Hi all, I am a modern amateur radio operator, but would like to throw in a
few comments about this.
        My uncle out in Hillsboro, Oregon used to be an amateur radio operator.  He
put together a Heath Kit and had a separate transmitter and receiver.  The
code-free technician license came out in 1991.  However, I got licensed in
1993.
        As for the reason for the code-free technician license, I think it is
because Morse Code is kind of a thing of the past.  I have been told that
even the coast guard and military do not use it.  These days, transportation
services are using computer-based communications instead of 2-way radio
technology.  People still can do CW.  It's just that the code requirements
are less strict.
        I can understand about the code-free technician license.  However, I am
glad to have technology such as the talking frequency reader and digital
keypad entry.  This makes it really easy to know what frequency I am on.
Because I am completely without vision, I don't think I could operate a
separate transmitter and receiver set-up.  That's just my $.02 worth.
Thanks.

Eric

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-Hams For blind ham radio operators
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Reeva Parry
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 11:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Reflections On The Past Forty-Four Years In Ham Radio #1


Hi, Y'all!

I rarely write to this list, but when I do, I usually have something
momentous to say. So, sit back with your favorite beverage, and I'll get to
it.

I've been a ham now for forty-four years, operating 99% CW on the HF bands.
During the past forty-four years, I've seen ham radio go down the tubes, so
to speak. I remember my first QSO on 40 meters with Dave, K4SUE, and how
nervous I was! This was back during the time when you had to be
crystal-controlled and had one year, no renewal, to upgrade to either
Technician Class license or General Class license. Hamming was so much fun
back then, because one never knew just who they'd end up talking to or
making lifelong friends with! I had CW romances that would make one's ears
burn! I participated in contests, just to see what I could work in
twenty-four hours from my bedroom at home! I met both of my spouses through
ham radio, and the last one passed away in 2001.

I'll continue my memories in the next message you see from me.

88's and 33's where appropriate,
Reeva Parry,
AMATEUR RADIO CALL SIGN:  K8DMU!


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