I suppose it is possible that a Tech could "design, test and construct
transmitters and amplifiers" but I have never known one that did.
This dumbing down of entry level licensees is definitely on purpose. The
hobby was getting to the point where it would be virtually non-existent when
the old timers die off.
Our club has given up on teaching a Tech class in the traditional way. Now
we are offering a one day "cram" course where the students are given the
element 2 exam immediately after the class. It'd the new "one day wonder"
program. You can imagine the grumbling that went on by the old timers in
the club when this program was announced.
But, I have good news. We had 14 students and 12 passed. Of the other two,
one studied alone and passed the exam at the next available VE session. Of
the original 12 that passed, one studied further, learned the code and
passed General and the other did the same thing and passed Extra.
Furthermore, both are excited about their new found hobby and well on their
way to being active members of our club.
So, maybe this new method has some merit after all.
73, Keith NM5G
-----Original Message-----
From: amps-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:amps-bounces@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Bill Fuqua
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 8:45 AM
To: Amps
Subject: [Amps] Q and Resonance
This is a bit off the topic of "AMPS" but is related to building your own
equipment.
I had been teaching ham radio classes for many years. Can't remember when
I started. I have received the new ARRL technician's license manual and was
surprised how little technical information was in it. Yesterday I downloaded
the new question pool and searched it only to by surprise find there are no
references to resonance in it at all. Not a word. Inductance is only in it
once but only as a wrong answer to a question having to do with resistance.
Many of the "technical questions" only have to do with how to operate a
transceiver, which should be in the instruction manual
anyway. There are questions about what the tuning knob is used for, what
the function button does etc.
I don't know why I should even teach a technician's license class anymore.
What is the point. Maybe just continue to teach the code for now... until
that is eliminated.
A technicians class license gives the holder the privilege to design,
test and construct transmitters and amplifiers. One concern is that this
privilege may be taken away. And this privilege could be taken away from
amateur radio all together if the other class license question pools are
dumbed down similarly.
"Technician Class License" is a oxymoron.
73
Bill wa4lav
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