Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site akgua.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!mcnc!akgua!glc
From: glc@akgua.UUCP (G.L. Cleveland [Lindsay])
Newsgroups: net.ham-radio
Subject: Re: Morse code stinks
Message-ID: <858@akgua.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 1-Jul-84 13:41:37 EDT
Article-I.D.: akgua.858
Posted: Sun Jul  1 13:41:37 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 3-Jul-84 00:29:21 EDT
References: <2812@ecsvax.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Technologies/Bell Labs, Atlanta
Lines: 32

  I thought this topic was well chewed over during the days when
the FCC was considering a no-code license.  Anyway, I'll drop in
some observations.

  Just because a hand-held doesn't have a Key jack doesn't mean
that the Morse Code isn't used on VHF.  I have an HF transmitter
that doesn't have a SSB mode.  By using that sort of logic, should
one assume that SSB is not used on 40 meters?  The point is: Morse
Code *is* used on VHF!  Just because you only have an FM rig and
don't listen to the DX'ers and satellite buffs doesn't mean that
a particular mode is not in use.

  Do some reading in some of those sections of Worldradio or QST 
that you usually skip over.  You'll find lots of instances where
knowledge of the Code saved life or property.  Without our large
pool of world-wide "Code Readers", many of those instances would
not have turned out so well.

  And a final note...not all the world is affluent!  Remember the
project the ARRL advocated some years back of encouraging clubs and
individuals to sponsor a $50.00 rcvr/xmtr kit to be sent to various
third-world locales?  If the U.S. went no-code we would be
effectively saying to the less-affluent hams of the world "We don't
want to talk to you unless you can do SSB or ASCII!"  

  Ham Radio has many facets.  Your license allows you to enjoy any
and all.  Getting it means you are *qualified* to use any mode.
Just because you aren't interested in a particular mode today
doesn't mean you won't be next month.

From the laid-back (lassiez-faire) ham shack of W4IZI.
    Lindsay