Thought for the day: The class of the license isn't nearly as important as the class of the operator.
The letter X, huh?
This isn't gonna be easy.
Matter of fact, it's gonna be XTRA hard.
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| X-ray? Nah. |
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| Xylophone? Nah. |
Hmmm, I think I may need some XTRA time to come up with something here.
Then again, how about the word ... XTRA??? (And yes, I know that isn't how ya spell it; gimme a break, okay?)
There are multiple license classes in amateur radio. In the United States, the highest class, and the one with the most operating privileges, is the EXTRA class, which is what my license happens to be. To become an extra class operator, I had to pass multiple written tests and Morse code proficiency tests up to 20 wpm, but the whole process has since been simplified and streamlined. There are now only three classes for new hams in the U.S. to achieve, and there is no longer a requirement to learn any Morse code at all. (Classes and requirements vary in other countries.) In the U.S., the three classes are
- TECHNICIAN: The entry-level class, which now even offers some limited HF privileges. Many technicians have traditionally used their VHF and UHF capabilities to provide vital manpower in support of public service and localized emergency communications. To attain a technician class license requires passing a 35-question multiple choice test.
- GENERAL: HF privileges are greatly expanded in this class, which also requires passing a 35-question test.
- XTRA: Privileges here cover the entire gamut of amateur radio spectrum, and enable us to jump buildings in a single bound. (just kidding) At fifty questions, the test is longer, and allegedly more difficult.
So, there ya have it.
No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
