NOURSE%DEC-MARLBORO@sri-unix.UUCP (06/29/84)
The main effect of the morse code is to keep most of the new blood out of Amateur Radio. This is most evident when I demonstrate packet radio to my non-ham friends. Most of them have the technical expertise to be a credit to our hobby, but will NEVER be a part of it, as long as they have to spend a lot of time that they do not have on this antique requirement. The fact that it is possible for a 12-year-old to learn morse code is irrelevant. That's when most of us learned it. IT IS FAR EASIER FOR A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD TO LEARN MORSE CODE THAN FOR AN ADULT TO DO SO. The result is that most people who did not learn it when they were growing up are locked out of ham radio. The Japanese have a code-free license, and this has greatly increased the interest in Amateur Radio there. To the extent that we shut off such interest here with the code requirement, we put our entire electronics industry at a disadvantage. --------
leetr.dlos@XEROX.ARPA (06/30/84)
Sir-- ONE point to keep in mind, having a ham ticket and using as large a spectrum of frequencies available to hams is a PRIVILEGE, NOT a RIGHT such as freedom of speech! Privileges ARE normally earned. Rights are normally given. Privileges are not normally abused. Rights generally are. 73's, --Tim KE5EP
jhs%Mitre-Bedford@sri-unix.UUCP (07/01/84)
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 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. 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. 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. 73, John H. Sangster, W3IKG jhs at mitre-bedford
NOURSE%DEC-MARLBORO@sri-unix.UUCP (07/11/84)
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.
--------labelle@hplabsc.UUCP (07/12/84)
"... use of the airwaves is a privlege not a right..."
Baloney!! Everyone has a right to the use of the electromagnetic
spectrum. The only regulation taking place should be the control of who
gets how much and where.
GEORGEron@brl-tgr.UUCP (07/13/84)
Oh, bullshit about the twelve year old boy having an easier time of it. The only reason is that he is probably more inspired to do it. The age influence on ease of learing arguement rolls off at less than six years. -Ron
mpackard@uok.UUCP (07/22/84)
Tim (KE5EP) [By the way this is a computer and you don't have to give your call sign! ha. Most amatuers use thier call signs like Dr. etc] Thankyou for your support of morse code, like always it makes sense only to a lawyer or thief, I don't know which one you are. 88's uok!mpackard w