges, so I took the General exam. I considered the Extra, but do not feel I am gaining anything on those four particular bands. I would obtain the Extra license for personal reasons, like if I could use it to get in free to stripper clubs. Joking aside, if we were short of VE's in my area I would get it and become a VE to help others.

Personally, what I'd like to see, since all the old timers like to claim the tests suddenly got easier them moment after they tested, and along the same lines as a drivers license, would be periodic retesting. Lets face it, we forget things as we get older, I know I do. Since some older hams like to think the tests are there to keep us all safe and following the rules, maybe it would be a really good idea to periodically retest, just to make sure hams are keeping up their knowledge, and keeping up with the changes in the FCC rules. Of course the tests would need to involve current technology and subject matter, like the drivers test. I'm sure someone won't like that….

 

[mmckenna]

...like if I could use it to get in free to stripper clubs.

A strip club full of hams doesn't sit right with me for some reason….

 

[spanky15805]

A strip club full of hams doesn't sit right with me for some reason….

Not just no! But hell no! Just imagine some of those dudes in heels and a thong! NO!

 

[mmckenna]

Not just no! But hell no! Just imagine some of those dudes in heels and a thong! NO!

AW JEEZE, I wasn't thinking of that, I was thinking of them sitting around watching. That was bad enough, but then you had to go put that image in my head.

 

[vagrant]

I am not about to imagine that in any way. You have my pity that you did and mmckenna didn't say they were the dancers. You did that all on your own. Call CQ DX using only 5W for one hour as your penance.

Not just no! But hell no! Just imagine some of those dudes in heels and a thong! NO!

 

[ElroyJetson]

This proposed change to allow technicians certain HF priveleges is new to me. I haven't paid much attention.

Personally I oppose it. HF is different enough from VHF and UHF simplex and repeater operation that a person should have to learn
more to get operating priveleges on those bands.

And it's not like it was at all difficult to get my extra class ticket. When I sat for my general, I passed it, and said what the heck,
and took the advanced test, passed it, and then took my extra test, which I also passed, in one test session. Personally I think the extra test
should have been substantially demanding than it was.

Amateur radio license requirements have been dumbed down enough already. I don't want them lowering the bar AGAIN.

I for one do not subscribe to the modern mentality, "When all else fails, lower your standards" that seems to be the prevailing rule in education these days.

 

[bill4long]

Amateur radio license requirements have been dumbed down enough already. I don't want them lowering the bar AGAIN. I for one do not subscribe to the modern mentality, "When all else fails, lower your standards" that seems to be the prevailing rule in education these days.

The voice of wisdom.

 

[K9DWB]

While the rest of you are talking about license privileges, and the differences thereof, I'm betting some poor sap is probably waiting on a participation trophy for taking the Tech exam.

 

[mmckenna]

waiting on a participation trophy for taking the Tech exam.

I think you meant to say "Waiting on the Baofeng to show up in the Amazon delivery".

 

[buddrousa]

I am waiting on my new Baofeng HF1000 HF Rig 1000 watts $29.95
Ordered from WHOFLUNG1

 

[W5lz]

Technicians already have HF privileges. When that started it was to give incentive to get a higher class license to have more HF privileges, "Incentive Licensing" it was called. Looks like some techs require more incentive than others. Or maybe just looking for a free ride? Quit whinning and study!

 

[alcahuete]

Technicians already have HF privileges. When that started it was to give incentive to get a higher class license to have more HF privileges, "Incentive Licensing" it was called. Looks like some techs require more incentive than others. Or maybe just looking for a free ride? Quit whinning and study!

They have CW privileges on HF (which is a joke), and then some 10m privileges (which is also a joke). Having to learn the dead CW to use any decent HF band is hardly an incentive.

 

[K9DWB]

Didn't I see a review of that Baofeng 1000HF? I think it was reported to transmit on 10, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40 meter all at the same time. It's there as the 3/4 spectrum simultaneous transmit mode. Oh and I think this 1000HF was an HT, with a glowing antenna next to your head. zzzzzzzzzzapp. Please wear safety goggles while transmitting.

 

[W5lz]

They have CW privileges on HF (which is a joke), and then some 10m privileges (which is also a joke). Having to learn the dead CW to use any decent HF band is hardly an incentive.

Okay, how else would you like to be bribed to do the simplest 'cure' for your delima? ... Bits and pieces from this thread... What 'stigma' am I supposed to have from passing the extra class test? I don't see any reason to be ashamed at all. In fact I'm proud that I did. I honestly don't care what class license you have. I do hope it's good for where we talk, I don't want to jeopardize my licensefor something you are doing wrong. Make sense? So just d some studying and pass the dam test!

 

[alcahuete]

Okay, how else would you like to be bribed to do the simplest 'cure' for your delima? ... Bits and pieces from this thread... What 'stigma' am I supposed to have from passing the extra class test? I don't see any reason to be ashamed at all. In fact I'm proud that I did. I honestly don't care what class license you have. I do hope it's good for where we talk, I don't want to jeopardize my licensefor something you are doing wrong. Make sense? So just d some studying and pass the dam test!

It's not my dilemma. I'm an Extra as well. But this is 2020, not 1920. CW privileges would have been great 100 years ago. You said yourself it is incentive licensing. But where is the incentive to get on the HF bands? CW and 10m? All you have to do is look at the numbers on the various digital networks to see that's where all the new hams are going. And why wouldn't they? They're going to listen to static on 10m for days on end, or have to learn CW to get a taste of HF? Sorry, but that's hardly an incentive.

I love HF, contesting, DXing, etc. using 100w and a wire, as they say......or 1500w and huge beams. But I digress. I want newbies on HF. I enjoy having people on HF to talk to. I enjoy having more people to work in the contests. I'm just suggesting we get with the times, and update the incentive license so it's actually an incentive.

So for those who want two license classes (I prefer one, but that's fine), I personally would want the entry level license to have actual, usable, privileges on the HF bands.