Comment Mixed feelings (Score 1) 231
I've been a technician class since '95. I've also been studying Morse code since '95 as well in an attempt to upgrade. Unfortunately I can't seem to master it. I think it has something to do with the way I process and relate sounds. (Maybe that's why I got a D+ in music appreciation, my lowest grade in college.) If I could have rigged the Morse output to a light for the tests, I think I would have done much better, alas, try talking a V.E. (Volunteer Examiner) into that one. As far as the comments go by the people who say: it's easy, I did it with a minimal amount of effort so you should be able to. Well, everyone should be required to take calculus before graduating from college, it makes you much more of a critical thinker, oh, and don't worry, its easy I did it so can you. What is simple for one may be nearly impossible for another.
I am currently studying physics and am considered by most of my friends to be a total geek, yet I chose to build a simple BJT circuit to control an LED rather than a HF radio for my electronics class because I would most likely never be able to use the radio in the near future. Now I'm kicking myself all over my living room. Oh, well, that will be next summers project for when school gets out again.
As far as the mixed feelings go, I'm pumped about not having to learn something I've spent the last 11 years studying, I'm also disappointed. I will probably still learn it once I can start listening to real conversations or rig the output to a light in my spare time. At least I can now continue my geekiness on upper bands. I have been held back by a requirement that really serves no purpose to an electronic geek. I will now spread the happy/sad word to many of my cohorts up at the college next semester and maybe we will see more licenses coming back on the air and more experimenting. For those of you who are wigging out about the experimentation, don't forget, that's what Amateur radio is all about, tinkering around and innovating on ideas, and you can't innovate without experimenting first.
Maybe I'll have someone to talk to on the VHF bands once the word has spread. Right now the VHF in my area is dead. I haven't had a contact in almost a year. My area is losing Ham operators because all the old coders are dying off, and no new licensees is replacing them.
Anyhow, I've rambled enough. I'm off to look for the manual for the General Class license.
I am currently studying physics and am considered by most of my friends to be a total geek, yet I chose to build a simple BJT circuit to control an LED rather than a HF radio for my electronics class because I would most likely never be able to use the radio in the near future. Now I'm kicking myself all over my living room. Oh, well, that will be next summers project for when school gets out again.
As far as the mixed feelings go, I'm pumped about not having to learn something I've spent the last 11 years studying, I'm also disappointed. I will probably still learn it once I can start listening to real conversations or rig the output to a light in my spare time. At least I can now continue my geekiness on upper bands. I have been held back by a requirement that really serves no purpose to an electronic geek. I will now spread the happy/sad word to many of my cohorts up at the college next semester and maybe we will see more licenses coming back on the air and more experimenting. For those of you who are wigging out about the experimentation, don't forget, that's what Amateur radio is all about, tinkering around and innovating on ideas, and you can't innovate without experimenting first.
Maybe I'll have someone to talk to on the VHF bands once the word has spread. Right now the VHF in my area is dead. I haven't had a contact in almost a year. My area is losing Ham operators because all the old coders are dying off, and no new licensees is replacing them.
Anyhow, I've rambled enough. I'm off to look for the manual for the General Class license.
