billythekid1
Member
When will technicians capability on at80 in 40and 15 meter phone .I hear a lot of Yeehaw aBout It is the FCC or ARRL doing anything like a comeback answer 73
I fully agree with you there.<snip> We have dumbed down licenses anyway. The idea of incentive licensing is going away.
One license, one set of privileges. Doesn't make sense to have 3 different license classes. The only people who ever complain about such a proposal are the crusy old extras who walked uphill in the snow both ways to take their test at the FCC Field Office.
How do you think I got my Extra?We have dumbed down licenses anyway.
I at 63 and having been in the hobby 17 years am not an "old timer". One license makes sense as well. Half the tech class hams today either would like to have HF privileges but have no equipment or have the radio but just do not have the time with kids and jobs and stuff us old guys remember. 80 meters can be a dark place at times, 40 is too crowded with nets and Euro QRM (still) and 20 is either working or not. I really don't see 100,000 techs with their new and shiny one size fits all HF license spending 2k on an amplifier to overmod their signals up and down ANY band. Most techs today are younger than us and heavily into digital. I for one would welcome some new voices on HF. And you can't use the "CB gone wild" excuse anymore, There are enough advanced class folks overmodulating their signals on 80 and 40 running a KW.Let's see...
I've seen radio installs done by "extra class" hams that fall under the "WTF class" license qualifications.
I've seen a number of "extra class" hams that make statements/ask questions on this website (as well as others) that show they never studied for the test, forgot all they learned, or again, fall under the "WT literal F" license class.
One test. One license class. One band plan. Learn from there.
Plain and simple if you want it earn it. This is part of the problem in the US as a whole give me give me give me I WANT IT.
All one license does is fix the stigma that Extra class license holders know what people expect them to know. To be frank, look at some of the questions that some Techs ask, such as "Am I allowed to transmit on this frequency?" I don't think a one license plan fixes that nor helps people to remember what they learned. If the motto is "Learn from there", why can't they still be learning when they pass the Extra?Let's see...
I've seen radio installs done by "extra class" hams that fall under the "WTF class" license qualifications.
I've seen a number of "extra class" hams that make statements/ask questions on this website (as well as others) that show they never studied for the test, forgot all they learned, or again, fall under the "WT literal F" license class.
One test. One license class. One band plan. Learn from there.
All one license does is fix the stigma that Extra class license holders know what people expect them to know. To be frank, look at some of the questions that some Techs ask, such as "Am I allowed to transmit on this frequency?" I don't think a one license plan fixes that nor helps people to remember what they learned. If the motto is "Learn from there", why can't they still be learning when they pass the Extra?
Keep in mind, these tests are for amateurs, not professionals, and I don't recall anything in the books about radio installs.
I agree with @buddrousa and @KE0GXN in that it's something you should earn. If we go to one license, what will the test look like? None or will it be all Extra class stuff?
Agreed. I memorized the Extra exam and aced it, but it means nothing about my radio knowledge. I'll readily admit that I did what I had to do to pass so I could operate in a particular part of the band. There are many techs that know way more than me, I'm sure.Good point. But it also fixes the stigma and a new Tech doesn't know anything. I've discovered that regardless of license class, the current testing doesn't really prepare anyone for much in the way of radio. It's a very glossed over introduction that proves (usually) that someone can memorize multiple choice questions with enough correct responses to hit the 70% mark.
In other words, I've not found a big difference between those with different license classes. We've all seen posts from those that memorized all three tests, walked in, took Tech, General and Extra in the same day and walked out with a license.
From what I read, I wouldn't call it basic electronics. Pass the test and call it success.It does cover basic electronics and some antenna fundamentals. However many installs I've seen sort of suggest that the ham installing the gear quickly forgot what they learned.
I still think testing is a way for people to prove they have the knowledge and skills. For some of my previous certifications, there were skill-based exams (not written), similar to a private pilot checkride or a driver's license test. You may have it in your head, but if you can't perform, you don't get the upgrade.Similar to the Tech test. Maybe more focus on actually reading/understanding Part 97.
It's sort of like applying for a job. Many people get an entry level job and move up in the company without ever having to apply/interview again. That works out usually. As you go through the process, you learn and gain experience. Many hams would naturally progress their skills if they actually had an interest in the hobby.