[CW] Removing the written test

[Pedro J. Santa]

The written test is a farce, with those answer pools so widely disseminated. 
What tests your mettle is the ability to copy and send (I know tests are now 
deficient on this skill) Code.  Because Code is out so we are all out, and 
any pretense we can narrow or heighten the standards at this stage of the 
game is pure nonsense, fellow dinos...

73 KP3X..

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken Brown" <ken.d.brown at verizon.net>
To: "CW" <CW at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 8:55 PM
Subject: Re: [CW] Removing the written test


> Supposing the all the electronic theory and technical questions were 
> removed leaving only regulatory questions, AND hams were no longer allowed 
> to build and operate their own transmitters (except if they went through a 
> complicated equipment certification process that required an expensive 
> application fee, along with a processing fee, a waiting list, etc. etc.)
>
> How would you like that?
>
> Remember there are already several FCC sections which define  radio 
> "services" (I'm not sure they use that word) which don't require technical 
> knowledge, don't allow homebrewing transmitters, and don't require 
> operating skill of any kind. In case you don't know what I'm referring to, 
> it is CB, GMRS, FRS (and perhaps cell phones could be included) Is this 
> what you want ham radio to devolve into?
>
>>>just don't see why the FCC emphasizes electronic theory on the tests, 
>>>when it is just another form of knowledge.  Homebrewing a rig is so stuck 
>>>in the past, and this idea probably drives off lots of teenages from 
>>>seeking a ham license.
>
>>>There are almost certainly far more hams using Morse Code on the air 
>>>today than there are hams using homebrew rigs. Most other radio services 
>>>do not even *allow* the use of home-made radio equipment.
> DE N6KB
>
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