On Tue, 03 Feb 2004 03:11:04 GMT, Old School
wrote:
snip
Then why are you not complaining about having to take a TEST on radio
theory?? Or is that next on the dumbing down list ?
Dan/W4NTI
What is wrong with radio theory?
Nothing is wrong with it, but it is not needed to the depth or extent
that is tested for. I can tune and operate any transceiver without
knowing how to build it or repair it. I can build an antenna from a
drawing use basic math and mechanical skills.
Any knowledge more in depth than that would come from my needs and
desires. In the meantime I would operate in full compliance and as
cleanly as any amateur would be expected to operate.
Now look at it from the point of someone that has no trouble copying
code but stumbles on theory.
The Morse code requirements have been dumbed down a lot over the
years. When I was WN6MKE in 1967 or so I think I had to copy 13 WPM
to get that license. I never did advance it for a variety of reasons.
I can do Morse code. I can copy 15-20 wpm any day, for 20 odd years I
did as much as 35-40 (down on paper and formatted), and 60-90 WPM in
short mental "snapshots". That was when I was at my prime. I
operated transmitters and receivers and was very good at it. I did
not work on them, it was not my job. I was not even allowed to open
the cases!
But I have had lifelong poor mathematical/electronic theory skills.
It just does not soak in. I am now a relatively new and not active
yet Technician with code (K1JHE). I would like to have a general
license but have not passed the theory test yet (in only two tries).
When I look around, I see a lot of people with General licenses that
easily passed the theory test and ground out a pass on the dumbed down
5 WPM code test. I don't feel good about them.
They have a General license because it is easier to pass a dumbed down
Morse code test than it is to pass a theory test that has not been
dumbed down accordingly. I begrudge them that.
What was the code requirement for a General class license in 1967?
Why can't I get a dumbed down theory test that is commensurate with
the dumbed down, 5 WPM, code requirement?
Jack
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