Lou Kolb
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lou Kolb" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Bob, K8LR" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2012 9:41 AM
Subject: Re: To upgrade or not


> There have been many good reasons given here for upgrading.  I share most 
> of them.  but here's another reason to consider:  If you're seriously 
> interested in working DX, an extra class license is almost an imperative. 
> first, much of the DX is found at the lower ends of the bands, both phone 
> and CW.  Second, even though Cw skill is no longer required,  a great deal 
> of DX is found on CW, especially at the lower end of the band.  Then there 
> is the boost in self-confidence and satisfaction you get when you take and 
> pass the test.  Having done it myself last year, I say go ahead and 
> stretch yourself a little.  You'd be surprised how good it feels.  And if 
> you fail, you can always keep studying and take it again.  Good luck,  lou 
> WA3MIX
> Lou Kolb
> Voice-over Artist:
> Radio/TV Ads, Video narrations
> Messages On-hold:
> www.loukolb.com
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bob, K8LR" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2012 8:54 AM
> Subject: Re: To upgrade or not
>
>
>> 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
>