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Author Topic: The New "Cereal Box" License Class  (Read 2995 times)

KG4RUL

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The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« on: April 26, 2019, 09:50:58 AM »

FCC Proposal RM-11829 ask for the creation of a "tyro" license class that would allow channelized operation on the 430-440MHz segment of the 70CM band.  It further proposes that the license be obtained by means of an examination administered on-line with mentoring by a Technician Class or higher licensee.

The stated purpose of this license class is to enable ARES groups to provide communications support for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) operations.  the petitioner further states that such a license would further scientific research and spawn further interest in Amateur Radio.

While these are laudable goals, a simpler approach would be to issue "tyro" operators a no-examination license similar to the Third Class Radiotelephone Operators license.  Operators would use the call signs of stations, licensed for the purpose, as is done with aircraft communications.  These stations would operate above the Amateur Radio segment of the 70CM band.

As to spawning interest in Amateur Radio, the FCC is currently considering expanded HF privileges that should accomplish that goal.
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K1VSK

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2019, 12:39:57 PM »

Often wondered why someone didn’t simply petition the FCC to give HTs to everyone in the U.S. based on the premise it might elicit interest.
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K6CPO

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2019, 01:06:51 PM »

It's a solution in search of a problem...
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N8YX

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2019, 01:25:49 PM »

..such a license would further scientific research and spawn further interest in Amateur Radio.
Such a license would spawn a great increase in whackerism but little else.
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K1VSK

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #4 on: April 26, 2019, 04:00:55 PM »

It's a solution in search of a problem...
Yet some think it’s necessary. Adorable!
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K4EMF

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #5 on: April 26, 2019, 05:30:37 PM »

..such a license would further scientific research and spawn further interest in Amateur Radio.
Such a license would spawn a great increase in whackerism but little else.

Agreed
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N2EY

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #6 on: April 26, 2019, 05:50:34 PM »

This proposal is a classic example of how one person can come up with a bad idea and get FCC to waste time on it.

We should all comment against it.
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K3UIM

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2019, 07:19:24 PM »

I hate thinking of all the time and effort I (and many others in the time period prior to the loss of CW testing for the "entitlement class" of radio amateurs) put in to passing the General license ticket that enabled us to have so much more of the lusted after radio spectrum. … sigh …  (I know! Progress!!)
Charlie, K3UIM
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Charlie. K3UIM
Where you are: I was!
Where I am: You will be!
So be nice to us old fogies!!

K4EMF

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #8 on: April 27, 2019, 06:21:46 AM »

This proposal is a classic example of how one person can come up with a bad idea and get FCC to waste time on it.

We should all comment against it.

Agreed
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K9MOV

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #9 on: April 30, 2019, 09:08:33 PM »

We already have this with FRS, Gmrs and MURS in the VHF area.
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W6BP

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #10 on: April 30, 2019, 10:54:07 PM »

This proposal is a classic example of how one person can come up with a bad idea and get FCC to waste time on it.

We should all comment against it.

I've already filed comments, but it occurred to me after making the filing that I'd forgotten to address a central issue. If this licensing proposal is so essential to CERT, why aren't CERT organizations, or even FEMA, making the proposal? Why is it being put forward by a private individual who, it just so happens, fancies himself a network designer?  The answer is obvious: this new license class isn't essential to anything but the furtherance of someone's idea of a fun home project.
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K4EMF

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #11 on: May 01, 2019, 03:59:41 AM »

I couldn't find the comment page on the FCC website.
Anyone happen to have  a link?
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W3HF

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #12 on: May 01, 2019, 04:59:26 AM »

A quick Google-search of "RM-11829" results in this. Looks like they're still accepting comments.
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KA4GFY

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #13 on: May 01, 2019, 11:40:00 AM »

If you read some of the positive comments, nearly every one of them says something to the effect, "This would be great for our CERT group."  I saw one comment saying their CERT group was told Ham radio radio works better than GMRS, so that's the way you want to go.  I take this as a proposal by some CERT groups to get everybody a license without going through the current licensing process, which works very well.  Allowing an online "exam" proctored by only 1 person is an invitation to fraud.   

It's my observation as a VE and instructor the average CERT person has ABSOLUTELY no interest in becoming a ham, other than because somebody told them to do it for CERT.  These people don't join the local club(s), they buy the cheapest handheld they can find online and I have yet to find any wiling to take a licensing class that meets over several weeks.  I have had some inquire about our class and asked if they come to ANY ONE of the 8 or 9 2-hour class sessions, then they get a license?  I'm not kidding.

I am glad FEMA or any CERT organizations did not endorse this.  If these organizations want better communications than GMRS, MURS and FRS provide, they should be building alliances with ARES and RACES. 

This is a bad idea. 

73,
Rich, KA4GFY

 
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SOFAR

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RE: The New "Cereal Box" License Class
« Reply #14 on: May 01, 2019, 12:36:51 PM »

All the time, and effort people will put into avoiding a simple exam.

With free online study sites, attending a class is not even mandatory.

https://hamexam.org

Individuals need to obtain their own license, and be responsible for their transmissions.

No handouts!
« Last Edit: May 01, 2019, 12:39:48 PM by SOFAR »
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