"Mike Coslo" wrote in message
...
Kim W5TIT wrote:

Dee, no doubt CW has its benefits. Contrary to a lot of the "pro-CW"
folks,
the "anti-CW" folks recognize its capabilities. (It's silly to even put
the
groups in such diverse categories.) However, that does not negate the
argument that, even though it may be quite beneficial, there are those
of us
who simply choose not to learn it well enough for practicability (eh?).


You don't have to use it, just learn it. I don't like the stupid
satellite questions on the test, but I had to learn them. (sorry
satellite folks) If we threw out all the parts that some people did not
want to learn, there would soon be no test whatsoever.


You are speaking of the written exam, and I think it should be made tougher
and harder to pass. But, I don't think there is a necessity to "test"
knowledge of a mode.


Let's make the case:


Satellite stations - this is a very mode-specific section

Strike


Well, OK, but replace it with lots more tought stuff.


Band edges - most hams I know have a ARRL band page by their
rigs.

Strike


DITTO


Theory - Many hams never plan to homebrew and some even have
other people wire their stations for them.

Strike


DITTO


Packet questions? Mode specific and most hams aren't interested
in packet

Strike

Questions about SSTV Mode specific, and many hams never plan to
use SSTV

Strike

Baudot code questions? Give me a break!

Strike

Test equipment questions? In this day of appliance operations,
who needs those sort of questions?

Strike

I'll stop now, but for every type of question on the test, there is a
person who thinks it doesn't belong there.

- Mike KB3EIA -



Ditto, ditto, etc. I think the written part of the exam should have
regulatory questions, and a lot of them. I also think the written part of
the exam should include more than just Part 97 of the R&R...what about the
1934 Act? Lots more on that.

The written exam should include a great deal of questions on the safety
issues related the operating of amateur equipment and antennas, etc.

Much tougher written and wish there was a way not to have it published.
But, that's me. YMMV

Kim W5TIT