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#7
January 21st 07, 02:44 AM
posted to rec.radio.amateur.policy
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Feb 23 is the No-code date
Steve Bonine wrote in
m: wrote: I think that in the past couple of decades the focus has been too much on learning just enough to pass the test, and reducing how much has to really be learned to pass those tests, rather than understanding basic radio. I don't think it helps a newcomer to have a license yet not know the basics, like how to put up an effective HF antenna in a limited space. The difference is that in today's environment the student learns how to pass the test, rather than learning the actual material. Instead of learning E=IR, today's student memorizes the specific questions/answers on Ohm's law that are in the question pool. They might be able to tell you that the voltage drop across a 2 ohm resistor with 2 amps of current was 4 volts, but if you asked them why that was the case or what it meant, they wouldn't have a clue. Or care. How bad this is depends on how you perceive the goal of the exam, and what you expect a newly-licensed amateur radio operator to be able to do. If you perceive the exam as a barrier to entry, it continues to accomplish that goal. It serves as an indication that the individual was willing to dedicate enough effort to memorize the questions so that they could pass the test. Oddly enough, this is exactly the same thing that the code requirement did, with about the same amount of useful remaining knowledge for most people. Up for a challenge? Memorize the Extra test, all 800 some questions in the pool. Then let's take a test. I'll give you the test question number, and you give me the letter answer. Since memorization presumably has nothing to do with the knowledge, this should be easy as the new applicants have in taking the so called dumbed down tests On the other hand, if you think that a newly-licensed amateur radio operator should actually know something about radio, that's simply not happening these days. They can tell you the very specific information that is covered on questions in the exam, but have no real knowledge of radio. A lot of Technicians I know used the "Now You're Talking" books. Lots of stuff in there that prepares you for radio operations. When I was a beginner, it was not unusual for complete newcomers to build their own first stations - receiver and transmitter - from scratch. Kitbuilding was even more common. Look at the beginner projects of 40-50 years ago vs. today - they tell the story. But look at the interest profile of the hams of the two time periods. Hams in the 60s were interested in radio, in building equipment, in fiddling with antennas. With minor exceptions, that is not true today. Where did you get that? I'll have to admit that I don't know what is the big "draw" that's pulling new hams into the hobby, but it's not the same as 40-50 years ago. In this sense, the testing and licensing mechanism has changed appropriately to match the current culture. Why should someone be required to learn radio theory if they are going to twirl the dial on a piece of commercial equipment? Rules and regulations, yes. But Ohm's law? Do you think that most new hams get their license, then hire people to put their stations together after they buy their "Yaecomwood" boxes? And consider this: There are classes today that promise "Technician in a day" - and they succeed. Is that a good thing, though? Do the new hams who get their licenses that way really have the background needed? The background needed for what? For keying the mike on an HT? Yeah, maybe they do. I'll bet those stupid Novices used to bother the good Hams too.... ;^) When I was licensed in 1963, I figure I spent about five hours a week for six weeks to learn the code and theory for the Novice license. Then I got on the air and spent time building up my code speed, plus learning enough theory to pass the General exam. I spent 6 months learning Morse code to 5 wpm, failing my first test. Aced the other tests. In today's world, the number of people willing to expend that much effort on a hobby is vanishingly close to zero. There are exactly two choices -- change the requirements to enter the hobby, or watch the hobby die. The requirements were changed. I respectfully disagree. Since we started a new program to recruit and test new hams (and upgrade old ones) we've been doing at least one a month. We're working well above attrition and the actuarial tables. That's hardly vanishingly small interest. That's just the start. We have a station for the new guys and gals to use, with a control Op if need be (usually me) to sit with 'em as they get their feet wet. Wanna know the best way to turn off new hams? Be grumpy and superior. Know for sure that you had a much harder time to earn your stripes than they did. Don't talk to them at club meetings. Make sure they know you're superior, so don't miss a chance to tell em that. With that sort of attitude you'll have a self fulfilling prophecy. Ham radio will die - all around you, wherever you go. - 73 de Mike KB3EIA - |
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