Amateur radio needs more young folks.

[UncleYoda]

58 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

No the questions are not from “a time”…

The questions are rewritten every four years.

The questions, although changes do occur, are still too heavily focused on electronic engineering rather than radio use.  I doubt you would notice because of your background.

[TNFrank]

20 minutes ago, Lscott said:

I've asked recently graduated EE's if they know what a vacuum tube is. I get blank stares and say they are sort of like "glow FET's". Still get blank stares. Gee WTF are they teaching these kids now-days? 

Some of the better amps for guitar use tubes. Russian tubes were some of the better tubes on the market.

[SteveShannon]

23 minutes ago, UncleYoda said:

The questions, although changes do occur, are still too heavily focused on electronic engineering rather than radio use.  I doubt you would notice because of your background.

Here are the topics. There are 35 questions and you must get 26 correct. 12 of the 35 questions will be specific to electricity and electronics but there are also questions on propagation that might be confusing at first. Personally I still don’t think that much of the electronics should be reduced:

FCC Rules (6 questions) 

• Purpose of the Amateur Service: The goals and permitted uses of amateur radio.
• Prohibited Transmissions: Rules concerning encryption, indecency, music, and for-profit communications.
• Operating Restrictions: Frequency allocations, power output rules, and international communication policies.
• Licensing Procedures: Rules regarding vanity call signs, license renewal, and how to maintain your license information.
• Control Operator: Privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the station operator.
• Station Identification: Procedures for proper station identification, including for repeaters and digital modes. 

Operating Procedures (3 questions) 

• VHF/UHF Operation: Using repeaters, simplex communication, and calling practices.
• Emergency Operations: The use of amateur radio during emergencies, such as with ARES and RACES.
• Best Practices: Standard operating practices, including the use of phonetics and Q signals. 

Radio Wave Propagation (3 questions) 

• Wave Characteristics: Fundamental properties of radio waves, such as polarization, wavelength, and frequency.
• Electromagnetic Spectrum: Basic definitions and characteristics of the radio frequency spectrum.
• Propagation Modes: How radio signals travel through the atmosphere, including line-of-sight, satellite, and tropospheric ducting. 

Amateur Radio Practices (2 questions) 

• Station Setup: How to properly install and set up a radio station, including bonding and power sources.
• Operating Techniques: Using filters, tuning a receiver, and other transceiver operations. 

Electrical Principles (4 questions) 

• Basic Concepts: Current, voltage, conductors, insulators, and AC vs. DC current.
• Fundamental Equations: Ohm's Law (
  

  E=I×R

  𝐸=𝐼×𝑅
  ), electrical power formulas (
  

  P=E×I

  𝑃=𝐸×𝐼
  ), and calculating decibels.
• Components: The characteristics and units of capacitance and inductance.
• Circuit Theory: The behavior of series and parallel circuits. 

Electrical and Electronic Components (4 questions) 

• Basic Components: Fuses, switches, resistors, capacitors, and batteries.
• Semiconductors: The purpose of diodes and transistors.
• Circuit Diagrams: Understanding schematic symbols for basic components.
• Component Functions: The roles of rectifiers, transformers, and meters. 

Practical Circuits (4 questions) 

• Radio Equipment: The function of transceivers, receivers, and amplifiers.
• Troubleshooting: Identifying symptoms, causes, and cures for common radio issues, including interference and feedback.
• Test Instruments: The proper use of a multimeter (ammeter, voltmeter, ohmmeter).
• Transmission Line Measurements: Understanding SWR and how to use a dummy load. 

Signals and Emissions (4 questions) 

• Modulation Modes: Characteristics of common modes like FM, SSB, and CW.
• Satellite Operation: Understanding concepts related to amateur satellite communication.
• Digital Communication: Principles of digital modes like Packet Radio, PSK, and APRS.
• Operating Activities: Direction finding and contesting. 

Antennas and Feed Lines (2 questions) 

• Antenna Concepts: Properties of dipole, beam, and mobile antennas.
• Feed Lines: Characteristics of coaxial cable, SWR, and antenna tuners. 

Safety (3 questions) 

• RF Exposure: Safe power levels and proximity to antennas to avoid radiation hazards.
• Electrical Hazards: Safety practices for working with power circuits, batteries, and grounding.
• Tower and Antenna Safety: Procedures for safely installing and grounding antennas. 

[WSEZ864]

While we debate simplifying the question pool to encourage more new and unskilled users, bear in mind that the FCC used to require proficiency in both sending and receiving Morse code, even for entry level licensing. THAT was a real barrier to many people, much more real than a few 'hard questions' one can memorize the answers for.

The Morse code requirement was dropped in 2008 for EXACTLY the reasons being given here and now for dumbing down the exams - to allow less skilled/knowledgeable operators to get licensed.

Before accusing me of 'elitism' or some such nonsense, please know that I have studied electronics since the 70s and worked on radars, surveillance receivers and automated production equipment for a living. I had CBs before I had a driver's license ('73) and in spite of technical proficiency, the Morse code requirement kept me out of amateur radio. I was very pleased to learn we no longer needed Morse code and tested through all three license levels in two exam sessions a month apart, but I am considered a 'No Code Extra' (second class citizen) by older hams.

Anyone who thinks the number of licensed users is a good metric of a radio service's success should tune around the HF bands during a contest or event and see just how little space there can be in the RF spectrum.

[WSEZ864]

44 minutes ago, TNFrank said:

Some of the better amps for guitar use tubes. Russian tubes were some of the better tubes on the market.

I have three RF power amps of varying capability and they ALL use (BIG) vacuum tubes.

[marcspaz]

Vacuum tubes are just a bunch of hot PN junctions.

[Lscott]

1 hour ago, TNFrank said:

Russian tubes were some of the better tubes on the market.

They were manufactured by Svetlana.

[TNFrank]

I think most if not all of the electrical questions could be moved to the General exam and could be replaced with more practical questions like "What is the National 2M Calling Frequency? " "What is the National 70cm Calling Frequency? " etc. That information is more useful for the entry level Technician license holder than knowing what a diode is since 99% of entry level HAMs will never take apart or build a radio. 

Heck, I'm an Electronic Technician by schooling and I'd never take a radio apart. 

[LeoG]

Not much to take apart in a modern radio.  It's basically computer chips and surface mount electronics on a printed circuit board.  I use to play around with old tube radios and some earlier transistor radios.  Now there's almost nothing to take apart.  You have a radio on a chip.  A decoder on a chip.  Digital display drivers on a chip.  Electronic displays.  Most of the things that are on their will cost you 1/2 the radios worth to just get the part if it's even available.  The older things are the more parts are replaceable.  If you can find them.

[SteveShannon]

14 minutes ago, LeoG said:

Not much to take apart in a modern radio.  It's basically computer chips and surface mount electronics on a printed circuit board.  I use to play around with old tube radios and some earlier transistor radios.  Now there's almost nothing to take apart.  You have a radio on a chip.  A decoder on a chip.  Digital display drivers on a chip.  Electronic displays.  Most of the things that are on their will cost you 1/2 the radios worth to just get the part if it's even available.  The older things are the more parts are replaceable.  If you can find them.

Yet there are many of us who do just that, take apart our radios to either repair or “improve” them. 
I agree with wsez864, requiring the most basic electrical knowledge is a very low threshold. There’s nothing wrong with expecting people to learn something. 

[WRYZ926]

1 hour ago, SteveShannon said:

Yet there are many of us who do just that, take apart our radios to either repair or “improve” them. 
I agree with wsez864, requiring the most basic electrical knowledge is a very low threshold. There’s nothing wrong with expecting people to learn something. 

I have to agree, one should have basic electrical knowledge.

There were discussions on other forums about changing the amateur radio license tests along with going from three licenses down to two licenses. There were plenty of positives and negatives on going to two licenses or leaving it at three.

Then you had the guys that looked down on everyone that did not have to pass the CW test to get their license. I likened that to old people stuck in there ways thinking that since they had to walk up hill both ways to school in the snow that everyone should to the same. 

There is room for improvements in the amateur radio license tests. I agree that the question pool needs to be up to date with modern technology. We really don't need to dumb it down any more than what it is now.

Yes the pool changes every four years but the question are still basically the same but re worded. 

[SteveShannon]

For those who wish, here are the members of the Technician Exam Question Pool Committee and an address where you can submit your suggestions:

Roland Anders, K3RA - Anchorage VEC
Chairman of NCVEC Question Pool Committee 

Members of the Committee:
Maria Somma, AB1FM - ARRL VEC
Michael Mastroleo - AJ6NJ - GLAARG VEC
Larry Pollock, NB5X - W5YI VEC
Ralph Roberts, W5VE/SK - WCARS VEC

You may submit feedback or questions to the QPC by email to: qpcinput@ncvec.org

 

[UncleYoda]

47 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

For those who wish, here are the members of the Technician Exam Question Pool Committee

I would if I thought it would make a difference.  These people most likely are part of the ARRL bunch that want the tests to have all that internal electronic component stuff included.  So a random ham submitting suggestions is as effective as pissing in the ocean to raise sea level.

[UncleYoda]

1 hour ago, WRYZ926 said:

There were discussions on other forums about changing the amateur radio license tests along with going from three licenses down to two licenses.

Two is plenty.  Leave almost all HF oriented questions for the second test.

And we should only have to pay once - it costs them virtually nothing for an online renewal every 10 years.

[TNFrank]

35 minutes ago, UncleYoda said:

Two is plenty.  Leave almost all HF oriented questions for the second test.

And we should only have to pay once - it costs them virtually nothing for an online renewal every 10 years.

And at the very least there should be a discount for renewal like there is for a CCW Permit.  I'd actually like to see it as a "One and Done" deal where it's lifetime but they'd never go for that because they'd lose money. 

[SteveShannon]

48 minutes ago, UncleYoda said:

I would if I thought it would make a difference.  These people most likely are part of the ARRL bunch that want the tests to have all that internal electronic component stuff included.  So a random ham submitting suggestions is as effective as pissing in the ocean to raise sea level.

So you really only have yourself to blame then. 

[WRXB215]

For CB, FRS, MURS, and GMRS the onus of properly working equipment is mostly on the manufacturer. With ham radio, it is mostly on the operator. The ham operator is responsible to ensure his equipment and how he operates it stay within the bounds of his license privileges.

[BoxCar]

14 hours ago, TNFrank said:

And at the very least there should be a discount for renewal like there is for a CCW Permit.  I'd actually like to see it as a "One and Done" deal where it's lifetime but they'd never go for that because they'd lose money. 

What happens if the lifetime holder dies or gets out of the hobby? With a required renewal call signs can be recycled.

[SteveShannon]

14 hours ago, TNFrank said:

And at the very least there should be a discount for renewal like there is for a CCW Permit.  I'd actually like to see it as a "One and Done" deal where it's lifetime but they'd never go for that because they'd lose money. 

I doubt the money they get from amateurs pays much of their budget.  Three years ago there was no charge to get an amateur license and GMRS licenses cost $70/10 years.  Then it changed to $35/10 years for both. Processing upgrades is still free, so when you get your General it won’t cost you (unless the VEC charges $15, the Laurel VEC doesn’t). Write your congressman.

[TNFrank]

2 hours ago, BoxCar said:

What happens if the lifetime holder dies or gets out of the hobby? With a required renewal call signs can be recycled.

You summit a request for cancellation. In the case of death a family member notifies the FCC. 

[SteveShannon]

39 minutes ago, TNFrank said:

You summit a request for cancellation. In the case of death a family member notifies the FCC. 

That’s what’s supposed to happen but frequently doesn’t. Most families are unaware that they should do that. Eventually the 10 year term plus two year grace period expires and the call sign becomes available. 

[marcspaz]

When my father in-law passed, I sent them a copy of his death certificate and canceled his license, and requested his call sign as a vanity call, based on being a family member.

[WSIK532]

On 9/13/2025 at 10:20 PM, TNFrank said:

I was watching a video on YouTube of a Hamfest and the vast majority of people there were 60+ year old guys. If this hobbies is going to survive we need to bring more young folks in and show them just how much fun it can be to talk to someone on a radio. 

I remember the Pre-Cellphone days(yep, I'm old, lol)and all my buddies in High School has CB radios and we do our best to keep in touch with them. 

I helped a few folks out with helping them program their radios and trying to show them how practical they can be. GMRS is a good place for new radio users to get their feet wet since it only requires a $35 fee to get the license.  After that they can work on studying for their HAM license and really open up things. 

If you can talk to some young folks about radio and maybe help them to pick up one and give it a try. We really need some young folks to get involved if we want radio in the future.

Absolutely, that's why I carry my radio on my hip everywhere I go if someone ask me about it I can then pique their interest.  

[OffRoaderX]

4 hours ago, WSIK532 said:

Absolutely, that's why I carry my radio on my hip everywhere I go if someone ask me about it I can then pique their interest.  

I do it to impress the chicks.. Once the young'ins realize what a chick-magnet it is, they'll be all over H.A.M.s radios.

[SteveShannon]

2 hours ago, marcspaz said:

When my father in-law passed, I sent them a copy of his death certificate and canceled his license, and requested his call sign as a vanity call, based on being a family member.

When I joined the Butte Amateur Radio Club the person who was listed as the trustee for the two club licenses had been dead for a few years, but nobody from the family or the club had notified the FCC nor updated the club licenses. I knew nothing about such things but I began learning. He was one of those guys who did nearly everything for the club and when he died nobody knew what needed to be done. There’s a lesson there. 
ARRL has a free service to help clubs (whether they’re ARRL affiliated or not) maintain their club licenses. I sent in an online copy of the obituary for our deceased trustee and the names and call signs of the two people who were willing to take on the responsibility. A very nice lady volunteer at ARRL just took care of it within one working day. Plus I believe she notified the FCC of the deceased person’s passing.