I have to disagree with this one. The one reason we have for being able to
legally work on or even build our own equipment is that we supposedly have
proven at least some technical knowledge and ability in the electronics field.
Where does it stop? CBers cannot even tune up their own gear, let alone build
it, and the great difference is that they havent proven their ability to do so.
Yes, I know, a majority of todays hams simply dont open the case of their
rigs, but many of us do. It all comes down the the point: we are allowed to
do so. Even a Novice was allowed to do so. The systemitic steps upward to
Extra class were intended to encourage us to learn more, in order to gain more
bandwidth and modes. Take that away, and we could just throw up our hands and
let Sears and Walmart sell ham gear to anyone who walks in. Where would we be
then? (Yeah, cheaper gear- with lots more ignorant operators who arent there
for the hobby, but to jam the rest of us?).
Danny Douglas
N7DC
ex WN5QMX ET2US WA5UKR ET3USA SV0WPP VS6DD N7DC/YV5 G5CTB
All 2 years or more (except Novice). Short stints at: DA/PA/SU/HZ/7X/DU
CR9/7Y/KH7/5A/GW/GM/F
Pls QSL direct, buro, or LOTW preferred,
