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Originally Posted by CHARLEYMARBLES  As the code requirement has been droped why not just licence CB opps as an entry level (no test) ham opperator? |
To be honest, that would create more tension. Why? Because ham's have to take tests to show they know the basics of radio operation, basic skills surrounding the hobby. That doesn't mean a typical
CB'er does not, but it proves through a certification process, much like earning a degree or "passing a test". [see comments that follow later in post]
RF and eletrical safety also come into play when dealing with a higher RF power such as 1200 or even 1500 watts, if you have ever received an RF burn (which I have) you respect such power levels. While I believe that there are many things that need improved upon for these ham tests, such as an electrical safety course, basic radio knowledge, basic PC skills, beyond these entry exams. Could a
CB'er know or obtain this same knowledge? Absolutely, we are in the information age after all. Question is... what motivates one to do quality research.
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Wouldn't that make for a better pathway to the higher levels of licence? And I bet you would see MORE people climb the ranks of hamdom as they would allready have a call and they would just have to test to advance? Then you could see greater oppertunity for the GOOD hams to elmer to the new radio enthuisist as they learned to have good opperating practices.
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Not sure I agree totally, because if one is not motivated to test and receive more privileges in the first place, the likelyhood could be that one may not want to advance any further. Many of the
CB only folks I talk to are quite content where they are at, some actually may have no clue on the licensing process. To each his own. Opportunity knocks. I think there is great opportunity already for hams to elmer the new comers, sad fact is that some only focus on the negative experiences in both the
CB and ham hobbies. I have had bad experiences on both sides, but still I continue without the chip on my shoulder. Yes I still occasionally use
CB radio, when I can find someone on that is (demographics).
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SO say entry level 11 meter band (no test) BUT hams who wanted to would not need to use a differant radio to use 11 meters just fallow the power requirements of the band they were on ? Not any differant than they do now with the other bands?
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I see what you are saying now (I think) are you suggesting licensing
CB operators much like it was before, but only limiting them to 11 meters? Interesting, but not sure how the
CB community would be for using call-signs for traceability. That may create more tension within the
CB community, and assuming one would want to take on the responsiblity of self-policing--not so much vigilante groups. In other words, it could be difficult to make
CB'ers obtain this call-sign and actually use it over the air if there is no enforcement. That may sound as if I
am skeptical, but what I
am inquiring is that how do you generate the call sign for someone that really does not need one to use the equipment they already use?
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I don't know maby I'm useing a bit to much common sence here but we have all got to accept that 11meter is just as much a hobby service as any of the other bands, and like it or not the vast majority of hams DID start there so why not have it as a sanctioned testing grounds for folks who would like to see if radio is for them ?
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Basically
CB is just that, it allows for one to test the waters with no requirements or licensing. Yes, I started in
CB. Ham radio kicks the doors wide open as far as frequencies and mode of operation, you take it as far as you want (legally of course). I personally like the community service, just as
CB'ers have REACT, but how many do you know actually sign up for REACT in your area?
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And I think you would find that the wild 11 meter band would settle down a whole lot in the process.
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I
am not sure of that, at least in my area. Most of the rhetoric that goes on in my area has nothing to do with
CB vs. ham but more of an ego trip or being mischievous most likely due to the demographics (speculation on my part). It seems to work both ways in this scenario (in my area) for
CB'ers and hams alike. For example, if I tell some local
CB'er I
am a ham they get defensive and may end the QSO, and if I tell a ham I
am also a
CB'er I may at times get the rubber hose treatment. So what, I like both, but perfer the ham hobby more because of the possiblities of modes of operation.
kb8ygc
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