[rightcoast]

Well, it's a little jarring for there to be license class changes proposed so soon. I was granted my Technician (no-code) license in 1999, before the license changes that came the next year. That change eliminated the Novice class license and reduced Morse Code requirements.

These newly proposed changes would eliminate my Technician license class and the Advanced class, reinstate a Novice (or similarly-named) class license, and increase HF privileges on all three license classes. A Morse Code requirement of only 5 wpm would be applicable only on the highest license class of Extra.

Personally, I'm for the license class changes for two reasons: one selfish, and one practical. The selfish reason is that since I have a no-code Tech license, I would be "grandfathered" into a General class license and instantly have HF privileges that I don't have, because I have been too lazy to learn Morse Code. The practical reason is that since I would suddenly enjoy HF privileges, I will definitely be playing around with HF bands, and I have no doubt that this would lead me to wanting an Extra class license. This would be the motivation I needed to learn Morse Code.

I firmly believe that the Morse Code requirement should always be in place at the highest license class level, and even at 5 wpm, it will be enough for people to be able to pass it easily, and play around with code as a curiosity, and maybe even learn to love it as many have.

I think that while this license changes could be perceived as hurting Morse Code in the short run, I actually think they will help curb Code's death in the long run, and certainly they will be a benefit to the long-term health of amateur radio as a hobby.

[Johnny Gage]

You echo the same sentiments as I have about this.

I too, have a 'no code' Tech license and am interested in the increase in the frequency privelegs the changes would bring.

[July 4th]

Cool! I haven't heard anything about the new license changes. I got my Tech Plus in 1992, renewed it a few years ago, and would be really interested if I got more HF privileges than just the tiny morse bands and once voice band on 10 meters.

[ScreamingFist]

ping.

[GeronL]

What do know about Micro-Broadcasting radio stations?? (I know its off-topic)

[GOPJ]

If FreeRepublic has a "Morse Code" type requirement, it would cut out most disrupters. .