Hi Scott,

The only thing that kept me from trying for my extra was the 20 wpm 
requirement for code.  When that was dropped to 5 wpm, I immediately took 
the test cause radio theory and understanding circuitry has never been a 
problem for me.

If your after that rare dx station or if you want to work with less qrm, 
then get your extra!

Bob, K8LR, [log in to unmask]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Howell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2012 6:27 AM
Subject: To upgrade or not


All,

I happen to have a conversation with a friend who like myself is working =
on upgrading from General to Extra. The conversation turned to whether =
upgrading from General to Extra would really be of any value. Now I am =
really interested in your thoughts, but I do not really want to hear a =
bunch of crap either because I know there are some really strong =
opinions on expanding knowledge etc. You can learn and expand knowledge =
without upgrading your ticket obviously, so that is not the issue.
THe conversation surrounded the question of added privileges in =
operating in lower parts of the HF band. So, the question is beyond the =
added band privileges and the fact you can call yourself and Extra:
(1) Why did you upgrade and
(2) Does it really make that much of a difference?
I think one of his issues was learning the technical material such as =
the math etc. would be a challenge and since he really is not interested =
in building equipmentt. He obviously appreciates his responsibility for =
operating his equipment and maintaining his equipment so he operates as =
a responsible Ham.
Again, I am not looking to start a hostile thread over appliance =
operators vs those who want to learn the technical knowledge. So, before =
you respond, step back and consider the topic before just firing off =
comments based on your initial reaction because those comments may not =
be constructive. Hey not everyone feels the need to upgrade and I =
personally see nothing wrong with that. SOme are more interested in the =
communications skills aspect of operating than the technical side as has =
been observed on this list in the not to distant past.
THanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration and responses.

73
Scott/N3BYY