http://www.KenReiss.com/blog/index.cfm The Blog of Ken Reiss en-us Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:00:42 -0400 Thu, 25 May 2006 22:25:00 -0400 BlogCFC http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss kenreiss@portone.com kenreiss@portone.com http://www.KenReiss.com/blog/index.cfm/2006/5/25/Upgrade-to-General-License It's official! I'm now a General-class Ham Radio operator. When my wife and child agreed to go to classes for their Technician-class license (which they passed!! HURRAY!!), I said I would study for my General. Although the test was only 35 questions (passing is 26 right), they come from a pool of over 400. I originally became a Ham in 1981 (CAN'T BELEIVE ITS BEEN 25 YEARS?!?!). With help from my Dad, my Mom and I passed our Novice-class test together. Back then, there was a 5 word-per-minute morse code test along with a significant theory exam. I remember waiting weeks for my license to arrive in the mail! Now, the entry-level exam is Technician, which has no morse-code requirement and a 35-question exam (26 correct for passing). The level of the theory now is much simpler than it was in 1981. However, there is a lot of new material, specifically regarding radio frequency safety. Its exciting to be back into this hobby. Of course, with cell-phones and Internet, it's not that novel to talk to someone around the world wirelessly. But, being a Ham is still a prestigous thing since they're admired by the community for their ability to serve in emergencies. If you've ever considered becoming a Ham, now's the time! Amateur Radio Thu, 25 May 2006 22:25:00 -0400 http://www.KenReiss.com/blog/index.cfm/2006/5/25/Upgrade-to-General-License