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KB3EIA proposal
No one commented on my proposal that I made earlier in the week. Perhaps
because it was hidden away in another thread (which I changed), or perhaps it was stupid beyond belief. I'll post it again in hopes of some feedback. A few thoughts first: There is going to be a change, of that there is no doubt. I still think it is going to take a longer rather than shorter time. I see no reason to change my prediction in the pool. The present system is not "broken" It doesn't need fixed. It is what it is, and is just one of those things that grew up over the years. When Morse code was ascendant, there was a need for multiple license classes, since Morse is one of those skills that takes time to hone, and it made sense then to have a rank beginner level, and work up from there. This is the system we have however, and we tinker with it at our own peril. We do not want to remove privileges, nor do we want to increase privileges without any testing. The reduction issue seems to have been proven by the Incentive licensing problem in the 60's, and giving away free upgrades will only serve to anger people in the other direction. It is a foolish system that angers people on purpose. You don't anger those who are your friends, you anger your enemies. To have a Morse code test for entry into HF is not going to happen, and to have a Morse code test for Amateur Extra doesn't make sense, given that the Extra is the highest level license, and Morse code was at one time required for the lowest level, Novice. There is a big disconnect there. I therefore propose a system that is quite like what we have now. Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. Privileges the same. The two orphan classes, Tech plus and Advanced, will remain where they are, with privileges staying the same. After the changeover, the new testing regimen will be: Technician: heavy on RF safety, Light on electronics theory. Some questions related to the VHF and UHF where the tech's will largely operate The technician is considered a preparatory license, and will give a good base of how to get on the air without frying yourself in the process. General: General test will scale back on the RF safety, and replace it with more theory. Antenna questions and operating procedures. The never entertaining band edge questions will get a few more questions. Extra: more in depth treatment of theory. No band edge or safety questions, at this point, if you don't know safety, you've already fried your mind. questions demonstrating knowledge of different modes. The only controversial part of my proposal is that there would be a 2 year wait between General and Extra. I could be persuaded to drop that pretty easily! Bands and sub bands: At this point, the bands will remain the same. Bandplan adjustments will be made. Novice sections will remain, and will be considered a "practice ground" for those who want to learn Morse code. note: this may actually be a way to kick start Morse code use. So there you have it. Here is a plan that shouldn't p**s anyone off that isn't *already* mad about something, and as far as I can see, it's major disadvantage is that it isn't glamorous or exciting. Is it the "ideal" plan?* Heck no! But it accomplishes moving past the Morse code issue with a minimum of disruption, and has the side benefit that we know it will work. Comments? - Mike KB3EIA - *My version of the ideal plan in post Morse code era, would be a one class system, with the requirements being somewhere between General and Extra as practiced now. |
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