In article et, "Dwight
Stewart" writes:

"N2EY" wrote:

Depending on when someone gets their Extra,
they may have taken as many as 5 separate
written tests (snip)

Of course, Jim. However, I was under the impression we were talking about
the present (the three written tests).

We *are* talking about the present. Present-day Extras took a wide variety of
written tests. For example, Hans took a single 100 question written test to go
from General to Extra. I took two 50 question writtens to make the same
transition. An April-16-2000 Extra took a single 50 question written. But all
of us prenetly hold the same license with the same privileges.

"Similar difficulty" doesn't mean the same material.
Obviously a lot of the basics would be covered in
the Class B. (snip)

I've looked over the existing exams and there isn't a lot of repeated
material.

Sure - but the emphasis would be different.

By the way, are the "Class B" operators going to be prohibited
from building their own equipment also?

Just the opposite, I think! But it's Hans' proposal - ask him.

If not, how would one really make
the test simplier?

Take the current Tech test. Remove some of the RF exposure stuff (because Class
Bs can't use more than 50 W). Add in some HF and Class B rules stuff. Done.

Since Techs are authorized to design/build/modify/repair/align/operate amateur
gear using any mode and any technology, the Tech written test must be adequate
for homebrewing, right?

How different is homebrewing for HF from homebrewing for 6 meters? (If
anything, homebrewing for 6 meters is more critical because of the higher
frequency).

Remember that Novices and Tech Pluses are already authorized to
design/build/modify/repair/align/operate amateur gear using any CW and SSB on
10 meters, and CW on 80. 40, 1nd 15 meters, using any technology.

And with the simplified structure, some of the
questions like subbands-by-license-class
would go away. (snip)

So we're now going to restructure the sub-bands also?

Nope.Haven't you read Hans' proposal?

Both Class B and Class A hams would have access to all amateur frequencies. For
example, on 40 meters/Region 2 they would have:

7000-7150 CW/data
7150-7300.CW/phone/image

Compare this to the current mess of subbands on 40 for Extras, Advanceds,
Generals, Tech Pluses and Novices.

This whole thing is
getting more absurd with each message posted.

Why "absurd"? Hans is proposing to dramatically simplify things for new hams.
Lots of privileges for new hams. No more big divide at 30 MHz. No more having
to memorize lots of little subbands which then become obsolete as one upgrades.


And existing hams don't have to give up anything they already have. If an
existing ham wants to join the new system, just take a test.

My Extra license is up for renewing soon. I'd take the Class A just to avoide
that little chore....

Related question for Hans: Would existing Extras
get Class A licenses automatically, or would they
have to retest?

Oh, you know Extras are going to be grandfathered into the new license
structure, Jim.

Not according to Hans' answer to the above question.

Hans has no intention of messing with his fellow, perfect as
is, Extras (just the rest of the ham community).

Do you really think such a test would be a problem for most of us Extras? I say
"Bring it on!! - I got yer Class A right here!"

I don't agree with Hans' proposal in some areas, but I'd hardly call it
"absurd".

Four years ago there were 6 license classes open to new hams. Now there are
only 3, but the other 3 classes are still held by almost 200,000 hams. Was that
an "absurd" change? Tell it to the FCC!

Hans' proposal would create 2 new license classes and close off the other 6 to
new licensees. Is it really so absurd, given the changes we've already seen?

His proposal is no more absurd than the claim that a single 5 wpm code test is
a "barrier".....

73 de Jim, N2EY