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Author Topic: Restructure the ARS  (Read 1127 times)

AJ5AE

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #15 on: March 20, 2020, 01:54:13 AM »

If it were up to me:

1) Extras would be allowed any call from any callsign group .

2) Generals and Advanceds would be allowed any 2x2, 1x3, or 2x3 callsign.

3) Novices and Technicians would be allowed any 2x3 callsign.

4) Nobody would have to give up a callsign they already have.

73 de Jim, N2EY

Regarding your number one idea.  That is the status quo.

Regarding your number two idea.  That is close to what we have now.  Advanced class can have some 2x2 such as KA5AA, WA5AA, or NA5AA.  2x2 with the first letter A is a group A call sign.  Example AA5AA.

Regarding your number three idea.  I like it.  Now Novices are restricted to group D call signs, and that does not include a call sign such as NA5ABC or AA5ABC.  Instead they are restricted to call signs such as KA5ABC or WA5ABC.

Regarding your number four idea.  Yes sir!  Nobody should have to give up a call sign they already have.  This would be for new call signs, so if a Tech has a group C call sign they could keep it.  New Technicians (or Group D licensees) would be issued group D call signs only.  If they want a shorter call sign they should do what I did, upgrade.  I got tired of KC5JPZ and decided to change the call sign after I upgraded.
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K6CPO

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #16 on: March 20, 2020, 11:48:15 AM »

I don't understand why some people have the need to change a system that works just fine as is...
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KN6GFG

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #17 on: March 20, 2020, 02:59:03 PM »

Id also like to see some incentive to restore a CW requirement but havent figured that one out yet ;D

If nothing else, at least make it a requirement for Extra Class.  And it doesn't have to be 20wpm; 10wpm would be good, but even 5wpm would suffice.  I figure if you're going for an Extra Class, it makes sense to have at least some exposure to the oldest mode with a lot of history in radio and landline telegraphy behind it. 

Plus, back when I took my Novice test back around 1991, there was still a code requirement.  I got in just before the no-code tech became a thing.  I remember grumbling about having to learn code.  But I did learn, and I learned quickly, and I'm grateful for it.  It quickly became my favorite mode.  My old logbook (which sadly has a few pages missing now, somehow) was filled with page after page of CW contacts.  My new logs (after 25 years off the air) are pretty much the same.

I would never have found something I enjoy so much if it hadn't been a requirement to get a license.

On another note, I had a QSO with someone a month or so ago; a young ham who wanted to learn the code, and only had 3 months experience, but was holding steady at about 17wpm and sending excellent code (much better than mine).  That made me happy :)

~Erin, KN6GFG
« Last Edit: March 20, 2020, 03:09:11 PM by KN6GFG »
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KM1H

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #18 on: March 20, 2020, 03:16:14 PM »

I can still copy 35 wpm in my head, 65 years after learning it. I mentored 3 local Comcast techs a few years ago who are all now Extra licensed. Two are rabid CW ops at about 18 wpm and getting better now that they have got over the 13-15 wpm hump.

I still have the Vibroplex Presentation that I received for my 16th birthday but havent even tried it for about 30 years. I use a pair of 80's era Kansas City Keyers and a MFJ Grandmaster. All are used with Bencher paddles.

Carl
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N2EY

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #19 on: March 21, 2020, 10:26:20 AM »

If nothing else, at least make it a requirement for Extra Class.  And it doesn't have to be 20wpm; 10wpm would be good, but even 5wpm would suffice.  I figure if you're going for an Extra Class, it makes sense to have at least some exposure to the oldest mode with a lot of history in radio and landline telegraphy behind it. 

I agree, but the possibility of FCC adding any form of Morse Code testing is....slim to none.

Here's why:

In 1990, FCC created medical waivers for the 13 and 20 wpm code tests. All it took to get one was form letter signed by an MD or DO - ANY MD or DO - stating that it would take the person "longer than normal" to learn code well enough to pass 13 or 20 wpm. No specific medical condition was to be mentioned, the condition didn't have to be permanent or even make it impossible or very difficult for the person to pass the tests. Nor could the VEs question the form letter at all; FCC alone could do that, and to my knowledge they never did. FCC stated that the only reason they couldn't medically waive the 5 wpm code was the ITU-R treaty.

In 2000, FCC eliminated the 13 and 20 wpm code tests completely.

In 2007, FCC dropped 5 wpm code testing.

So, for 30 years, all license classes have been available with 5 wpm code and a medical waiver. For 20 years, all license classes have been available with 5 wpm code. And for 13 years, all license classes have been available with no code test at all.

Meanwhile, the number of Extras has risen

from about 49,000 (10.5% of US hams) in 1990 (per the Winter 1990 Callbook)
to about 79,000 (11.7%) in early 2000
to about 108,000 (16.5%) in mid 2007
to about 151,000 (19.7%) now.

After all this time, how can FCC be convinced that code testing absolutely NEEDS to be re-introduced? That's the challenge.

Also - if a proposal to re-introduce code testing for any class of license were to somehow make it to the RM-stage, you can bet a new Begali that there would be a mountain of opposing comments and reply comments against it. (I'd be for it, but that's not the issue.)

I say all this as someone who earned his Extra way back in 1970, at the age of 16, with only 3 years as a ham, no Elmer and no formal training in any sort of radio. FCC office, sending and receiving, "secret" tests, uphill both ways, yada yada yada. Back then there were only about 10,000 Extras and we made up less than 4% of US hams.

The way Morse Code will survive in Amateur Radio is for us to use it and promote it. Testing is gone and isn't coming back.

Check out CWops.org to see what some folks are doing.

73 de Jim, N2EY
« Last Edit: March 21, 2020, 10:28:47 AM by N2EY »
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AC4RD

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #20 on: March 21, 2020, 01:05:27 PM »

I propose changing the names of all Amateur Radio Operator license classes. 
The top class would be called Group A and would allow the licensee to have a Group A call sign. 
The Advanced license would become an active class again with the name Group B ...
Group A licensee

The Army people made me sit on the Group W Bench.
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KM1H

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #21 on: March 21, 2020, 05:24:54 PM »

CW is still in use in the USN for signal lights and is being taught again for backup radio communications.
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N2EY

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #22 on: March 21, 2020, 05:54:32 PM »

I propose changing the names of all Amateur Radio Operator license classes. 
The top class would be called Group A and would allow the licensee to have a Group A call sign. 
The Advanced license would become an active class again with the name Group B ...
Group A licensee

The Army people made me sit on the Group W Bench.

Kid, have you rehabilitated yourself?
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WI8P

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #23 on: March 22, 2020, 12:20:33 PM »

Anyone who reads should know how to make paper.
People aspiring to become medical doctors should know how to cast spells and make potions.
People going to restaurants should know how to take orders and bus tables and make various drinks.
And anyone with a driver's license should know how to start a car with a hand crank.

Some of you guys just never give up.  Just because you had to do something shouldn't mean everyone should, especially as technology advances.  I'm sure some of you would make all cell phone owners know at least 5wpm, you know, just in case...
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KM1H

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #24 on: March 23, 2020, 12:42:57 PM »

And should there be a real emergency there will be plenty of useless hams unable to communicate.

That may possibly happen this year.
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WI8P

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #25 on: March 24, 2020, 02:30:45 AM »

Has the CDC issued a statement that the virus can effect radio transmissions?   ::)
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KM1H

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #26 on: March 24, 2020, 07:57:10 AM »

My Viking II CDC model will be unaffected.
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K3UIM

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #27 on: March 25, 2020, 08:52:59 AM »

The CDC said that my HQ170 can be given a free preventative shot, but I'll have to take it to DC and the wife won't let me go there for fear of becoming contaminated myself.
I'm thinking I'll just have to continue masking it in a dark closet until the virus is extinct. Jeeze! I hate hearing it whimpering like it's been doing ever since the disease was reported. What is a mother to do??
"LOL" Charlie
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Charlie. K3UIM
Where you are: I was!
Where I am: You will be!
So be nice to us old fogies!!

K3UIM

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #28 on: March 29, 2020, 07:30:01 AM »

Judas Priest! At my age I'm making jokes about the virus?? Hi.
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Charlie. K3UIM
Where you are: I was!
Where I am: You will be!
So be nice to us old fogies!!

K1FBI

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Re: Restructure the ARS
« Reply #29 on: March 29, 2020, 07:38:59 PM »

Catch it Catch it
Wuhan Wuhan

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