"dan" wrote in message
...

Snip ..........Any modern
transmitter has subaudio capability so I don't see how this would prevent
unlicensed, and intentional interference. PL/DPL is, and has always been
a means of cooperatively sharing resources.

Dan,

I know this is true; however, modern equipment is a new concept for me. I
am a HF operator and continue to use vacuum tube base equipment that I built
in the 1960s and '70s. (Don't see a need to upgrade as long as I can keep
the stuff working.) Before my trip to Mackay, I had not tried to hit a 2
meter repeater for at least 15 years.

The technology of my sailplane, a HP-14, is consistent with the technology
of my "Ham" equipment. However, I do have it equipped with a GPS, PDA and
EW Model D data logger. (Am I slipping and bowing to modern technology?
http://www.soaridaho.com/photogaller.../17900_MSL.jpg)

I guess it is time for me to put all my 2 meter equipment into the useless
antique bin and buy some new stuff.

Wayne
HP-14 N990 "6F"
http://www.soaridaho.com/
W7ADK



In the US, most of the barriers to get a Amateur Radio license have been
removed. Go to Radio Shack get a current license guide read it and take
the
test for the "no-code" license class. Any glider pilot should be able
to
pass the test with one weekend worth of study.

I agree with this one completely. There's no reason any pilot should have
trouble passing a no-code tech exam on 1 weekend's worth of studying. I
think its only about 50 questions, multiple choice, with published
questions and answers. I see no legitamite reason to use an amateur radio
unlicensed. The act of purchasing it essentially implies that you intend
at some point to use it. So even if its an emergency at the moment, it
wasn't an emergency during the one year between when you bought it and
used it during which time there's no reason you couldn't have gone out and
gotten a license.

dan