K=D8HB wrote:
wrote

Look at NCVEC's second proposal. They wanted an entry-level
exam with even less technical content. They were dead-serious.

The very best idea ever to come out of FCC, bar none, was the
original Novice license.

Except I don't think it came out of FCC. I think it was an
idea from hams (maybe ARRL, but maybe not).

The "technical content" consisted of very low-tech
questions like
"What is Ohms Law?" and "What is the purpose of a
key-click filter?". No
formulas to calculate, no schematics to interpret, just the
simplest "familiarization" topics.

Not really "low-tech" to a beginner, though.

The old Novice test also contained questions on regulations
and operating practices, so it wasn't just technical.

Also required 5 wpm Morse Code, sending and receiving.

At least, the original Novice was like that. By its 25th
anniversary, the Novice written was more technical....

While I am passionately interested in INCREASING the techical
content of the
Technician, General, and Extra examinations, I also believe
that a very
"un-technical" non-renewable entry class license (with power
limits similar to
the original Novice) is an excellent idea.

Perhaps - but that's not what NCVEC wanted. Their proposal
included things like no homebrewing allowed and that
incredible "30 volt" rule.

For the first 20 or so years of its existence, the Novice was
a one-shot license. No renewals. A prospective Novice could not have
ever held any class of amateur license, and once the Novice expired, it
was gone. One year until 1967, then two years until the mid 1970s.

But it's all really moot for now. FCC specifically denied all
of the suggestions for changes to the entry-level license class.
Your comments are specifically mentioned in the NPRM, Hans - but
FCC didn't act on any of them besides proposing to drop Element 1.

73 de Jim, N2EY