"N2EY" wrote in message
...
In article k.net,
"Dwight
Stewart" writes:

"N2EY" wrote:

Why is such a written test necessary? The
use of any of those modes is entirely
optional.

Considering the power levels, the number of frequencies and bands, the
overall safety considerations, the desirability of proper operation when
using the various operating modes, and the importance of the rules
associated with all that, the necessity of the written exams is clearly
obvious.

No, it isn't.

You're avoiding my question, Dwight.

Why must hams be forced to learn about *any* modes and technologies whose
use
is strictly optional? Indeed, someone who cannot speak and is totally deaf
cannot use voice modes - yet the written exams are full of questions on
AM,
SSB, FM, etc. Why are such tests *necessary*?

Why is *any* written test beyond the basics of rules, regulations and
safety
*necessary*?

BUT none of these other modes has its own separate pass/fail
test. Not any specific subject area either. Miss all the questions
on RTTY and you can still pass the test.

Or consider this:

Techs are permitted to use all authorized (amateur) modes and frequencies
above
30 MHz - at full authorized power. This authorization is based on the
successful passing of a single 35 question written test. FCC says so - in
fact,
almost four years ago they drastically reduced the written testing needed
to
get a Tech license.

Additiionally, those same techs can use Morse even if
they never passed a morse test.

Yet to have full privileges, a ham must pass additional written tests.
Sure,
the addtional tests include rules and regs a Tech doesn't need to know, as
well
as some things like HF/MF propagation. Buty those tests go far beyond the
additional regs and propagation. Why is that sort of thing *necessary*,
since a
Tech has already shown that he/she is qualified on all authorized modes at
full
authorized power?

I have previously agreed that the alignment of privileges vs license class
makes little sense these days.

Can you establish a similar necessity for the Morse code test?

Sure. Here goes:

Considering the many advantages of Morse code, the number of
frequencies and bands on which it is used, the number of amateurs who
use it on the air and their exemplary conformance to the rules,
regulations
and operating procedures of the ARS, the necessity of the Morse code
exam is clearly obvious.

There you go.

So how come the FCC didn't buy it in 98-143. How come
no-code techs are NOT forbidden from using morse even though
hey never passed a morse test.

By the way..."their exemplary conformance to the rulkes" is a
real stretch since most rule breakers seem to be coded hams
anyway.

Cheers,
Bill