[CW] Preparation FCC - Reduces testing terror

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

N2EY observed:

"The 2000 restructuring not only eliminated the 13 and 20 wpm code tests but 
also reduced the written testing by almost half. "

Oh, I admit it.  You're right.  But if that still isn't easy enough - I'm a 
victim - CW gives me a headache.  I spent 3 hours learning the answers for 
Extra, but since the answers aren't given for the damn code test, I  can't 
pass it with 3 hours study.  These type of comments I hear make me feel like 
I'm living in "The Outer Limits" or at least "The Twilight Zone"

As I've said before - the CW test is the easiest part of the exams - if you 
don't think so - perhaps the way you took the exam is the reason.

I believe the old estimate of how much effort was needed to pass the theory 
or code was that it took about RATIO three times the number of hours of 
study on the theory to pass as it did to pass the code test.  And remember 
the code test of old included sending on a straight key.

It took about three months of serious study to get the Novice.   Serious 
study:  10 to 15 hours a week at least - two hours a night - plus a three 
hour a week classroom experience".  My students I told to play the "morse 
code translation" game while driving or taking the bus - look at a sign, 
license plate, etc. and send it in morse!

it took a total of six months of serious study to get to the General - and a 
bit less for the Technician which didn't require the 13 wpm code.

Extra required two years of experience - two years of being exposed to 
radio - repair problems, antenna problems, discussions on the air, making 
antennas, accessories, transmitters, receivers, etc.  The I'd imagine it 
took an additional 3 months to "sharpen" up and prepare to test.  That is 
make sure you could take a pen and copy 20 wpm and send it without errors, 
and to go re-read the Handbook and "Fundamentals of Radio" books to make 
sure you remembered the difference beween Hartley and Pierce oscillators, 
phasing lines, heights of various ionospheric layers, RTTY, TV, etc.  So a 
total of 2 years of independant study, 6 months needed for General plus 3 
more months.

Is this the amount of preparation that current applicants do?

73

David N1EA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <N2EY at aol.com>
But after about the mid-1970s, the watering-down began. How could incentive 
licensing succeed when, little by little, the requirements were eased?

First the FCC decided not to go after the publisher of the Bash books. No 
more experience requirement for Extra. Then they gave up giving the tests 
and made the question pools public info. The sending test went away, the 
General/Tech
written was split in two, CSCEs, medical waivers, and more. The 2000 
restructuring not only eliminated the 13 and 20 wpm code tests but also 
reduced the written testing by almost half.