[Clinging Bitterly]

If I had taken a class and studied for this I wouldn't be epecially proud of my barely passing score.

But I do pat myself on the back under the circumstances, because I gained creds from working on things that weren't covered in ANY Ham Radio exam before small groups around the world, some with whom I worked, brought them into the mainstream. I could see it in the test, looking at a question and saying to myself "I know this, and not only that I was one of the first ever to know this, I helped invent it."

Until tonight I had no idea the importance of some of the small roles I played, mostly related to what Hams call the "digital modes". This isn't even my trade. Big machines that move mountains (or at least make holes in the ground) is my trade.

Tonight, if you're using wireless internet or a cell phone, thank a HAM. If you're doing it in english, thank a SOLDIER.

And God bless the human spirit.

[Clinging Bitterly]

Steveo, Ham Radio Ping-o?

[Cindy]

That is really cool Clinging Bitterly.

Good job and great post.

[freeplancer]

When the pulse bombings start, you guys will be the MVPs of society. Good job.

[JoeProBono]

Congrads!

[TheCipher]

Ping - Thought you’d be interested in this

[DieHard the Hunter]

GOOD JOB, and well done! Congratulations!

[GeronL]

good for you!

[Red_Devil 232]

See my about page .... all the way to the bottom.

[nathanbedford]

I congratulate you on your successful result. I know nothing about ham radio but I do know the satisfaction I got as I passed three federal tests, private pilot's license, instrument rating, and series 7 examination. I am aware of the great things that ham operators have done, the many public services, the actual saving of lives.

My question to you is this, we are now in the digital age, what are the requirements for your test? Do they relate to a digital age? I ask because I presume you are communicating by voice and not by key. Is it still a requirement to have mastered Morse code? If so, or if it ever was, why?

In other words is the test related to the actual needs to operate the equipment as it exists today? Why have a test at all? Is the test designed to be deliberately difficult as a means of apportioning out a limited number of band spots? if so, is that the way the government should do it? Should it be by lottery? Should it be auctioned? Should be granted only according to a public service? Should be withheld from conservatives?

What impact does the Internet have on ham radio? Has it rendered ham radio to some degree obsolete?

[Riley]

Outstanding!

I dabbled in that many years ago, I found it interesting but usually didn’t have the money for all the equipment, so I let it go. Learned and forgot Morse code twice. Maybe someday...

Well done!

[AlexW]

Congratulations from W4EX, formerly K4ZKZ in 1958.

[Isabel C.]

Congratulations! You should be very proud of yourself.

[fso301]

Congratulations on making Extra.

[VoiceOfBruck]

Congratulations!

Don’t post your callsign!

[Tainan]

Congratulations CB on your outstanding accomplishment!

[CharlotteVRWC]

congrats!

[mylife]

Excellent Job FRiend!

[Bigun]

EXCELLENT!!!

I would give you my call sign and set up a contact but that might give away information better left unknown here.

Welcome to the world of Extra class ham radio!

73’s!

[bitterohiogunclinger]

From one bitter clinger to another, congratulations on the upgrade. My journey to Extra was on a whim. I had became interested in and passed the Novice ticket back in the 70’s but never could get the time or money to set up a station.
About 6 years ago I found myself wanting a career change and went back an pursued an electronics degree. During the middle of that I had the inspiration to renew my interest in ham radio so I glanced at the question pool, decided to give it a try, and found a location that was testing. We still had the minimal code requirement in effect, so I found evidence of my old novice ticket to present and sat down to take the tests. To be honest, the hardest parts for me were memorizing the band allocations because I'd never had the operating experience. I sat through all the tests and came out of he session having zero experience and an Extra license. Well, at least it would show up in a couple of weeks. The first contact I made was exciting and a story unto itself, but I've enjoyed the hobby immensely. 73 and good job on your adventures.

[halfright]

Congrats!!! de V26DX