CW testing

[KD5KUF]

My son, just failed his CW test for the third time. Once a couple months ago, twice today. This boy can converse on the air at 15 to 20 wpm, with a straight key no less, on a routine basis, and has outrun even a few generals around here.

He told me the test CD's had a reverb echo to each dit and dah, and that the tone quality was worse than a pair of space cadet walkie talkie code senders.

This was backed up when one of the VEs listened to it, and said he couldn't make out half of it either, whereupon the other VEs agreed it wasn't very good audio. But they didn't hesitate to keep his money for two bad tests. The Extra class VE who checked out the test code threatened to withdraw from the team if that was going to be the quality of their testing efforts.

Real nice that CW is still required, but the VEs could care less whether you can copy their crap. At some sessions around here you even have to let them know in advance that someone needs to test for CW or they don't even bother to bring the equipment. Tell me that CW isn't dead as last years road kill, and stinks just as bad. This stupidity needs to end now.

[AE4FA]

Quote[/b] ]Real nice that CW is still required, but the VEs could care less whether you can copy their crap.

But, of course, that is not really the case:

Quote[/b] ]The Extra class VE who checked out the test code threatened to withdraw from the team if that was going to be the quality of their testing efforts.

The practice for our team is that several of us copy along. #Some are proficient, some just need the practice. #

If there's a problem, we have the option of declaring that test invalid - and offering a new one, for free.

We use a CD (which is checked out ahead of time) and a fairly decent boombox (which is also checked out ahead of time). #So, tarring all VE teams - or even individual VEs - with the same brush is just patently unfair.

I know you are frustrated.

Solution: #Find another VE team that pays attention to quality - even if you have to drive a way . . .

[AI4EP]

Why complain here ?

What good is it going to do ?

It aint any of our fault.

YOU are apparently the one that went to the SAME place 2 seperate times ( once should have been enough ).

Why did YOU not complain at the first testing session about the quality of the cd ; or the echo/reverb ?

[KD5KUF]

If it means nothing to you ai4ep, why did you feel compelled to put your two cents in?

My goal was to show the current apathy that some potential upgraders are facing when VE's have decided they don't care anymore. And yes it happened here, not necessarily everywhere, does that make it OK? No wonder they don't care, why should they if that is the prevailing attitude. The testees that do care are liable to say hell with it. And after the responses I've gotten so far, I wouldn't blame them in the least. Go ahead, make excuses for them, tell us its no big deal. Just go some where else. Thanks a lot for all the support. Not!

[KC7JTY]

Hey...there is a jewel in the rough here! How about making all the code tests uncopyable nation wide? Its all just a bunch of horse sh*t anyway. Then if someone does manage to pass they can brag they passed the "new uncopyable" code. It would have more clout than the old 20 wpm credit.

[AE4FA]

Quote[/b] ]yes it happened here, not necessarily everywhere, does that make it OK?

No, it's NOT ok. I should have added that you ought to fire off a complaint to the VEC involved - and be sure to reference the name and call of the VE who was disgusted by it.

Ultimately, the VEC is the responsible party. They are the ones who distribute the testing materials. I am wondering which one it was . . .

Quote[/b] ]Its all just a bunch of horse sh*t anyway.

Wow . . .

The boundries of human intellect have been expanded yet once again by that succinct, yet completely reasoned and balanced contribution . . .

[AI4EP]

You have already admitted that it was done wrong the first time...it is not any one elses fault that you & your son returned for more of the same.

Why did you NOT complain while you were still at the first test session ?

[KD5KUF]

I fully intend to take it up with that particular VE. In private, as I know him, and would like to hear his view of it all. I will not drag him into a dispute amongst the team unless he says its OK and that he will support it. Otherwise I would have to log a general complaint against the whole team for substandard testing.

Coincidentally, that VE has conversed many times with my son in CW on 2 meters, and we all were sure that at the speeds he can send and copy, the test would be a piece of cake. Needless to say, this VE was personally disappointed too, but had to abide by the decision of the whole team at the time of the test session, whether he agreed with it or not.

I don't know yet if my son will bother being humiliated again, in taking a test he could pass in his sleep, if it wasn't a garbled up mess. I will be looking for a VE team who follow higher standards of testing I assure you.

[AE4FA]

Quote[/b] ]Otherwise I would have to log a general complaint against the whole team for substandard testing.

Good. Start with the VEC involved. If that gets you nowhere, Hollingsworth is also interested in that sort of thing.

Again, it would be good to have the support of that one VE - but not necessary.

[AI4EP]

...look up call...no more questions.