"John Smith I" wrote in message
...
Dee Flint wrote:
I think that may very well be the case. I've had occasion to teach ham
radio classes to people who have had little or no math beyond basic
arithmetic. I've taught people who have no technical background or
exposure to electronics or radio. If all you ever had was a general
science class, the ionosphere is a big mystery and so on. There are lots
of hams from all backgrounds and callings. Our club includes members who
are truck drivers, housewives, nurses, waiters, construction workers,
etc. as well as electronic technicians. Maybe you should do as you have
said to me: You need to get out more teasing and tongue in cheek.

Dee, N8UZE

I see math as the smallest barrier to a ham ticket. Simple antenna
calculations are about the most complex an amateur needs; these are only
near the equivalent to what one needs to keep up their financial affairs,
double check their utility bills, measure a room for new carpeting, etc.

Simple LC calculations, again, only use that same level of math, if say
one wishes to design an antenna tuner, balun, filter, etc.

If you could give me something "absolutely specific", an example, perhaps
I could see what is being suggested here ...

Regards,
JS

The difficulties arise in series versus parallel circuits for resistors
versus inductors versus capacitors. They have no trouble with adding the
values of resistors in series as that is logical to the students but the
calculation procedure for resistors in parallel makes no sense to most when
they have no background in electronics. They are able to do the procedure
when you walk them through it. However, the fact that it doesn't make sense
to them makes it difficult to remember the procedure. Then you go to
capacitors and even though the equations are the same, it doesn't make sense
that the series calculation and parallel calculations are the opposite of
what you do with resistors. This is but one example.

Dee, N8UZE