For most of the 40odd years I've had my licence, it's given me a
unique privilege: that of being able to operate a transmitter
which hasn't been checked, tested or type approved by someone
else. No other public or commercial user can. The exam
requirements go into theory a bit beyond 'basic stuff'. I assume
that applies elsewhere too.
The UK now has a entry level which excludes homebrewing or
modifying gear, limited to 10W and requiring commercial gear
certified to meet EU EMC regs (not that anyone enforces either).
I hope that's not the thin end of a wedge. I recognise ham radio
has become primarily about assembling and operating a station
rather than designing and building one but I think the hobby would
be much poorer if the homebrew side was squeezed out.
Steve
The basic underlying reason for licensing hams was to prevent the
utter chaos on the air that was prevalent before licensing. The
licenses are all about operating, not technical skill beyond the
basics to get on the air: Making a resonant antenna, understanding
SWR, and the like. Basic stuff.
Now days there is also a political issue. There are about 700,000
hams, many or most of whom vote. That is a constituency no politician
wants to offend.
As to the rest of our post: Whatever.
73, Bill W6WRT
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