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In article , "Ryan, KC8PMX"
writes: "Larry Roll K3LT" wrote in message ... In article , "Carl R. Stevenson" writes: However, the requirements for licensure should be reasonable and rational, and while the written tests meet that criteria, the requirement for Morse proficiency no longer does. Carl - wk3c Carl: Jim, N2EY, just said, in so many words, that since today's amateur radio equipment can no longer be designed, built, or serviced by any but the tiny handful of hams who possess professional-grade technical knowledge, skill, and facilities, that most of the technical knowledge in the present written tests can also be eliminated as a licensing requirement. I totally agree. In what way is it "reasonable and rational" for someone to know Ohm's Law or even the most basic digital theory, if they'll never have to use it in their actual practice as a radio amateur? I say it isn't, and nothing could prove this better than eliminating the code testing requirements for the same reason. After all, code testing has the effect of exposing prospective radio amateurs to what is always going to be a practical and useful communications tool which allows radio amateurs to practice basic radio communication with only entry-level skill and technology. I would not necessarily totally agree with that statement as even though I am not a master electronics tech, I still can debug a problem with a few basic pieces of equipment and a schematic. Also, the electronics/electricity knowledge is important in dealing with alot of different things in amateur radio, not just "debugging" a Icom 706 (or other radio) radio problem. Ryan, I suggest you read what I actually wrote, rather than Larry's interpretation. You may have read it already. My point was not that hams *cannot* take care of their equipment, but rather that there is not much of an absolute *need* for theory testing compared to years ago because of the changes in typical modern amateur equipment. That you can troubleshoot equipment is admirable, but I bet most of that knowledge and skill came from your own interest, not from having to pass written tests. If we eliminate the code testing requirement, we therefore demonstrate that basic communications skills are no longer necessary to be a licensed amateur radio operator. I, for one, would like to think that the present syllabus of the written tests still represents "basic communications skills." So, which will it be? Code testing, written testing, both, or neither? I personally believe that the written tests need to be more stringent, as most of the tests I have had to take were definitely more than 35-50 questions, more like 100-250 range. I agree - but the FCC thinks the opposite. Try to convince them that they're wrong. As far as the question pool, I have no problem with the questions themselves being released, but the answers shouldn't. At least if the question pool (questions only) was that way, it would encourage people to research the correct answer. That is what I did as a final study tool, after reading and re-reading many times....... They could also incorporate "scenario" questions as well. Wouldn't work. Somebody would do the Dick Bash thing and get the answers. 73 de Jim, N2EY |
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"N2EY" wrote in message ... In article , "Ryan, KC8PMX" writes: "Larry Roll K3LT" wrote in message ... In article , "Carl R. Stevenson" writes: However, the requirements for licensure should be reasonable and rational, and while the written tests meet that criteria, the requirement for Morse proficiency no longer does. Carl - wk3c Carl: Jim, N2EY, just said, in so many words, that since today's amateur radio equipment can no longer be designed, built, or serviced by any but the tiny handful of hams who possess professional-grade technical knowledge, skill, and facilities, that most of the technical knowledge in the present written tests can also be eliminated as a licensing requirement. I totally agree. In what way is it "reasonable and rational" for someone to know Ohm's Law or even the most basic digital theory, if they'll never have to use it in their actual practice as a radio amateur? I say it isn't, and nothing could prove this better than eliminating the code testing requirements for the same reason. After all, code testing has the effect of exposing prospective radio amateurs to what is always going to be a practical and useful communications tool which allows radio amateurs to practice basic radio communication with only entry-level skill and technology. I would not necessarily totally agree with that statement as even though I am not a master electronics tech, I still can debug a problem with a few basic pieces of equipment and a schematic. Also, the electronics/electricity knowledge is important in dealing with alot of different things in amateur radio, not just "debugging" a Icom 706 (or other radio) radio problem. Ryan, I suggest you read what I actually wrote, rather than Larry's interpretation. You may have read it already. I was going more on Larry's interpretation for that particular message.... My point was not that hams *cannot* take care of their equipment, but rather that there is not much of an absolute *need* for theory testing compared to years ago because of the changes in typical modern amateur equipment. Yes, the equipment has changed, but I still see the need for some knowledge in that direction. That you can troubleshoot equipment is admirable, but I bet most of that knowledge and skill came from your own interest, not from having to pass written tests. I would honestly say a little bit of both. I have always been a tinkerer since almost back in the toddler days, which usually drove my parents completely nuts!!!!! I just gotta know how something works or I am not satisfied!! If we eliminate the code testing requirement, we therefore demonstrate that basic communications skills are no longer necessary to be a licensed amateur radio operator. I, for one, would like to think that the present syllabus of the written tests still represents "basic communications skills." So, which will it be? Code testing, written testing, both, or neither? I personally believe that the written tests need to be more stringent, as most of the tests I have had to take were definitely more than 35-50 questions, more like 100-250 range. I agree - but the FCC thinks the opposite. Try to convince them that they're wrong. Actually, the VE groups need to push the issue since they are (for the most part) the persons responsible for administering the tests etc. That needs to be a collective effort between the arrl, w5yi and any other VE groups out there, if they could get together and WORK TOGETHER in that respect at least. As far as the question pool, I have no problem with the questions themselves being released, but the answers shouldn't. At least if the question pool (questions only) was that way, it would encourage people to research the correct answer. That is what I did as a final study tool, after reading and re-reading many times....... They could also incorporate "scenario" questions as well. Wouldn't work. Somebody would do the Dick Bash thing and get the answers. Expand the size of the question pool maybe?? Or is there a better solution??? -- Ryan, KC8PMX FF1-FF2-MFR-(pending NREMT-B!) --. --- -.. ... .- -. --. . .-.. ... .- .-. . ..-. .. .-. . ..-. ... --. .... - . .-. ... |
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