Hello, I was on this list several years ago when it was on the st. Johns 
server. Anyhow, I think it was about seven years since I last keyed the 
mike, and I have some questions. My license is good for another four years 
before I have to think about renewing. Is there an easy way of both looking 
up call signs with the most complete info, as well as renewing and updating 
my license? I remember that I paid a nominal fee of about six dollars to 
update and renew my license in 2004 or so, but I don't know how it's done 
now. Also, I have the tech no-code license. This means I can only use fm 
repeaters, unless regulations have changed. If they have, I'd like to read 
up on the priveleges for tech no code, in case they've expanded anything. 
Also, it seems that repeaters nowadays always use PL tones. I don't know if 
this is because there is too much interference that keys up repeaters 
nowadays or what, but I can't set the PL tones with my HTX models, unless 
someone has worked out what buttons to press. I had briefly considered 
getting the Kenwood THF6A, and I still retain some documents that someone 
gave me a few years ago. That seemed like a more accessible radio that my 
HTX ones. Plus, I think that's a dual-band, whereas my HTX ones are single 
band. I have the 202 and 404. Also, how is the hobby these days? With the 
advent of mobile phones and Skype and talking over computers, I should think 
that the novelty of talking across the world isn't that huge anymore. Have 
hams stayed with it, but maybe younger hams haven't picked it up? I'm going 
to be 31 in a week's time, and have been licensed since October 1994.
Thanks a lot for help on these many questions.
Matthew