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In article k.net, "Dwight
Stewart" writes: "N2EY" wrote: Why is such a written test necessary? The use of any of those modes is entirely optional. Considering the power levels, the number of frequencies and bands, the overall safety considerations, the desirability of proper operation when using the various operating modes, and the importance of the rules associated with all that, the necessity of the written exams is clearly obvious. No, it isn't. You're avoiding my question, Dwight. Why must hams be forced to learn about *any* modes and technologies whose use is strictly optional? Indeed, someone who cannot speak and is totally deaf cannot use voice modes - yet the written exams are full of questions on AM, SSB, FM, etc. Why are such tests *necessary*? Why is *any* written test beyond the basics of rules, regulations and safety *necessary*? Or consider this: Techs are permitted to use all authorized (amateur) modes and frequencies above 30 MHz - at full authorized power. This authorization is based on the successful passing of a single 35 question written test. FCC says so - in fact, almost four years ago they drastically reduced the written testing needed to get a Tech license. Yet to have full privileges, a ham must pass additional written tests. Sure, the addtional tests include rules and regs a Tech doesn't need to know, as well as some things like HF/MF propagation. Buty those tests go far beyond the additional regs and propagation. Why is that sort of thing *necessary*, since a Tech has already shown that he/she is qualified on all authorized modes at full authorized power? Can you establish a similar necessity for the Morse code test? Sure. Here goes: Considering the many advantages of Morse code, the number of frequencies and bands on which it is used, the number of amateurs who use it on the air and their exemplary conformance to the rules, regulations and operating procedures of the ARS, the necessity of the Morse code exam is clearly obvious. There you go. Prove the necessity for a written test beyond the most basic rules and regulations. I've already explained the necessity of the written test in the previous message and in the paragraph above. No, you haven't. You've explained why *a* written test on the most basic rules and regulations is desirable, and maybe even necessary, not why we must have the written tests we have today.. Sure. The basics. So prove why the tests must go beyond those basics. Since you keep asking this, do you have a point to make, Jim? Yes. The point is that some folks apply a double standard when deciding which tests to keep and which to get rid of. This is a discussion about the code test. Sure. And I've shown that if the same criteria you are using to justify dumping the code test can also be used to justify dumping almost all of the content of the written tests. And so far I haven't seen anything to disprove my argument. Just "it's obvious". I have no desire to expand that into a discussion about the written exams, including a review of those exams. I can understand why. Further, I think the value of the written exams is bloody obvious to all. So you really don't have a counter argument when someone doesn't find it obvious. Therefore, there is nothing to prove. Just the opposite. If what matters is the learning that happens *after* the license is in hand, why all the fuss about written tests? Read my first paragraph above. I have. Doesn't answer my question. I don't want the written tests to go away or be watered down further. But I cannot come up with solid counterarguments *rpoving* that all of their content is necessary. And I suspect that others can't, either - or they would present those arguments. 73 de Jim, N2EY |
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