[AMRadio] Extra Class downgraded to advanced

[Rob Atkinson]

I looked into that a year or two ago.   I recall finding out there are
some hoops you have to jump through just to take the test.  I think
you have to be employed in some position that requires holding the
license.  That may be for the 1st class telegraph though.  There are
only a few firms that proctor the test for the FCC (they don't give it
anymore) so finding an exam session may not be easy and involve a lot
of travel, like back when FCC gave the tests only more so.  IOW, I got
the impression they don't want people taking it just to meet some
challenge and try to weed out everyone except those who really need it
to do a job.

Rob
K5UJ

On Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 10:48 PM, KF4MGH_Tim <trock.unity at gmail.com> wrote:
> For anyone that wants an objective application of a CW receiving and
> sending test and get a US Government license to prove it, I suggest
> the 2nd Class Radiotelegraph (T2) license. You'll have to pass *two*
> CW tests: 16 WPM coded groups and 20 WPM plain text with a minute of
> solid copy on each. You'll also have to learn about super-regen
> receivers, both types of three phase power, a fair collection of the
> Q-codes, care and feeding of various types of batteries and battery
> capacity, operating practices for passing CW traffic, some basic
> trouble-shooting, and marine emergency procedures. If you received
> your Amateur Extra prior to April 15, 2000, you get credit for both
> CW elements. The test even asks about the emergency phone frequency!
> Alas! It uses on USB -- no AM. Long ago, there was an aircraft or
> aviation endorsement that required higher code speeds, but it's no
> longer offered. Mind! There is no more CW used in maritime
> communications, and you need a GMDSS license to do anything on board
> a ship, but the license is still offered..
>