A couple of more observations of note:
The electronics side of the General exam is anything but easy. I want to operate a radio; not become a repair man for the thing if it needs repairs. Besides, if an emergency were real and the radio took a dump; where could I get parts then?!? Understanding BASIC circuits and electrical theory is more than enough. Building a Pi network is simple enough and has value in knowing why. But I don't want to buy and use an EXPENSIVE O-scope to add to the list of things that I already need to be effective. Lets see: an inexpensive HF radio, decent power supply, two EXPENSIVE antennas, a tuner, expensive coax, towers aren't cheap, a desk mic means more, an 'optional' amp($$$!!!), and a field strength(a 'must') meter. That's $2500 - at least - and it goes up from there. Just to provide some trigger time on a phone, rtty, CW? This government benefits from the Ham operator, and we pay for that privilege. Making more Hams is in the best interest of the gov't' so it's high time they allowed more to make the gear cheaper and more available. The Gov't/FCC needs to give CB back to the citizen, and THEN they have taken care of business, as they should - IMO...
Thanks!
