[AMRadio] Extra Class

[Kim Elmore]

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.

I certainly had fun getting mine!

Kim N5OP, T200000065(+Radar), GROL PG00013832(+Radar)