QST product review on 6300 & 6700 in April 2015

If they are out of the USA, then not a big reason to join, especially since they have an organization on their home turf.

Speaking of "cheap" at the local testing site for Amateur Radio license, the VE's commented taking tests at their site was US$5 as opposed to another local VE group that charges US$15.  Considering all the time and effort to prepare and take the  exam, a savings of US$10 would not be come to mind.  They are not recovering their costs at $5 I should think.  Anyway, the XYL passed Technician exam so now have to share the Flex 6500 with her...

Regards,

k3Tim / MS-EE / PE / PP-SEL IFR / ARRL VCE

Nothing's perfect, Burt. Let's hear your alternative..

We're lucky there's ANYone ANYwhere paying ANY attention to this ludicrous hobby. 

Old boys network or not.

@Burt As one who has been known to take controversial positions myself, i must admit that in you I have finally found someone who can be more controversial than me. I don't live in an HOA...in fact we bought our current house the week after the HOA CC&R's expired. But in this case, the history behind the HOA ban on Antennas necessitates the removal of these impediments. History? Yes. CC&R'S were originally invented and imposed on developers by Banks so that they could have a consistent lending product when thet resold mortgages to investors. They have nothing to do with the quality of life or maintenance of property values. Antenna restrictions were imposed partially as a sop to the cable TV interests who paid developers to include them. In fact, there are númer studies that show that properties appreciate much faster after HOA restorations expire. Realistically in most areas of the country its almost impossible to buy an affordable home without HOA CC&R's Congress has already removed restrictions (thank the satellite TV lobby) for Over The Air Receiving Devices. It's time to stop punishing hams who are stuck in HOA's

No Burt, I guess I don't see the comparison between the folks at the ARRL that have spent their careers trying to support and advance amateur radio and a bully like Putin. I also don't see anything similar between trying to ensure amateurs can have an antenna on their property with shooting down airliners and invading neighboring countries. As near as I can tell the ARRL has attempted to make change from within our system of government. I can't say the same for Putin.

I think you might have spent too many years protected by the union and have forgotten about civility.

Jon...kf2e