[Elecraft] Dropping the Code Test

[Jack Brindle]

I disagree. The Extra written exam is significantly harder today than  
it was 30 years ago. There is a lot more detailed EE theory in it now  
than there was back then. I took the test twice - in 1974, when I  
didn't have the EE knowledge (but _was_ a student in EE), and last  
October (well after earning my degrees). This one was far harder than  
the first try, even if I did miss only two questions. The degrees, 25  
years of EE/CS experience and a lot of advanced experimentation in  
digital communication modes (both in ham radio and professionally)  
really helped. The only way I could see non-technical folks passing  
the exam is to memorize all the questions/answers.

I believe that it is important to keep the Extra test hard - with  
advanced technology questions. But is CW important for the exam?  
Probably about as much as knowing which PN codes are the best for  
Spread Spectrum, and why. Or maybe why FEC is used in data  
transmissions and how to design a good scheme. Perhaps things like  
that should be on the exam...

The use of CW is an important and very enjoyable part of ham radio,  
just as much as any other mode. At this point it is important for us  
to once again fill the bands with CW, voice and data transmissions or  
we will start to lose them (as is being attempted by the BPL folks).  
If it takes deleting the CW requirement to accomplish that, then go  
for it!


On Sep 2, 2005, at 9:23 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> There was a time when getting an extra class license in the USA  
> required
> first having years of experience as an Amateur Radio licensee, then  
> passing
> tests significantly harder than the those for the other exams, both  
> theory
> and code.
>
> The "Extra" was something one expected only those who had done a  
> lot of
> self-study and work, or someone who had a good technical school  
> education
> would try for.
>
> Times change...
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
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- Jack Brindle, W6FB
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