I don't believe it, but I heard it today!

[w7wv]

Such is life in our throw away society today.
When it comes to the tests my back round involved almost 6 years as an op for the Army ( I learned some self repair while there) and CW training at the time.
Then 4 years in an electronics mechanic apprenticeship for the US Navy as a civilian.
I got my Novice class right after the Radio schooling we went through.
I left the hobby as I did not have time for it and came back when I retired for good a few years back.
I got my Tech+ and then General a week apart. I should have just taken both tests at the same time. The code nor the electronics were much of a challenge at that point.
However, when it came to the extra test I took in less than a year, it seemed there were many subjects I had no or very little exposure too during my working career in the field of electronics so I had to so some reading to understand it.
I think when I took my test (not for novice but for tech, gen etc and above it seems to me that you had to know a little about theory. But there is little demand now for the most part it seems.
I know when I started to get ready for the general class you had to know how to draw a basic oscillators and some other circuits at the time. No multiple choice pix were there for that test.
I do think you should know something if you are going to adjust transmitters and fool around with amps.

[K0HB]

You know, I've been licensed almost 50 years, and have been an Extra since 1963. By now I ought to know everything, but I still ask dumb questions. Ain't it just awful!

[Richard Stouffer]

A long time ago I was involved with a flying club that was sponsored by my employer. It was a great set-up because you could save a lot of money getting a private pilot’s license through the club. When it was decided to increase membership a survey was commissioned to determine why folks who had expressed initial interest hadn’t followed through. We thought cost would be the main issue. Instead we discovered that when someone made an inquiry of a member or a flight instructor, they were often told how difficult it was to learn to fly and that flying wasn’t for the average person.
The guys providing the answers weren’t trying to discourage the prospects. Instead they were proud to have a license and were just embellishing their own accomplishments. Once we understood that we provided our members the kind of information that the prospect should receive and let those members know how important it was to the club and to them to encourage an interest in flying and to increase membership.
Maybe there is some of that in any sophisticated pursuit, be it a hobby or a profession. I don’t think ham radio is any different. But the downside is that if we discourage new blood we end up suffering the consequence of waning interests. If radio sales decline, investments in new product development and production declines and if that happens we all end up paying more for less desirable equipment and have fewer people to QSO with.
Dumb questions are an opportunity for those in the know to prime the pump for new and enthusiastic participants. Any questions?

[Radio]

Originally Posted by Richard Stouffer

Dumb questions are an opportunity for those in the know to prime the pump for new and enthusiastic participants. Any questions?

Hmmm, I think when/if we redesign the ORR.net banner we just might have to incorporate your quote as a motto.

Hmmm...indeed.

[Richard Stouffer]

You're welcome to it.

[w7wv]

Dumb questions are just fine, we all have to learn. I know I have ask my fair share of them.
But when someone has had a tech class license for a long time and is on the radio all the time using repeaters they should know what the term simplex is or at least have a some idea of the concept.
It's kind of like sticking your fingers into an powered amplifier when you have no idea what you are in for.
You might say that could lead to a higher education the hard way.

[wa8yxm]

Why study theory when you can memorize answers?

Well.... When I decided to go EXTRA class... The first study guide I got was what's his call's memorize the answers guide... Got no where fast

The 2nd one was the ARRL guide.. Which teaches theory... I missed 2 on the test

That's why.. It is so much easier to give the right answer when you actually UNDERSTAND the right answer.

[TXiceman]

Dumb questions do not bother me....the first time it is ask. When they ask the same dumb question again....that is not right. I expect to learn from a question and would expect the same from someone asking a question.

Ken