I'm with you Bob.  Some love the code.  I've always had trouble with it 
and I don't even own a key.  I've always been exceptionally goot at 
theory which I love.
73
Butch
WA0VJR
Node 3148
Wallace, ks.


On Sun, 19 Aug 2012, Bob, K8LR wrote:

> 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
>
>