WB4CS
Member
I hope this thread doesn’t turn into a flame war, but this is something I’ve wanted to say for quite some time and would love some intelligent and mature feedback. One caveat to this post, this pertains to licensed Amateur Radio Operators and not users of other radio services or scanner listeners.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time on radio forums such as this one, and have lately been shocked at how uneducated hams are when it comes to their own hobby. I won’t reference any particular posts by name, but there are quite frequently posts asking “Can I do this or that on the radio, does my license allow me to do this or that?” Sure, I’m not perfect and from time to time still ask for advice, and I haven’t picked up a license study manual in almost 20 years. I have no idea what is in the current pool of exam questions, but when I read some of these posts I can’t help but think, “Wasn’t that on your test?”
When I received my license, I had to study hard for it. There were two written tests (Technician Class) that were filled with rules, theories, and schematics. The rules of the radio were laid out pretty clear, and when I received my license I had a pretty good understanding of what I could and couldn’t do with my Amateur Radio license.
Don’t get me wrong, having an Elmer (more experienced ham that offers guidance) is an essential part of the hobby. I can’t tell you how many times I was appreciative when an older ham would give me guidance on how to be a better radio operator. So, I can say that I’m glad that new hams are asking these questions and seeking guidance instead of being uneducated, poor operators. To those new people in the hobby, I thank you for that. However, I find it hard to believe that someone who recently passed the license exam could be so unknowledgeable about the rules and responsibilities their license entails.
What do you think? Has it become too easy to become a ham, or is the service making a needed change to keep up with the times?
I’ve spent quite a bit of time on radio forums such as this one, and have lately been shocked at how uneducated hams are when it comes to their own hobby. I won’t reference any particular posts by name, but there are quite frequently posts asking “Can I do this or that on the radio, does my license allow me to do this or that?” Sure, I’m not perfect and from time to time still ask for advice, and I haven’t picked up a license study manual in almost 20 years. I have no idea what is in the current pool of exam questions, but when I read some of these posts I can’t help but think, “Wasn’t that on your test?”
When I received my license, I had to study hard for it. There were two written tests (Technician Class) that were filled with rules, theories, and schematics. The rules of the radio were laid out pretty clear, and when I received my license I had a pretty good understanding of what I could and couldn’t do with my Amateur Radio license.
Don’t get me wrong, having an Elmer (more experienced ham that offers guidance) is an essential part of the hobby. I can’t tell you how many times I was appreciative when an older ham would give me guidance on how to be a better radio operator. So, I can say that I’m glad that new hams are asking these questions and seeking guidance instead of being uneducated, poor operators. To those new people in the hobby, I thank you for that. However, I find it hard to believe that someone who recently passed the license exam could be so unknowledgeable about the rules and responsibilities their license entails.
What do you think? Has it become too easy to become a ham, or is the service making a needed change to keep up with the times?