[Jeffhs]

Gary,

While it is true that one does not need a General class license just to get voice privileges on HF, it is important to remember that the Technician-plus license conveys only very limited HF phone privileges, and then only on 10 meters (28 MHz). To get full voice and CW privileges on both HF and VHF, one needs at least a General ticket. The Advanced license has been abolished.

You need not pass a 13-wpm code exam for the General ticket, as in earlier times (the code requirement is now just 5 wpm for Technician plus, General and the Amateur Extra Class license; there is a move afoot to abolish the code requirement altogether for all three grades of ham licenses). However, the written test is 55 questions in length. You must score 74 percent or more (at least 41 questions answered correctly) to pass.

I held a Technician (later Technician plus) license from 1975 until 1985. In '85 I upgraded to General, the class I hold today. I had to take the code test twice for my Novice (1972-74) before I passed it; the same for the General. But I stuck with it, and I am so glad I did. I live in an apartment, so am not as active as I once was on the ham bands (I must use indoor antennas due to lease restrictions), but I still get on 2 meter FM from time to time (I am a member of the local radio club and ARRL) and occasionally on 40 meters HF CW and SSB.

Again, I am very sorry that you have decided to leave ham radio. All its faults notwithstanding, this is a great hobby, as I have found in my 31 years in it. (I've also been interested in electronics nearly all my life, which is what eventually led to my becoming a licensed radio amateur in June 1972.) My license will be due for renewal soon; you can be sure I will renew as soon as I can do so, as I enjoy this hobby far too much to let it drop.

Good luck and 73,

Jeff, WB8NHV

Member, ARRL
Member, Lake County (Ohio) Amateur Radio Association