Frank Gilliland wrote:


Now that's not an argument either for or against the dropping of the
code requirement. Like I said before, it's no big deal. And like I
also said before, what -IS- a big deal is the dumbing down of the
written test.

Sometimes I think that the "dumbing down" is a factor of the maturing
Ham looking at how things appear from the vantage point of time and
accumulated knowledge.

They might remember the test seeming very difficult when they took it.
Then they look at modern tests (if they even do look at them) and
conclude that the modern tests are exceptionally easy, when it is simply
that they have learned much in the years that have passed since their
own tests.


I still don't understand why there is so much bitching
(from both sides) about the code test yet almost no discussion about
the 'memory' test. Anyone care to explain that?

When we do attempt to discuss something else, for some reason or
another, it gets redirected to the Morse code issue.


- Mike KB3EIA -

On Tue, 20 Sep 2005 11:09:31 -0400, Michael Coslo
wrote in
:



Frank Gilliland wrote:


Now that's not an argument either for or against the dropping of the
code requirement. Like I said before, it's no big deal. And like I
also said before, what -IS- a big deal is the dumbing down of the
written test.

Sometimes I think that the "dumbing down" is a factor of the maturing
Ham looking at how things appear from the vantage point of time and
accumulated knowledge.

They might remember the test seeming very difficult when they took it.
Then they look at modern tests (if they even do look at them) and
conclude that the modern tests are exceptionally easy, when it is simply
that they have learned much in the years that have passed since their
own tests.


By "dumbing down" I was referring to the question pool being released
to the public where it can be memorized to some extent. As for the
level of technical expertise, I'm sure the content hasn't changed much
over the years (except maybe for the addition of semiconductors).

But then again, maybe the technical aspects of the test -should- be
'dumbed down'. Modern ham radios have digital PLL tuners, automatic
antenna matchers, audio signal processing..... I even saw one that had
a built-in Morse code decrypter. About all that's left for the ham to
learn anymore is on-air protocol and antennas. It's no wonder so many
hams are becoming appliance operators. Heck, the FCC would do just as
well to turn the service into several CB bands and drop the license.







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Frank Gilliland wrote:

On Tue, 20 Sep 2005 11:09:31 -0400, Michael Coslo
wrote in
:



Frank Gilliland wrote:


Now that's not an argument either for or against the dropping of the
code requirement. Like I said before, it's no big deal. And like I
also said before, what -IS- a big deal is the dumbing down of the
written test.

Sometimes I think that the "dumbing down" is a factor of the maturing
Ham looking at how things appear from the vantage point of time and
accumulated knowledge.

They might remember the test seeming very difficult when they took it.
Then they look at modern tests (if they even do look at them) and
conclude that the modern tests are exceptionally easy, when it is simply
that they have learned much in the years that have passed since their
own tests.



By "dumbing down" I was referring to the question pool being released
to the public where it can be memorized to some extent. As for the
level of technical expertise, I'm sure the content hasn't changed much
over the years (except maybe for the addition of semiconductors).

That is one interesting feature of modern society. If we are going to
have standardized test- which seems to be gospel anymore, we have to
publish the answers. One of the more amusing side effects of that is
that the pools occasionally have an incorrect answer. Then we'll see it
corrected. I wonder how many testees got credit for a wrong answer, and
vice-versa?


But then again, maybe the technical aspects of the test -should- be
'dumbed down'. Modern ham radios have digital PLL tuners, automatic
antenna matchers, audio signal processing..... I even saw one that had
a built-in Morse code decrypter. About all that's left for the ham to
learn anymore is on-air protocol and antennas. It's no wonder so many
hams are becoming appliance operators. Heck, the FCC would do just as
well to turn the service into several CB bands and drop the license.

The appliance issue *is* a problem IMO, and I think it is incumbent on
the Ham to build things. But that's just me. While I'm not quite up to
designing and building a full featured modern radio, I can and do design
and build stuff around the shack

Of course, I'm not about to give up my modern radio either. 8^)

- Mike KB3EIA -

From: Michael Coslo on Sep 20, 8:09 am

Frank Gilliland wrote:

Now that's not an argument either for or against the dropping of the
code requirement. Like I said before, it's no big deal. And like I
also said before, what -IS- a big deal is the dumbing down of the
written test.

Sometimes I think that the "dumbing down" is a factor of the maturing
Ham looking at how things appear from the vantage point of time and
accumulated knowledge.

Excellent point and very true to the general situation.

They might remember the test seeming very difficult when they took it.
Then they look at modern tests (if they even do look at them) and
conclude that the modern tests are exceptionally easy, when it is simply
that they have learned much in the years that have passed since their
own tests.

Some infer that they were ALWAYS knowledgeable experts. :-)

They were NEVER "dumb" and Their Tests were of the highest,
most difficult professional standards possible. yawn


I still don't understand why there is so much bitching
(from both sides) about the code test yet almost no discussion about
the 'memory' test. Anyone care to explain that?

When we do attempt to discuss something else, for some reason or
another, it gets redirected to the Morse code issue.

NPRM 05-143 is the hottest POLICY topic for United States
amateur radio right now. It is concerned solely on the
elimination or retention of the morse code test for any
class amateur radio license examination. It is NOT
concerned with changing any of the written test elements.

In case you're wondering, THIS newsgroup was originally
created JUST FOR the code test issue, years ago when
rec.radio.amateur.miscellaneous filled up too much with
code test discussions/arguments/flaming.