I really like reading KB6NU’s blog. He is a good writer and he has a positive enthusiasm for amateur radio which balances some of the other outlets I peruse. But, a recent post (largely sourced from a guest) left me scratching my head.
It’s more or less billed as the foolproof guide to passing the FCC’s Amateur Extra examination for the highest class of license. I tend to look at the ham exams as having two components: necessary information to bootstrap your ham operating career (to the next level) and trivia questions that for most purposes amount to hazing. There is considerable overlap between the categories and once a question loses relevance to the point of being 100% hazing, it should be removed. Although I was not happy about it at the time, this is why the Morse code requirement was dropped. (I might add here that the Morse code exam should have been retained for the Extra, but I have my opinions. Mode-specific examination should also include the “sound card modes” and SSB. But, I digress.)
So, where is this going? The point is that anyone who is an active ham should be able to pass the Extra with minimal study. You need to know the rules and how to hook up your station. Some of the math formulas are important to help diagnose problems or set up your station. The rest are trivia and can be memorized. It’s not rocket science (or brain surgery, as rocket scientists like to remind each other; don’t ask what the surgeons say).
Ok. Done ranting.
