On the HamRadioHelpGroup mailing list, there is a discussion on the relevance of some of the questions on the Extra Class license exam and how easy it is to pass the exam by memorizing the answers. Here is my response:
Whether or not you use what you learn while studying for the Extra Class license is immaterial. An Extra Class license holder is supposed to know about all aspects of amateur radio, and in some depth. That’s the whole idea of the Extra Class license.
Furthermore, you’ll be surprised when that knowledge comes in handy. I liken it to the courses I took in engineering school. As an electrical engineering student, I questioned the need to take thermodynamics and fluids courses. Well, that knowledge certainly came in handy when I became a project manager responsible for the design of an electronics control system. It helped me understand how airflow helped keep the electronics cool as well as the algorithms the controller used to control fluid flow in the field.
Something similar could be said about amateur radio. At this point, I have no desire to work satellites. That doesn’t mean that I won’t get interested in doing so at some point in the future. By having read a little bit about it to answer some questions on the Extra Class exam, I’m that much closer to actually doing it.
Finally, let me say a few words about passing the test by memorizing the answers. First of all, doing that is not all that easy for the Extra Class test. There are, after all, more than 500 questions in the question pool. And, to answer many of the questions correctly, you have to memorize the answer. There’s no way to learn the theory.
An example of this is question E2B21. The question is, “If 100 IRE units correspond to the most-white level in the NTSC standard video format, what is the level of the most-black signal?” The answer is 7.5 IRE units. To get that question right, you just have to memorize the answer.
Second, I don’t think many people can go through that memorization process without learning something. I have a friend who always claims that he passed the Extra test by memorizing all of the answers. He’s just playing dumb, though. He knows a lot more than he gives himself credit for, and I think that you’ll find the same thing is true for the clods who claim to have passed by simply memorizing the answers.
Third, even if someone could pass the test simply by memorizing the answers, they’re only cheating themselves. Why spend all that time and energy just memorizing the answers, when you can actually learn something? Especially when actually learning something will certainly prove useful in the future and make ham radio that much more fun?
Is the test material too easy? Perhaps. You have to remember, though, that this is just a hobby. We’re not talking about the installation and maintenance of systems with life-or-death consequences, such as air-traffic control systems or medical electronics.
If after thinking about all this you still think that the test is too easy, get on the committee that makes up the question pool. The question pool is drafted by a committee of Volunteer Examiners. They welcome your input.
k8gu says
This is a really excellent explanation. And, as I have said before it’s also why a code test really should have been retained for the Extra. The goals of the ham exams (in my mind) are to make the applicant aware enough of procedures/dangers/regulations/modes/etc to provide an introduction to the hobby and to assist in avoiding foolish mistakes. Of course, this does not account for those who are foolish by nature…
Dave says
You’re right, the ‘Extra’ is far too easy, more, it violates the principle of privileges for performance. Many General AND Advanced licensees passes a 13wpm code exam inmfront of an FCC examiner lost privileges where now code ignorant Extras have privileges. This is insanity. Many Advanced licensees could easily pass this mail-in license test but feel it would be a step down. There should be NO extra cw prvledges for those who have not tested at a communications level of performance, say 10-15 wpm. Thats my story and I’m sticking to it.
Cynical Ham says
You are exactly right but isn’t this the way our society has gone? We dumb EVERYTHING down. Now everyone can be a photographer, everyone can be a journalist… everyone can be a amateur radio operator. We’ve lost specialization for convenience.
Roger lewis says
I agree with all of you. I am Roger KF7EJA. Got my Tech ticket in 2009. I am a Licensed Master Electrician and a licensed electrical contractor in Utah and now in Arizona. There are a lot of safety factors these “easy licenses” are creating. I was shocked when I started looking into getting licensed as a Ham that the CW had been omitted from the test. I think a lot of people could get hurt or worse not knowing or understanding the theory of what we work with. I see it in the electrical field constantly…people saying how easy it is to do electrical work themselves to save money. And then there is the “incidental wiring” that the swimming pool contractors and the air conditioning contractors are allowed to do. IT’S DANGEROUS! I find life threatening issues all the time. I personally will learn CW for my own advantage and thing it should be included. I am interested in all aspects on amateur radio and very interested in digital and packet. Although I have found it all very intimidating and am yet to get “on the air”. I guess I need to find an Elmer, get programmed into the repeaters and “TALK”. I just feel so inadequate. Any ideas to help get me going??? Thanks Roger
Doug says
Actually, there are life and death consequences:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2009/10/13/2009-10-13_family_electrocuted_putting_up_radio_antenna.html
Dana Brinkmeier says
I agree completely with Doug. The Extra Class License should , at the very least, have a 15 WPM Code requirement.I was a Novice in 1965 and STILL operate on CW A-1 Transmission Mode.It has always been the backbone of Ham radio and there are a great many of us who still use it It sets apart those from other classes and Nobody should have extra CW band privledges that cannot operate CW mode..Omitting the code requirement was a BIG mistake and it should Still be part of the Extra Class Examination…..Period !! Dana WN6OHG
Floyd Larck says
Your comment: “Third, even if someone could pass the test simply by memorizing the answers, they’re only cheating themselves.”
This was proven here a while ago when I heard an Extra class lamenting on 2 meters that he had high SWR on 17 meters. He went on to say that he fixed it by switching out his Icom 718 with another rig. He said the 718 always had high SWR to which an Advanced class op agreed with him.
So here you have at least one fella who passed the Extra who hasn’t got a clue about the theory in our hobby.
Thanks, Dan!
Dan KB6NU says
Oh, brother. That made my day. :)
You really should have jumped in there and explained that the rig is probably not what’s causing a high SWR reading.
AB9QU says
I sure don’t know how retaining the code test would have made any difference when it comes to theory and other things. The advanced class op mentioned above
had a lot tougher test then what the Extras take now plus code. Didn’t seem to make much difference for him.
Mike Zydiak W2MJZ says
Just in case there is anyone reading this series of comments who would like to seriously study for and pass their Extra Class, let me reference you back to a posting I made a while ago:
Extra Class EasyPass: How Everybody Can Be an Extra
While I was quite wordy, the system that I outlined, and the tools that I detailed, work quite well, and I have yet to find and easier technique to successfully pass the Extra.
Mike Zydiak W2MJZ
k8gu says
That’s a great story…but, there’s a lot that’s gone untold. If the op was using the internal SWR meter (does the IC-718 have one?), it’s quite possible that something was wrong with the radio (in the meter or otherwise). It’s not clear that the underlying physics were ever discussed, though.
I agree that the Advanced written was harder than a 5 wpm code test plus today’s Extra. But, my statement about the code test was that the Extra class should be reserved for the well-rounded amateur. It had nothing to do with making test “tougher” and everything to do with understanding amateur operating practice, which is still heavily based on CW operation. Both technical and operating skills are important, although a multiple choice test on selected “technical” topics is much easier to administer uniformly than the Morse tests were.
The tests are not a filter. They’re just to make applicants aware of the Service. There will always be outliers…
Doyle says
Hi–
I am an Extra Class license holder. I studied and learned much over several years.
I began wth the Technician Lience, then after 2 years studied some more and earned the General Class. After another four years I studied, and earned the Extra.
I am also an electrical engineer so I feel I have an advantage over many hams. But those who have made the effort to learn as opposed to memorize are valuable assets to our hobby. I have learned much from several of those people, especially operating techniques and Field Day preparation.
It was a buddy with an Extra Class license who enticed me into amateur radio. He was an “elmer” in the true sense, helping me not only find the study materials, but also helping solve issues with my station when I first started. Now after these several years I am able to do similar things for others.
But I think the “Extra” should be something a bit special. I think there should be a 5 year requirement as a General or Technical before taking the Extra exam. I think the Extra class holder should be an experienced ham. Most of us will never work moon bounce and not everyone will work the HF bands either. But the experience of a few years operating in our chosen areas would make a big difference. I believe it is through doing that one truely learns.
Doyle, KG6YUN
John says
My experience in electronics and Ham Radio closely follows that of Doyle. I was lucky in that my dad was licensed as a Ham back in 1932. I learned a lot from my dad, such as courtesy on the air and making friendships that have lasted my entire adult years. Having a father as my private Elmer pushed me in the right direction to pursue degrees in electronics. Now I sure as heck wasn’t no rocket scientist in high school. It took me an extra year to finish up high school in the military, but it all turned out good. There is always that sense of accomplishment that comes along with earning that coveted ham license and the Extra Class was icing on the cake.
I’ll not say I’m old, but I had to take every one of my tests from the infamous steely eyed FCC examiner. I took every one of my tests, amateur and commercial from the same FCC lady and I think to this day, she would intimidate the hell out of me.
To get back on track, I do believe the FCC erred when it dropped the requirements for Morse code. It seems that whenever you talk to other hams they think telephone, cell phones, and the Internet will always be there. Disaster or not. If we ever have a real serious emergency, I fear we might not be prepared for it.
I have always been impressed with the ARRL’s emergency net system and they have done miracles in the past. Maybe, I’m just too old and set in my ways, but it seems like amateur radio revolves more around the major radio manufactures than any other aspect. Everything costs a fortune and you can’t easily buy a single band multimode radio any longer. Just plunk down a couple of grand and presto, there you go, DC to light with full computer control. I think the Extra Class test was easier than programming my Yaesu FT-60. The 9,000 functions seem to get in get way of simplicity.
Yep, the Extra Class license is really that extra.
expiredticket says
Old as I may think I am, I’m that ‘young blood’ that hams need to keep the hobby alive. Passed my General w/5wpm code around 1998, operated for a bit, but ultimately moved on to other things. Haven’t touched a rig in 10 years, ticket recently fell from grace, and for whatever reason tonight decided to see how I’d do with an online extra exam.
Scored around 60%. Couldn’t believe it – it was that easy for an extra?? I’m no EE so guessed on many of the questions requiring calculation. Maybe I got lucky? Regardless, saw some comments on here regarding CW requirements and felt the need to add my two cents.
Before my General exam, I spent around a week constantly listening to CW tapes. Passed the exam with flying colors. Hey, neat, I knew Morse code. Didn’t have much of an interest in operating CW before the exam, but it was required, so I toughed it out and studied. In the end, I never had a single CW QSO. Again, no interest, I just jumped through that hoop for the General. Was primarily interested in operating SSB.
Around two weeks after passing the exam, was bored one day and tuned over to the CW portion of 20 or 40m (can’t remember which) to see what was there. Hey, I passed the test, should be good to go, right?
Couldn’t copy anything. Made out a callsign or two, but nothing beyond that. I was amazed that two weeks previous I copied the exam tape with ease and now couldn’t copy a thing. Were those stations sending above 5wpm? Can’t remember exactly, but most likely they were. Use it or lose it, as they say.
Maybe I’m an odd case. Assuming I’m not, though…. Lots of hams seem to gripe about dropping CW requirements, letting the riffraff in, and the need for CW in emergency situations. It’s a more efficient mode, of course, and in a *real* serious emergency it would be helpful. That said, what was the point of me taking the CW exam? Not everyone who takes the exam will operate CW, and for those who don’t, they might promptly forget it as I did. If someone wants to use CW they’ll learn and become proficient regardless of the exam requirement. Hams who passed a CW exam seven years ago but haven’t touched it since might not be any better off than today’s no-code General with no experience at all.
Don’t know why, but I think I might study a bit and take an exam. It’d be fun. Maybe even go for the Extra. Would I still do it if I had to repeat the CW learning and forgetting cycle again? Who knows. This time around, though, no plug-n-play for me, not even a kit. Think I’ll build a rig from scratch for PSK31 or other digital modes. More fun that way.
David White says
There are some of us that have been around the block a day or two that are incapable of hearing morse code. Due to 26 years Air Force and wokrking around the jets and associated equipment I can not hear any high pitch tone and very few low pitch tones. TDD equipment is not available for rigs.
I was able to get my gen license because I had a Novice before entering service (when I could hear) so the code is nice but there should not be required
f_hampshire W8FH says
I was extremely proud that I had earned my Extra. I practiced until I could copy 25 WPM and the test was no big deal since I was getting my degree in engineering. Now, just walk into the bathroom and peel an Extra Class license off the roll – that’s about all it’s worth. Welfare Radio. Just like everything else in our society. “It’s not fair that you can do it but I can’t. Therefore, you must change the requirements.”
bullmastif says
As a new ham with a tech license, I would like to comment. I am studying for the general license currently, and I find it difficult to really learn any type of concepts or theory. All the study materials are practice exams. The books, the online practice test etc, they are all questions and answers. It would make more sense to have actual text books with explanations, like any other field of science, rather than all practice test without concepts. So as a amateur, memorizing the questions seams like the only option when you don’t have anywhere that really teaches you the stuff.
Dan KB6NU says
I hear what you’re saying, but the intent of the study guides is not to teach you electronics—there are many, many books out there to help you do that. The ARRL, for example, sells a book Understanding Basic Electronics, and there is, of course, the venerable, ARRL Handbook. To really learn ham radio you need to do it, so my advice to you is to just get your license and then jump in with both feet.
C. D. Campbell says
I passed my tech in 2007 by studying the test questions. Didn’t learn a thing. Used an HT for 8 years or so, then took a 6 week class to upgrade to General hoping to not repeat the mistake. I had no interest in learning CW for my Technician license, and have no interest in it as a General, although the radio I bought will decode CW to text and encode standard keyboard input to CW, RTTY, and PSK31, so I plan to try it at some point. I understand why CW I important in terms of weak signals and copyability, but the truth is that with today’s modern radios and computers, hams enjoy the ability to make contacts with low power or under poor conditions just the same.
CW is neat, but if you insist on attaching it to any kind of band privileges worth having, you are going to watch amateur radio die off with the last gray-bearded old school hold-out kicking the bucket and falling on his straight key. We live in a digital world today. New hams don’t deserve to be looked down on like unworthy Plebes for not wanting to spend weeks learning to do something they can swipe their fingers on their cell phone to do. The barriers to entry for amateur radio have to be lower out of sheer necessity; the Old Guard will just have to understand.
Ray says
Thanks. I agree. I am a software engineer and working on software defined radio projects and coding is super interesting and fun. I respect those who learn CW, and I would like to at some point; but I bring a set of skills to the hobby that are just as valuable as being able to copy CW and will help keep interest in radio alive.
JW Bruce says
I like to say I have done the online studies but it was after looking at some great videos of instruction that have been put on the web/internet for each license level which made it easy to understand the subjects when studying and testing. Now working on Extra. A lot of units nowadays will do the CW for you so I guess they are dumbing it down for us but for me it is great as I also have a big hearing loss from a lot of air and weapons time from the military so I would not be able to decipher CW without help. Thanks for the help radio designers/engineers.
Ron says
I totally agree with what I am reading here. My 8 year old step-daughter just passed her Extra Exam on 21-May-2011. It is not the fact that she passed a rather hard test, it is the drive behind her passing it. “I want to help my community, if something really bad happens”, Mikaila (KK4BFK) says with the passion of an adult ham radio operator. She was saying just the other day, “Daddy, everyone is making a big deal out of my passing the exams, and they are not that hard for me, I like the attention! Then she says “you know what though, I really hope nothing bad happens that we have to step up and provide communications, but I am glad I have my license, and now I have to really start sitting down and learning exactly how I will be able to help and when to do if I am told to run this or that radio, but at least I know I can help if I am needed and that feels better than passing the test. Yes, I agree it is all about the community and helping our friends and neighbors.
Eric says
Well, theres always going to be old people in every hobby who complain about various things. Im sure that when ICs came out they were all tube purists. Im sure that when they transmitted voices, the spark gap people were in a tizzy. There are a lot of older guys who think that you have to be an EE genius to be an extra, and thus romantisize the class into an elite club and thats fine.
I know a guy who hates echolink because “it’s not radio” and yatta yatta and doesn’t own a home computer.
I think the ARRL made the requirements such because, and I agree, that the classes are learners permits.
In the interest of full disclosure, I got my tech ticket in April of 11. three weeks later I tested for General, now I have an extra class exam on the 16th. But the thing is that I don’t come from a technical background. I could barely turn a screwdriver, much less calculate discharge capacitance after a few time constants. And I’m primarily operating on two meters because I don’t yet have an HF rig. I couldn’t tell you a lot about band plans because I talk on about 3 repeaters total and thats only on a mobile station because I don’t have a 40 foot tower in my apartment.
I was able to accomplish my ascendance due to the online test question banks and two dollar outdated license manuals. But I am exposed to things that I’ve never been exposed to before. Im young, I didn’t have to learn code, and my motivation is to work with the county.
I think some of you are really missing the point. You guys are sitting around complaining that the knowledge base is getting watered down. What do you really expect from a country that has 3rd world math/science placement?
Most of the guys that I know that are extras are over 40. Those guys have a vast degree of knowledge. But you know what? When I came up and said “I am looking for an elmer to help me learn how to solder” noone stepped up. A lot of people see a newbie like me and automatically assume we are appliance operators. If that’s the case why not embrace someone that is eager to learn and show them the things that they can really only understand through hands on experience instead of complaining that the young bucks don’t know anything.
Part of the problem also (and I can understand as I’ve trained new employees on the job and it’s annoying), is that everyone acts like it is a chore to go out and help someone identify an antenna or help someone eliminate AC hum. Im sure some of the guys around here probably will think that I got where I am by memorizing answers and judge me for it, but you know what? Few of those seasoned amateurs participated in the last SET drill.
But look, I don’t want this to seem like I’m bashing the old guys, but reading some of the above posts really made me want to respond. I think that the good thing is that License issuances are increasing, and young people are having to keep the hobby alive. I know that back in the day it was much harder, when there was no internet, it was very difficult to learn the theory, or locate books to teach the theory to pass the tests. Now there is internet, and kids can send voice, data, text, video over the internet and doing all that over the radio is way too expensive and redundant in the face of internet/cell phones. They can talk around the world (on their parent’s dime) on half a watt portable. I can see the advantages of making the license requirements easier.
Don’t you really spend the rest of your lives learning how to drive AFTER your license is issued? That’s how I view the process and I think thats the ARRL’s take on it also.
I will say that there is something to the complaints about the requirements here. I can see that. I know it looks akward for me to potentially get an Extra Class license and not really know anything about radio. I see both sides but I guess what I really want to say is that you guys should be glad that people still care about radio and just take the rest as-is. Lead by an example of Amateur Operator courtesy and friendliness
If you really care about amateur radio then get out of your circle of radio friends and help someone you DON’T know learn how to be a professional amateur.
Respectfully,
Eric
Mark says
Three and a half years after this post I compelled to reply.
Eric, you really hit the nail on the proverbial head, especially regarding the comparison to learning to drive and (hopefully) get better after we get our driver’s license.
I am an old guy (by number only). I have been a ham for six months. I got my General last week. I am a retired educator. I am now a project Manager for a state agency. I have, and will continue to be a lifelong learner.
One facet of learning that has always stuck in me is that all of us learn information differently – seven different styles, or intelligences that allow each of us to absorb information and apply it as needed. That said, my most prominent style is kinesthetic, or physical. Learning by doing. Secondly I learn aurally. Leaning by hearing. Where I am headed with this is I have always wanted to be a ham since I was a kid. Money, time and other interests pushed that goal aside. I was the kind of kid who went to bed to see what radio stations I would pick up on skip from my grandmother’s big, huge monster of a tube radio from the 40s. I was trained musically as a child and so when I heard Morse code for the first time, my ears perked up and I wanted to know everything about it. Unfortunately, piano took precedence. I want to, and will learn Morse as I now move forward. My first job was in commercial radio being an engineer’s assistant working with some very old broadcast equipment that had tubes as big as my head and hummed that perfect song. Now, I have the equipment and the basic skills to build my foundation. Will I attempt QSOs on CW next week? Hahahaha… right. Nope. Just listening and learning with all the tools I can. My early goal is 10wpm. Will I get there? Maybe. But I am learning in the spirit of the hobby. Just like learning the piano, it will take practice and play. Morse is a method, just like music theory, and I plan on writing songs with the keyer someday. But for now, I am learning, listening and smiling knowing I have marked one more thing off my bucket list. My sons and step sons want to learn to ham operators, and I want to set the example.
In my view, amateur radio is and should be romanticized. It has deep roots post WWII, my father’s war. Many of the “old timers” are a special group to celebrate with their wisdom and experience. It is my hope and wish that they teach the next generation of amateur radio operators. Those who have paved the way for this wonderful hobby, I thank you. I am hoping you will understand I am doing this differently than you. I am hoping you are thankful there are some of us out here that want to see this carry on and preserve the essence of the hobby. Please, have faith.
Erik says
I have to reply, as well, some years later.
I first got a Technician license in 2001. I used it a little, then got sucked into a job that kept me 70-100+ hours a week. I had no time for hobbies and absolutely no time to study for an upgrade. Eventually, my license lapsed. In February, I noticed there was a local hamfest with testing. I studied a little and got the Technician license back. In March, I passed the General exam. This morning, I passed the Extra exam.
I don’t have the demanding job any longer (thankfully) and recently bought a house. I have a spare room to build a station in and can finally put up some antennas!
I “get” that it was more difficult in the old days and know the old guys really put in the time for their licenses. That’s wonderful and they’re truly great hobbyists. Zero criticism here. But time moves on and things change. I’m a lawyer and was in the last class at my law school to be trained to do legal research entirely with books in a law library. We were forbidden to use electronic search tools.
That’s very old-school in the law. Though I changed with the times. I learned how to do electronic research and can do it as well as the new lawyers. Admittedly, I prefer nosing around a law library and using actual books. I like photocopying cases and marking them up with a highlighter and writing notes im the margins. It has its advantages, too. Westlaw and Lexis are darned expensive. I can work with books as fast (and sometimes faster) at a lower cost. And it’s still a viable way to do the work. The work product is the same whether you use books or electronic means.
Funny thing is, a similar thing happened to my father. He’s a pharmacist and was in the last class where they were required to learn compounding. He can still do it, though most new pharmacists have no idea. Dad also kept up with the times and can do anything the new pharmacists can do.
I see amateur radio the same way. Things changed. I am, admittedly, an inexperienced operator. I won’t be forever. I want to learn CW so I can participate. I want to learn a lot else. I wanted to get Extra out of the way before doing much in the hobby. Otherwise, it would gnaw at me that I hadn’t done everything I could. So I buckled down, learned the material, and passed the test.
I have nothing but respect for the old timers and intend to learn as much as possible from them. Times have changed and the old timers should know that some of us newcomers take the hobby seriously and want to know as much as they do. The path is just different today.
Keith Hayden says
You have to realize that HAMS have a need to feel superior and in control. They are arrogant and self entitled. They love to belittle and haze any newcomers. There are a few good HAMS out there, but for the most part, they are just trying to make themselves seem superior to CB operators because they have a “license” that requires a test. In realty HAM is outdated. GMRS is a much better and more practical solution in regular group communication and emergencies.
Jeff says
As someone who will turn 43 this May and jut got my Tech license in November (and will take General in March), I’m another one if the n00bs some people talk about. I put off taking the exam 20 yrs ago because my brain refuses to learn code. When no-code tech came out I studied and then life took over. In the last month I’ve contributed code to an open source SDR app and I’m damn passionate about radio (have been an avid DXer forever). Say what u will about code, but I wouldn’t be a ham if it was still a requirement.
Oh, and Eric (the previous poster) nailed it. Read his comment again. Then again. Then you’ll get it. I agree 100% and couldn’t have said it better.
QRPbOb says
I agree with f_hampshire W8FH. I used to do ARRL qualifying runs up to 35 WPM and I received a certificate from the ARRL for each run I copied – not tape recorders or help-
I also worked hard to study regulations and electrical theory. My General, Advanced and Extra Class licenses were EARNED by hard consistent studying, not by memorizing questions and answers.
To Quote W8FH: Welfare Radio. Just like everything else in our society. “It’s not fair that you can do it but I can’t. Therefore, you must change the requirements.”
I see that the value of what you do is proportional to the work and effort you expend to achieve it.
As the licensing is now,
Dan says
I figure I only understand about 80% and retain about 20% or less of what I study once. I am just finishing studing for my General license and by doing so, working my way through the ARRL book, I now understand the Technical license material better. There are some things in the General material that I don’t get, but I figure if I study the Extra material then I will end up with a better grip on the General material. etc. With the ham license tests, after studying then I will go back and review the questions with the goal of (a) restudying the material for the questions I miss, and (b) “memorizing” the answers with the goal of passing the test.
Lantz KE0FWS\AG says
I can see the frustration with the ‘elmers’ regarding noobs ‘getting off easy’. For my 2 cents, I would say that I was stopped back in the late 60’s from pursuing Amateur Radio due to the CW requirement. I have subsequently spent more that 25 years in the IT field – from mainframe to the cloud (windows, unix, linux) so I am not afraid of technicalities LOL.
I am very pleased to be able to now acquire my tickets, and as you can see, I have recently tested and gotten General. I fully intend to pursue this to Extra.
With that said, I realize this is only the beginning. Studying constantly about antenna and general radio electronics, am hoping to get back into kits and homebrew (started on HeathKit SW). As to the CW testing. Honestly there is NO real world use for it other that hobby anymore (unless you so special forces ops and the by God you will learn it) – and I will probably cheat my way into CW with a computer and an TT506.
Now, before you flame me, let me add, I am very interested to learn to hand key, many good clubs available to contest that way, and to me, despite the lack of requirement, it still represents the heart of amateur radio (as well as being the most reliable comm method ever developed). I, for one, am excited to be joining the hobby (again) at this time when options are available.
I hope some of the ‘crusty’ comments on here don’t represent what I will find among the elmers in my area…if so, fine, I will figure it out on my own. More satisfaction that way anyway.
Oh BTW, despite my noob uneducated lack of real challenge status, I think buying a new rig to fix the SWR is pretty darn funny. :)
73,
KE0FWS\AG
David Ryeburn VE7EZM and AF7BZ says
An earlier comment about lack of understanding said
“I heard an Extra class lamenting on 2 meters that he had high SWR on 17 meters. He went on to say that he fixed it by switching out his Icom 718 with another rig. He said the 718 always had high SWR to which an Advanced class op agreed with him.”
Well, if the Icom rig had high harmonic content, or a parasitic oscillation on some strange frequency, the comment might not have been as nutty as it sounds!
David, VE7EZM and AF7BZ
Lantz KE0FWS/AE says
That’s a good point, so I don’t suppose making mental pictures of a person based on hearsay conversation out of context was really very wise. :) Agree totally.
73
Steve says
I suppose I may as well express my two cents worth here.
There are a lot of posts here that deal with the licensing structure, the Morse code requirement (or lack thereof), and the value of an Extra class license.
I haven’t much use for the Extra class license. I really don’t think it proves much anymore. From the above posts, it sounds a bit like any 10 year old with good memorization can get it.
In my case, I have reason to prefer to *not* get the Extra class license. I’d rather keep my old “W” Advanced class license and my old WA–WZ plus three letters call. I don’t want an “A” or “N” call.
I also think there are a lot of hams out there who have no idea of, or appreciation of, the old licensing structure.
I first learned Morse code as part of a requirement for a Boy Scout merit badge when I was 10 years old. Then, at the ripe old age of 11, in 1959, I passed the written requirement, and the 5 wpm receiving and sending Morse requirements for my Novice. I was then allowed to use up to 75 watts, crystal control, and a very small portion of the 75 and 40 meters bands. The license was only good for 1 year.
One year later I passed the General written exam and the 13 wpm receiving and sending Morse requirements. I was then issued a WAx3 style call sign. And it was good for 5 years, not the present 10 years.
In 1970 I graduated with a BS in engineering and was immediately rewarded with my draft notice. Rather than let the Army have it’s way with me for two years, I rebelled a wee bit and enlisted in the Marines for three years instead, the extra year being a part of the “deal” with the draft board.
When I joined the Corps I had no idea that knowing Morse would ever be of any real benefit for anything but hamming. I was pretty much sure I was going to end up being an 0300 Grunt in Vietnam within about 6 months.
Then, during Marine Corps boot camp, I learned in a very big way, the value of knowing the Morse code. I was told that after my infantry training phase was over, I would move on to a special school operated by the Navy and Marines, and very likely never have to carry an M16 or M79 through the jungles of Vietnam.
Because I had already been taking Morse as a ham for 10 years at the time, I passed out of the Morse training portion of the school almost immediately, spent the next 6 months at the school teaching More, and graduated at the top of my class. And as a reward for being the top guy, I was allowed to choose my next duty station. Instead of going to Vietnam, I went to … Hawaii!
On the way from the school to Hawaii, I stopped by at an FCC exam station, on a lark, and easily passed the 20 wpm receiving and transmitting portions of the Morse test, and the written test for my Advanced class license. At that time, the WAx3 style of call sign was still used for Advanced license holders, so I did not change the call. At that time there was no such thing as a WAx2 style call sign to distinguish Advanced license holders.
During my time in Hawaii and Okinawa, it again became clear that Morse capability was, at that time, a good thing to have. So called “fishing trawlers” were posted offshore from both Hawaii and Okinawa, watching our Naval shipping traffic from Pearl Harbor, and our Air Force flights (mainly MAC flights to Vietnam) from Hickam AB in Hawaii and Kadena AB in Okinawa. I remember occasionally seeing “news” items on KGMB TV on Oahu, announcing that this or that trawler was coming into Pearl to refuel, resupply, and “shop” after having been at sea for 6 months. Some of us ditty chasers actually went down to the docs just to see who those fishing trawler people were. Many of them were Russian women. And they were very good operators, regularly cruising along at 35 words per minute via Morse code on their networks.
The ability to work in Morse allowed me to do a type of work in the military that also entered me into the world of highly classified security clearances. As a result of those clearances I was able to work, at a later time in life, in the Silicon Valley, writing computer code for government agencies, often making about $10,000 more per year than my non-security enabled co-workers.
So, Morse capability, for me, was a very good thing. It started with Boy Scouts, carried me through to a nice job in the Marines, and ended up literally “paying off”, if indirectly, in the Silicon Valley.
Now, I’m an old guy. Been hamming for 56 years. Sometimes I think about getting the Extra class license. But there aren’t many incentives for doing so. The Advanced license lets me do just about everything I want to do with a ham license. As an “old ham” I like, and would prefer to keep, my “W” call sign. I think I would probably loose that and get stuck with some “A” or “N” call if I went for Extra.
To me, and probably to a lot of old guys, there is a sense of “seasoned” ham associated with the old “W” and “K” calls. And I am not aware of any FCC option for converting an old Wx3 Advanced call to a Wx2 Advanced call. So, now I am still hamming with what a lot of Extra class newbies assume is a Novice WBx3 call.
However, it is annoying that I have to have to explain to Extra class holders with no sense of history, that my WBx3 call is NOT a Novice class call, and that, yes, I really am allowed to use this portion of the ham bands with my Advanced license.
WB6MHT … not a Novice license holder, but an Advanced license holder, and proud of it, even if I don’t rip right along at 35 WPM any more. Thanks for letting me rant a bit.
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks for your comments, Steve. I was kind of like you. I already had my Advanced Class license, and I wasn’t really sure what upgrading to Extra Class would buy me. I even joked that I wanted to be the last living Advanced Class licensee in the U.S.
I was sort of shamed into getting my Extra Class license. Once I started teaching classes, some students of mine got Extra Class tickets and joked that they had a higher class license than I did. It really was just a joke, but I got the point. I cracked the book for a short time, and before long was ready to take the test.
It wasn’t a big deal, but it was worth it. As a CW operator, being able to operate the lower 25 kHz of a band is really nice. On 40m, for example, that’s where the DX usually hangs out. As a VE with an Extra class license, I can administer any amateur radio exam. And, who would buy an Extra Class study guide from someone who only had an Advanced Class license?
I would encourage you to do it. And, you needn’t worry about changing your callsign. You only have to change it if you want to. You can remain WB6MHT.
David Ryeburn VE7EZM and AF7BZ says
Steve, WB6MHT, wrote:
“I haven’t much use for the Extra class license. I really don’t think it proves much anymore.”
Well, maybe and maybe not.
Let me tell you about my Extra Class experience. It’s not what you think.
I got my first amateur radio license at age 14 — W8EZE. It was a Class B license, the ancestor of the General Class license. There was no Novice Class or Technician Class back in 1949. I failed the 13 wpm code test the first time I took the exam, Summer 1949. I got my high school authorities to authorize skipping classes one afternoon three months later in the Fall when W8DX, the FCC examiner out of Detroit, next came to Cincinnati. I passed the 13 wpm test with ease. The written exam was no problem, and wouldn’t have been a problem three months earlier had I passed the code test. In summer 1949 I still considered Morse code a necessary evil, something you had to know to pass the test. But by Fall, when I passed the test with ease, I kind of liked it.
I really grew to like Morse code and became a very good CW operator. This continued through until I graduated from high school and on through college. Since all a Class A (predecessor of Advanced Class) license would have gotten me would have been operating privileges on 75 m and 20 m ‘phone, and I didn’t do ‘phone, I saw no point in taking the exam. (40 ‘phone didn’t exist back then.)
A while later the Extra Class license came into being. It didn’t, at that time, get you anything that an Advanced Class license wouldn’t get you. So I didn’t bother.
Then in the summer of 1955 while living in Chicago one day I went down to the FCC office to write the First Phone commercial license exam, so that I could get a summer job as a radio station transmitter engineer. I took my bug along with me. At that point I could receive about 50 wpm but I could only send about 30 wpm. I finished the First Phone exam in short order and asked the examiner (who had to stick around since lots of other people were still slaving away at the exam) whether I could take the Extra Class amateur exam. He said that strictly speaking it was against the rules since it was the wrong day of the week for amateur exams. He looked at my First Phone exam papers, smiled, and said he’d bend the rules for me. So I put on the headphones (so as not to disturb the others still writing that First Phone exam) and started copying the 20 wpm code the machine was sending. The examiner looked over my shoulder and about one minute into the session he stopped me and told me to start sending, handing me the a piece of paper with what he wanted me to send written on it. I asked him if I could use my bug. He said yes, so I connected the bug, batted out a few words at about 30 wpm, something like TEST de W8EZE, and began sending what he wanted me to send at about that speed. I don’t think he waited more than 30 seconds before he handed me the written test. I finished that long before most of the FIrst Phone examinees had finished.
A couple of weeks later I had a new FIrst Phone license and a new Amateur Extra Class license. They didn’t change call signs back then so I was still W8EZE.
I never did use the Extra Class privileges. I still just worked CW. I took the Extra Class exam just for the heck of it, and if it had cost me an extra transit fare, had I not already been going to the FCC office for other reasons, I wouldn’t have done it.
In 1966 I moved to Canada and a year later the W8EZE license lapsed. No ham radio from then to 2013. In 2013 I got my VE7EZM license and soon thereafter my AF7BZ license. When I wrote the US exams I had to start over — first the Technician exam, a few minutes later the General exam, and finally the Extra exam. (These days, two and a half years later, you only have to pass the Technician exam and present proof of previously having had a higher class license, and you will get a higher class license. I think that’s a bad change in the regulations. A few things have changed since 1955.) No code tests this time — I was sort of disappointed. (I’m still just a CW operator.) This time I wanted the Extra Class license for two reasons — pride, since once open a time I had had one (though I had never used the additional privileges it then gave me), and also nowadays if you don’t have one you have to stay out of the bottom 25 kHz of the CW sub-bands. I think you have to stay out of some portions of the ‘phone sub-bands too, but I really don’t know about that. I talk with my fingers and these days a paddle, not a bug as I did long ago.
So that’s why I have an Extra Class license.
rich roch says
This post is interesting and let me state, I am a newbie. Getting close to retirement so thinking of a new hobby, I thought this could supplement some of my other interests. I knew little about ham radio a month ago. I now have my ham general license. I probably will have my extra license next month. I am not going to challenge the more experience Elmers knowledge levels, but I would like to think that I have a specific level of skills that can contribute to the hobby.
Will I talk on ham to some one else? Maybe. I am putting a station together but am not motivated by anything but knowledge. It is part of the learning process that makes life interesting.
As far as contributing to the hobby, not sure how much, but I hope so. A ham license is something that anyone that wants to be on the edge of experimentation and learning that has and interest in this field should desire. the wealth of knowledge that can be achieved through the study of antenna theory, digital communications, wave propagation, tower construction, grounding, lightning protection considerations and the host of other things that make HAM radio a thing to be cherished.
As not one of the more recent members of this community, I say welcome to all. This is not a inclusive club. ARRL has set up excellent criteria to find new members. I am now a three year member to ARRL to support this freedom. I support all and am happy to have this interesting hobby to pursue. For those of you that have been a member for a long time, please except me and them. I will try not to disappoint you and not sure if I speak for others, but I hope so.
Dan KB6NU says
Rich: Thanks for your comments. I always stress that amateur radio is an exercise in lifelong learning. I hope that if you ever hear me on the air, you will give me a call.
rich roch says
Dan,
I have nothing but a hand held transceiver operational right now. There is nothing being on the air and unfortunately I am not right now. I have some other stuff. I am an electrical engineer, so fortunately some of the technical parts of the hobby are already known to me. I have just finished paying for my kids to go to college so I am still poor! You are right about life long learning and I appreciate your post.
My present job requires knowledge that is useful to a ham operator. I wanted to get my ham license years ago, but, life is busy as you know. It will take me a while to get my station on line, hopefully in another 3 months. I live in Maine and putting in a good ground for a ham station right now is difficult. My station will be nothing to brag about compared to others I have seen on line. I have a Icom 765 transceiver and a nice new kenwood transceiver for 2m and 75 cm bands.
My antenna will be wimpy, i.e.. no directional antenna. A simple dipole with an antenna tuner. My power levels will be low, 100 Watts. But that is ok for now and I will see where I go from here. I have enjoyed listening to shortwave non broadcast for many years. I will spend most of my time listening, but if I ever hear your call, I will definitely make contact. Thank you for your kind words and 73, KC1ETR.
Doug Reid WD4LNW says
I have held an Advanced Class license since the mid 1970’s. Back in the day, I had to pass a code requirement for my Technician and then another for General, plus the written tests. There were no study questions back then other than a study guide that actually taught you how to work formulas to solve similar, not exactly the same, questions that you might see on the written exam. I work mostly CW and can easily copy 20 – 25 wpm. I recently studied the questions for the Extra license and passed easily. This was not much of a challenge, compared to the old days, IMO. I can see allowing a Technician Class for example a pass on the cw requirement, but I believe the Extra Class needs to be reserved for the folks willing to put in the effort and learn cw and also how to work a few impedance and ohms law problems.
James Pesavento says
The first wireless boys were in it for the awe and newness and fun of learning years before the government got involved and a license was required. If the license test is hard or easy it doesn’t matter. Just start having fun.
K2NJO says
This is an old article BUT I was surprised to see like minded individuals….I’ve been licensed since March, took my Tech and then two months later took my General exam. For Tech I just memorized the questions, but for General I took a different approach, as I attempted to memorize the questions my investigative mind took over and I ended up googling a lot of the forula’s and the “why’s” of some of the “weird” questions, it was satisfying when I took practice exams and passed with 100%’s everytime and when I finally did take the test I got 33/35 and the ones I got wrong were in all likelyhood because I am a horrid test taker when its the real deal, been that way since I was a kid, I was jamming through all the questions and I marked two wrong because I ready the question wrong or I got impatient and didn’t want to think too hard! Now I am studying for Extra, I want to wait a bit, I do not want to take the test until I have at least played on all the HF bands, I have been an RF geek for life for there is so much more to HAM radio than just understanding RF and I don’t want to be one of those Extra’s that can’t even make a dipole antenna (they exist). A newly minted Extra who put a lot of time and effort in handed me his Amateur Extra study guide and said keep it and study up, even had flash cards inside, even though the test is changing I’m guessing a lot of the theory is the same and the guide gives the formula’s which is nice because I hated memorizing a question and not knowing why that was the answer! I was never good at math so in highschool I’d often get an answer and think “Well how did I get this answer” because the test was multiple choice. I know its just a hobby but when I see “Advanced” or “Amateur Extra” next to someones call on qrz or ULS or whatever I think “that’s someone that I can rely on”, actually it seams more Advanced classes have helped me out, no disrespect but the Advanced class guys always know a TON of information about really technical stuff, my first radio had a horrendous buzz to it, I tried everything to seperate the power supply, ground everything to one point and finally I said I’m new help me! And two Advanced class elmers solved the problem! Then a couple of weeks later I ran into two newly minted Extra’s who acted like they just got a freaking medical degree, they misquoted FCC regulations saying I was not allowed to use a 6meter repeater and basically said “you would understand if you were the same class as us”, then one of them went on to brag about how he was able to talk to Florida on 20meters with *only* 75watts while I know guys who talk to florida on a watt with some guys running in the low milliwatts, they said they thought QRP was stupid, one of those times where it was difficult to turn the dial but I did anyways. So when i go to take my Extra exam I want to know what I am talking about, ok maybe not be a master of vacuum tube radios or be able to bang out CW at 25wpm but be able to contribute something other than more noise.
Ron Bertrand says
G’day
The Australian radio amateur question banks are not public domain and myself and many others have fought to have them stay that way. It discourages poor study methods. Many publications for AR learning are not very good a teaching and most are just so-called “quick easy methods”.
I recently published a proper teaching handbook. I based the content on all syllabi in several countries so it would be useful to everyone to study or upgrade their Amateur Radio Qualifications (by learning).
What I did notice though is the most AR Syllabi are behind where they should be. I will be pushing to have the Advanced Syllabi in Australia improved. We are falling behind. With the introduction of STEM in schools there has been a push to involve AR. I don’t see how we can with the current syllabi. There is little on digital modes and many other topics. AR needs to lift its game and come into the 21st century.
Radio Theory Handbook – Beginner to Advanced
PREVIEW (large)
Preview: http://goo.gl/z9rbyA
Purchase: https://goo.gl/ObaZk8
73
Ron VK2DQ
Greg says
I’m amazed at how many people say the Extra is easy. I’m happy for you if you find it so. I’m about to take the Extra for the 6th time. I don’t have an electronics background. I’m a junior high music teacher, licensed since 1969. I built my HW-101 when I passed the General (at the FCC office in Manhattan) and built a 6L6 rig that got me 23 states and 2 DX. I operate low band CW 100%. I’ve been studying the material for weeks, and will continue to take the test until I pass. 73, Greg WA2EHV
Dan KB6NU says
I don’t think that the Extra Class exam is easy. Indeed, taken to extremes, to really learn everything that’s on the test, you’d have to get a degree in electrical engineering. Heck, I actually do have a degree in electrical engineering, and I had to study before I took the Extra Class exam.
I think that a lot of hams get distracted when studying for the test. By that I mean that they try to learn everything there is to know about a topic, rather than learning what they need to know to pass the test. For example, there are several questions on digital logic on the Extra Class test. To learn everything about digital logic, you’d have to take several college courses or pore incessantly over thick textbooks and build lots of digital circuits. While that may teach you a lot about digital logic, it may not help you answer the digital logic questions on the Extra Class test. And, that’s only one of many topics on the test!
That’s why my study guides are written as they are. The goal isn’t to teach you all the nuances of digital logic, or antenna theory, or circuit design, but to give you just enough background so that you understand why the correct answers to the questions on the test are the correct answers.
Some hams think that’s cheating, but like I said before, to really learn everything that’s on the test, you’d have to get a degree in electrical engineering and work as an engineer for many years. This is just a hobby. If we really wanted to ensure that all Extras were electronics (and antenna and RF systems) geniuses, then we’d have to make the test a lot harder, and very few would be able to pass.
Getting back to your situation, I’d be happy to help you. If there are particular topics or questions that you don’t understand, please feel free to e-mail, and I’ll either e-mail you back, or we can schedule a time to talk on the phone or maybe even on the air.
Greg says
Thanks, Dan. I’m taking the test tonight. If I flunk it, then tomorrow I’ll order your study guide. 73, Greg WA2EHV
Dan KB6NU says
Good luck!
E Rolls says
I think the test is to easy as well. I have taken 20 or so practice exams and passed them all. Was very surprised that there was very few questions that required study and understanding. Sure, some things can only be memorized such as bands baud rate etc. but I think they should add another 25 questions that actually need to be calculated. I will be another extra that did not take a code test but I am learning it anyway. My goal is to operate SOTA and SOTA just begs to be worked with CW. Also a CW transceiver is the perfect first time radio build project. I think it mostly boils down to getting more people involved in this waning hobby.
-73 KE0DQU
Joe Pfeifer says
I am a new Amateur Extra license holder. I have an idea. Now that I have my Amateur Extra I kind of miss the “studying for it”. In the back of my mind I thought “now I can relax an finally learn code”. My idea is this: how about a national organization like ARRL offering testing and “Code Certificates” they could have levels lik 5, 10, 15, and higher. They will not add any privledges other than bragging rights like “I am an Amateur Extra with a 10 WPM Certificate”. It could be fun and it could create an economy in itself as ARRL can sell testing at ham events and certificates and then all kinds of code equipment and apps etc will be made. The key manufacturers could help sponsor the movement.
You’ll notice how I added the word Amateur when I mentioned Amateur Extra. And they are capitalized. I’m proud of what I accomplished and to be part of it all. Thanks to all of those who came before! I have two SDR radios and a bunch of old tube gear and lots of antique radios and parts and gobs of tubes. I respect the old timers. I hope they could catch the vision of what I propose and Elmer us new comers with code. Problem is, they might see a lot more noise in the air!
Dan KB6NU says
Joe: Did you know that the ARRL already offers code proficiency certficates? They offer certificates up to 40 wpm. Maybe I’m missing something.
An idea that I’ve had for a long time is to offer technical proficiency certifications. This would consist of a test on a particular technical topic that would cover the topic in more depth than the current Amateur Extra Class test. For example, an digital modes certification might ask a number of different in-depth questions on how JT65 works. To qualify for the computers and digital logic certificate, you’d have to answer a number of different questions not only about PCs, but also Arduinos and Raspberry Pis. You might even be asked to submit a program in Python or C. What do you think about that idea, Joe?
Finally, speaking as an old timer (yipes!), I’d welcome more noise on the air. :)
Joe Pfeifer says
Wow! I had no idea. I’ll check it out. Your other proficiency certificates are a great idea. More stuff for the resume, or the obituary I suppose :)
Michael Ford KG5LRX says
I am a relatively new operator. Less that two years. I just recently passed the amateur extra examination one week ago and felt good after I passed the exam. Now I kind of feel like I should just just mail it back. Guess i’m not smart enough or deserving enough to be in this fraternity. Us new operators did not make the rules, we are just following the protocol that was given. I am trying to learn the code, but it is kind of hard because of hearing problems associated with the military. I really want to learn it so the next time one of the old school in my area points out how the got theirs the hard way I can show them that I also learned the code. But that won’t be good enough I know. 73’s.
Dan KB6NU says
Don’t get down on yourself, Michael. You should feel good about passing the Extra. But, don’t stop there. There’s much more to ham radio than passing tests.
Jody Mills, KD7SKY says
My name is Jody Mills, KD7SKY. I passed my General class license exam in late 2007, in part because of some helpful “old-timers” in our area. Let me explain. The local DX club has tests at our public library one Wednesday a month at 1:00pm. Due to my working Mondays through Fridays all day, it is impossible for me to attend this test session. (In fact, when I was ready to take my Technician exam, I drove to a Saturday hamfest in a town three hours away to take my exam.)
Anyway, when I was ready to take my General exam, the lead VE organizer arranged for me to take my exam at his dining room table on a Friday evening after I got off of work. He wrangled up the necessary VE’s and the necessary materials and met me at his house at 6pm that Friday night. In my opinion, THIS is a prime example of what the spirit of amateur radio should be like. Rather than be rigid about their testing sessions and berating me for being “entitled”, these “old-timers” were willing to make an adjustment to accommodate somebody who had the desire but not the best circumstances for testing.
I’m not a technical guy. I don’t have genius level intelligence in any area. Math beyond basic algebra has always been beyond my ability and patience. The fact that I have ADD/ADHD plays into that a lot, I am sure. If the FCC had not “dumbed down” the requirements for gaining an amateur radio license, it is a pretty sure bet that I would not be in the hobby today. And I am sure that this is the case for many other newer hams.
But guess what? Those newer hams are bringing more enthusiasm into the hobby and in many cases are contributing very well to the spirit of public service that is supposed to be part of the amateur radio service. And the reality is, the older generation is passing off the scene. I challenge the older hams that have been complaining on this thread (and other websites) to stop complaining and start finding ways to reach out and share their knowledge and experience with the newer members of this community that we call Amateur Radio. Learn from the example of the older ham VE’s that I mentioned above who were flexible and willing to accommodate a newcomer who has a desire to enter the ranks.
As for me, currently I’m what you would call an appliance operator. I don’t build antennas or anything else from scratch or even from kits. A big reason for this is that I simply don’t have that kind of time for hobbies. But I do have the desire to dig more deeply into those aspects of amateur radio when time and circumstances allow.
Joshua says
Actually for me, the lack of CW in some of these licenses inspires me as a 28 year old to take the exam. My grandfather was a ham, and when he died I inherited all of his multiband icom stuff and 2 meter radios.
I have a background in audio engineering which gives me a good background on ADCs, DACs, spectrum theory, Ohm’s Law, etc, plus DSP/synthesis which gives me background on oscillators, FFT filters, etc, and IT for comp sci/packet network theory. I’m mostly interested in the digital modes.
Ernest Miles says
Entering the Air Force I passed the code test because my sister and I got a telegraph set for Christmas years before. Spent 10 months learning 22 words of Crypto. Not everyone can learn code to 15 WPM with the same ease. Arrived at my assigned base and found out code was no longer used. Managed to pass my General and Advanced 13 WPM in 1975. Now at 87 working on the Extra Class license and realize it is tough just to keep from flooding the bands with unqualified operators. As an electrical engineer of 1960 much of my knowledge is after college working for IBM.
Ben Reynolds says
Speaking specifically to the love of the code requirement–in short, it should NOT be a requirement.
I am a physician, meaning, if nothing else, I spent a dozen or so thousand hours to learn what it takes to be a physician. Say what one will about medicine, the process requires generally straight A marks through many science and non-science courses. I’m also a pilot, sailor, diver, etc.
All this said, my brain (and the brains of many others) is not wired for code (or any foreign language for that matter). I’ve taken at least a year of three foreign languages, have lived immersed in cultures where I could never progress past even cursory conversation.
I’ve attempted to learn code many times in my life using different schemes, ideas, etc, never getting beyond six or seven letters (chunks in neuro-science speak) before I effectively develop what is easiest understood to be a cognitive dyslexia where I lose the ability to string together more than a handful of chunks.
If my life depended on it…could I learn code? Probably, but the way I would process it would be different than the majority of people who DO know code…but insofar as this supposition is irrational, it’s not a realistic question.
The bottom line is the code requirement seems to be the focus point/scapegoat that the extremists like to point at as being a (or the) root cause of “dumbing down” of amateur radio. As logic would have it, such extremists are the dumb ones, not recognizing the irrationality of their position nor the consequence to the accessibility of amateur radio to people not equally wired for code. I don’t suppose that these people would favor my evidenced-based ire to tear apart their own “dangerous” weaknesses.
George Bottinor says
I worked on & repaired vacuum tube equipment, so was able to take all 3 of the old tests at one sitting. Only thing I memorized was the band-plan. However, I would have to study to pass today’s tests.
I say get as many people into the hobby as possible. If eliminating code gets more people, great. Other interests are constantly lobbying for bandwidth, and greedily eying ours. If we do not actively use the bands allocated to us, they will be reassigned.
Harold Watson says
I have my General Class license with my FCC test taken way back then when the test consisted of a 13 WPM requirement. I am a CW guy. I have taught CW from way back including my Army training days. I got my first Novice ticket when I was 12 yrs old. I am now 70. I am not interested in digital mode, computer modes, “talking” to space stations, connecting to a satellite, or learning about and or nor gates…I just operate CW PERIOD. Nothing more, nothing less. Mostly all hams now can’t even copy or send CW, and when they use CW they copy it by a CW electronic “reader” and send it by computer. Basically ham radio is mostly operated by non CW phone operators. It is getting to be like the advanced stage of CB operation. I will not take the Extra Class test because of the non CW participation of the test. It’s like this: I strongly believe that if any ham does not know the minimum code standards, then they should not qualify for a license…plain and simple. Not just because of being formal, but providing the most means of emergency communications when available and needed.
C. Hoffman says
An alternative perspective: I don’t want or need an Extra Class license for bragging rights or for any other purpose. The ONLY benefit it would be to me is some additional small band segments. I have an Advanced Class amateur license. I used to have a commercial First Class Radiotelephone license before it was downgraded to a General Radiotelephone. So much for bragging rights. As for CW, while in the military I was a Morse operator who could copy about 35 WPM. After doing that every working day for about five years, I couldn’t care less if I EVER hear another dit or dah. With just a little study I could easily pass the Extra Class test but my Advanced Class license gives me everything I want or need to enjoy the hobby.
Dan KB6NU says
Before I got my Extra, I used to joke that I wanted to be the last living Advanced Class licensee. I just didn’t want to bother with taking the test. I’m glad I did, though. I don’t have to worry about where I’m operating, and as a VE, I can administer any test. Plus, I don’t know how many people would want to buy an Extra Class study guide from someone who only had an Advanced Class license!
Dave Edmonds says
Read through many posts on this thread and to be honest I don’t think I will bother with the Extra upgrade. While I have my General I still don’t feel like I am a qualified “Technician” in many aspects.
My friend wants us to take the Extra exam but truthfully it is impossible to understand the numerous formulas and theories so it involves memorizing the questions which is quite a feat considering the number but it’s not a real learning experience, it’s more of look what I have and now I don’t need to learn anymore which is the farthest thing from the truth.
This hobby is stagnant because of this in my opinion. No one wants to learn CW, no one wants to real learn the intricacies, they just want to “pass” the test. Sad really.
Roger AK7RO says
What a pleasure it was to read all the posts on this thread! I LOVED both sides of the discussion but most of all THANK YOU to all the veterans that posted for your service and your sacrifices. My own story is a mix of all yours, approaching retirement age my wife encouraged me to find a hobby to occupy my upcoming free time. I’ve always been fascinated by the ham radio world ever since the “New” kid moved to town when I was around 9 years old. His dad was a ham and i was amazed by all the dials, lights, and cards from around the world but then life got in the way. i.e. girls and sports. transport 50 years into the future and here we are. I have 36 years now in the electronic field and obtained my General Radiotelephone license back in 1984. received my Tech/General license 1/3/2019 and Extra 03/19. I took a 8 week study course for the tech license from an old Elmer who bent over backwards to help and continues to guide me through this fantastic hobby. I do NOT know CW but i do want to learn. I have not been snubbed for not knowing CW by anyone. All I have communicated has been very very helpful to me as i navigate this new hobby. One thing I’ve learned is that even though i have my extra ticket i am a lousy Hf operator! Still a lot to learn BUT i think you have to give back to the hobby and help us newbies that agree/disagree on the way it used to be.
73
Roger
Dennis Farmer says
Eric –
I just read your post many years after you posted it. I got my Novice in 1972 at age 14, then general in 1974 and kept it for years. Then life got busy, didn’t do much radio, realized license expired in 1992 but I realized it yrs after the grace period. Took test and got general again in 2002. Am thinking about taking the Extra (that’s why I saw this post). Yes, I copied 13 WPM CW “back in the day” and I still like CW on HF – BUT – I think our hobby is broad enough and takes in enough territory to welcome anyone who is interested in learning and contributing to the hobby, whether that be the new digital modes or anything else. I’m glad to see young people get involved. I can’t expect them to have the same interests and background that I had when I was 14 or that I have now. I am also working on getting on some of the digital modes myself, so I will need a young hamto teach me those things. I think it is the first cannon of the Radio Amateur’s Code that says that we are to be progressive and stay abreast of the latest technology, etc. CW should stay available for those of us who want to use it. I’ll be glad to teach you code and some of the nuances of radio if you’ll help me with the digital modes and software radio!
Dennis
KG4UPT
BillSF9c says
No RADAR. No respect. SAT dumbed down. TV designed for 3rd grade-smart parents, now 5th grade; and it AIN’T cuz parents are smarter.
Warren McMurry says
Former WB9DNR but silly me lapsed over 2 years. Agree some form of CW should have remained as years ago I did achieve Extra with 20 wpm. Retired now went thru all three required license, yes last Extra. First two in under 60 days, Extra took all of two months, least my case tho passed didn’t find it all that easy, perhaps just me.
Do have a challenge for all of us, Ham Radio mainly consists of retiredage, that’s great, but a concern with its now low growth rate. My meaning is we need young blood to continue be healthy and grow. Challenge, each of us really needs to find younger ones out there. I did find one near 30 year old and yep, passed his General recently, wow. His lady friend just might be along next time when he attempts Extra, Great!
For me I’m still checking for young newcomers. Strongly needed. Let’s Find Them!
Best WB9DNR, Now KD9TZX
73’S