I would draw a couple of more limited conclusions.
First, the test is covering the right topics. This shows that amateurs need to understand these things in order to enjoy the hobby.
Second, just putting them on a multiple choice test isn’t working. People pass the test and don’t understand the material.
The UK tests include a practical exam, where you have to actually do things.
Foundation (like Tech but with some HF at 10 W): https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/foundation-practicals/
Intermediate (like General): https://www.essexham.co.uk/intermediate-practicals
wunder
]]>What this says to me is that we really need to figure out a better way to Elmer new hams.
]]>I agree 100% that we shouldn’t push people into upgrading. Gordon West, WB6NOA, often says that new Techs should get some ham radio activity under their belts before they upgrade. I’m not so sure that I agree 100% with that, but the point is well taken.
What I’m saying here is that one shouldn’t let the fear of math or fear of failing the test get in the way of upgrading. It seems to me that this fellow is plenty smart, and that with a little effort, he could easily get the General Class license. I think he would have more fun with ham radio with a General Class license, and he shouldn’t let his fears get in the way of that.
]]>Yeah, sorry about that. The appearance of the quoted text is a function of the WordPress theme that I’m using, and to be honest, I’ve never been happy with they way quotes look, either. I’ll see if I can tweek it a little.
]]>A recurring question is whether an ATU is needed on output of the 100 W amp if you already have one on the output of the QRP rig.
This doesn’t even get into the mysteries of SWR and whether resonant antennas are always, always better than non-resonant.
]]>Even people running FT8 have relatively little idea of what the algorithms in WSJT-X are actually doing. What percentage of hams have ever looked at the WSJT-X source code? Costas arrays, LDPCs, DSP… this is stuff that generally takes at least an undergrad degree to understand.
Meanwhile, compared to 1970, far more hams seem to experiment with antennas. You can still get dirt under your fingernails that way, and you don’t have to recite Maxwell’s equations in your sleep to do good antenna work.
]]>General electronics as a hobby has many adherents, including those into PC’s and Linux boxes, those into various cellphone technologies, coders/programmers, makers and hackers and many more. What perhaps separates us in amateur radio, a little, is that we are entrusted with the precious public RF spectrum we are allowed to use and to properly manage that may need a little more diligence. Understanding that what we do affects this national resource and having a better knowledge base may help each of us with protecting that.
There is plenty of room for the plug and play operators as long as they are safe with antennas and RF energy in the shack and the environment, plus are mindful of our responsibilities in the federal code. The true homebrew and technical hobbyists will always be a part of our hobby as much of the innovation comes from them, Dr. Taylor and his colleagues are a major example of that.
Maybe this is where the ARRL is finding itself as it proposes to increase the HF spectrum for technician licensees. That may not be such a bad thing after all.
]]>When someone is really interested they will study, and at some point their own desire for accomplishment will prompt them to take an exam. Passing an exam should not be waved about as a status symbol.
]]>