Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!amd!dual!zehntel!hplabs!sri-unix!NOURSE@DEC-MARLBORO From: NOURSE%DEC-MARLBORO@sri-unix.UUCP Newsgroups: net.ham-radio Subject: Morse Code? Message-ID: <1869@sri-arpa.UUCP> Date: Wed, 11-Jul-84 16:26:00 EDT Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.1869 Posted: Wed Jul 11 16:26:00 1984 Date-Received: Mon, 16-Jul-84 05:25:42 EDT Lines: 64 See my earlier message on the REAL reason they want us to learn Morse, and quite properly so, to make us a more valuable emergency communications resource. Sorry if you don't feel like being a resource, but read the back of your license. I have no problem with being a resource, including a resource that can do morse code. I hold an Advanced class license, When I use the low bands, I use cw mostly, phone occasionally. This is not too often, because when I listen around there, I am often reminded why it was I lost interest in ham radio 20 years ago. Nearly all of my activity is packet radio, which is what motivated me to get back into ham radio after such a long hiatus. By the way. There is nothing legible on the back of my license. I agree that youngsters probably have the easiest time of it, but there are numerous cases of people of all ages learning the code. The MOTHER of one of our local hams learned the code and got her ticket (Advanced, I believe, by now) at the age of 74. This is by no means an isolated instance, either. Many people take up ham radio after retiring at 65. My problem is that we are throwing away all the potential resources that did not learn when they were kids ands will not have time to learn morse code until they do retire. How many people acquire ham licenses for the first time between the ages of 21 and 65? Regarding Japan's experience, they are currently experiencing massive band crowding and a surprising lack of radio discipline, considering the cultural traditions of Japan. I don't think Japan is a good recommendation for a code-free license class. I have not suggested that we allow code-free licensees to use the HF bands, only that some bands be available to them. Some code-free hams would want access to the low bands, and learn the code to get it -- probably more people than the total number of new hams coming along now. I understand Japan has a far higher percentage of 'real' hams (with code proficiency) than we do these days. This would lead to a larger number of radio amateurs on the air, qualified to do morse code [Note the old incentive licensing argument being thrown back]. Of course many hams don't want more hams on the air, qualified or not. This behavior is the same as that of a family that moves into a nice, exclusive neighborhood -- they don't want to let anyone else move in. Now that the argument is over as far as the FCC is concerned for (I am told) at least twelve years, we should all pitch in and try to help and encourage aspiring hams to get past the very minor obstacle that the code represents. If anybody out there needs help or encouragement or tapes or on-the-air practice, let me know and I for one will be glad to try to help you. I've tried. When I show my packet station to any of my friends, they are always impressed by it, and always ask what it takes to get licensed. When I say they have to learn morse code, that is the end of it. They are always very surprised that this is still a requirement, and attribute it to the slowness of government agencies in changing with the times. I do not tell them the real reason. --------