I have been expecting many of the comments written here with regard to the dropping of the code requirement. The 1% hasn’t disappointed me.
Flashback…..1991 when the “no code tech” license become available, again the 1% expressed their opinions. This is America, and one of our freedoms is sharing our opinion even when it isn’t asked for. I would like to share my story with the 1%. As a Vietnam Aviator I learned the code, never had cause to use it, but I knew it. After returning to the USA in 1965, a privilege some didn’t have, I stated a family. Many of you can remember, money was not plentiful then, I had all I could do to raise my family. Then I found out one thing I left in Vietnam was my hearing. Before long I couldn’t hardly understand someone standing in front of me.
Fast forward to 1991.….. Family is raised, money is better, college degree in Electronic Engineering, this is the good life! Then the FCC created the “No Code Tech” license. Finally I would be able to join the ham radio ranks. Yes, I like many others started two way radio talk on 11 meters. Giving up the 11 meters I moved onto 2 meters like many of my friends during that initial first wave of new hams that would be the downfall of amateur radio, according to the 1%.
But it didn’t happen as the 1% said it would, and amateur radio took another giant step forward. I couldn’t advance through the ranks because I couldn’t hear the frequency tones used for code. But that was ok, all I lost in the war was my hearing, many others lost much more. I survived the 1% chants and the put downs, but I was the best 2 meter guy around. I knew electronics, and could build most anything, and I was very proud to be able to say I was an amateur.
Now fast forward to 2007.…. And the FCC has eliminated the code requirement once and for all, and again we have a “No Code” amateur license step. I congratulate all those that are planning on moving up the ranks of amateur licenses, GO FOR IT.!! I now have a retirement home in front of me that doesn’t allow antennas, so I have no need to advance any further.
I address this to the 1% and make a promise to you….Amateur Radio Will Survive This Change As It Has All The Others.
Yes there will be a small percentage of new amateurs that will have come from the 11 meter band, and yes a 1% of them will be a bit rough around the edges. But with your help and patience to guide them they will become the kind of amateur you will be proud to say, “I was their Elmer”.
So in closing I say this, until you know their story, don’t be so hard on them. An old Indian saying was, “don’t judge another man until you have walked in his shoes”, I think that was good advice then, and will apply to this change as well. This is a golden opportunity for many amateurs to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to bring these new operators into this proud hobby and give them a solid footing to stand on.
A Proud No Code Tech,
Tom, N8PQB
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