It's A Service:

[WB6FTI]

There appears in various radio journals much discussion about "revitalizing" radio. Many have arrived at this point because they perceive a gap between what they see and what they expect in radio, and wish to close that gap. Since my expectations of radio are already embodied in the standards set forth by the Federal Communications Commission, my starting point would be "What are the expectations of the FCC with regard to amateur radio?" Surprisingly, it seems the FCC put a great deal of thought into the wording of the regulations that permit our craft. To properly comprehend this, let's examine two key portions of Part 97 (Amateur Radio Service) as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 (FCC Regulations).

From Section 97.1:
"The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur’s proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
© Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur’s unique ability to enhance international goodwill."

From Section 97.3:
"Amateur service. A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest."

The FCC, then, has established - by specific mention of these principles and definition - regulations that are designed to provide an amateur (read "noncommercial/without personal gain") radio (read "wireless") service (read "helping others".) Thus, it sought to establish and maintain a cadre of noncommercial, wireless communications volunteers that helps others. This service angle cannot be overemphasized. It is not a self-service, but rather a service to others with a fundamental purpose best expressed in the preceding definition and principles, and developed as follows.

The first of these is to recognize and enhance the value of amateur activities as a public communication service that is voluntary, noncommercial, and has special emphasis on emergency communications. This principle expresses the primary purpose for such a service, since those who are caught in emergencies have the greatest need for immediate and accurate communication.

The second principle encourages the continuation and extension of the amateur’s proven ability to contribute to the advancement of "the radio art". This kind of encouragement would not be mentioned had not the amateur service already established a proven "track record" of advancements at the leading edge of wireless technology.

Third is to encourage and improve the amateur service through rules and requirements that drive increasingly advanced skills in two areas - communication and technical expertise. Without minimizing technical aspects and the ability to communicate by several methods, this can also emphasize the quality of that communication - its richness in information, its brevity and cool-headedness under stress, its maturity and magnanimity - commensurate with the license level. The Commission wants amateurs to advance their communication and technical expertise, where they can, so that they may better serve the public.

The fourth principle embodies recruitment and development - plain and simple - of radio-minded individuals that will not only replace our aging ranks, but also expand them. By training operators, technicians, and electronics experts in these arts and methods, the Commission perpetuates and strengthens a core of experts who can best serve the public and each other through practical application of the radio arts.

Finally, the fifth principle seeks to continue and extend the amateur’s unique ability to enhance international goodwill. Since the beginning of radio, and without regard for foment and turmoil among nations, amateur radio enthusiasts continue to enjoy rich exchanges of expertise, experience, culture, and education as they reach out to the world around them. Every major change in human experience has been enhanced by communication, and the world shrinks to surprising familiarity or expands to distancing ambivalence on our ability to communicate with others. From the fabled spice routes to Roman roads and superhighways; from ancient Phoenician shipping to the Erie Canal and the Pony Express; from crude spark gap transmitters to satellite television and the Internet, routes of communication have expanded our minds - and our means to understand and relate to others. To the extent we further and enhance radio communications, we may further and enhance goodwill around the world. Where people communicate, they cannot long remain strangers.

It seems clear from a careful reading and detailed interpretation of these principles that the Commission has always sought to establish a higher standard than that which we casually expect of the typical radio amateur, and certainly much higher than demonstrated on-the-air - brazenly complete with callsigns - by some operators. #I propose a simple way to get our operators to conform to and support just such a higher standard: require operators to document annual participation of actual or training hours in emergency operation, public service, or disaster preparedness and recovery. In other words, amateur radio must put service to others first. As the FCC reveals above, it's the way it expects to be "paid back" for the operating and spectrum privileges we currently enjoy.

Emphasizing our service orientation to each other and the public could accomplish several things:
- the likelihood of actually helping somebody in an emergency would increase;
- amateur radio would establish a readiness posture in direct support of homeland security;
- such increased participation could not be hidden, and the public would gain a new awareness and appreciation of amateur radio's service aspect;
- since there is a positive correlation between certain activities and attitudes, amateur radio would benefit from attracting and retaining individuals with "I can help" rather than "I'm in it for me" attitudes;
- individuals with sloppy or repugnant operating practices are self-serving, and will either improve or drift out of amateur radio rather than tolerate such "do gooding."

Amateur radio is a popular, enjoyable, and fascinating hobby. It attracts certified experts, engineering wannabes, hobbyists, experimenters, and people who want to meet and communicate with others in an otherwise invisible and inaccessible medium. The FCC looks to continue the technical aspects of our art - the means- but subtly seeks to influence the end, also: helping others. We can tip the scale toward a beneficial and public-minded end, rather than a commercial and self-serving one. It's what we expect of government by the people and for the people.

What is he saying? I lost interest after the 3rd rambling paragraph ? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

So let me get this straight: I'm going to pay good money for radios so I can provide the "public" with some kind of "service". It would be selfserving if I dare to use the gears for my "own" enjoyment. I am sure that my neighbor would be glad to see me showing up at his house with belt full of HT's to save him when he's all flooded out.

Does it mean that I'm a selfish "no gooder" if I use my radios to rag chew for my "own enjoyment "? This sounds like Sunday mass when the preacher warned his flock for indulging the fruit of their labor. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

73 de KC6VLG

[K5MAR]

This is an EXCELLENT article!! #Well said! #Everybody should email this link to every ham they know, I am! #There's nothing rambling about it, it is perfectly clear to anyone with a working command of "English". And no, it doesn't say we shouldn't enjoy our equipment & "chew the rag" with other hams, didn't you read the part about "good will"? #What it says is we have an obligation under Part 97 to do more than "rag-chewing", we are supposed to help others by providing communications in an emergency, when needed. #If you show up at your neighbor's house with an HT and used it to summon help to rescue his family when he's "all flooded out", I imagine he'd be d**ned glad to see you

Mark Schneider
K5MAR
Stillwater, OK ARC
Asst. EC, Payne Cty, OK ARES

[Gene475]

I read the post several times and didn't see anything negative about ragchewing. The only difficult thing about community service is the fact that cell phones (expecially Nextel) and FRS radios provide people with other options to ham radio. This just means we need to look a little harder for ways to help and be visible.

It also is important to realize that what we say on the air is being heard by a lot of people. Just simply being polite enough to move to another frequency or include another in the conversation would go a long way. That kind of behavior is what I see in the elementary and jr. high classes I teach.

It also doesn't hurt to continue to upgrade your knowledge and skills. It's not a crime to just settle for 2M and repeaters, but it also doesn't hurt to broaden your horizons. It also doesn't look good to the FCC to give out privileges only for them to be abused or go unused.

If you think someone sounds clueless about operating practice, tell him (nicely) and help him to improve. Berating him over the air sounds just as bad and will either discourage him or start an argument.

That's my 2 cents.

Gene
KG4ENL

[kc0ebm]

kd7pqa.....You are my hero. #Where have you been? # Just when I was getting ready to give up, you come along and breath life back into my nostrils. #What an inspiration!!! #Your honorable prose should be read by every licensed ham, and every prospective ham. #Requiring all of us to log a minimum requirement of service as a condition of licensure is the best idea I have ever heard. #What better way could there be to give direction and purpose to so many aimless and self serving hams. #Your suggestion would put the focus right where it belongs: SERVICE!! #Creatively amplifying an emphasis on service would directly and indirectly correct most of what is wrong in amateur radio today. #No! #There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with ragchewing and enjoying the hobby aspects of the service. #I am a world class ragchewer, but my sense of good will, my respect for the rules, and my conduct on the radio could be nothing but enhanced by meeting a minimum requirement of public service to maintain my privileges. #

I intend to ask permission to read your post on the Popcorn Net on 3932.5 tomorrow night. #I also intend to read it at the next club meeting. #I may even read it on the local repeater. #I hope others are as inspired as I am after they hear it. #At any rate, I intend to put your idea into action voluntarily. #I don't intend to wait until this becomes an official requirement. #But I don't think you should stop here. #I think you should submit this for publication in QST.

Congratulations on your post, and many thanks for saying so eloquently what I have yearned to say for so long but couldn't put into words. #

73

Tom Friess KCØEBM

[GJ7JHF]

Hi everyone.

This is all quite amusing from a GB perspective.
From this viewpoint, the Amateur Service is
solely defined as per the ITU definition (copied
in your 97.3) :
"for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication
and technical investigations" - i.e. totally
private to the individual amateur and up to him/her
to progress within the HOBBY at his/her own speed,
with no other requirements or expectations.

Only you Americans seem to have this fixation with
Public Service! Not that I think that's a bad thing,
but I'm always wary of people trying to lay down the
law (as they see it) to other people.

It seems to me that your FCC acknowledges (part A)
the emergency communications provision by the
Amateur Service, but notice the word VOLUNTARY in
there. I believe it's VOLUNTARY for any given
amateur if they want to do this sort of thing,
rather than an integral part of the Service which
is itself voluntary (if you see the distinction I'm
trying to make).

I think part C of the above comments is the only
part that fully agrees with the ITU definition of
the Service, and that the other parts are simply
a thankful recognition of the value Amatuers provide,
being of benefit to humankind (B,E) or the country
(A,D).

At the end of the day, it's up to all American
Amateurs to decide *democratically* what they want
the Service to be, and 'make it so'. Good Luck!

Just my 'two cents' as you say, as seen from this
'side of the pond'.

73 to you all,
Andy GJ7JHF

[K6UEY]

BILL-KD7PQA / Very well said Bill,although there is a question that bothers me there is a commonly used phrase that says "don't take it serious it is only a Hobby " meaning Ham Radio of course,I notice you used the term Hobby a couple of times,maybe I'm just overlooking it but after reading Part 97 several times I am unable to find it described as only a Hobby.
I was introduced to Ham Radio in the late 40's and early 50's and it led to a very sucessful career in Aero-Space Engineering, providing some "State of the Art " projects and first time accomplishments such as working on the First Non-Military Satellite to ever be launched known to the Ham world as "OSCAR 1 " . Maybe because I had such and enjoyable career in Electronics it biased my view as a Technical Fraternity more than "just a hobby "
TNX Bill for the very well put explanation of Para: 97.1 and 97.3 I hope more take the time to read them.
73, # ORV

[w8ob]

Well some good points but if you look at all the FCC parts they all
describe the areas as a service. The CB, business radio service etc.
It just seems to me If it was intended to be total a public service
that it would not have been called the "amateur " radio service.
meaning as not done professionaly. So mostly its intended to be a
hobby that also provides emergency comms in times of disasters as
well as allowing people to build radio gear and use it on the air. The
concept of having to provide time in public service is not required and
never has been. part 97 clearly spells out what it is. Ive been in it
for 35 years now, and still consider it a hobby, and training aid.

[kc0isu]

Rag-chewing is self-serving, and fun. But it is not wrong. The original post never claimed that. If you never rag-chew, how will you know how to communicate during an emergency? After learning how to rag chew, I am glad to share with others as needed.

Shopping around for bigger and betters rigs is self-serving, and fun. But it is not wrong. The original post never claimed that. If you never shop for better rigs, how can you be prepared for the next disaster? But since I have done that, I am armed and ready to help out the community as needed.

In the original post, I hear a message that I try to carry through: this is all self-serving and fun, and so fun that you I will share with anyone I can (i.e. volunteer presentations and service). That is how I can help keep it grass-roots alive and useful to our community.

[kl7of]

"require operators to document annual participation of actual training hrs in emergency service, public service, or disaster preparadness." I really hate to see people talking like this..... Don't you have enough paperwork in your life??? Do you think we need more government to record and store all this documentation? Do you think that Hams in general are just a bunch of Rag chewers that will fall on their collective faces in case of an emergency? Do you think documentation will make us better prepared? You should go this way if it is what you think is right. You and others that agree with you should prepare and document etc...But how dare you suggest that we all should fall in line with you. Don't even suggest any more rules to make us all behave the way you think we should be......We are a nation of individuals ..........Steve KL7OF

[K5ZM]

I'm sure that KD7PQA/9-11 means well. But honestly... the first thing that came to my mind while attempting to read this was a vision of his minions of HT-laden, SOTB types jogging through the streets with orange safety vests and chanting "huh-huh-huh-huh.....!"

GJ7JHF and KL7OF are quite correct.

73,

Ian, K5ZM / ZF2ZM / J68ZM

[KD5KUF]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif7--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (GJ7JHF @ April 04 2002,04http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif7)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hi everyone.

This is all quite amusing from a GB perspective.
From this viewpoint, the Amateur Service is
solely defined as per the ITU definition (copied
in your 97.3) :
"for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication
and technical investigations" - i.e. totally
private to the individual amateur and up to him/her
to progress within the HOBBY at his/her own speed,
with no other requirements or expectations.

Only you Americans seem to have this fixation with
Public Service! Not that I think that's a bad thing,
but I'm always wary of people trying to lay down the
law (as they see it) to other people.

It seems to me that your FCC acknowledges (part A)
the emergency communications provision by the
Amateur Service, but notice the word VOLUNTARY in
there. I believe it's VOLUNTARY for any given
amateur if they want to do this sort of thing,
rather than an integral part of the Service which
is itself voluntary (if you see the distinction I'm
trying to make).

I think part C of the above comments is the only
part that fully agrees with the ITU definition of
the Service, and that the other parts are simply
a thankful recognition of the value Amatuers provide,
being of benefit to humankind (B,E) or the country
(A,D).

At the end of the day, it's up to all American
Amateurs to decide *democratically* what they want
the Service to be, and 'make it so'. Good Luck!

Just my 'two cents' as you say, as seen from this
'side of the pond'.

73 to you all,
Andy GJ7JHF[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
It takes someone outside the box to see it all clearly.

I have enjoyed amateur radio as a hobby since I got my ticket. And my public spirit of community service was fulfilled by joining my county's local Emergency Management group. I respond as a storm spotter or in any situation where I am called out or come across myself. I use my commercial radio (provided by the county) and my amateur radio to keep in touch with local teams including ours. Our EOC is run by a ham who actively monitors all pertinent commercial and ham frequencies.
We do this VOLUNTARILY. We don't need anyone volunteering us for more "required" paperwork than we already have to do with our situation reports, thank you.
I and many others already do our part without anyone loading us down with unvolunteered obligations that make it much simpler just to stay home and turn the radio off. Leave well enough alone! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
Let each ham decide for him or herself what they want the hobby/service to be for them. Encourage but do not try to mandate to suit your own agenda, and we will all be a little happier. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[aa6mh]

I've been involved with volunteer emergency services since well before I got my ham ticket. #In fact, I remember the exact moment I decided that I had to become a ham - when I saw how easily a ham I was working with was able to communicate essential information back to the Red Cross chapter, while I was being jammed out on CB.

I have no desire to see required paperwork become part of the hobby again. #That being said, however, we should collectively wake up and smell the winds of change.

Bluntly: If we want to keep the frequencies we have, to say nothing of acquiring access to more, we need to justify our existence in the public mind. #There is absolutely nothing better for doing that than effective, visible public service. #"Effective" means that we actually get out there and help someone with our radios. #"Visible" means that we get the word out to the public that we did it.

If your ham radio club, RACES or ACS group or other amateur radio organization doesn't have a Public Information Officer of some kind, you're missing an opportunity not only to help yourselves (it's amazing what kind of grants you can get from service clubs, corporations and such, for public service activity), but the hobby world-wide.

And if you're not willing to help out in making our hobby visible and beneficial in the public mind, then IMNTBHO you have absolutely no right to complain in any forum when our bands start shrinking or disappearing.

(Pardon me: Start? #Remember 220-221 MHz? #Remember 11m?)

[W5HTW]

The FCC applies the word "service" to all of its children. #The Marine Radio Service. #The Wireless Radio Service. #Broadcast Radio Service. #Citizen's Radio Service. #(yes, CB is a "Service.)

Ham radio, under that umbrella, is also a "Service." #And it is great that we, for the most part at least, are capable of providing a "REAL" service to John Q and Susie P when they need it. #Of course, so do the Marine, Citizen's, and Broadcast Services, and Cellular Service and 20 others. #Nothing wrong with that at all.

But just as most users of cell phones do not feel obligated to live up to the word "service" (though almost any of us will gladly make an emergency phone call if needed) neither do the majority of hams. #We enjoy our hobby, and a hobby it is, for it is an activity undertaken for pleasure, without pay or renumeration. #Like playing sandlot softball, or doing model railroading. #It is for enjoyment that most of us get into it.

Still, many of us have spent time doing public service with our radios, and that is laudable. #The vast majority have not; there aren't even that many emergencies to go around to feed 700,000 licensed hams. #

Nor do we need more paper work when the FCC is frantically trying to reduce us to an entity it can turn loose, as it did CB, with the absolute minimal licensing requirements, requirements for monitoring and regulation, and as near to zero as they can get with paperwork. #They don't want us! #We are a burden to them in workload, and they are almost certainly not going to approve anything at all that even resembles adding anything that reverses the trend. # #We are "this close" to a single class of license, to type accepted equipment, and to a 20-question licensing test that assures we won't get electrocuted putting up an antenna, or that, if we do, we will have at least signed a certification that we read the rules and did it anyway.

Enjoy the hobby. #Do service if you wish, and do a good job. #Enlist the aid of other hams as well, but not by force or regulation or rules. #But if you just wish to get on 20 meters and work a little DX, go for it. #That is your privilege.

73
Ed

[KB5OVP]

I read these QRZ articles almost daily. #Yours is probably one of the best written articles posted I have seen todate. #Thank you, for your well written and no nonsense article.
73's
KB5OVP

[na7us]

I am a big believer that all Hams should participate in Public Service of some sort and I am active in ARES BUT I do not nor will I ever agree to make it a mandatory requirement. It is an individual decision, nothing more and nothing less. Can you imagine requiring a 85 year old Ham to go out and work a parade? I know thats stretching it but I hope the point is made. It is interesting to note that almost all Hams that are directly affected by a disaster seem to, in some way, lend a hand. Isn't that Public Service?

As for the rest of the article, you have some great points and it was well thought out. Keep writing!

[kg4cpo]

Rick,
Way to go, I retired 3 years ago for the second time and now teach Electrical Engineering at a local Tech College. We have started a ham club, KG4MQA, with rigs I have loaned to the club. I teach ham radio classes once a week and have gotten about 25 new hams in addition to my two sons. Keep up the good work!
Bill Christiansen
KG4CPO

[KG4NLX]

Thumbs down.

RANT:
I for one have no intention of volunteering any of my time to public service with relationship to my amateur radio hobby (whether I do so in general is my own business). Yes, that's right...I could care less. If I come upon an accident scene and nobody's cell phone works, sure I'll fire up my 2m rig and call for help like any decent human being. But that's about it. That makes me a "bad" ham, who hurts the perception of the hobby? Riiiiiight....like you guys with your monstrous towers blocking the sun from your neighbor's lawns, causing RF on their phones and tvs, and your eyesore vehicles with 50 antennas are really helping the image.......
END RANT

I don't disagree with the principles of the original post, but I hope I'm not alone among hams who are sick of the constant debates (on air and off) of how the liscensing process or laws should be used as a means of social control to ensure that only the "right type of people" become liscensed hams.

What the original post talks about is simply good citizenship, which when one thinks about it, need not have anything to do with ham radio.

There are too many hams out there trying to dictate to other hams how the hobby is to be enjoyed. I've heard hams who say you shouldn't be allowed a General unless you have built your own radio. I hear hams complain about the morse requirement, either its to strict or should be raised to 1000wpm, and so on and so on.

What these hams seem to forget is that regardless of the level of their liscense, the number of years they've been operating, or the amount of money they've spent on their shacks, arrl membership or not, THEY HAVE NO MORE LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF THE SPECTRUM THAN ANY OTHER CITIZEN, LISCENSE OR NO LISCENSE. THEY HAVE NO MORE RIGHTS TO DICTATE HOW THE SPECTRUM IS USED THAN ANYONE ELSE. You are only a good citizen when you recognize that not everyone is going to agree with your point of view, BUT YOU COMPROMISE WITH THEM, rather then run to the legal system for more laws we don't need.

If you are a ham who want more hams to get involved in public service, then make posts about the benefits of it, and lead by example. If you are a ham who wants everyone to be able to CW at 30WPM, then encourage others and lead by example. Once you start legislating your own agenda, you piss off alot of hams and turn them off to the hobby. A lot of people just don't like hobbies with politics.

It is fine, and productive to have rules of how we are to behave on the air, just as we have rules of how to drive our cars safely. But just because we have laws against drinking and driving, does not mean we outlaw drinking. And while we may wish to have hams get involved with public service, I for one consider it unappropriate to legislate it, and kick people out of the hobby who would rather be good citizens in other ways outside of their radio, or even not at all.

And don't kid yourselves. Public service with your ham radio is great, and hams have saved lives. But just having a ham radio and volunteering for RACES doesn't put you on the level of a policeman, fireman, soldier, paramedic, etc.. You are still an amateur. So don't kid yourself that adding yet another liscensing requirement is going to save the world or save ham radio. Once again, lead by example....actions speak louder than words. If you believe in it, do it, and we all acknowledge and appreciate your efforts. But try to tell us what to do, and take our liscences away because we see the hobby differently than you, then forget it. I won't even bother to fight. There are plenty of interesting people and technologies to explore on the INTERNET.

[ke5wj]

First, let me say that I have helped out in a number of emergency situations, including floods and hurricanes. I did it because I wanted to help my community - no one forced me to. I also think most hams would do what they can in a similar situation. The use of ham radio in public service is laudable and should be encouraged.

However, there is absolutely no rationale for requiring such public service as a condition to obtaining or maintaining a ham ticket. The FCC rules show several purposes, as pointed out by the original poster. One of them is public service, but it is just 1 of several purposes. As far as I can tell, the rules make no distinction as to the relative importance of each purpose.

As far as I know there are few, if any, hams who can fulfill what is specified in ALL of the purposes. How many advancements to the radio art have you or I made recently? Are we all becoming more skilled as operators, technicians, and electronics experts? Do we all work enough DX (other than quick contacts) to have a real impact on international goodwill?

If we require certification for the public service purpose, why not for the others? Obviously it makes no sense to say that someone is not a good ham because (s)he only makes advancements to the radio art and enhances international goodwill, but doesn't do enough public service. Neither does it make any sense to say someone shouldn't be a ham because all they use their ticket for is public service communications on VHF and have never worked DX and contributed to international good will. I don't think it's rational to say hams that don't come up with innovations in communications or qualify as electronics experts don't deserve to be hams, either.

The fact of the matter is, ham radio is a multifaceted "service" that we indulge in because we WANT to. We pass the tests and agree to follow the rules (at least most do). We spend our spare time and resources on equipment and learning more of the "art" and science of radio and electronics. Placing a mandatory emphasis on any of the stated purposes for ham radio is neither logical or rational. There is also nothing in the internatinal agreements that requires such rules.

What is tossed out for discussion suggests, cutting to the quick, that aspiring hams should study and take tests, buy and maintain equipment, learn how to operate effectively in emergency and public service, BUT they cannot receive any compensation. They should spend their time and money for the express priviledge of serving the public. Then, if they have time and resources left over, they can enhance international goodwill, contribute to advancing the radio art, try to become expert operators, technicians and electronics experts, etc. I'm sorry but that doesn't sound reasonable.

No, I'm sorry, but I am in hearty disagreement with the stated proposal. I will still be happy to participate in public service and emergencies when needed and I feel that public service should be promoted within the amateur ranks (and it already is) and should be publicized to the general populous. The ARRL already has programs for recognizing such contributions, and they are not limited to members.

But don't try forcing the ideals of one group on the whole population of ham radio. That has no basis in law or customs and makes no sense when evaluated in its entirety.

[mackinac]

While the poster can be commended for making the effort to come up with a proposal for improving the image and character of amateur radio, I have some strong disagreements with his proposals and interpretation of the rules.

I read 97.1 as indicating that there are multiple benefits from amateur radio, yet the poster reduces it to a requirement for all hams to participate in certain "public service" activities. #Perhaps this requirement could, for example, #be fulfilled by taking an HT and providing communications through the club repeater for a community charity fund raising event, e.g., Race for the Cure, etc.

But getting that repeater set up and keeping it going can take more hours than that public charity event that used it. #Don't the hours spent planning and erecting antennas, converting and tuning radios, etc. count as much in fulfilling the basis and purpose? # And consider how many hams there would be to participate in a public service event without all the time spent by volunteer examiners giving the tests and instructors teaching classes.

Consider another example. #I got into ham radio, as many do, before entering high school. #During that time and beyond I got a lot of practical experience with electronics which has helped in my career. #I think that the many of us who have used ham radio to get a start in a technical career have met the expectation of 97.1(d), yet wouldn't get any credit for this public service requirement.

The one thing common to all ham activity is that we are making use of radio spectrum for uses that we, as individuals, find most useful. #The many types of activity that result from those choices produce many benefits, as recognized by the several paragraphs of section 97.1.

[kc6ufe]

Rag chewing actually falls under this category:
© Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication...

The nice thing about ham radio is, because of the way the fcc mandated it, it is all things to all people. Almost every activity can be fitted into one of the mandates because they are very generalized.
It is a hobby to those that want it to be a hobby, it is a service to those that want to help, it is good will to those that want to dx and say nice things to the rest of the world. It is a pool of readily trainable operators to those in the military that strategize about the next war.
It is a bunch of antennas to fiddle with when I get the next brainstorm.

[wr6s]

OK,interesting post. Interesting ideas. No one has touched on the main problem,as i see it,whith this
idea. There is no infrastructure to do it. Not the paperwork part,the volunteer part. How many of us active hams, have gone to a local goverment with a volunteer proposal. Ill bet there are a lot that have,and got a boot to the head,and another [ http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ] and were told that "thats a nice idea,but we dont have the money.
Ok, no problem. "i can start a program with all volunteers,we will buy our own equipment, our own orange vests,our own emergency supplies for deployment etc.. It then becomes, "well we cant start on it yet,maybe next year". Any of this sound familiar to anyone? It can be frustrating to know that when a disaster hits, those 2 radio frequencies for the city are gonna get busy real quick. But can you tell these people that and have them take you seriously?.SOMETIMES. Sometimes not. How far am i supposed to drive to a races meeting? How far am i supposed to drive to volunteer my "services"to a FORTUNATE city that had a ham RAMROD a program,and had a city counsel that understood our capabilities?

Where is the federal goverment,that wants our "services". Where are the programs? How hard and to what cost am i supposed to put myself thru? I dont think we are asking for much,just the basic INFRASTRUCTURE TO ALLOW US TO volunteer without driving 50 miles,buying our own food,gear,gas,time,etc..

GREAT idea,but the fed and local goverment havent recognised the value yet. Its all fun and games until their city gets hit and those 2 channels fill up http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif.

I have done my share and continue to do so. i teach,test,started a program for a city of 80,000[ took 3 YEARS,and i WORKED for the city and was part of the disaster management team geeez:)] and am currently a disaster volunteer. i do this cuz i enjoy it and it is not too much of a hardship on me, BUT what about those 300,000 other hams out there that arent afforded the youth,motivation,proximity,and volunteer time i am so lucky to have? If the infrastructure was there,we would have 10 times the volunteers we do now.JMHO,73,pat DM14 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

The FCC may have said that the amateur service was created with purpose somewhere in the mumbo jumbo about public service, and as I recall, it is also hidden deep within the dark cave of Part 95 (CB regulations) about that same thing. Maybe, just maybe, the CB community might one day learn this, too. We need to educate CBer's about this, too. It is worse on 27 MHz AM than any other radio service.
73.
Kenny Lewis, Jr.
KG4PTZ

[kc0mdc]

I, as a new license holder, can honestly say that one of the biggest reasons I got my license was the chance to volunteer my time. #We all have different passions about our hobbies, this one being no different. #There have been alot of good points made in the many responses. #I agree with many, and disagree with many more.

What better way to secure our freedom on the airwaves than showing some sort of record of usage. #Anytime we want to justify things in our lives we use quantative data to do so, in one way or another. #I'm not saying make it mandatory, but as people who are wanting to keep our frequencies and our rights, why wouldn't we want to do our part, VOLUNTARILY. #

As far as the rag chewing, I'm with previous comments...Nothing wrong with it, it's part of the hobby. #It's also the only way to get experience in operating, in case that emergency actually happens.

All in all I'd say good topic and article, public service is always going to be voluntary, it has to be, but why not do our part?

Good day,
kc0mdc

This question, that being is Amateur Radio a hobby or is it a service? was discussed thourougly in last month's edition of World Radio by more informed minds than myself.

It's a hobby. You can volunteer your time in public service if you want, there is no requirement to do so. Amateur Radio is organized quite well with many volunteer organizations including Ares and Skywarn. These generate very little publicity for the hobby, even here in Florida, where we have serious weather events frequently. The major media outlets have other fish to fry.

Sometimes these organizations attract people on some kind of power trip who actually manage to convince gullible people that there is some kind of requirement to participate, thus causing a negative effect instead of goodwill. The city, county, state, and federal government gets more than all the help they need, as they ask for non most of the time. If hams do help out, say for example in skywarn, these contributions become anonamous as they are not reported in the media, and hams gain no publicity from them. If we can't get publicity saving children from pirate attacks on the high seas, what are our chances for reporting a storm cell?

It's a hobby, do what you like, and enjoy it. Don't feel like you have to volunteer for anything, you got a ham license, you were not drafted into the service. If you want to volunteer, remember these words: "Doing a good job here is like having an accident in a dark suit, sure you feel warm all over, but nobody notices".

[kc0msq]

The RF spectrum is a limited resource, shared by the entire planet.
This requires that it be well regulated in order to facilitate it's use and reduce interference.
The FCC is the duly appointed athority the peform this task in the US.
The FCC has granted licensed amateur radio operators certain privileges to use part of that spectrum, as outlined in Part 97. It has also outlined what it's expectations are for Hams as a group. It could have spelled out hard requirements, but it did not.

If we, as a group, fail to meet those expectations, we should not be surprised to find those privileges curtailed or reduced in some way, or at the very least, not expanded. Now I'm not going to try to tell any individual what to do, nor would I support any call for additional national testing or documentation requirements. What I will do, however, is encourage every Ham to think about what the FCC expects of us as a group, as they interpret part 97, and then act accordingly. I would also suggest that every Ham re-evaluate this information and their role in the Ham community every few years.

If the majority of the individuals in the Ham community are of good character, then we as a group will have no problem meeting the FCC's expectations for us.

Paul.

[KD7KOY]

I can see both sides have good arguments. However, I don't think requiring hams to participate in public service is a good idea.
# As one post suggested, some simply cannot do it because of age, disablility etc.
Further, I believe we have enough paperwork in our lives at it is. I personally don't need anymore..
# #Being a "volunteer" comes from simply being concerned regardless if your a ham or not.
# The need for the "service" has to be realistically looked at also. The world has drastically changed.
# In the 30's, 40's, 50's 60's etc, HF was a widely used spectrum for our military etc. Now with satellite, microwave etc, I cannot see where a massive "reserve radio service" is needed, much less being "required" to participate.
# #I think in very localized situations it may have some value until the local government can set up it's own system. Which in most cases, is within hours anyway.
# Our gear is not compatable with with the communication systems today of the military or government systems.
As far as "Homeland Security" (Actually no one seems to know exactly what this guys job is. Why we did'nt give the money to the FBI and CIA to expand their efforts is another thread entirely.)
# #Even in the "national disaster scenario", it seems to me the idea of the service, was before the age of weapons of mass destruction, international delivery systems and terrorism (ie biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction.)
# #If the military or other government services, who are professionals and organized, could not keep lines of communications open in todays world, I doubt if the ham radio service, which for the most part is not organized, could. That would mean the military units are destroyed or disabled (including National Guard and Reserves) or command and control seriously disabled. I don't beleive a ham operator in that scenario is going to be able to set up a comm link.
# #And even if one could, depending on that scenario, how would one survive in an enviorment of a chemcial or biological agent, or renewed threat of another attack? This would apply to even a very localized attack in that scenario. Most of us are not trained or even equipped too..an operator who is a casulty can't send or receive.
# #I beleive if the "service" is going to be anyway viable as a "emergency" service, all of us are going to have to take a serious look at the capabilities of ourselves in a new world. We will have to either train accordingly or limit our expectations to what we can do.
# #As I said, both sides have good arguments, but the world has changed and what looks good on paper does'nt mean it will work in real life today.

[aa1mn]

Federal Communications Commission?

Part 97?

Title 47?

Regulations?

The best form of government is the least form of government!!! #'Nuff said. #Let's enjoy ourselves like the responsible people we are.

73s and the best to all,

Chuck
AA1MN

[NN6EE]

TO KC6VLG on page 1 of this thread!!!

YOU HAVE TOO DAMN MANY HTs anyway!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif


http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif es 73,

nn6ee

[WB6FTI]

What a tempest in a teapot! What a polarizing topic! There appears to be little ambivelance in the posts I've read, so far; people are either "hard over" one way or the other.

Thanks, KC0MSQ, for speaking up with your pertinent remarks. These drive to the heart of the matter. Lid operators have forgotten that ...
- their remarks are very public, and not private;
- their remarks contain their callsigns, which are easily researched;
- as KC0MSQ has pointed out, we all operate solely at the discretion and pleasure of an agency of the federal government.

Imagine this scenario: an investigative reporter records some of these conversations and publishes them in lurid detail on a TV news program; #the public stirs to outrage over "all those hams" and their disgusting remarks ("Didja hear that, honey? They all talk like this, RIGHT ON THE AIR!"); a Congressional investigation grills FCC & ARRL officials; amateur radio is changed irretrieveably for the worse.

The bottom line is - if hams don't clean up their own mess, our government agency will have no trouble doing so. With the stroke of a pen, it can gut amateur radio and render a great hobby ineffectual, even illegal. I hope we can avoid that.

I have NEVER proposed the discontinuation of "rag chews". In fact, I didn't propose discontinuing anything. As far as verifying one's public service, here's a simple way to do this: just get a local school, church, civic, emergency, or business leader to write a letter on your behalf to your VEC that says, "We would like to thank your name for their service during the event or activity on date(s)." There! - isn't that simple? Just do this once a year; the VEC puts a year (2003,2004, etc) next to your name on a list. When you renew, the FCC, if they choose, can write to the VEC and ask them to verify your service. The VEC looks up your name, sees 10 years listed, writes back: "Yup." The IRS is incapable of auditing every single tax return, so they audit a random sample. Even the VECs (who have access to a list of every ham in America) could do this. And what a resounding affirmation it would be for hams across America to unite and say to the FCC: "Don't take away our spectrum! We serve the public with it, and here's proof!"

Of course, those hams who chose not to participate, who chose not to be of any service, of any kind, during the year, even a measly "This is my grampa, and he has this neat radio..." show-and-tell at school ... Well, if virtue is its own reward, so is its opposite.

Don't think about ways or extremes in which it couldn't be done.
Think about how it could, and the difference it could make to the future of amateur radio. #73s -

Bill KD7PQA

[ad6lr]

The articles about revitalizing (ham) radio, that KD7PQA has been reading are a bunch of crap. Ham radio has been and is a growing hobby/service. The number of hams (and ham contributions to the science of radio) have been growing since ham radio started. Posts that indicate ham radio needs to be revitalized, just leads the general public to think that ham radio is on its way out; nothing could be more untrue. In addition, a good percentage (growing percentage) of hams devote themselves to public service efforts. No additional paper work, government regulation, or government involvement is required to improve the existing amateur radio hobby/service.
73 AD6LR

[ke5wj]

Bill,

Now what is the topic? Cleaning up the mess on the air is one thing. I know of no one who participates here that thinks that bad operating practices should be encouraged. We all (as far as I can tell) agree that whatever mess is on the air should be cleaned up.

Forcing volunteer hams to perform public service is quite a different topic. I see your change of topic as a ploy some people use when they have lost a debate. Change the subject and try to make your opponents seem bad, immoral, incompetent for disagreeing with something obviously valid.

Sorry, I don't buy any of your arguments. I still think that public service is great and there are already means in place to record one's public service efforts if they so desire. Forcing it accomplishes nothing, other than make extra effort for hams, VEC's, and the FCC.

Everyone who has the inclination to volunteer, should. Volunteering for public service should be encouraged. Those who feel the need to be recognized for their public service should have a way to be recognized (and there are ways already). I, personally, will do whatever I can to help out whenever I can. And no, I don't feel any great need to be personally recognized for any public service efforts. I already know I'm a decent (by no means great) person. I will do what I can because I want to.

But I will not support any effort to convince the FCC or ITU (there are international participants here) to incorporate public service activities as a requirement for maintaining a ham license.

And, yes, I agree the bands that need cleaning up should be cleaned up and that stronger enforcement of reasonable operating practices should be mandated. That is already covered in existing regulations. But that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic that you started here.

[KD7KOY]

KE5WJ..
Here..here!!!

In America, if we have a problem..Start a New Burearacracy!!!..Make more regulations!!...Let's enact a law!!!...Let's make life more complicated!!
Why don't we just use what we got? : P

[ka1eze]

Service is a good idea, but I feel that as citizens we should actually have radio spectrum access as a right.

We have CB for that, but that's only one band and doesn't qualify the operators as it should be to avoid chaos.

The full spectrum of airwaves isn't owned by anyone, but managed. I sure wish the amateur service were driven by rights rather than privilege. I'm no "freebander", you need to qualify people, but that's about it.

Why I mention all this isn't because I think service isn't good. It's just that as the need for service diminishes, I would hate to lose spectrum because it would be seen we have no purpose. I say the purpose should instead be a right, and therefore never be taken away.

Will service opportunity diminish? It may, as mention of frs, cellular and other technologies come along it may.

rick

[kc0msq]

Bill,
I'm glad you agreed with my comments, but I will never go along with any kind of requirment for Hams to perform public service. A forced virture is not virtuous at all.

AA1M,
I too, am an advocate of limited government, but it does have a proper role. Managing limited, public resources is one of those roles. I don't always agree with what the FCC does, but it is a necessary and proper function of government, in my view.

Rick,
Since the spectrum is a limited resource, it can never be a true "right" like the right to life or liberty. It is a privilege, just like driving a car, and just calling it a right will not change that. Even though privileges require some sort of payment, rights also come with responsibilities. Nothing is free, not even freedom itself.

Let's deal with reality, folks. Speaking eloquently and trying to convince people with the strength of your arguments is great fun and can be quite effective, but setting a good example is even better. Decide what you think Ham radio should be, and then set an example whenever you are on the air or otherwise representing the hobby.

Paul.

[ab8ig]

Radio amateurs were on the air for over thirty years before the FCC was instituted. The verbage used in the regulations was to protect our access to the spectrum which was coveted by commercial interests (sound familiar?). By virtue of our ability we have all contributed to public service even in such mundane situations as helping a lost motorist.
# BTW, our benevolent government does not grant any privelages. It only provides reasonable(?) regulations on our access to public resources.
# Jim

[aa1mn]

AB8IG,

Well put, Jim, well put. I couldn't agree more.

Least we forget, people, the government of these United States was instuted to work for us...hell, we pay it to by means of paying taxes. This includes the FCC.

Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what your country can do for you!

73s,

Chuck
AA1MN

[ka1eze]

kc0msq: I see it more like coastline. Where I live, there has to be rights of way and access, private owners can't gobble up and restrict it all, and I think it is done this way because if the right to the water access, not a privilege.

Part 97.1(a) addresses the "Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications." The amateur radio operator is in a class of service all by themselves. Just because we each passed our exams for our class of license, and the FCC has issued us a ticket to the world of short-wave radio, we are not required to perform any type of service in return. Part 97 does not say that we are required to perform a public service. It says that we are volunteers to whom we loan our talents and stations in a time of need or crises. It does not say that we are required to perform in that manner or we may suffer the loss of our station licenses.


But if you are one of those that consider themselves a volunteer and that someone, somewhere is going to call on your expetise to assist others in a time of need, your are dead wrong. Don't be buffaloed into thinking the American Red Cross, or the Salvation Army has a program in place that directly involves the amateur radio volunteer in relaying any kind of traffic outside of answering a telephone, because they do not. A new kind of amateur radio network is needed. It's sole purpose should be to move health and welfare traffic into and out of an area requiring communications until such a time as normal communications can be restored. I can not think of any higher priority message than that of helping a mother learn than her son or daughter is fine and well. Nothing should ever precede that service in amateur radio despite the politics of our times.

http://kc7run.worldswebhost.com

KC7RUN

[w6th]

To make it short: back as far as 1936 and the start of 1938 and for the rest of my life I claim Amateur Radio as never a hobby and is still a service to my country.

[kb5tuu]

While we're at lets make certain radios required! At a fixed price for both used and new. Say $100,000 per radio! Let's make it where we have to write a book everytime we turn on the radio. Make it where we have to get an ok from everbod anf the dog to be able to talk on any band!

I THINK NOT!

People need to be more open minded about our hobby!

[KE4MOB]

Just some quick points:

A) #I generally think a person who volunteers for a task does a better job than someone who is forced or is needing to fulfill an obligation.

B) #I generally think that emergency communications is (unfortunately) less about radio and more about organization, government relations, and P/R--and suprisingly, it's how most clubs justify their 501©3 status. #As a result, I think it gets a lot of lip service, but very little in actual attention.

C) #I suspect most hams are a lot like me--work 40 (or more) hours a week, with a wife and two kids. #If I'm lucky I get about an hour and a half of radio time per week. #Don't rob me of that hour and a half.

D) I suspect if your idea was implemented, the vast majority of amateurs would lose their license-- and immediately the FCC would shrink the bands down to accomodate the change. #It would be an act of suicide.

Just my thoughts,
Steve, KE4MOB

[kb9zyw]

You know, there's nothing stopping the HAMs here from VOLUNTARILY submitting to this standard you proposed, right NOW.

Why do we have to wait for a change to Part 97, or to licensure requirements, to start actively seeking new and varied "public service" roles for the hobby?

It's always been wryly amusing to me how people are ready and willing to prescribe behaviors for everyone else, but don't see the need to practice those same behaviors themselves.

Here's an idea: If YOU think there's not enough "public service" taking place within the ranks of the Amateur Radio hobby, then YOU should go actively involve yourself, and your hobby, in a "public service" capacity. Don't WAIT for the FCC to change Part 97 - JUST DO IT.

I didn't need a change to Part 97 to be motivated to join my local RACES club, or elmer new HAMS at Morse Code, or take weather-spotting classes, or any of the other stuff I've done in the last nine months since joining the hobby - I JUST **DID** IT. And, for everyone else who thinks there's plenty 'nuff public service, and they just want to chit-chat on 2M at drive time - MORE POWER TO 'EM!

There's little to be gained by MANDATING "public service" from EVERY ham on the North American continent. Instituting such a requirement will essentially result in the dillution of the *true* "public service" spirit that is present in the hobby. Why? Because now, all those folks who do nothing but rag-chew (which is JUST FINE), will be forced into GRUDGING participation in something they care LITTLE about.

There's nothing worse I can think of than turning a volunteer activity within the hobby -- which is now populated by a small but positive and highly motivated group individuals -- into a mandatory CIVIL service SENTENCE for all hams.

The consequences for the hobby -- and the Amateur Radio service -- would be devastating.

[n8ary]

VOLUNTARY?

Isn't everything voluntary in the USA except death and taxes? #Amateur radio is one of many voluntary activities. #Keeping a job is voluntary. #Eating is voluntary. #Even joining the military is voluntary most of the time. #

The real difference is this: #Amateur Radio is an UNCOMPENSATED voluntary activity, which means there is no legal obligation to do anything except follow the rules.

The DESIRE to serve and promote the image of our great hobby is the main reason Amateurs get involved. #That's good enough for me.

After seeing what a casual "it's only a hobby" attitude did to packet radio in the US, years ago, I think it would be wise for amateurs to re-think this way of approaching the hobby. If you try to go by "allow everything that is not forbidden", pretty soon there are no gentlemen's agreements of conduct, no cooperation beyond a local level, and nothing to work for.

The "anything goes" attitude killed packet radio in the U.S. when "hams" who worked in the commercial communications industry took advantage of it, in order to convince many hams that the only thing that would "save packet radio" was to stop using radio to communicate! #

All in the name of upgrading our capabilities, of course.

So for a decade or so, we repeatedly shot ourselves in the foot with uncontrolled packet/internet gateways, while the Europeans decided to pass on "Amateur Telephony" and stick to using radios. They continued to advance and build up thier network the whole time ours was disintegrating, and ended up leaving our best efforts far behind, in the dust.

Big surprise, there.

The fact that the "death of packet radio" ocurred in the U.S. but not in Europe tells me that it was not a technical issue, or even the internet that held us back and eventually destroyed most of what we had built, here in the U.S.. It was solely a difference of attitude. #The Europeans did have rules and requirements, and expectations to satisfy. Partly because of this, they never were dumb enough to let folks from commercial communications outfits talk them into "radioless ham radio".

We were so dumb because we had no sense of direction, as hams. After all, it was just a hobby, so why get upset if some hams prefer to use the internet and pretend it is amateur radio? It's not specifically forbidden here, as it is in Europe... Aren't we lucky that we are so "free"? This was repeated over and over by our cadre of "packet radio experts" from the commercial communications industry.

You know... The commercial communications industry, the folks who stand to make a wad of money if hams were to lose a bit of spectrum. - Is anybody still surprised that these folks preached "anything goes" and blatantly encouraged hams (Ha-Com, Dayton, etc..) to use internet connectivity in preference to amateur radio for our Packet (Radio) network in the U.S?

"Anything goes" sounds so free and easy, but it has an ugly side, too. Never doubt that.

Charles, N5PVL

[MAB2003]

It seems fine to me http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

KG6KTZ

[Gene475]

Since when has any government regulation stayed simple? #What the FCC expects is not only determined by what they wrote years ago, but also by how they interpret it today. #I haven't heard much in recent times from them saying that they expect any kind of service or heard of them coming up with any kind of regulations.

If they do start requiring service I don't think it will stay at the level of sending in a letter in crayon saying, "My grandpa showed my class a neat radio." #By the time the government is finished you'll have to have your poor little nephew, son, daughter, grandchild, print up 3 of those letters, double spaced in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. #He'll then have to get each copy notorized and send it to three different offices. #

When disasters have hit there have been ham operators ready and willing to help. #No, there's not much recognition. #If you're doing it for recognition you're probably doing it for the wrong reasons. #That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get some good publicity. #Go ahead and get a couple of guys to work on PR for your local club, but don't become so concerned about it that you can't enjoy it.

Yes, it called a service. #If there is a large enough disaster there will be plenty of operators to draw on. #Hopefully that will never happen. #It was made very clear in NY a few months ago, though, that hams can provide an important service to the community. #That was done without any special requirements for service. #In a disaster I'd rather have someone helping me because the idea of service motivates them rather than an attitude of grudgingly trying to pass off some sort of service requirement.

It's also a great hobby. #Don't ruin it by overregulation. #Let people decide for themselves what level of service they want to get involved in even if that means they don't want to do any at all. #

Ok, enough of my rambling.

Gene
KG4ENL

[WB9TCO]

""I propose a simple way to get our operators to conform to and support just such a higher standard: require operators to document annual participation of actual or training hours in emergency operation, public service, or disaster preparedness and recovery. ""

Jeeese! It's a damn HOBBY for crying out loud. You want to turn it into some sort of rank-and-file military corps? OK. Who is going to be Mr. Bigshot, incharge. You? Will we get to wear little insignia to show we completed our "duty"?

After reading this dribble, freebanding dosen't sound too bad.

[WB9TCO]

You don't really expect that this proposal will bring new blood into the hobby, do you?

[KB4FOS]

Ya' know, I have a problem with that fourth principle of recruitment and development...

Where are the "elmers" of our future? Have they all gone the way of vanity call signs and universal laxing of code requirements, the way of restructuring and deregulation without fortification?

An elmer was once a young ham's sire, instilling the art to a new mind, encouraged, inspired and recruited by the mystery of the ionosphere. What was hope for the future, became lust for the past in an instant, when we signed away the Novice Class. Nowadays, an elmer is simply forgotten and passed off as an old salt that hides out on a particular frequency, his knowledge of Hartley and Colpitts oscillators about as significant as Palestinian and Israeli interests are to an Icelandic fisherman whose harbor is being blocked with a lava-flow...

Everything is relative to it's surroundings and the FCC is no different. As long as Amateur Radio is willing to take a back seat to politics as usual, inflated membership numbers, and big-buck lobbying in DC, the dumbing-down spiral of band degredation that we saw on 11 meters is inevitable for us here. Get used to more of the same. You wanted it to be easier. Your wish is the FCC's command...

Bill, you showed your true color.
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Thanks, KC0MSQ, for speaking up with your pertinent remarks. These drive to the heart of the matter. Lid operators have forgotten that ...
- their remarks are very public, and not private;
- their remarks contain their callsigns, which are easily researched[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
So we are "LIDs" if we don't agree with your world. This is not about helping the public, good will, or serving mankind. Its about the "I'm better than you" self serving, self promoting ego trip.

Please spare me from your antics. The fact is many Hams want to look and feel important by showing up at disaster sites with a belt full of HT's (great public image) chomping at the bit for a chance to use their radios and convinced themselves that they are saving the world. You may be able to fool yourself into thinking that without you the world will fall apart. As for the rest of us "LIDs"? We are doing fine thank you.

Guys like you showed up in all walks of life. If we are not with you then we must be the bad guys.

While you beat your chest proclaimed to save the hobby and the world, the real heroes go on with their good deeds unannounced.

Yes, my remarks contain my callsign which can be "easily researched" .....right here at QRZ.

73 de KC6VLG http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

When it comes to ideas about revitalizing
amateur radio, I hardly think that some form of #a
enforced public service requirement is going to do
very much, indeed it might have the opposite effect.
Those that participate in public service activities
such as ARES, SkyWarn, and the like should be lauded
for their efforts, but as others in this thread have mentioned, we are a country of individuals and
as such participation should be strictly voluntary.
#Actually, the question should be, what can we do
to amateur radio relevant in these times. Years ago,
wireless communications had a certain to
mystique to it and it was that very mystique
that led me to becoming involved in the hobby. That is
hardly the case these days where wireless communications has become inexpensive and commonplace. These days it almost the exception to
find someone who isn't carrying a cell phone. Amateurs
liked to argue that they still were relevant because the cellular infrastructure was fragile and
being that amateur communications were less dependant
on a fixed infrastructure for reliable communications,
they would still have place. But as the cellular infrastructure has built out in recent years, it has become
massive and redundant.
#But amateur radio #also faces the challenge of the wired world as well. The net grows
everyday and as we move towards broadband,
inexpensive, fast, and reliable communications to any
point on the planet #is becoming reality. The very
decentralized nature of the net has made it
a fairly robust communications medium and as time
goes on it will more become even more robust.
When Star Trek, The Next Generation came on
the air in 1987, they introduced comm badges
which all Star Fleet personel wore, which gave them
good reliable communications even over long distances.
In 1987, the comm badge concept was only so
much science fiction. But in 15 years since
TNG first came to air, the comm badge
concept has become something that looks like it could
become reality in not so many years.
# Amateur radio if it is going to survive in the coming
years must embrace this new technology rather than
resisting it. If we don't, the hobby will only be consigned
to dustbin of history.

[aa1mn]

Dear Orangeweenie,

The comm badge has, actually, already arrived. While recently shopping for a new watch I came to realize that some manufacturers -- Timex and Casio to name but two -- offer watches that have a feature where you can get your email on the watch face anywhere in the world!!! Admittedly there is a monthly fee for this but still the technology exists.

73s

Chuck
AA1MN

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I'm partly ashamed to say that I did indeed read this ENTIRE article and had absolutlly no idea what any of this meant but that might be becauase I'm a new ham or because I'm only 13 but many, many, many of the replies had absolutly nothing to do with the origanal topic so now I have a question burning on my mind... # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif Whats an "elmer"?

[aa1mn]

Dear KD7QQO,

Welcome to Amateur Radio. And your perceptions about many of the comments having nothing to do with the topic is quite to the point.

To answer your question as to what an "elmer" is...it's an antiquated term refering to an experienced ham operator who acts a mentor or provider of information to newer amateur radio operators.

I use the term "antiquated" only due to the fact that technology has advanced to the state these days that the need to build one's own equipment and such has become rather passe.

73s and best wishes,

Chuck
AA1MN

[n7lv]

In your fourth paragraph, you have somehow misinterpreted the meaning of "service".

You wrote, "Thus, it sought to establish and maintain a cadre of noncommercial, wireless communications volunteers that helps others. This service angle cannot be overemphasized."

When "service" is used with the word "public" in front of it, then it's easy to define "public service" as 'acts performed in the interests of the public', or in other words, 'helping the public'. But as a word by itself, it has many meanings: a set of articles for a particular use, as in 'dinner service'; a form of worship in a religious ceremony, as in a 'burial service'. I don't think the FCC meant for the Amateur Radio Service to be a burial service. By the same token, I don't agree with your statement I quoted above.

In the context of the FCC rules, the word 'service' means 'an administrative division', as in 'civil service', and other radio services, such as "Citizen Band Radio Service", "Cellular Radiotelephone Service", "Commercial Paging Service", "Personal Communications Service", "General Mobile Radio Service", "Family Radio Service". By your definition, then, every radio "service" was created for the operators to "help others", as you say, merely because the word "service" is part of the name of that service. No, I don't agree. These other 'services' are merely administrative divisions for various bands of frequencies set aside for various purposes. Nothing more.

And actually, in all of 97.1, the word "service" is never used to define a "service" to the public. It's always used to identify an "administrative division". If you read it carefully, you'll see the word "service" used as part of the phrase "amateur radio service" or "amateur service", never as a service to the public.

I can use the word "service" twice in one sentence, and have it mean two different things: "Operators in the Amateur Radio Service may volunteer their time to provide a service to the public."

By defining the word incorrectly, you proceeded to expound based on a partly faulty premise. Now don't get me wrong. I'm active in several groups that perform a service to the public, using the authorization I have to use frequencies in the Amateur Radio Service. So you won't get any objection that we shouldn't participate in public service. But I do not agree that the ARS was necessarily created exclusively to serve the public, nor should it be made mandatory that all amateurs perform public service. Some are in it for self-satisfaction, others are in it for service to the public. Nothing wrong with either of those.

[KD7LDH]

Lets all remember the FCC Just doesn't give out Sections of bands for us to waste it with JUST rag chewing. The reason we lose bands is because we have a tendancy to do very little for the FCC versus a commercial operation which would. So we must get involved in as much Emergency and Disater Releif communication. Lastly we must look somewhat Profesional (in all ways - appearance, training, Frequency cordination)

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif hmmmm? I'm sorry but I am trying to get all this and would like to know what the term "Rag Chewing" Refers to It would be a great help to me as I learn more about our wonderful hobby more and more each day http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Lets define "Public Service". After a 20+ year hiatus from amature radio friends talked me into returning to the hobby. I found the same old ambulance chasers chomping at the bit waiting for the "Big One" to strut their stuff. I go to the emergency radio group meeting and find out the last time they were activated was in 1996 - but by gosh they are training and waiting.

Then I go to another meeting of a group of hams who help out at local functions providing communications for walk-a-thons, community fairs, etc. They give their time and out of pocket expenses and help out all most monthly. They too train for disasters as an adjunct, not main focus.

Guess which group I joined?

As for Elmers, almost all of our VE's offered any assistance they could give when getting set up and running - they have invited me to their informal lunch meetings, say hello when they hear my call sign, and make me feel welcome.

The ultimate for me came when my neighbor saw me setting up my tower. She came over not to complain that I would be interfering with her tv or phone - she wanted to let me know her father was also a Ham who lived in a community about 100 miles away. I made arrangements for her two children (6 and 10) to come over and talk with their grandpa on a repeater we can both hit. The kids were thrilled to get to talk with their grandpa on the radio.

By the way, the 10 year old and his father currently have my ARRL now your talking book...

[ke5wj]

KD7QQO,

First, welcome to ham radio. I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as I have! If you have other questions, there are plenty of us here that will be happy to answer them. Before long you'll be answering the questions and can be an "Elmer" for someone else.

"Rag-chewing" is ham slang for chatting, shooting the breeze, just talking about anything. That's different than working DX, where most (not all QSO's) go "your report is 5 by 9, please QSL, 73". It's also different than contesting, where no actual conversations take place - the object is usually to talk to as many stations as you can and waste no time. It's also different than "handling traffic", which means sending messages for other people.

Don't take all the chit-chat here too seriously, though. As with most groups as varied as hams are, there are lots of opinions. As the old saying goes, "Opinions are like your rear-end. Everyone has one and they all stink!"

Again, welcome to ham radio and I hope to see you on the air.

[W5HTW]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (n7lv @ April 09 2002,13:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">In the context of the FCC rules, the word 'service' means 'an administrative division', as in 'civil service', and other radio services, such as "Citizen Band Radio Service", "Cellular Radiotelephone Service", "Commercial Paging Service", "Personal Communications Service", "General Mobile Radio Service", "Family Radio Service". #By your definition, then, every radio "service" was created for the operators to "help others", as you say, merely because the word "service" is part of the name of that service. #No, I don't agree. #These other 'services' are merely administrative divisions for various bands of frequencies set aside for various purposes. #Nothing more.

And actually, in all of 97.1, the word "service" is never used to define a "service" to the public. #It's always used to identify an "administrative division". #If you read it carefully, you'll see the word "service" used as part of the phrase "amateur radio service" or "amateur service", never as a service to the public.

I can use the word "service" twice in one sentence, and have it mean two different things: #"Operators in the Amateur Radio Service may volunteer their time to provide a service to the public."[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
It is a hobby that permits us to perform a service if we so desire. #Like if I wish, I may use my car and drive my shut-in neighbor (fictitious - I don't have one) to the store. #But I don't "Have" to. #I can volunteer to take him to the doctor. #I don't 'have' to. # I can volunteer to send a radiogram for him to his son in Okinawa. #I don't 'have' to. #

And remember when the Class D Citizens' Radio Service was established? #Yes, "Service." #But it was restricted to no more than 8 units, under the same license (Base, Mobile 1, etc) and they were not to talk to units of other licensees. #Service? #Only to themselves, under the rules. #But it was the Citizens' Radio Service, later to be known as Citizens' Band. #

Now we have cell phones. #The Cellular Radiotelephone Service. #Am I therefore obligated to use my cell phone to serve others? #"I don't think so, Tim." # #But I can if I so wish, and many times I do, to help a stranded motorist, report an accident, assist in directions. #But I don't 'have' to. #

The quoted passage says it properly. #I'm glad I'm in a hobby that allows me, permits me, to perform a service if I wish, provided I don't try to recoup my expenses or make a profit. #That would be hard to do with model railroading. #(But not impossible!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif #Not real easy with golf, either. # But fairly easy with the hobby of ham radio! #Yep, our good old hobby!

[aj0a2]

Amateur Radio exists first as a volunteer non-commercial radio communications service particularly with respect to providing emergency communications. FCC 97.1 "Basis and Purpose" is very clear on that point. This is what distinquishes the service from all others, and also provides some justification for the mutitude of frequencies that we can use.

I would now qualify as an old timer http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif at age 46 having been licensed since 1973...but I entered the hobby knowing full well what may be expected of me within reason. My "Elmer" instilled this in me and I in turn have instilled this in others. The Amateur Code (i.e. creed) written more than 50 years ago actually says it
best...look it up if you haven't already.

73 de KEN http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[WB6FTI]

Thanks for the great comments! What a fine, fast ride, eh?

Looks like the fierce independence of our forebearers is alive and well - thank goodness!

I had good intentions when suggesting the service aspect as a way to demonstrably improve operating practices, even though I know most hams operate their stations in accordance with good engineering and good amateur practice. Having read all the posts, though, it seems that those who oppose my suggestion are not opposed to the THINGS I want to change; rather, they oppose the METHOD I suggested, that is, more regulation that effectively mandates volunteerism. Well, come to think of it, I'm opposed to that, too. In fact, it sounds like most of you are already helping people when you can; are unsure of how to support homeland security; want the public to have a positive view of amateur radio; want more people in amateur radio who will enjoy it; and are tolerant of poor practices as a necessary evil of public communication.

Pro and con alike, you've affirmed my trust in hams. So if you're making a difference with our "art" (and most of us are just by getting on the air regularly), keep it up! And if you're not - how can we help you? 73s ...

KD7PQA

[k6oz]

Out West we have citizens that like to ride dirt bikes and tear up the countryside, damaging the environment, perhaps irreparably. #Do they have a "right" to pursue this hobby? #Should they, or do they, have to perform some public "service" to be able to do this? #The answer is No, and No. #Instead, through the court of public opinion and through politics, they have obtained access to certain areas of the environment set aside for them for this purpose. #They have convinced the government (of the people) that it is reasonable for them to have a share of a limited resource for their hobby. #Are they saints? #No, they are citizens that recognize they have the ability and the "right" to negotiate a piece of the pie for themselves. #I doubt if they think they are performing a public service. #I imagine, however, they think they are developing themselves and their skills ... and perhaps they are.

I submit that the amateur radio service has a better chance of survival by exercising the political will and strength of its members than by holding out public service as some sort of payback. #The opposite of public service .... bad operating practices ... can surely hurt the chances of survival. #But I doubt that there are enough real public service opportunities to raise the chances significantly. #We deserve the opportunity to pursue our chosen hobby just as much as a group like dirt bikers. #We may soon have to stop patting ourselves on the back about how great we are (public service) and donate a little more to ARRL action funds. #We may have to write letters and lobby. #Our opponents are faceless telecomm companies that don't give a hoot about our public service, and that can readily convince people that it is negligible and inevitably getting more negligible. #

Nothing in this country that isn't in the bill of rights is a right. #It's negotiated. #

[N8UZE]

What some people overlook when they speak of "service" is that our very existance as a resource pool is a form of service even if we never actually are called upon to do anything (as will probably be true for most people). We don't have to specifically go out and perform any particular services.

Those who state that "it is only a hobby" are shortchanging themselves and other amateurs. If this concept becomes widespread, it could provide ammunition to those who want to take parts of our bands for other uses since "amateur radio is just a hobby." We need to focus on the training, experimentation, and acting as a pool of trained operators (i.e. pay more attention to the purpose of amateur radio as defined by the FCC) to continue to be able to justify the allocation of frequencies for our use so that we can continue to enjoy amateur radio in its various facets.

[N8UZE]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ab8ig @ April 06 2002,08:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Radio amateurs were on the air for over thirty years before the FCC was instituted. The verbage used in the regulations was to protect our access to the spectrum which was coveted by commercial interests (sound familiar?). By virtue of our ability we have all contributed to public service even in such mundane situations as helping a lost motorist.
# BTW, our benevolent government does not grant any privelages. It only provides reasonable(?) regulations on our access to public resources.
# Jim[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Please check out and read the book "200 Meters and Down". The first regulations were issued to attempt to force amateurs off the air by banishing them to wavelengths shorter than 200 meters. The early regulations were NOT to protect amateurs from commercial interests. It was just the opposite. I.e. to protect commercial and government interests from the amateurs.

At the time, it was believed that only the longer wavelengths were useful. So amateurs were allocated privileges in the "useless" shortwave bands. But amateurs being what they are, they figured out how to make good use of them.

The FCC is not in the business of protecting amateurs. They are in the business of managing spectrum allocations. Each group that wants it, such as the amateurs, must continually justify their allocation or risk losing it.

[KG6GOK]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (w8ob @ April 04 2002,04:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Well some good points but if you look at all the FCC parts they all
describe the areas as a service. The CB, business radio service etc.
It just seems to me If it was intended to be total a public service
that it would not have been called the "amateur " radio service.
meaning as not done professionaly. So mostly its intended to be a
hobby that also provides emergency comms in times of disasters as
well as allowing people to build radio gear and use it on the air. The
concept of having to provide time in public service is not required and
never has been. part 97 clearly spells out what it is. Ive been in it
for 35 years now, and still consider it a hobby, and training aid.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>


Amateur also means doing something with out pay.

The FCC's definition for the Amateur Service is:

A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out be amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest [97.3(a)(4)].

"Without pecuniary interest" means you are not interested in getting paid.

The reason the service is Amateur is beacuse you may NOT get paid. NOT beacuse its not done professionly.

73 to all,
# # # #Andrew KG6GOK