Steve Robeson K4CAP wrote:
Subject: Another D-H* NCVEC proposal
From: PAMNO (N2EY)
Date: 8/11/2004 5:08 AM Central Standard Time
Message-id:
3) "Basic" license test is simple 20-25 question exam on regs, procedures,
and safety. Very little technical and RF exposure stuff. Main objective
is to keep Basics out of trouble. Basics get 100-150 watts on HF/MF and
25 watts or so on VHF/UHF (power level determined by RF exposure
limits).
Modes are CW, analog voice, PSK31 and many of the other common data
modes like packet. Basics cannot be VEs, control ops for repeaters, or
club
trustees. Basics get most VHF/UHF and about half of HF/MF spectrum.
Basic
is meant as the entry level. Easy to get, lots of privs, yet there's
still
a reason to upgrade.
Why not?
Why not do like the Germans and create an "operator only" license? The
purpose of which is to allow a person to operate a radio, but under the
supervison of an experienced operator. Then after some period of time or
minimum operating hours, the "student" is eligible for an upgrade?
Or why don't we quit wallowing in all this administrative quagmire and
just "get on with it"...??? As you and I have both pointed out on numerous
occasisons, Jim, Gradeschoolers are passing the EXTRA, ergo there's little
validation for a new "entry class" license...
And that is perhaps the most telling point, Steve. If a 9 year old kid
can pass the Extra, there is no reason to make tests easier. I don't
doubt that the child is a bit exceptional, but there are the Technician
and General licenses, which are certainly easier.
Now...if the POOLS were closed and the applicants actually HAD to LEARN
something, there MIGHT be a reason to have a simpler test to get started with..
I don't think there are any good reasons to have a simpler test. If
anything, I would like the Extra made harder.
- Mike KB3EIA -