[AMRadio] Extra Class

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Hi Tom -

Had to pass a couple, actually! Both required multiple attempts,
though I got the 5wpm on the second try. 13 took 3 or 4 tries due to
my lack of applying myself to the task at hand. Once I did, I passed.

Yes, it's all fun in the end. Wasn't my intention to stir up a mess
about code vs no code licenses, merely to let Kevin know that most of
us taking a ribbing at one point or another for our license class, so
he's in good company.

The license we hold and when or how we went about getting it is only
important to us as individuals. When you think about the number of
folks who would even know the difference much less care, it puts
things into perspective. I feel particularly bad for the new licensees
who get treated like nitwits for taking an 'easier' test, like they
had any choice in the matter. Considering the level of interest in our
hobby today, we really ought to just be thankful that anyone wants to
join the ranks.

I'll eventually get my Extra upgrade, it just hasn't been important
enough for me to focus on. Hearing Warren and the Florida gang down
around 3655 and not having to worry as much about where my privileges
end are big reasons to upgrade. To date, the Advanced privileges have
served me well. In fact, they've been under-utilized overall. This
happens when you have a life outside of radio, I guess.

For me, the important thing was taking the all the steps and learning
along the way. I've been at all points along the path so far: Novice,
Technician, General, and Advanced. General was the most difficult
thanks to the 13wpm test which took several attempts. Upgraded to
Advanced in '86 but as Don said, life took me in other directions for
a while. Even then, the Extra written test was a bit of a joke, folks
saying that the Advanced was much more difficult technically. I know I
had to answer questions about current leading or lagging voltage, and
ELI the ICEman became a good friend. Also something about the
direction your thumb points when you curl your fingers facing upward.
The folks giving the exams must've gotten more than a few good
chuckles.

I do look back on my journey fondly, especially things like getting to
administer Novice tests to newbies(including a guy who grew up with my
mom), and learning the code via the ARRL nightly practice
sessions(which worked much better once an OT clued me in to try
copying on the nights that went from fast to slower speed) in a
bedroom closet that had been converted to a small radio room. When all
is said and done, it only matters a lot to me, not anyone else.
Precisely why I enjoy AM so much.

73 -

~ Todd, KA1KAQ/4

On Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 4:31 PM, Clarke, Tom   AIR4.0P NATOPS
<frederic.clarke at navy.mil> wrote:
> Hi Todd,
>
> I could make a comment about the fact that you had to pass a CW test for
> the Advanced, but I won't!  I realized that fact after I upgraded from
> Advanced a while back and became an "Extra-lite"!
>
> It's all fun, right? ;-)