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In article , Robert Casey
writes: And it raises the question of "why should hams have to know all sorts of theory stuff when the original reason for that knowledge is largely gone" Well, the FCC allows us to build and modify equipment for use on the ham bands, and it would be a good idea if we know what we are doing. Sure. Just like how the FCC allows us to send and receive Morse code on the ham bands, and it would be a good idea if we know what we are doing. Neither the use of Morse code nor the construction/modification of equipment is mandatory. Many hams enjoy amateur radio without doing either. At least be able to recognize things like wrong frequency (like out of band), severe harmonics, splatter, TVI, and such. Sure. Just like being at least be able to recognize most of the 43 symbols of the Morse Code when sent at the very slow speed of 5 wpm. Cell phone users don't have licenses, but they're not allowed to modify their equipment either. Same for CBers. A CBer isn't supposed to modify his radio to operate on 10m, but a ham could. Yet they often do just that. It becomes a "ham radio set" and no longer a "CB set". If and when the FCC says "no homebrewing or modifying, off the shelf 'type accepted' rigs only, then the theory requirement gets weaker. Usually such modifications require the high level of technical skill required to cut the blue wire or crush diode D17.... And such modifications are not mandatory at all. Most hams today use certified equipment, do they not? Which is more common on the amateur HF bands: hams using homebrew/seriously modified equipment, or hams using Morse code? Do you really think the written exams adequately test whether a ham can build or modify amateur radio equipment - particularly considering the wide range of bands, modes and technologies usable by hams? I doubt the FCC would ever do that, as one of our reasons for existing is to encourage learning about radio and electronics. IMHO they've been gradually watering down the theory tests for over 25 years. 73 de Jim, N2EY |
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