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Author Topic: 1994 Tech Plus + Element 3 to General ? Anyone?  (Read 3198 times)

N8YBV

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1994 Tech Plus + Element 3 to General ? Anyone?
« on: October 28, 2006, 11:43:10 PM »

I have been a Tech Plus since June of 1994 and have decided that I want to be a General class operator but it seems that there is a hole in 97.505a that may make me repeat the Element 1 exam.

I took the exact same tests as a Novice, Technician and Technician Plus which is really saying Element 1a(5wpm Code), Element 2 and Element 3a. Back then you could take the exam first, get your Tech Ticket, then take your code exam to become Tech Plus. Now in 97.505a, the progression of these previous tests matters. If I would have had my Novice ticket first( at all ) 97.505a5 would say I am good now for element 1, From 97.505a4 and my current tech ticket (converted from tech plus) say I am good for element 2. The problem I see is that I never had a Novice License only Tech and Tech plus and 97.505a never mentions tech plus in my current state(expired and outside renewal window).

So my question is has anyone else upgraded their Tech Plus( not Tech + CSCE ) to general and did you have to take Element 1 over?  
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N8UZE

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1994 Tech Plus + Element 3 to General ? Anyone?
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2006, 03:29:14 AM »

You are misinterpreting the regs.  Since you did not let your license lapse and had earned a Tech Plus in 1994, you do NOT have to repeat the code.  Just provide proof to the VE team that you once had a Tech Plus.  The statement "converted per ..." on your license and in the FCC database is sufficient proof.  Just go to the FCC web site and search for your call sign.  Print out the screen that shows your previous license class and print out the screen that shows the converted statement (that's on the administrative tab).

The ARRL web site has complete details where you can verify this.  PLEASE check questions like this with an authoritative source like the ARRL.  Info you get on a website this is too often based on what people think they know about the regs rather that the actual regs.
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W5RB

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1994 Tech Plus + Element 3 to General ? Anyone?
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2006, 06:34:16 AM »

Good info is available at the ARRL site I've shown below , including the actual text of 97.505 .It can get a bit confusing . You CAN get credit for Element 1 by showing proof of the "Tech Plus " grant from any number of sources , including the FCC website , Callbook entries , or such .Your current license and CSCE are , unfortunately , NOT enough .Get the document , then go pass the written , and you're a General.DO call your VE team a week or so ahead and tell them you'll be seeking "grandfather credit " for the code .Not all teams are familiar with the rules on what's allowed , and they'll appreciate a few days to check their references .The website below applies for all ARRL teams , or , if they're in doubt , they can call the VE desk in Newington .Good luck on your upgrade .

Russ, W5RB

http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/grandfather.html
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N8UZE

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1994 Tech Plus + Element 3 to General ? Anyone?
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2006, 05:29:03 AM »

Actually if the current license says "converted per..." then it is sufficient proof that he held a Tech Plus license and is valid for Element 1 credit.  The CSCE doesn't even enter into the picture.
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