In article , "Carl R. Stevenson"
writes:

"Dee D. Flint" wrote in message
...
[snip]

The real oddity is how this situation came about. Once the no-code
technician license was introduced, people chose to take the route of
studying the 200 page book to get the no-code tech license rather than the
much simpler Novice written and simple 5wpm test. It was the beginners
themselves who changed the Tech to a beginner license by choosing to
bypass
the Novice. People are strange.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE


Just goes to show you that Morse only privs on HF don't appeal very much to
the
vast majority of people who want to talk, learn and experiment with digital
modes, etc.

That's one way to look at it. Here's another:

After 1991, newcomers had a choice of two entry licenses (meaning (obtainable
with the minimum amount of testing).

They could choose the Novice, which required a written test and a 5 wpm code
test. This license gave them some HF privileges (mostly but not exclusively
Morse Code) and some privileges on VHF/UHF. But they were kept off the most
popular amateur VHF/UHF bands (2 meters, 6 meters and 440 MHz) and got
six-character callsigns.

OR

They could choose the Technician, which required two similar written tests but
no code test. This license gave them no HF privileges but *all* privileges on
VHF/UHF. In many areas they got five-character callsigns, or could get them via
the vanity program. And if/when they passed the 5 wpm code test, the HF
privileges of the Novice class would be added on.

Which is easier to study for: two multiple-choice written tests that are highly
similar to each other, or two tests that require completely different study
methods?

Even before 1987, many if not most new hams bypassed the Novice and went
straight for Tech - in large part because they wanted VHF/UHF privileges right
off. Particularly 2 meters and/or 440.

It should be noted that in the past 4 years the number of new hams has not
increased dramatically, even though the code test has been reduced to 5 wpm for
all classes.

73 de Jim, N2EY