Comment Re:Bad idea? (Score 1) 231
This is a great change!
Allowing easy entry to the HF bands where most of the "action" is will only help encourage the non-morse active enthusiasts to work on that code now that they can directly participate and experience the benefits that code provides on those long distance contacts. Popular digital modes will surely get a boost in users now too. Not to mention more flexability on who can run the ever popular GOTA stations!
As someone that has always struggled with code, not being a habitual user, this change gives the average ham (tech class-no code) a reason to stay active in the field now that they're not the crippled step child to a "real ham". Let's face it, in-person events are great at showing the wider population what ham radio is all about and for the no-code techs this is what amateur radio is (low power, distance limited communication) but these events are far and few between -- and chatting on the local repeaters gets old quick. Finally with this ruling the bulk of our community will be able to experience the joys of a long distance rag chew and other daily onair events -- and just might ramp up the excitement enough to work on the next license class or *gulp* learn code!
This one ruling IMHO just saved amateur radio from extinction.
Allowing easy entry to the HF bands where most of the "action" is will only help encourage the non-morse active enthusiasts to work on that code now that they can directly participate and experience the benefits that code provides on those long distance contacts. Popular digital modes will surely get a boost in users now too. Not to mention more flexability on who can run the ever popular GOTA stations!
As someone that has always struggled with code, not being a habitual user, this change gives the average ham (tech class-no code) a reason to stay active in the field now that they're not the crippled step child to a "real ham". Let's face it, in-person events are great at showing the wider population what ham radio is all about and for the no-code techs this is what amateur radio is (low power, distance limited communication) but these events are far and few between -- and chatting on the local repeaters gets old quick. Finally with this ruling the bulk of our community will be able to experience the joys of a long distance rag chew and other daily onair events -- and just might ramp up the excitement enough to work on the next license class or *gulp* learn code!
This one ruling IMHO just saved amateur radio from extinction.
