PROPOSED: Only 2 Amateur Radio License Classes -- A Response to the FCC and an Invitation to Discuss

Long-time hams Tom (WA9TDD) and Quin (K8QS) propose changes to amateur radio licensing: 2 classes: (1) an entry-level "Tech" ticket with additional HF digital modes, and (2) an all-privileges ticket like the current Extra class. The entry-level ticket would include digital HF privileges to appeal to younger, computer-using prospects and perhaps expand 10-meters privileges beyond current SSB limits. General-class holders would become Extra holders. Tom and Quin co-host "Ham Radio Perspectives" on YouTube and are active across modes and bands. Quin recently spoke at HamCation in Orlando.

 

Go for it, the Digital modes of today have changed everything.

 

Hello Dit and Duh 73's

 

Not this stuff again!? This should be listed as the worst subject ever to bring up for the three thousandth time on QRZ!

Hash, hashed and re-hashed over and over again without ever realizing that this subject has the proverbial snow ball's chance of ever making it to FCC, much less having the FCC actually changing the rules to fit whatever these two guys have come up this time around...

...And no, I'm not going to actually watch the video. Pretty sure that there's nothing of value there that has not been discussed over and over here on QRZ with never any resolution of any sort.

Thanks. but no thanks!

 

Heck,

Many a folks who hold an extra-class license cannot solder.

Might well get rid of the requirement.

Go the way of citizen band. But CBers can solder.

Kraus/KC4ZGP

 

Hey, Tim. Double heck: My hands shake and my eyes are shot; I solder my fingers together -- Extra Class for ages. Q

 

The Tech pool is much too long. Its not 'dumbing down' to make the entry level license more experiential and less memorization. IOW, as in the old days, make the entry license a simpler entry that encourages hands on learning--enabled by the license.

I kindy request that I not get lectured on 'dumbing down'. You can look at my bio and see how I feel about this point. Its not a coincidence that many of the leaders in the radio and electromagnetics field started with a novice license, which 60-70 years ago, was a few dozen questions one prepped for. That simple entry enabled a world to discover and new fields of E and M endeavor.

Time to get back.

 

Didn't watch the video, but if those guys think it's a great idea then why not submit it to the FCC? It could be as simple as a comment to the current FCC request for input on Docket 25-133 followed up with an actual petition. Lots of proposing and no actual doing where it could count.

 

Absolutely nothing wrong with the current three tier licensing structure!

 

This is great! I'll go for it as the times have changed, We, the U.S. Radio Amateurs have to change with the times and to reach out to a new generation of young people

 

I cannot count the number of times I said to myself "How the HECK did he pass the test?" when looking at questions in various, tech related, forums.

Yet... Here we are

Curious how it is in other countries

 

huh. only two license classes, that's a very interesting proposal. I say that's an idea that I'd be fine with, after all, General is basically Amateur Extra, but without just a small amount of frequencies. So I say that Tech gets more privileges, General gets all Amateur Frequencies and Extra becomes entirely obsolete with that, so remove Extra! Please, if anyone has any problems with that, let's debate!

 

i would really like the 2 classes of licenses

 

interesting sure why not