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Rework Eliminator(TM) Brand K2 Un-Module Header Accessory Kit

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Gary Hvizdak

Rework Eliminator(TM) Brand K2 Un-Module Header Accessory Kit

We are now accepting orders for our PCB based K2 un-module header kit.
We have priced it as low as possible, with the intention that every K2
owner can find sufficient justification for having a set.

Being that it is a kit, the K2 is the kind of radio that you just
naturally want to get your hands into. We wonder how many K2 owners who
would like, or perhaps even need to be digging into their rigs, aren't
doing so simply because of the time required to do it right.

We realize that our kit isn't for everyone, and that most un-module
headers can be replaced with the appropriate gauge jumper wire or a single
cap. However, this solution assumes that every K2 owner has the necessary
parts on hand, knows where they need to be installed, and "actually"
installs them in the correct location. (Remember that some K2 owners
either bought theirs used, or from a builder-for-hire.)

Then there's the UN-J12/KNB2 header, which isn't so easy. Plus, even
using the KE1L approach of soldering the parts directly onto headers,
there's still no way to fabricate an Audio Filter un-module.

Once installed, an un-module header becomes a functional part of your
radio. Because of this, and given the inherently superior mechanical and
electrical reliability of PCB based construction, we recommend our kit to
every K2 owner. No matter how yours is configured, it is likely that this
is a worthwhile investment for you.

As with insurance, first-aid kits, umbrellas, spare tires, and jumper
cables, this may be a worthwhile accessory to have on hand just in case you
ever do need it.

To learn lots more, please visit our vastly expanded RoadRunner hosted
webpage at http://home.cfl.rr.com/garyhvizdak/KI4GGX/unpcbs.htm

73,
Gary, KI4GGX
Ken, WB2ART

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N8LP

Sad day for amateur radio

Saw this posted on TowerTalk... from the following link...

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/ddtoday.html

AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPLEMENT WRC-03
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATOR LICENSES IN THE
AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE. Revised the amateur service rules to elimnate the
telegraphy testing requirement. Seek comment on these proposed rule
changes. Rule changes proposed by some petitioners are unnecessary, or
being considered in the Phone Band Expansion NPRM. by Order. (Dkt No.
05-235). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/15/2005 by NPRM. (FCC
No. 05-143). WTB FCC-05-143A1.doc
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.doc>
FCC-05-143A1.pdf
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.pdf>
FCC-05-143A1.txt
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.txt>

73,
Larry N8LP

Gary Hvizdak wrote:

> We are now accepting orders for our PCB based K2 un-module header kit.
>We have priced it as low as possible, with the intention that every K2
>owner can find sufficient justification for having a set.
>
> Being that it is a kit, the K2 is the kind of radio that you just
>naturally want to get your hands into. We wonder how many K2 owners who
>would like, or perhaps even need to be digging into their rigs, aren't
>doing so simply because of the time required to do it right.
>
> We realize that our kit isn't for everyone, and that most un-module
>headers can be replaced with the appropriate gauge jumper wire or a single
>cap. However, this solution assumes that every K2 owner has the necessary
>parts on hand, knows where they need to be installed, and "actually"
>installs them in the correct location. (Remember that some K2 owners
>either bought theirs used, or from a builder-for-hire.)
>
> Then there's the UN-J12/KNB2 header, which isn't so easy. Plus, even
>using the KE1L approach of soldering the parts directly onto headers,
>there's still no way to fabricate an Audio Filter un-module.
>
> Once installed, an un-module header becomes a functional part of your
>radio. Because of this, and given the inherently superior mechanical and
>electrical reliability of PCB based construction, we recommend our kit to
>every K2 owner. No matter how yours is configured, it is likely that this
>is a worthwhile investment for you.
>
> As with insurance, first-aid kits, umbrellas, spare tires, and jumper
>cables, this may be a worthwhile accessory to have on hand just in case you
>ever do need it.
>
> To learn lots more, please visit our vastly expanded RoadRunner hosted
>webpage at http://home.cfl.rr.com/garyhvizdak/KI4GGX/unpcbs.htm
>
>73,
>Gary, KI4GGX
>Ken, WB2ART
>
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>
>
>
>

Ron D'Eau Claire-2

RE: Sad day for amateur radio

Larry, N8LP wrote

Sad day for amateur radio

----------------------------------------------

Not at all, Larry!

The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own
agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one
of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they
need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed
Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse
code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes?

Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to
operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio
stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was
located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to
prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone
who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC,
qualified to work on it today.

This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio.

The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted
their own standards of competence through their professional organizations.
We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations.

But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny.
We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance
our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes.

The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW
operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how
important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them
in our stations.

We don't need a government agency to which is important to us.

Ron AC7AC

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N8LP

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

I guess I should have read it more completely. Yes, I guess it's just
another case of deregulation, and I suppose we don't need the government
telling us to like cw ;-)

BTW, I too have that pretty blue piece of wallpaper on my wall, although
I did need it way back when ;-)

73,
Larry N8LP

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

>Larry, N8LP wrote
>
>Sad day for amateur radio
>
>----------------------------------------------
>
>Not at all, Larry!
>
>The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own
>agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one
>of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they
>need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed
>Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse
>code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes?
>
>Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to
>operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio
>stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was
>located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to
>prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone
>who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC,
>qualified to work on it today.
>
>This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio.
>
>The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted
>their own standards of competence through their professional organizations.
>We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations.
>
>But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny.
>We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance
>our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes.
>
>The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW
>operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how
>important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them
>in our stations.
>
>We don't need a government agency to which is important to us.
>
>Ron AC7AC
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
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>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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>
>
>
>

k6dgw

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Ron D'Eau Claire-2

You're right on, Ron. I left most of my hearing in SE Asia 40 years
ago, and CW is my choice, particularly for contesting. I worked my way
through college in the late 50's/early 60's in FM and TV broadcast with
a 1st phone. I still hold the "wallpaper" you mentioned. I worked my
senior year in HS in a coastal marine station on CW with a 2nd telegraph
which I let lapse. Times change, technology moves ahead. I'd rather
have a thriving and growing hobby, with lots of young folks entering,
than demand that everyone learn my favorite mode. Nearly all of those
young folks can hear very well, and SSB works for them.

Well said, and I'll probably file some comments.

73,

Fred K6DGW
Auburn CA CM98lw

PS: My KSB2 has some PTT problem I haven't had time to diagnose yet. I
may be back with questions.

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Larry, N8LP wrote
>
> Sad day for amateur radio
>
> ----------------------------------------------
>
> Not at all, Larry!
>
> The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own
> agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one
> of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they
> need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed
> Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse
> code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes?
>
> Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to
> operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio
> stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was
> located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to
> prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone
> who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC,
> qualified to work on it today.
>
> This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio.
>
> The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted
> their own standards of competence through their professional organizations.
> We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations.
>
> But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny.
> We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance
> our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes.
>
> The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW
> operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how
> important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them
> in our stations.
>
> We don't need a government agency to which is important to us.
>
> Ron AC7AC

Craig Rairdin

RE: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by N8LP

I read the entire NPRM. They make their case well, but they ignore some
logical extensions of their arguments.

If the telegraphy requirement is defined simply as demonstrating basic
ability in one mode of communication and is therefore unnecessary becase
skill in other modes is not required, then certain questions need to be
removed from the testing pool.

For example:

"What is the standard video level, in percent PEV, for white in an amateur
fast-scan television transmission?"

"Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of FMTV as compared to
vestigial sideband AM television?"

"What is the approximate bandwidth of a slow-scan TV signal?"

These questions go on and on. Since I have no interest in video modes, why
should I have to demonstrate that I know anything about them? After all,
those who have no interest in CW weaseled out of the code test!

"Which of the following digital protocols does APRS use?"

Di-di-dah-dah-di-dit? I don't know. Who cares? Take it out.

"What do the letters FEC mean as they relate to AMTOR operation?"

Another mode I don't care about. Take it out.

What this shows is that there's nothing special about the code requirement.
5 WPM is no more difficult to learn that it is for me to memorize a bunch of
nonsense about satellites, digital LMNOP-mode, and whatever.

It's duplicitous to claim that CW is being treated "special". It's not. The
difference between CW and these other modes is that it requires some skill
to use. It may be the only mode that's skill-based. Other modes can be asked
about in a written test. That's tough to do with CW. So the Commission
specifies a very simple test. Just like I can't be expected to have a clue
how to conduct SSTV transmissions just because I know the bandwidth of the
signal, I can't be expected to carry on a QSO in CW (or build a CW receiver)
just because I passed a 5 WPM test.

So either they need to remove all mode-specific questions from the test or
they need to treat CW like any other mode and require a rudimentary (i.e. 5
WPM) knowledge of the mode.

OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat
disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know
code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest
code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably
some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me,
either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of
the three license classes to "Technician", "Good Test Taker", and "Memorized
the Answer Key" to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was
a code requirement. :-)

And THAT makes me an Old Fart!

Craig
NZ0R
K1 #1966
K2 #4941

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Larry Phipps
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 6:16 PM
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio

Saw this posted on TowerTalk... from the following link...

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/ddtoday.html

AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPLEMENT WRC-03
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATOR LICENSES IN THE
AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE. Revised the amateur service rules to elimnate the
telegraphy testing requirement. Seek comment on these proposed rule
changes. Rule changes proposed by some petitioners are unnecessary, or
being considered in the Phone Band Expansion NPRM. by Order. (Dkt No.
05-235). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/15/2005 by NPRM. (FCC
No. 05-143). WTB FCC-05-143A1.doc
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.doc>
FCC-05-143A1.pdf
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.pdf>
FCC-05-143A1.txt
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.txt>

73,
Larry N8LP

Gary Hvizdak wrote:

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Ian Stirling, G4ICV, AB2GR

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

On Thursday 21 July 2005 01:33, Craig Rairdin wrote:

> OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat
> disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know
> code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest
> code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably
> some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me,
> either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of
> the three license classes to "Technician", "Good Test Taker", and "Memorized
> the Answer Key" to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was
> a code requirement. :-)

Hey Craig,

Look me up, AB2GR .. a beige Extra. :)

Ian, K2 #4962
--

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Thom LaCosta

RE: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Craig Rairdin

On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Craig Rairdin wrote:

>
> OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat
> disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know
> code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest
> code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably
> some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me,
> either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of
> the three license classes to "Technician", "Good Test Taker", and "Memorized
> the Answer Key" to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was
> a code requirement. :-)

And don't forget, "Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical
Sailboaters".

Thom

www.baltimorehon.com/ Home of the Baltimore Lexicon
www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month
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Paul Gates

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

One other thing Thom.... When I got my Extra in 2002 @ 72 years old, there
were Extra's who were unhappy about 5WPM.... So I said, "OK guys I passed a
13 WPM test for your information. And, let's get down to brass tacks.... I
will take a 20wpm test and you guys take the theory exam for Extra." They
did not go for it because they indicated that the exam would be too
difficult. These are the same guys that were preaching we should make the
Extra Class exam tougher!!

Incidently I was at the Historical Electronic Museum in Linthicum tonight
with the camera from the space craft 40 years ago. I belong to the Ham club
at the museum. You should visit us sometime on 2nd Thurs. at 6PM.
Paul Gates
K1 #0231
KX1 #1186
XG1
[hidden email]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Thom R LaCosta" <[hidden email]>
To: "Craig Rairdin" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 9:57 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio

> On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Craig Rairdin wrote:
>
> >
> > OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm
> > somewhat
> > disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't
> > know
> > code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the
> > fastest
> > code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are
> > probably
> > some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me,
> > either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names
> > of
> > the three license classes to "Technician", "Good Test Taker", and
> > "Memorized
> > the Answer Key" to differentiate from those of us who passed when there
> > was
> > a code requirement. :-)
>
> And don't forget, "Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio
> Technical
> Sailboaters".
>
> Thom
>
> www.baltimorehon.com/ Home of the Baltimore Lexicon
> www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month
> _______________________________________________
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>
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> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

Thomas Beltran

RE: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Thom LaCosta

> so there are probably
> some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me,
> either.)

I took my extra in 1978, in Fargo, ND, if I can recall correctly, the code
speed was actually 21 wpm. However, I may be one of the weird ones, but I
don't look down on any hams, whether they took a code test or not. I just
don't think it was difficult to mean anything at all - maybe if it had been
at 60 or 70 wpm. In other words, just because I sat down and successfully
wrote out a string of characters at 21 wpm just doesn't make me any better
than anyone else. Personally, I'd like to see the code included, if nothing
more than to honor tradition. But I won't hold something against a
newcomer, just because he or she did not have the opportunity to take a code
test.

Also, everything is relative - I also took and passed California's three-day
bar exam on the first try. So adding code, more and tougher questions, or
whatever - it would still be a walk-in-the-park by comparison to other
tests. If you really want something worth bragging about (and I think some
people do), I think the test should be at least three days, where one is
required to draw up plans and build a transceiver. Tom W6EIJ

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Thom LaCosta

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Paul Gates

On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Paul Gates wrote:

> One other thing Thom.... When I got my Extra in 2002 @ 72 years old, there
> were Extra's who were unhappy about 5WPM.... So I said, "OK guys I passed a
> 13 WPM test for your information. And, let's get down to brass tacks.... I
> will take a 20wpm test and you guys take the theory exam for Extra." They
> did not go for it because they indicated that the exam would be too
> difficult. These are the same guys that were preaching we should make the
> Extra Class exam tougher!!

Yes, I have seen that kind of argument....but that's like arguing about whether
the booze is 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 proof....it's still booze. I think many of
the people who are bemoaning the lack of a CW requirement are doing it because
to them, it represents a dimunation of the skills required to join the ranks of
amateur radio.

>From my vantage point, lowering entrance requirements is very much like the
recent moves in education....Montgomery County, Maryland recently decreed that
no student will receive a grade of less than 50 out of a 100 in any course.
When I taught in a program for students who had never been sucessful in
traditional school systems, my contract was not renewed because I insisted that
students be able to perform basic math(addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
without the aid of a calculator. I'm proud that not only did all of the
students master the basic entry skills, but several of them thanked me for
insisting that they meet the challenge and jump the hoops.

I, like many others struggled to master the code....I recall migrane headaches,
a sense of dispair and total frustration....but, because I wanted to become a
ham, I accepted the fact that I had to jump the hoops.

Sorry to be so long winded...I'm not really too happy realizing that as a
society we think that milk shakes are nothing more than soft icecream served in a big
wax cup.

Thom

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KK7P

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Craig Rairdin

> At the same time, the fastest
> code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably
> some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me,
> either.

This 20 WPM Extra Class licensee will welcome the No Code Extras and do
my best to help them discover and enjoy Amateur radio.

73,

Lyle KK7P

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Stephen W. Kercel

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by N8LP

Back in the day, when I had the blue paper (FCC First Phone) and the white
paper (FCC Second CW) and the blue and white paper (Amateur Extra acquired
before the days of incentive licensing) I considered that any compromise on
the code requirement would lead directly to the demise of Western
Civilization. (Side note: In those days, passing the 20 WPM code test was
no big deal. You had to be a General for two years before you could even
apply for an Extra. Any active CW operator who starts at 13 WPM will be
well over 20 WPM after two years. The big bugaboo on the Extra was the
written exam. I had the First Phone and Second CW for several years before
I took a crack at Extra.) By the early 80s when the no-code topic first
came up in a serious way (and CBers were getting ham licenses in droves), I
was very energetic in the effort to nip the no-code thing in the bud.

However, I now see that, after quite a few years of no-code licensing on
VHF, we're not really closer to perdition than we were back then. As an
exclusively CW operator, I find that CW is still thriving. Also, I do find
no-code VHF licensees who want to learn the code, and 5 WPM Extras who want
to get good at CW. Dropping the code requirement does not prevent the
members of either group from doing so.

I do sympathize with Thom LaCosta's point. Isn't the gradual relaxation of
the Morse requirement part of an overall relaxation in standards that seems
to be bedeviling all levels of contemporary society? Certainly, I used to
think so. However, I once ran across a translation of a 4000 year old
Egyptian hieroglyphic text that essentially said, "I don't know how we're
going to make it. The youth of the land don't have to achieve what we did,
and they have no sense of responsibility." This seems to be literally an
ages-old concern.

I expect that the real situation is that each generation needs to be good
at different things. When we see the rising generation not placing value on
skills we value, we forget that they are also mastering other skills which
are indispensable to them, but on which we do not place high value.

There is one other thing that should not be forgotten. Passing a code test
is not an assurance of either moral or intellectual virtue. It is not even
an assurance that the passee will be a good CW operator. There seems to be
a little enclave between 7035 and 7050 kHz where the quality of the sending
is absolutely abysmal. Nevertheless, every one of those operators passed a
code test, and probably well above 5 WPM.

Should the new generation of hams, especially the new Extras, by expected
to pay the dues to get the privilege? Absolutely! Must they pay them in the
same coin that we did? This seems unnecessarily arbitrary.

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK

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EricJ-2

RE: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Craig Rairdin

And those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a
grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy
can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys!

Eric
KE6US

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Craig Rairdin
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 6:33 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio

OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat
disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know
code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest
code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably
some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me,
either.)
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EricJ-2

RE: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Thom LaCosta

Aren't those F.A.R.T.S. just called "Sailmail customers" for FCC purposes?

Eric
KE6US

-----Original Message-----

And don't forget, "Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical
Sailboaters".

Thom

www.baltimorehon.com/ Home of the Baltimore Lexicon
www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month
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Bob Nielsen

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by EricJ-2

On Wed, Jul 20, 2005 at 10:29:32PM -0700, EricJ wrote:
> And those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a
> grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy
> can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys!
>
> Eric
> KE6US

Bah, humbug!

Many other countries ceased code testing right after the ITU dropped the
requirement and I don't recall seeing much of a reaction. As an OF of
66 years (licensed for 52 of them), I don't look at this as the end of
the world at all (nor do I fear the "regulation by bandwidth"
proposal).

CW isn't going away. At least it will no longer be looked at as a
hindrance to potential hams.

73, Bob, N7XY (20wpm Extra)

--
Bob Nielsen, N7XY
Bainbridge Island, WA

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N2EY

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by N8LP

In a message dated 7/21/05 1:30:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[hidden email] writes:

> those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a
> grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy
> can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys!
>
>

Not true!

In the summer of 1968, at the age of 14, I passed the General and Advanced
written tests as well as 13 wpm receiving and sending.

In the summer of 1970, at the age of 16, I passed the Extra written test as
well as 20 wpm receiving and sending. I took the test at the first session
after the 2 year
waiting period for Extra had elapsed.

Both tests were at the FCC office at 2nd and Chestnut in Philadelphia, in
front of FCC examiner Joe Welch (locally known as Joe Squelch for his
no-nonsense demeanor). Sending tests were done with a straight key,
receiving with a legal pad and #2 pencil. For the 20 wpm code I was the
only person taking the test.

The fact that some hams didn't have to meet the requirements I did is
not their "fault". FCC makes the rules - blame FCC if there's a problem,
not those who met the new requirements rather than the old ones. I
don't like many of the rules changes of the past 20-25 years, but it's the
FCC that made them, not the newer hams.

btw, from those days to the present, I have always been able to pass
the current license exams. I take an online practice exam every few months
just to stay in shape, as it were. Nothing to it.

--

8 years ago I paid a lot of money for a 200 MHz 32 mb P1 Dell PC. Today you
can get a lot more computer from the same outfit for a lot less money. Should I
be mad at those who didn't pay what I did in 1997?

73 de Jim, N2EY
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Jason Hissong-2

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Stephen W. Kercel

For the first time, I elmered a ham recently who is pretty darned
excited about learning morse code. He realized how much fun it was at
our field day site. While he was trying to make SSB contacts, we were
making CW contacts left and right...

I am now trying to talk him into a K2 :)

72/73
Jason Hissong (who did pass 20wpm... but dang... still trying to use it
in casual ragchewing :-)

--

"A long journey starts with the first step and an understanding spouse."
http://www.undermidnight.com - astronomy and astrophotography
http://www.n8xe.com - ham radio
http://www.jasonhissong.com - electronic music composition

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Paul Gates

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

I guess I am like k3ese! I like to sit back and work CW in the evenings. To
me it is very relaxing. Early Wed. morning... 3AM... could not sleep so I
worked KZ8G who just happened to be in the town in Michigan where my 2 older
children went to highschool.. Had a nice chat. I was at the American History
Museum yesterday in Wash. DC and did manage to work on CW a guy in Kansas
City, MO. I was surprised because the bands have been so lousy during the
day.
Paul Gates
K1 #0231
KX1 #1186
XG1
[hidden email]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jason Hissong" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 7:48 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio

> For the first time, I elmered a ham recently who is pretty darned
> excited about learning morse code. He realized how much fun it was at
> our field day site. While he was trying to make SSB contacts, we were
> making CW contacts left and right...
>
> I am now trying to talk him into a K2 :)
>
> 72/73
> Jason Hissong (who did pass 20wpm... but dang... still trying to use it
> in casual ragchewing :-)
>
> --
>
> "A long journey starts with the first step and an understanding spouse."
> http://www.undermidnight.com - astronomy and astrophotography
> http://www.n8xe.com - ham radio
> http://www.jasonhissong.com - electronic music composition
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

Buddy Brannan

Re: Sad day for amateur radio

In reply to this post by Jason Hissong-2

Jeez. I can't believe I'm commenting on this (or maybe I can?) But
before Eric comes in and closes down this thread as OT, here goes.

First, I think I'd've been happier if the 5 WPM requirement was still
in place for Extra, at least. I won't lose any sleep over the fact
that it probably won't be in several months' time, however.

See, maybe I'm mellowing, or maybe I've actually learned something
useful in my mere 32 years on the big blue marble, but I don't, as I
did at one time in my life, think that ham radio's gonna go to hell
in a handbasket (what's a handbasket, anyway?)

I remember when the first code-free licenses came down. Actually, I
remember the heated debates leading up to it happening...of course,
not the first ones, because I haven't been around that long, but the
ones around 1989-90. I remember being vehemently opposed to the idea.
Never mind that I was a happy product of Novice Enhancement; if I
wasn't, I'd've got a ham license anyway--because it was important to
me to get one, and I'd've done the required work to do it regardless.
I remember studying a bunch of stuff and resolving that I'd get that
license, even if I did have to learn morse, which I'd naturally never
use but would learn because I had to. I remember being very
disappointed when I learned that not only was a code-free license
going to be available, but that they'd get full VHF and up
privileges, never mind that what they got really had absolutely no
bearing on my life or operating.

Then, Valentine's Day came and went; I met new local hams; many were
excellent operators; many didn't pass a code test. I met some other
guys (then and before) who passed all the same tests I did and acted
like children. Well, actually, they were worse. Anyone know the
Southern White Racists and Biggots Net on 3853? :) And most
importantly, the world didn't come crashing down round my ears.
Course, a lot of supposedly great ops who passed that all-important
test spewed venom all over creation about how ham radio was now going
to be wall-to-wall CB, but it's a funny thing...it never really
happened, at least not where I lived or visited, no worse, anyway,
than it had been before.

Since that first great big change, I've taken the other changes a lot
more easily. Maybe I grew up, or maybe I just decided that it really
didn't matter and it was all down to us regardless of the rule.s
Maybe I decided to live and let live. Would I rather that things
didn't change so much and that the license structure and testing was
more similar to how it was when I got my test? I s'pose; I used to
tell people that if I was giving tests that I'd still give a sending
test, even though I myself never had to take one. But today, I think
maybe all this has more to do with the human condition of not liking
change than anything else, really. Could I have passed the Extra from
1970? Sure, but it would definitely have taken a lot more work on my
part to do it. Same with Advanced. I'm sure to some, I'd be an Extra
Light because my test was multiple guess, from a published question
pool, and no way in Hades I could do a bunch of the technical stuff
without a lot of hand-holding to learn it. Could I have passed a 1930-
something Class A test? Not in this lifetime, I'm pretty sure; again,
not without a lot of help, anyway. But that's the best part of this
hobby: the help's there for the asking. And if that goes away because
we're all crying about how these new guys don't have to do what we
did, well then, ham radio really will be dead. Then, we really will
be those old duffers who just sit in our basements talking to the
aliens.

So what's my point? I probably had one when I started, but it's
gotten lost somewhere.

Vy 73,
Buddy, KB5ELV (a proud know-code Extra who thought the written tests
were harder)

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