Posted: 8/16/2013 5:11:37 PM EDT
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Like many of us, I've been a HAM for many years, but recently decided to get back into the hobby and specifically into HF.
So I've been doing some reading and I'm aware that since 1999 there have been some changes... We now have Tech, General and Amateur Extra. My question then becomes: Why does the latest frequency bands chart: http://www.arrl.org/graphical-frequency-allocations still include 5 license classes when it's the 2012 version of the chart? Which then begs the question of : Who is qualified for the "A" portion of the chart? Is it just skipped? It is entirely possible I'm over thinking this... Thanks! |
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Quoted:
Like many of us, I've been a HAM for many years, but recently decided to get back into the hobby and specifically into HF. So I've been doing some reading and I'm aware that since 1999 there have been some changes... We now have Tech, General and Amateur Extra. My question then becomes: Why does the latest frequency bands chart: http://www.arrl.org/graphical-frequency-allocations still include 5 license classes when it's the 2012 version of the chart? Which then begs the question of : Who is qualified for the "A" portion of the chart? Is it just skipped? It is entirely possible I'm over thinking this... Thanks! They are no longer issuing novice or advanced licenses, but you can renew existing ones. |
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Take a look at the 20m band. There are no entries for T or N which means Techs and Novices have no privileges in that band. Next is G which means General can use the band except for the chunks carved out in the lower part of the phone and CW/Data sub-bands. Next up is A which gives the grandfathered Advanced licensees a significant chunk in the lower part of the phone band. Finally is E which is what an Extra can use which is all of what we are allowed to use by FCC rule and international agreement.
Now move over to the 15m band. Very similar layout for the General, Advanced, and Extra licensees. However Tech and Novices are allowed CW only in just about the entire CW/Data sub-band. That's the zig-zag line that looks like a resistor on a schematic. Wish more Techs would give CW HF a try. Even keyboard generated code is fine just get out there and use it. Finally take a look at 10m. Everybody except Techs and Novices have the entire band to play in. However the best kept secret is that Techs and what few Novices we have left is that they can do SSB from 28.300 to 28.500 which just happens to be where 95% of all simplex phone takes place. Catch the band when it is open and logging DX is like shooting possums at the dump. Got mic fright? No problem. Move down and take advantage of what the lower end of the spectrum has to offer. Besides CW like some of the lower bands allow, you can do the digi modes. PSK31, JT65, RTTY, or any other digi mode you would see on 20m a Tech can do on 10m below 28.300. Quoted:
So if there no longer issuing Advanced licenses does that mean that newer hams will never be able to use those frequencies/ privileges? I had been wondering the same thing myself. A freshly minted General can use 14.225 to the top of the band. To gain access to 14.150 to 14.225 you would have to upgrade to Extra since the FCC doesn't issue Advanced licenses anymore. |