[CW] Early Radio Operator Licensing

Wed Aug 26 00:53:49 EDT 2020

    I have this book and have read most of it in detail. IMO one 
of the best sources of wireless history. It is also available 
free on line from a couple of sources.

On 8/25/2020 2:20 PM, Thomas Chirhart wrote:
> Find a copy of “History of Radio Communications and Electronics in the US Navy” My copy is loaned out to a 80plus year old retired Navy Captain down the street. He was a Navy communicator at several NAVCOMMSTA’s back in the 60’s... great read ...
> Tom
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Aug 25, 2020, at 5:01 PM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>>
>>   How did you happen to know the answers? I know a little about arc and spark but that's because I am interested in wireless history. I suspect many younger people have never heard of them.
>>     Many years ago a friend and mentor built a working rotary arc for a museum exhibit. I got to key it. No wonder they were called rock crushers.
>>     Its interesting that the FCC had such old tests.
>>
>>> On 8/25/2020 12:31 PM, Thomas Chirhart wrote:
>>> When I took the Radio Telegraph exam in San Juan PR FCC offices in 1983 the exam was dated 1947. It had a bunch of spark gap questions. Thankfully I knew those questions and passed..
>>> 73 Tom K4NCG
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>>> On Aug 25, 2020, at 2:35 PM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>>>>    FWIW, the code requirment was in effect when the "Radio Handook" 1928 edition by Sterling was published. 30WPM Continental and 20WPM American Morse, the latter read from a sounder. I have also see requirements for reading code groups as well as plain language. I will try to find the sources. In 1928 the holder of a Commercial Extra First could operate _any_ transmitter, including broadcast transmitters. For many years many broadcast stations used code to communicate among control rooms. I remember seeing keys at KFI, locally. Not sure how they were read, tone or maybe a flashing light.
>>>>     The main reason the Society of Broadcast Engineers established the Broadcast Technologist certificate was to compensate for the degradation in requirements to get an FCC license.
>>>>
>>>>> On 8/24/2020 9:05 PM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
>>>>>     I wonder if any copies of the exams survive.
>>>>>
>>>>>> On 8/24/2020 8:55 PM, D.J.J. Ring, Jr. wrote:
>>>>>> I remember Slidell Radio advertising for operators, they always had
>>>>>> the highest standards, I also remember seeing advertisements for "The
>>>>>> Great White Fleet" in "QST" when I was young.  These high standards
>>>>>> didn't start late in the century, far from it, this is from Department
>>>>>> of Commerce Radio Service Bulletin May 1916.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> COMMERCIAL EXTRA FIRST-GRADE LICENSES FOR OPERATORS ON UNITED FRUIT CO. SHIPS.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Under date of January 26, 1916, the Tropical Radio Telegraph Co.
>>>>>> issued the following circular pointing out to operators on United
>>>>>> Fruit Co. ships the desirability of securing commercial extra first
>>>>>> grade licenses:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> TO ALL OPERATORS:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ship operators are again reminded that it is highly desirable to hold
>>>>>> the extra first-grade commercial operators' licenses issued by the
>>>>>> Department of Commerce.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The possession of such a license is a distinct mark of ability, and in
>>>>>> considering men for promotion to positions as chief operators on board
>>>>>> ship, as well as trick operators at shore stations, those holding an
>>>>>> extra grade license will be given preference regardless of their
>>>>>> length of service.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> In general, it should be the aim of every radio operator on board a
>>>>>> United Fruit Co.
>>>>>> ship to hold an extra grade license.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Operators who obtain an extra grade license should notify the general
>>>>>> office promptly, giving the license number and date issued.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Yours very truly,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> GEO. S. Davis,
>>>>>> General Superintendent.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The commercial extra first-grade license is the highest class of
>>>>>> license, and is issued by the Department of Commerce to radio
>>>>>> operators who pass a special examination demonstrating unusual
>>>>>> experience and skill. These licenses are given consideration by the
>>>>>> Civil Service Commission in examinations for positions requiring
>>>>>> knowledge of radiotelegraphy when experience is rated as a part of
>>>>>> such examinations. To be eligible for the examination for the
>>>>>> commercial extra first-grade license applicants must hold commercial
>>>>>> first-grade licenses, and their certificates of skill in radio
>>>>>> communication, issued under the act of June 24, 1910, or licenses
>>>>>> under the act of August 13, 1912, must record 18 months' satisfactory
>>>>>> commercial service at sea or at land stations, either or both, during
>>>>>> the two years previous to the filing of the application for
>>>>>> examination, as shown by endorsement on the license service records,
>>>>>> or other satisfactory evidence, and provided that the applicants have
>>>>>> not been penalized for a violation of the radio laws and regulations.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> A speed of at least 30 words per minute, Continental Morse, and 25
>>>>>> words per minute, American Morse (five letters to the word), must be
>>>>>> attained. The technical questions and the questions of the radio laws
>>>>>> and regulations will be considerably wider in scope than those for
>>>>>> commercial first grade, and a higher percentage will be required.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All examination papers, including the code test sheets, are marked and
>>>>>> forwarded to the Commissioner of Navigation with a recommendation by
>>>>>> the radio inspector or examining officer. Examination papers are
>>>>>> marked upon the basis of 100, and licenses are recommended only if 80
>>>>>> or better is attained.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 30 WPM Continental Morse, and 25 WPM American Morse!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73
>>>>>> DR
>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>>>>> =30=
>>>> -- 
>>>> Richard Knoppow
>>>> 1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
>>>> WB6KBL
>>>>
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>> -- 
>> Richard Knoppow
>> 1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
>> WB6KBL
>>
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-- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL