I am in complete agreement that constructive forums for hams are sorely missing, unfortunately I don't have the solution. Keep plugging away on the air, as with most things it will be worth it in the long run. KA9LMK
I've been reading the comments about old hams being rude and failing to mentor new hams and I have to tell you, I don't see it. I've been licensed since 1982 and I still consider myself a new ham in many respects. With every new venture I seek the mentoring of those who came before me and I usually get good advise. When I get the chance, I share what I have learned in my quarter century of being a ham. That may classify me as one of the old farts you refer to, but remember all of those old farts were young hams once too.
As for the bands turning into CB, well see that in some areas. Take a listen on 75 meters and tell me if you would like your family or friends to listen in! Personally it is disappointing to think that a person skilled enough to setup and operate an HF station would act the way some do. I was shocked at the vulgar language, blatant disregard for the rules or others. There are vulgar old farts and young pups alike... plenty of blame to go around! Perception is important and it is true, a minority give a bad perception.
Do I think that changing the testing requirements has ruined the hobby? Not by a long shot!
For myself, I'll let you consider me an old fart, a young pup or something in the middle and I'll enjoy the hobby for what it is. When the time comes to help others as an Elmer or in an emergency I'll be there the best I can. Truly, isn't that we all strive for?
I see one flaw in your statement about personal liability. At present, there is a trend in American society to blame the other guy, the thems in the world.
Look at our schools. While attending a recent school meeting, the principal was told that the schools should be teaching the children to be good moral citizens. Later the same parent stated that religion and all that goes with it are not to be part of the schools.
Look at the extreme cases where a burglar gets hurt entering a home and wins a liability suit.
For me, morality starts at home and how my children act is a good portion my responsibitlity.
To answer your question "would this not eliminate said theoretical interference" I would say no. Keep in mind that although the power may be out on areas that are directly impacted by the disaster, the goal is to communicate out to areas that are operating normally. ie. with power.
Additionally, one of the primary justifications for changing regulations to allow BPL is that it would provide fast internet access to rural areas which are too far from population to be served by current systems. This however is not likely to happen as the cost drivers which have prevented existing systems from serving rural areas would exist for BPL as well. Given this, BPL would likely be used only in areas of high population density, thus negating the benefits of the technology as compare to the cost to existing radio services.
I read your comments about broadband access to those using slow modems and have to chuckle.
At present, the FCC is contemplating yet another technology that has the potential of providing access to rural users, however it won't happen because the profit does not justify the cost of hardware.
We as a country will never have universal access as long as the private sector foots the bill.
About a year ago, a prominant PC magazine did a comparison of security flaws between *nix and MS Windows. As you may recall they took a total of listings from the CERT database for *nix and compared it to a single Windows version. Quite a trick! Will Microsoft try that stunt again?
I don't want to provide any family or business of fast Internet services, I don't want to deprive any family or business of fast Internet services, Should read
During the last decade, there have been numerous promises of fast Internet for the rural community. These included ADSL, Cable Modems and Satellite Internet. So far, do to low user population, none of them have moved to the rural community. I ask you now; does anyone honestly believe that BPL will be provided to the rural user that is the only customer on a five-mile run? After all, it is the promise of cheap Internet that the BPL associations are using to press for FCC approval.
With all of the damage to Amateur Radio, which provides vital emergency services, is it worth it? Many people question whether or not the Amateur Radio operators still have value to the community. If you have this question, I invite you to talk to the National Weather Service, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army or any of the national disaster relief organizations. Don't take my word on the subject, talk to the people who work with hams during the disasters.
Would the communities not be better off encouraging the CATV providers to move out into the rural areas and service internet as well as television.
I don't want to provide any family or business of fast Internet services, but as a ham radio operator active in emergency communications, I have great concern about my future ability to serve my community if BPL is allowed to continue.
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I am in complete agreement that constructive forums for hams are sorely missing, unfortunately I don't have the solution. Keep plugging away on the air, as with most things it will be worth it in the long run. KA9LMK
I've been reading the comments about old hams being rude and failing to mentor new hams and I have to tell you, I don't see it. I've been licensed since 1982 and I still consider myself a new ham in many respects. With every new venture I seek the mentoring of those who came before me and I usually get good advise. When I get the chance, I share what I have learned in my quarter century of being a ham. That may classify me as one of the old farts you refer to, but remember all of those old farts were young hams once too.
... plenty of blame to go around! Perception is important and it is true, a minority give a bad perception.
As for the bands turning into CB, well see that in some areas. Take a listen on 75 meters and tell me if you would like your family or friends to listen in! Personally it is disappointing to think that a person skilled enough to setup and operate an HF station would act the way some do. I was shocked at the vulgar language, blatant disregard for the rules or others. There are vulgar old farts and young pups alike
Do I think that changing the testing requirements has ruined the hobby? Not by a long shot!
For myself, I'll let you consider me an old fart, a young pup or something in the middle and I'll enjoy the hobby for what it is. When the time comes to help others as an Elmer or in an emergency I'll be there the best I can. Truly, isn't that we all strive for?
I see one flaw in your statement about personal liability. At present, there is a trend in American society to blame the other guy, the thems in the world. Look at our schools. While attending a recent school meeting, the principal was told that the schools should be teaching the children to be good moral citizens. Later the same parent stated that religion and all that goes with it are not to be part of the schools. Look at the extreme cases where a burglar gets hurt entering a home and wins a liability suit. For me, morality starts at home and how my children act is a good portion my responsibitlity.
To answer your question "would this not eliminate said theoretical interference" I would say no. Keep in mind that although the power may be out on areas that are directly impacted by the disaster, the goal is to communicate out to areas that are operating normally. ie. with power. Additionally, one of the primary justifications for changing regulations to allow BPL is that it would provide fast internet access to rural areas which are too far from population to be served by current systems. This however is not likely to happen as the cost drivers which have prevented existing systems from serving rural areas would exist for BPL as well. Given this, BPL would likely be used only in areas of high population density, thus negating the benefits of the technology as compare to the cost to existing radio services.
I read your comments about broadband access to those using slow modems and have to chuckle. At present, the FCC is contemplating yet another technology that has the potential of providing access to rural users, however it won't happen because the profit does not justify the cost of hardware. We as a country will never have universal access as long as the private sector foots the bill.
About a year ago, a prominant PC magazine did a comparison of security flaws between *nix and MS Windows. As you may recall they took a total of listings from the CERT database for *nix and compared it to a single Windows version. Quite a trick! Will Microsoft try that stunt again?
I don't want to provide any family or business of fast Internet services, I don't want to deprive any family or business of fast Internet services, Should read
During the last decade, there have been numerous promises of fast Internet for the rural community. These included ADSL, Cable Modems and Satellite Internet. So far, do to low user population, none of them have moved to the rural community. I ask you now; does anyone honestly believe that BPL will be provided to the rural user that is the only customer on a five-mile run? After all, it is the promise of cheap Internet that the BPL associations are using to press for FCC approval. With all of the damage to Amateur Radio, which provides vital emergency services, is it worth it? Many people question whether or not the Amateur Radio operators still have value to the community. If you have this question, I invite you to talk to the National Weather Service, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army or any of the national disaster relief organizations. Don't take my word on the subject, talk to the people who work with hams during the disasters. Would the communities not be better off encouraging the CATV providers to move out into the rural areas and service internet as well as television. I don't want to provide any family or business of fast Internet services, but as a ham radio operator active in emergency communications, I have great concern about my future ability to serve my community if BPL is allowed to continue.