wjm@whuxl.UUCP (MITCHELL) (07/19/84)
<gulp> I found Andy (N6JLJ)'s article quite interesting. I would agree that the single most important thing for the FCC to require of potential Hams is TECHNICAL COMPETENCE, and I like some of the articles suggesting that a practical theory exam is the way to do this. Can this be tied in with the FCC proposal that volunteer examiners design their own exams? (cf. ARRL bulletin #54). I'm all for packet radio and other state of the art means of communication (perhaps also moving to higher EHF/SHF frequencies - I believe that the FCC has allocated substantial blocks of 20+ GHz for amateur use, and you only need a Tech license (5 wpm code) to go up there), but I'm concerned about the viability of a packet or other high tech station in an emergency. Give me something simple when the things get rough (like massive power outages - perhaps I'm biased since I'm from NYC and its happened here twice already) that I can get through to as many stations as possible with compatible equipment 2m HT's are good IF the repeater has emergency power, otherwise I'd think a CW rig is the way to go. 73's Bill Mitchell (whuxl!wjm) WB2IAU