Q. I have a Full Class B licence. How will this benefit me?
A.In the short term you can run 100W on all HF bands simply by passing a 5WPM Morse test. In the longer term, once the international Morse testing requirement is dropped, you will automatically receive all of the privileges of the existing A licence.
Q. Is 100W enough on the HF bands?
Dont most people run the legal limit?
A. The vast majority of HF operators run 100W or less, simply because this is what most transceivers will deliver. 100W will get you world-wide contacts with a relatively simple wire antenna.
Q. Won't this fill up the SSB-bands on HF?
- How will the CW sub-bands be protected?
A. We don't expect a huge increase, as UK stations form only part of what you hear on HF. In any case, we are discussing with the RA ways of making sure that the CW sub-bands are protected, possibly by linking modes and frequencies in the licence.
Q. Surely if no-one has to take a Morse test at a usable speed, the mode will die?
A. There will be plenty of enthusiasts to demonstrate the benefits and pleasure of using Morse. We expect the code to prosper by its own merits well into the 21st century.
Q. I have a Full Class A Licence. Will I lose any facilities?
A. None at all. In fact you will be able to apply for a Notice of Variation to run higher power.
Q. If I get a Class A/B licence, will I be able to use the HF bands when on holiday abroad?
A. You will be able to enjoy all bands above 30MHz under the CEPT agreements, and after the World Radio Conference the HF bands will be included.
Q. What is the RSGB doing to make it easy to learn Morse and take a 5WPM test?
A. A comprehensive programme of training will be encouraged through the club structure, supported by tapes and software. The Morse Testing Service will be geared up in good time for the expected influx of candidates.
Q. Why have Novice licensees been given more facilities?
A. The Novice licence scheme has been going for seven years and has proved successful in recruiting newcomers, particularly the young, into amateur radio. However there is a high drop-out rate and it is believed that this is due to both the A and B licences being too restrictive and ultimately providing a fustratingly unsatisfying experience.
Q. But isn't the 2m band already overcrowded?
A. Activity on the 2m band varies enormously depending on time of day and where you are in the UK. Existing Class B Novices outside the major conurbations find very little activity on the 432MHz band and this is a poor advertisement for the hobby. In many parts of the UK, additional activity on the 2m band will be welcomed.
Q. Why have the Novice A sub-bands been extended on HF?
- Do they really need more space?
A. It has not been done for space reasons. Some allocations have been extended to encompass the popular QRP frequencies, and others so that Novices are able to operate closer in frequency to the activity centres. On the 80m band, extra space has been provided so that Novices can use telephony.
Q. What further changes will occur when the ITU's Morse testing requirement is dropped?
A. There will be a move towards an incentive licensing scheme whereby each step up the ladder will require a more difficult examination to be passed. There will be no 'barrier' at 30MHz so existing Class B licensees will automatically become Class As.
Q. As a Class B Novice Licensee, how will the World Radio Conference affect me?
A. You will automatically receive all of the privileges of a Class A Novice.
Q. OK, but this is all in the future. How long will we have to wait?
A. The Novice licence changes are expected to be implemented within a few weeks, and the Class A/B licence will come about in the Autumn. As soon as we know, announcements will be made on the GB2RS news bulletin, the RSGB web site (www.rsgb.org) as well as in Radio Today and RadCom.