Intermediate getting free full sounds good to me. I got 2E0 around 2 years ago, but a degree and career change have meant I haven't taken the step of sitting Advanced. If I'm honest, I couldn't care less about electronics and circuits, I just like the achievement of speaking to people in different countries. Unkind people might term me an 'appliance operator '. Whatever! I love the hobby and have fun 😊🤘

Some very interesting points raised here. Totally agree on the point about electronic theory, I’m not particularly interested, yet radio and antenna theory is infinitely interesting to me. I’m a foundation license holder, presently studying Intermediate, and completely agree on the power structure you suggest, much more appropriate.

You know what, I had a huge response to this video and comments to some of the rather condescending comments, but I deleted it as its just not worth it 😂🤣. Times change, dinosaurs pass on and new and exciting things take their place, enjoy the hobby people, 73. Great video and thank you for sharing.

I think it would be wise to wait and see what the Ofcom consultation document says. Speculating about speculation is totally pointless. Remember, it was Ofcom that demanded the Intermediate exam was made more difficult in order to align with the privileges of the Intermediate Licence. Take care not to run away with factual errors, for example, the RSGB does not have a monopoly on exams, the RAF Cadets have their own exam, and there is no requirement to memorise the resistor colour code, it is provided in the exam data booklet. I have no idea what Ofcom have in mind, but it could simply be a re-write of the Licence Conditions. As amateur radio costs them money, they are unlikely to spend very much time on the review.

Foundation-50w Intermediate-100w Full-400w Construction license if needed 😊

Dont shy away from the full, just do it, you never know you might pass. Get yourself booked on to a full licence course at the nearest Amateur Radio club you can find one being run, watch as many KZfaq video courses as you can, I recommend the Cornish Radio Amateur club videos, and go for it, whats the worse that can happen?? You fail, just go again and as soon as poss so the information is still in your head. I took the full exam and was really in fear of failing, but luckily I passed and actually felt right after taking the exam, it wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be.

The reason you need to learn the electronics and other areas you may not be interested in is to enable you to work towards the Full licence in easy steps. You have to know and understand all the topics in the exam to allow UK licence holders to be able at Full licence level to qualify for reciprocal licence status with other countries. This means you can use your Full licence status to be able to operate in many countries without having to sit their exam.

As an M7 of 2 1/2 years due to needing something to do during lockdown I extended my interest in CB by taking the foundation licence (via Essex Ham) and have no real intention of progressing further as it is qrp and using propagation and various ad hoc antenna designs that interest me. I have absolutely no intention of building a transceiver but love all of the commercial stuff that is available for portable that's appearing. With the high point of the cycle more power is not necessary for the moment but yes when we are back to low cycle an extra few watts would be handy. 73 M7BLC

4:36 At first, the syllabus comes from recommendations. The recommendation is not legislation. It is a regulatory act. In other words, legislation is something that you must obey, but regulation is an offer that you can't reject. Then back to T/R 61-02 (where is everything that could be expected from the licensee). Changes in the syllabus might amend the right to have a HAREC by UK radio amateurs. Amateur radio is the only service where the operator and the engineer is the same person, which poses requirements towards electronics. Memorizing the colour code was never a requirement; the expectancy was the ability to read that reflected in the exam reference datasheet by giving those codes. There is a purpose for having a novice class and a full licence, but there can only be changes at the lower level. Intermediate is supposed to be a minor upstep towards a full licence, or the learning gap could be devastating for moving forward.

I'm a G1 and we had to take the full City and Guilds test in 1983 as a class B. Only VHF and UHF you had to do morse to gain HF. Test was old resistance and old fashioned tubes even then. Maybe it should be changed again as I was allowed full HF in the 90's.

Yes I agree with having a two tier licence system and upgrade the intermediate to a full licence but I'd keep the Foundation licence as is and at 10 watts there needs to be something to motivate upto a full ticket, on CB you might be able to operate above 10 watts but your not able to operate out of the 11 meters band unless your licenced to do so.

I'm an M7 and happy that I have more options available however I mainly use CB which has obviously has no heirachy structure and most of the people I speak with are in fact amateurs using CB as they prefer the informality and find it more fun. it's a funny old world 🌎

Amateur radio is a science based hobby, so there will be radio and electronics theory in it. The level of knowledge for a full licence is broadly agreed with international bodies. I am sorry you feel discriminated against by having to demonstrate knowledge to progress through the ranks. It’s intended to be fun and a challenge, not create victims of some perceived class war.

Hi Matt, good to see another video from you. I’m a M7 and jumping from 10w to 50w isn’t a big enough carrot for me. Each time we double our output power, we’re increasing our signal by 3dB. One S point is equal to 6dB. Foundation to intermediate will give me just over one S point. Like yourself, I feel that the full exam is beyond my capabilities due to far to much electronics, technical data. If it could be simplified I’d fancy my chances of passing and be far more motivated to do so. BTW You also made a great point regarding foundation power limit versus none licensed 11m operators. 2w isn’t going to be noticeable but it’s a joke that a licensed ham radio operator has to use less.

My experience of 11 metres is that it works reasonably well without any licence. A few idiots mess around always foreign and mostly Spanish and 1 or 2 Russians. Mostly people follow an etiquette and are polite and friendly.

A kick in teeth to all the peaple that sat RAE A radio ham not knowing electronics is unthinkable and will brag the hobby down the gutter shame on the RSGB.

I'm a M7 and it's not power that I'm missing it's the ability to build my own low power transmitters. The cost and time investment in upgrading just puts it out of my reach at the moment. I'm not a rag chewer (in fact I don't like voice to voice comms in general) so the extra power is not something I'm missing but I'd love to add home brewed digi modes to my antennas and see how far I can get on 1/2 watt of my own design.

The Intermediate syllabus now is very close to the full anyway. The exception is that it (the full) goes into more detail but the content is essentially the same - (albeit in more detail). There are very VERY few people out there building their own equipment. For example, someone that buys a radio from an emporium isn't going to be worried about resistors in series or parallel or building a power supply or working out what circuit diagram is. As an example, simply understanding what the symbols are within a circuit diagram and how they operate is most likely all you'll ever need (certainly in my case) for tracking down a potential issue or simply for the "fun" of it. Most people simply buy a radio, stick up a good antenna and get on air. You're always going to have people abusing it - just have a listen on a contest night and if you honestly think people are using 10w/50w or 400w as a "full" license holder, then you're kidding yourself. The only exception I would take here is that the "hobby is dying" - it's not. People have been saying that for decades. What is needed though is as step change to open up the bands in general. You don't use them, you lose them. As as happened in a few other countries where the spectrum for that particular area was sold to the highest bidder. Personally speaking, anything that encourages more people on air, the better. And to the people that say that it's licenses out of a lucky bag: so what? I'd also challenge anyone that is having a moan about this to do an online mock exam as it's presently formatted and try to pass it first time round. I'll bet a tenner you won't unless you've spent months studying for stuff that you'll most likely never use, want or need to do ever again. When I did the training I found it incredibly difficult and off-putting - something that the RSGB are least trying to address. You're never going to please everyone on this. And I suspect that the "consultation" is already a foregone conclusion because with all due respect to the RSGB, they've seen their own membership numbers declining year on year - and not because people are losing interest in radio; simply because many view them as not being a good advocate for radio in the first place - a powerful perception - and perception it may be - but it's something that I've personally heard many times from many operators old and new.

totally agree with you matt on every thing you said. I've held my foundation license since 2009 and had a few attempts at the intermediate and failed just short of the passmark and on each occasion it was on electronics I failed so always knew that if I got my intermediate I would never be competent enough to go for the full. as for power i know a lot of full license holders who run 1.5/2kws of power on a regular basis even though they're license limits them to 400watts so to limit a foundation license holder to 10 watts is ridiculous. I sincerely hope the exams are simplified which would potentially attract a lot of newcomers to make the jump from 11mtrs to amateur radio.

Interesting ! Let’s see what happens. It wouldn’t be the first time that changes like this have happened. Back when I passed my 2E1 it was was known as Novice licence, when changes came in with the introduction of foundation we did get addition benefits such as RF increase to 50w, from what I can’t remember ! Many years ago. Anyway Matt great Vid 73 👍

I am about to sit my intermediate exam today Matt.. I failed it two weeks ago with one point and rebooked it the same day. This electrical theory is frying my brain calculate ohms and resistors in series etc.... Whaaaat??? lol Maybe some of us just are not meant to progress. I operate within my licence 10w qrp for data modes. It is a struggle when you know so many are using serious power but I do think we should use whatever power required to make the qso, but then reduce again. The old power argument of FT8 (for example) not being a low power mode. We know it is in fact a weak signal mode, so if everyone adopted the 400W + attitude surely it would then be known as a strong signal mode? Anyway power means nothing to me I'd rather set up an antenna on the beach as the tide comes in and chance my luck with QRP, more fun. I know this video was from a few months ago before the propositions to ofcom were actually revealed by RSGb so a lot of speculation ensued. I feel there is a lot to be desired and a lot of these proposals are just rehashes of current guidelines. What are they really giving us? The blue light services are in gagillionHz now so no one using our toys is going to interfere with them and they know that. It's a case of when a part of the spectrum is done being played with by the mil and security services then it becomes available to other services and the public. They are not concerned with us hams and our toys whatsoever, they just need folk to look down on and stamp authority on. IMO if Full ops have an increase to whatever, Intermediates goto 100W then it's only fair Foundations move upto the previous intermediate 50W as opposed to the proposed 20W (keep it even and increase in tiers otherwise it's a stick with no carrot). There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians Matt bud. If I fail it today, then the games a bogey, I am not spending any more money on an exam that is useless to my needs and my operation of radio in today's world. IMHO they should be teaching and highlighting proper radio etiquette, I was on 15m the other day and the amount of people calling repeatedly and then some more between transmissions on a frequency was shocking. What happened to calling in with your callsign once and waiting for a reply, even CBers know this? It is embarrassing to say the least. Maybe tailor the exams more to what people will actually be doing with the hobby, how to set up a station, how to set ALC properly on data modes to avoid damaging equipment or more importantly causing splatter, guides on the correct way to install antennas and check for resonance, how to use analysers, setup gateways etc etc. Anyway thanks for sharing and sorry for rewriting the bible. Bit nervous today for exam 😂. Cheers man

Good to see you back Matt, Hope all is well.. It has been a while ! Great video as always. This has given me something to think about. I am one of those that just want to speak with others and don't really have an interest in the electronic side of things ( for now anyway! ) A 2 teir system sounds far better and hopefully cleaner than having to go through 3 exams with a lot of stuff one perhaps doesn't want to use, plus in the end make it more advantageous to go full licence.

Interesting video, I think it should be a two tier system as it was when I passed the City and Guilds RAE. Many see it as a "Cash Cow" and IMO if you have the ability to pass the Full, there should be a Direct Access in the way of the Motorcycle Test, but at least there should be the option.

Time to move to a simplified version of the US licensing where bands and band segments are set by category of licence, For example - 80m below 3.65, 40m below 7.1, 20m below 14.2, and so on, plus no WARC bands. It gets away from the power abuse problem (which is bigger than you may think) and easy to police. I think 2 tier rather than 3. As far as technical knowledge is concerned I believe whatever licence level held it is essential. For example, if you are radiating spurious or harmonic rubbish affecting other amateur users or commercial users you have to have some idea of where to look. Fixing the problem with the complexity of modern rigs may not be possible, but identifying where the problem may lie shows you are competent to be on the air. The current licensing seems to be more about "bums on seats" than creating a base of technically aware radio amateurs. The power abuse can be managed by restricting where new licensees can operate, encouraging them to move upward. If anyone doubts what I say about power abuse, I can take you to a couple of M3 stations (20 years licenced) who both have big linears, one an Acom 2000A (bought to keep the shack warm?) and neither care about running big power because they know they won't be caught.

Dumbing down everything in the world

If it encourages more people into the hobby then great, aged 57 I got the first 2 licences and joined my local radio club to find I was one of the younger members. Times have changed, licencing needs to follow suit or the hobby will die out.

You will all be on 555 when the cycle peaks . :-)

12w CB and work the worldwide!

I've been an Intermediate Licence holder since 2019, I agree with you 100 Percent, Foundation Licence Holder ought to be allowed 50 Watts, And existing Intermediate Licence Holders be upgraded to Full Licence Holders, I've tried studying the Full Licence, However, The maths is absolutely horrendous and is way beyond my Level, Hence why i had no option, But to Abandon my studies for it, I will never pass it in a million years, because of this mental blockage with maths.

I was on CB back in the early 80’s I loved it. A friend of mine who is a full licence holder suggested I get into amateur radio. I passed my foundation licence 3 years ago. I have made some good friends but have also been ridiculed by some too! I’m sure you all know the group on top band ! I know other M7’s that have given up due to being ridiculed. The RSGB need to get a grip and suspend these bullies! Have a listen on top band these guys never mention call signs 🙄 yet they know everything. The RSGB need to act on this issue or there be less joining the hobby.

I've been an M7 for a little over a year, and certainly have no intent on building any form of transmitter, but I do have an interest in antenna theory. I'm currently into FT8, and I've found 10 Watts to be fine for this. I have considered going to intermediate and have the book, but at the moment I see no urgency.

Its just a hobby, enjoy it while you can life is short. .I have had many hobbies over the years including CB radio 70s/80s I was put off ham radio because of Morse code, I me learning it now!!.... because its fun, Most full call signs can not fix radios etc its all plug and play today!!!!

Hi Matt , though im onto full and im on electronics engineer i found unresonable that lower grade lincensee will ought to know all most indeep electroonics , one thing is to operate and another to construct . They should not be bother with the tech side so havily , its a nuicense burden . But hey, RSGB will run on steam then !

Originally the license structure was based around personal safety and interference. Against a backdrop of the amount of electronic junk that emits interference the chances of a new licensee doing the same is limited. But needs to be mindful. As an ex instructor it’s about time electronics was streamlined. Who needs to know the inside outs if an oscilloscope? I did when it was work related. 73 Mike

Wish I had stopped on the cb but because I’m a snob before anyone thinks It, I studied and got my ham license. It’s not that difficult if you are genuinely interest. Just imagine how much money I would of saved staying with a cb and a silver rod. I like many others did the rae and the morse test then to be told the cw does not matter any more, what an insult. The foundation license should be provisional not a life time license.

A Ham radio licence was often seen as an asset by potential employers many moons ago when I did the exam, how many today would even care to mention it on a CV or divulge in an interview, I for one wouldn't, it's become laughable and embarrassing, well done Ofcom and the RSGB.

More likely that regional secondary locators will be made "optional". Will let people have a shorter callsign and please the "Union Unit" of HM Government.

I would give foundation 30w, so they could use 99% of 10 meter sets legally on full power.

I'd probably just combine the foundation and intermediate, maybe jump the starter power up to 25 or 50w or so. Put some more antenna and propagation theory on the "novice". The full could be a bit less mathematical without losing the required knowledge (do we need to calculate values on half a dozen different op amps in the exam??) as its often simply the mathematics under pressure that prevent people trying.

offcom think its April' 1st!!!!!

I cannot understand the needing to know how a radio works shold be part of obtaining the licence,,i was a shotgun permit holder i wasn't asked if knew how gunpowder worked to obtain the permit,all you need to know is about saftey ie how to wire plugs,the safe distance from a emitted rf source etc,even full licence holders would find difficulty in the repair of modern equipment.

You can work the world on 5 watts as I have to have the headache of sitting YET another exam for a poxy extra 40 Watts I don't think so not worth it I'd rather they modernise the full exam that may be worth doing if that's the case 73s

Total agreement with you on your thoughts for the novice and intermediate licence upgrade both licences. Many Thanks

Very interesting,thanks for posting

I'm just starting my Foundation course, regarding licencing; I think operator and full; full being allowed to design and build, totally agree with you ; the electronics is a pain.

As an M7 who is working hard towards my inter, I’m only doing it so I can build stuff, I a, a bit invested in these changes. However I’m keeping an open mind. The power changes don’t bother me, and neither really does chatting. In fact I’ve never made a single QSO - I can’t afford a HF set (hence why I want to build one) and the 2m/70cm bands are totally dead around me.

I have been licenced since the 70s. Started off on CB then took the VHF/UHF RSGB licence. (G1VUT now GM). I never managed CW but was converted to a full licence some years later. The hobby is slowly dying IMHO, definitely on the V/UHF bands in my area (Analogue) so the 'relaxing' in certain areas, as you have quoted, could be very beneficial & encourage new users to the hobby. 73s

I was studying for the foundation give up gone to cb 12watts SSB, it’s good to talk !

From my teacher training days... The license levels reflect a performance expectation as in Blooms Taxonomy.. L1 repitition of material learned; L3 Application of material learned L5 Applying material learned in new situations. Given that the stated purpose of the hobby in the licence is experimentation and further experiential learning as a result, the notion of an operators license, and a constructors license has some mileage as a simplification. RSGB from time to time has asked for the power cap to be raised. Maybe lifting full licence to 1Kw limit is in their minds. Many of the regulation restriction decisions are based on historical interference cases. With modern technology these have been reduced, and reversed, with the urban noise floor rising year on year.. This is the invisible polution of modern cheap technology. I personally would like to see them co-ordinate with trading standards to ENFORCE regs intended to minimise this. The FCC has made some progress in this regard to chinese HTs, but there has been little or no action on wallwarts and domestic PSUs with filtering components missing. The license system is not broken, and does not need fixing. 73 de G0EVA.

Amateur Radio is on its last hurrah. The romance of talking to somebody on the other side of the world, had been buried with the likes of facetime on mobile phones. Time to move on. Why spend thousands of pounds on equipment and go through exams hoping to hear somebody, when all they have to do is register their phone number and you could pick who you want to facetime. Most of the major radio stations are now on internet, so SW listening is dead too. Sure, there will always be a place for radio comms, but once those oldies keeping the nets going at the weekend are gone, the bands will be very quiet indeed. Fun while it lasted, but the youth of today have other ways of talking to each other- on a phone.

Well, I’ve had my M3 for a long and my license says license for life which means I don’t have to go any further. I actually don’t want to. I know a lot about radio and how it works 42 years playing with radio, but because of all the new interference stuff we get it does make it hard with 10 W and just as the man Matt says I believe the M3 is should have 50 W Indian media should be 100 W and full should be 800 other countries are allowed to run kilowatts guess that’s the ruling funny thing is I’ve spoke to many foreign lands on 10 warts and they’re running 500+ tickles me pink every time the simple thing is get good aerials like a good silent key told me kiss keep it simple,s works every time happy radio People please all take care x

Not so good if there has been a drop in numbers sitting or attaining Intermediate. I have wondered for sometime if there should be something like an operator licence plus one or more classes for technical/advanced/full licence (whatever they may be called). A potential issue with an operator licence is how to implement it. It is easy to implement with something like current UK CB regulations where you are only allowed to buy/use appropriately classified "stamped" transceivers. How would something similar be put in place for Amateur Operator Licencees buying/using commercial ham transceivers? A large number of Amateurs do just want to operate commercial gear and have no interest in design/construction/experimenting. So, the concept of an Operator Licence does seem appropriate. Operating approved equipment without some basic knowledge of electronics/radio can still result in the operator causing undue interference. Therefore, I do wonder if some very basic knowledge of electronic/radio theory is still appropriate in order to reduce the risk. Should a system of new license classes be introduced, how shall existing licencees transition to the new system?

I left the hobby in 1990 as it was very elitist and I could not see why I needed to know how to solder 2 wires together to operate a 10w transmitter.....a motor car is much more dangerous in every way but to pass my driving test I did not need to know how a dynamo works! Unless big changes are made the hobby will die out very soon.....all young folk have a cell phone...why would they ever need a ham radio licence?

Get Lewis's too make a video on this????

It is undoubtedly a messy system with so many licence classes. I realise that not everyone has an engineering background and it is only a minority that want to design and build gear. A distinction between a constructor and operator style licence seems like a good idea at first but the demarcation soon gets blurred.

I think I was one of the lucky ones, I did my foundation license back in 1993 and was moved to intermediate when they changed the licensing rules. I only used 2m 70cm, but if I’m moved to full license holder I may think about using HF.

As you can see I'm an m3 and have been since 2005 am I bothered about the full licence ? Not really I've seen the exam questions and some like you say are far to hard to even get right especially the mathematical 1s as I'm crap at maths. I did write to the RSGB about modernising the test as I think in today's world when was the last time you see an operator build a transmitter um never would be most people's answer in this day and age . I think there should be 1 test now scrap the rest as the hobby is dying if Im honest just my opinion. So to finish it off if they don't get in the real world it's good night to the hobby and people will just go on the band's licence or no licence .

hi 2E0KKH john ill start by saying i cant spell and i am colour blind so doing my 2e0 was not easy for me and i went for the m0 the next week and got 50% just wanted to see how much i need to do to pass... i dont want to build a radio i do build antennas and ununs but i dont want to open up my icom 7300 and play with it, so yes get rid of that in the m0 test and give m7s 50w

Making the intermediate harmonised with CEPT 05/06 Novice would be a fantastic start... While they are at it make foundation harmonised with CEPT 89 Basic

Be interesting if they do simplify it to two tiers. Although sounds like it'll be 2024+ (maybe even 2025 by the time changes are made) before anything actually changes. I'm just foundation but have bought the intermediate manual and considering doing it.

So what will we get that did the RAE and the 12 WPM Morse like I did? Extra Power I would welcome that. M0BOC

Isn’t the whole point one of safety with people having cooked themselves and their neighbours with strong fields? Learning more about field strengths seems to be the main thrust of the last lot of changes? I suppose the rest of the theory could be in a special constructors’ qualification but how not to cook yourself is an important bit of knowledge. I’m put in mind of how microwave ovens were allegedly invented after seeing seabirds cooked by radar on naval ships using frequencies somewhere near our 6m band.

Intersting video with some food for thought. The old A and B licence was a good system which provided new licence holders with full power on 144 MHz and up. The VHF & UHF bands were packed with contacts, it was lovely. Now I feel the ability to progress to a class A based on your ability to send and recieve CW prevented some from progressing and certainly I feel this is an outdated way of progressing. So what's the answer? Maybe a foundation licence with limitations on frequency with UK maximum power limit (becasue it makes no difference if it's 10 or 400) then a full licence based on additional study. Let's see what happens. But one thing for sure, since we stopped paying for our licence we have no control on what Ofcom do.

Word has it that Ofcom are trying/wanting to go back to A&B licences, i heard last night that they may bring back the City and Guilds platform too, also Ofcom may be sending out to foundation licence holder a questionnaire regarding equipment you own/ have bought. Why, i have no idea. Now, at the moment, I'll suggest this is just speculation, but things are changing, and tbh are they changing for the better. We certainly need a system that benefits all classes of licence.

fully agree with your findings

Totally unfair to those of us who've put the time and effort into achieving full status. It's not class or hatred, it's about putting in a little time and effort

Thanking you for the Head's up!

I'd be shocked if they raise all 2#0's to full. Maybe M7's to Intermediate making Intermediate level 1 and realigning that exam to suit would be more appropriate. Increased wattage will see poorly built stations splattering so someone policing of that needs to be taken into consideration. Not the 'sit on our hands' RSGB though, they do nothing about the over powered splatter in contests as it is.

I don't think they should eliminate the intermediate level but they should streamline foundation as much as possible and increase power at all levels. Intermediate should have international operating privs and make full less important except for a few niche interests that require extra training

Just one other thing if this plan goes ahead and if the full licence gets abit easier (not) will they be getting the student to build a flux capacitor ?

I've been an M3 since 2002 and work 20 and 40mtrs on 4 watts never any more than that(I'm a massive QRP fan)and have worked around the world so I've never been interested in more power. 10 watts is twice what I've ever used.

That Essex Ham page is just their own Wish List and nothing in that list is taken from any published Ofcom information.

Gasp! Covid and the closing down of clubs during lockdown and beyond has contributed i think to club ability to keep people physically involved. I know my club has waned, and I stoppped providing training, cant seem to get the oomph back to training again. They made the Intermediate harder in order to make it easier to transition to full so as a result this was enough to put off foundations advancing as it's now hard to progress from there. A fail here.. I would agree with an operators licence and then a more advanced one. The US levels are interesting with the technicians being able to transmit above 30Mhz with limited HF. The other notion is the hobby is still dying into other modes... I mean... I don't want to use FT8 and data modes except for SSTV but that's where most are going now, I'm even bored of contesting...Meanwhile, I'll just back to Farcebook and playing World of warcraft..!! Lovely clear video Matt by the way... nice one...

lots of speculation since Ofcom made its announcement. probably best to just wait or attend the consultation and find out exactly what they propose

I do a lot of ft8 on my M7 as only using 10w on voice is extremely frustrating you can’t get out most of the time Ft8 on 10w I’ve worked the world I’m currently studying for my 2E0 which I hope to get soon But since covid no one is doing any courses for 2E0 Or M0 self learning is very hard on your own , I wish there was some college courses . I contacted my local club to se about doing a 2E0 course and they never got back to me It’s very frustrating

(And by the way Matt - great video!)

The syllabus for full licence is well outside my wheelhouse,it's frustrating because I really want to make the final leap and know it will never happen because quite frankly to convoluted and difficult. I passed my 2E0 in 2020 and found that difficult.

CB license now covers all!!!

M6 are now full license

450mhz too 453mhz has no user!!!!???

A power increase would be nice, but I'm not holding my breath. 🙄

It's all hearsay would not take any notice until nearer the time just my opinion

I think they should get rid of the 2E0 call sign and you Should automatically become an M0 I think that will make more people get the licence

Is an intermediate licence really needed? I think not. Yes, give the intermediates a full licence as they're nearly there. It's supposed to be an electronics based hobby isn't it? How much effort does it take to know resistors in series and parallel? Surely we don't want to become glorified C.B. operators. Electronics is taught in schools these days. How easy do you want it? I did the old C&G exam and looked at my old paper online last year and wonder now how I passed it. I'd have to revise. You're talking about an exam being difficult now? So build something! I've had 40+ years building things and love it. Even simple things like a Pixie or resistive SWR meter interest me. What's wrong with 10 Watts? I've used nothing above 5 Watts for 30+ years, even down to 350 mW. 10 Watts to 50 is only one S point you know. G4GHB.

If they are going to get rid of the intermediate level, what happens to the power levels for the remaining levels? Do they stay at 10w and 400w? Because that is a hell of a gap. So increase foundation power level to say 20w giving them a bit more than a free CB licence. Do the existing intermediates get to stay at 50w?

get rid of exams altogether. replace them with time served and pracitcal demonstration.

Last week I sat a pottery course. For the life of me I just couldn't produce a pot that was useable - the rest of the students seemed to find it easy, making all manner of beautiful useable pots. The tutor was a lovely old boy, he could see how upsetting it was for me and felt sorry for me - truth be told I simply don't have the skill set to make a pot, the tutor obviously realised that. I came away from the course feeling really pleased with myself - although my pot resembled a dog turd, I recieved a pass certificate which now hangs proudly on my wall. The other students seemed angry about me being gifted my pottery qualification, but thats just sour grapes. Next week I'm enroling to become a Hang gliding Instructor....

I am M7 & 😆😆 mmmmm 50 watts on foundation sounds great to me , So when's it happening.. 73's sir

The most cost effective thing that Ofcom could do is scrap amateur radio altogether in it's present form. Allow a couple of HF bands to remain, allow 2m to remain and scrap the rest. No licensing, be allowed to use only commercial equipment that is limited to 5W and let it go. i.e. give the people a glorified CB. Why should the tax payer have to pay good money to support a minority hobby that, lets be honest, gives them very little if anything in return?

I disagree Matt I like you struggled taking my full call with two fails the time and effort put in to pass my full exam was tuff why should it be given to intermediates surely like me it has to be earnt

no polite way to put this, you have the most restrictions, because you know bugger all about the technicalities involved nor do you have any interest in learning! if you are capable of rational thought, consider these, a driving license and a gun license. if your restrictions were dropped , what might happen?

hi m7 to 2e0 is very hard tex said

Interesting … especially some of the comments from G nowts

Nice to see all those in favour of the new 'proposed' licence changes are only the ones who it benefits, those who can't be bothered to try to progress.. usually the same idiots who scream 'CB has 12w why should we only have 10w' clearly showing the world they have no intelligence with such stupid remarks and don't deserve the licence they hold..!! those against the changes are those who have worked hard to get their licence and see no benefit from it, so yet again give to those who don't want to earn it, foundation and intermediate, especially the embarrassment to the hobby M3's, i mean how long do you need an M3 before you think about progressing ?? or maybe you're too thick to..

What is Ofcom?

All HF band's and all power's.....

No they are not.

Wow, l "et's make all the intermediates full licensees" and let's do away with any testing for that matter. So foundation goes from 10 watts to 50w. No offence m8 but you say the full license is beyond your capabilities so your suggestion above makes sense for you. Of course you know that's not going to happen. I tend to agree on the resistors colour codes ect but to be honest it's not exactly rocket science and your only likely to get one question on it if at all. Good luck with it all and if you want that repeater badly enough you will do the work and pass that full license test.

I absolutely agree with you. M7JMJ

I would have liked to have seen a novice licence only use VHF/UHF on full power, which would bring back more usage of those bands and allow them 15w on HF on the 15m, 12m, and 10m bands, as for the intermediates allow them full access but restrict to 100w HF and full licence holders to increase power levels up to 500w. 73 de G1YYU