Aging Amateur Radio Ops was Re: Politics - free

[jeff at aerodata.net]

Kevin wrote:
> That said a metropolitan area data network run in Part 15 that
> ordinary people could use I think could attract quite a lot of
> younger people. I'll have more to say on that in the main thread.

Yes, but "technically" that is not amateur radio, at least the part 97
variant. A small sub group within the ARRL, called the HSMM (High Speed
MultiMedia) tried to introduce wider acceptance in converting Part 15 gear
+ users to Part 97, including liberlizing the part 97 rules, but the ARRL
board of directors response to this was to sack the group.

Just recently, amateurs lost a major portion of digital usage on one of
their HF bands (80 meters), converted to 1950's technology voice SSB
radio.

The big change I have noticed since the mid 70's, is amateur radio no
longer is a technical hobby, for the majority of users. Others might call
it glorified CB, spearheaded by the ARRL. Having been a member of the HSMM
myself, I saw how they constantly try to dumb down the hobby while
steadfastly trying to hold onto CW. Not that I have an opinion or anything