[Lowfer] CW

[lowfer@mailman.qth.net]

On Thu, 03 Apr 2003 01:16:28 -0500 "Bill Ashlock" <ashlockw@hotmail.com>
writes:
> Bob,
> 
> >right now you probably pass the test. All you need is a bit more 
> >practice 
> >and the test is a fill in the blanks.
> 
> Do you mean they give you a portion of the message and you have to 
> supply 
> (fill-in) the rest?
> 
> >The sending station was in what city?
> 
> This is just the Koch and Nu-Morse programs that I'm listening to.

Yes

I forgot that there are different testing groups. We are ARRL certified
and use the
high character speed, at 5 WPM code ( farnsworth ) After copying the code
you need to 
answer test questions,, What was the station op's name,, whatever. The
test questions
are taken from the text sent ... OR you need to have a solid minute
of copy which should be 25 characters including punctuation . The fee did
go up as dictated
by the ARRL/FCC and is up some odd amount. ( not sure why the fee is not
rounded off   buttttt )
We allow additional testing , if you fail at the same session,, different
test fer sure. and no additional fee

In Erics session the person that was given the messy code test should
have pointed out 
the problem with the tape and/or asked for the fee back.

I .. one time spent several weeks study to take the 13 and used
farnsworth tapes and was doing pretty good
then several days before the testing session listened to some old testing
tapes which were sent at 13 WPM
at a 13 WPM rate  YOUZER,, said I what is this stuff. At that time the
locals testing group didnt use farnsworth  Then couldnt find M license so
didnt test. When I found
the ticket it was expired and almost at the renewal limit, So the wanting
to upgrade saved my call   HAR

I would encourage hams to get involved with VEC and do it with the ARRL.
They require you to take a course and pass a test to get certified. Some
VE groups will certify anyone,, Lots of enjoyment to offer a course in
ham radio,, teach and then give the tests. Great to see the smiles of
those that make it and give encouragement to those that didnt 

Point is make sure the group that is going to test is using the code
method you are OK with
later, 4 Yr ago ,did do the 13 and went from Tech to extra.

Good Luck again

Bob  K3DJC