It must have been discretionary. There was nothing in the regs about what equipment you had to use. I took exams at Boston and Long Beach and took a bug to both of them. Jammed the wedge right into their "ratty old FCC office" key.
Eric KE6US -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 9:07 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles? Vic wrote: In my experience, the examiner just listened a little and then said 'OK'. I took it twice (13 and 20 wpm), and I don't know anyone who failed it. I don't know about commercial tests, but I was allowed to bring a (large, homebrew) keyer to my extra class test. The examiner just unplugged it when he'd heard enough (luckily I was too young to have a heart attack). -------------------- At the San Francisco FCC offices, one could use a bug if one applied in advance, and only for the First Class RadioTelegraph license test. One of the engineers who did the exams told me those were the sessions with the highest failure rates. Ops would be nervous and couldn't control the dits on a bug. One extra dit is a mistake, no matter where it happens! They did not allow keyers of any kind, only bugs by special pre-arrangement. The operator had to demonstrate his/her ability to make proper code, spaces and all. Ron AC7AC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
