The following isn't exactly a new idea, but some may not have seen it
yet...

Maybe the way out of the mess is for a Smith Chart test to replace
the code test.

Understanding the Smith Chart and being able to use one actually
demonstrates several areas of knowledge and skill. Smith Chart tests
could consist of interpreting a solved problem on one chart, (the
"understanding" test) then solving a different problem on a blank
chart (the "solution" test). At first, most hams and wouldbe hams
would would simply study the Smith Chart and pass the tests.


But then the trouble would start...

Some hams who had not passed the Smith Chart test might say that those
who had passed the test were being "elitist" about their Smith chart
skill and knowledge. The term "chartless Extra" would be considered
an insult by some, a badge of honor by others.

Some would grumble that since they have no desire to design
antenna/transmission line systems, they should not be required
to pass a Smith Chart test. They would point out that other services
do not have Smith chart testing, and so neither should hams.

Defenders of the tests ("Smithys" or "chartists") would claim that the
Smith chart was a "uniquely practical, efficient, and universal" tool
for antenna/transmission line work. They would claim to have been
"smartened up" by the Chart test requirement. Stories would be
recalled about how lives had been saved by hams able to quickly design
matching sections to permit using an antenna on a frequency it was not
designed for, and would predict dire consequences in the event of
widespread disaster.

Those opposed to the test ("Smithless" or "nochartists") would argue
that newer, more accurate, less error prone software systems had left
the
Smith chart in the dust. "We don't want to use OLD design methods" and
"The
Chart is too slow and error prone" would be their rallying cries.
Other would
ask "do you have to show slide-rule proficiency before using a
calculator?"

There would be testimonials by hams who had worked 300 DXCC countries
using QRP and a dipole without any reference to a Smith Chart, and
claims of others who "had rote-memorized the Chart and promptly forgot
it all as soon as the test was over". Some would tell stories of new
Extras who held Chart-burying ceremonies at the base of their antenna
systems (designed without Smith Charts, of course).

Many would claim that young people, used to solving even minor
addition problems on computers, had no interest in learning
old-fashioned
"buggy whip" graphical methods. Some would say that the emphasis on
such a timeworn, old fashioned, crude graphical method of solving
problems made ham radio look backward and nonprogressive, and was
downright embarrassing. Ph.D's in EE would claim that they had
designed entire radio communication systems without use of the Smith
Chart, yet were kept out of ham radio because of the test.

The arguments would become more heated and insulting over time.
Nochartists would point out that the Chart test was discriminatory.
For
example, blind people could not fulfill the letter of the law in
passing
the test. Some would claim to be "chart impaired" and unable to pass
the
test due to inability to do geometry. The question of "chart waivers"
would
be raised, and much angry invective spewed over "chart fraud" and
"open
chart pools". There would be a demand that the use of graphical
calculators be allowed in the tests.

Chartists would claim that accomodations such as Braille Smith charts
met the intent of the law. Old timers ("quillpenners") would recall a
time
when all charting was done by hand, in ink, on chart paper costing the
modern
equivalent of several dollars a sheet. (They used ink because they
were so
confident of doing it right the first time).

The use, or nonuse, of the Chart by military and commercial services
would be hotly debated. Some nochartists would claim that the military
stopped using the Chart during WW2, while some chartists would claim
that
the Smith chart plays a crucial role in the modern military.

A popular summer blockbuster movie starring Jodie Foster, Will Smith,
Jeff Goldblum and Bill Paxton would have a plot in which alien
invaders
were detected, then repelled by means of a hastily reactivated surplus
Russian over-the-horizon "woodpecker" radar system. The critical plot
element
would be the heroine's use of the Smith Chart to match the
"woodpecker"
transmitter to the Arecibo dish. (How the Russian radar wound up in
Puerto Rico would be left unexplained).

The ARRL, Gordon West, and W5YI would be caught in the middle of the
debate. From the first, they and others would have marketed a whole
line
of Smith chart training aids, including books, videotapes, and
software.
W1AW would transmit SSTV programs explaining chart use, and MFJ would
market "portable personal chart trainers". Claims of monetary interest
in the production of Chart materials would be made and denied. Poorly
worded surveys would show a variety of opinions on the issue, but no
consensus.

Nochartists would claim that the chartists were just "old f***s" who
were supporting the status quo due to "chart chauvinism", and did not
understand the realities of the modern age. A few chartists would
claim
that the nochartists were just "whiners who were too lazy to even
learn
how to hold a compass correctly". The need for "high speed chart
tests"
would be debated hotly, many claiming that no time limit should be
placed
on the chart test. "One Chart per week satisfies the law" would be
their
claim, while skilled chartists would speak of doing 30, 40, even 50
charts per hour, and being able to "see the solution without even
making
a mark on the chart".

Eventually the nochartists would organize a group to fight the chart
test.

The founders of No Charts International would claim that they had no
problem with anyone USING the Chart, just the mandatory test
requirement.
"It's not the CHART, it's the TEST" would be a common rallying cry.


73 de Jim, N2EY