ARRL Bulletin on Morse Code Elimination

[KC8VWM]

I get the suspicious feeling that we are not all going come to a general consensus on this issue...

[PE1RDW]

There will always be guys thinking that because they passed a morse code test they are better then the rest of us, I see it here in the Netherlands too after nearly 3 years of no code testing.

Guess what even the old timers that came in the hobby when morse testing was the main test see that an attitude like that makes no sence...

In otherwords, give it time for the bitter types to patch up their inflated egos and it will calm down.

[N7YA]

Quote[/b] (kc8vwm @ Dec. 21 2006,23:38)]I get the suspicious feeling that we are not all going come to a general consensus on this issue...
I agree with you and PE1RDW...the subject will never come to a peaceful agreement, but it will blow over and life will go on...basically, it will just peter out and some folks will remain angry and others will try to put it behind them, but I believe ham radio will go on without any major disasterous consequences...life as usual, in my opinion. But thats just my opinion.

Anyway, this thread is slowing down a little. Maybe its time for Fred to put another 2 or 3 codewar threads up, he did quite well on this last batch, why stop a profitable thing.

73...Adam, N7YA

[kd4jzz]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaWah wah, WWWWWhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaa! That's what I'm hearing most, from alot of the higher class licenses.
Ok, yes, I'm one of the Nocoders, So What! Old timers, the so called, downfall of CIvilization, is not the FCC's fault. It's ours. Yes I said ours, not yours. But Here is your chance to stop what you think will happen. Don't just sit there crying, TEACH! Teach us, proper operating procedures, and manners. Help keep the code going. Teach me, I know I could use the help on HF.
It has and will allways be our responsibility, to self police the hobby, all of us. Keep it from happening. the right way. Remember You hold the key, (pun intended) Use it wisely, show your Amateur Radio Experience, with class.:cool:

[N4TWZ]

Well this just bites,,, i have been working for the past month and a half on getting my code down,, up to 12 wpm,, so i will exam while it is still required just cause i studied it,,lol

see you on HF soon

[kc2jfs]

Just passed my EXTRA last night. I wanted to get it before the oxymoron of NO CODE EXTRA went into effect !!

[W9WHE]

Arrl is expecting a big cash infusion from book sales;
FCC is expecting a flood of upgrade applications;
Manufacturers are expecting a flood of new orders;

I'm expecting that HF will sound a little more like CB.
(Hopefully I'm wrong)

[kg4hlv]

-.- --. ....- .... .-.. ...- Man am I hyped study as I may the code is a blurr after three letters this after two years of study!Thank you FCC. Generak here I come. CW@ 2WPM!! Ha ha GL Rex KG4HLV:p

[kg4hlv]

Thanks FCC!! General code requirement stopped me cold. My ears don't let me hear the pauses between letters and a Doctors note was not accepted. It is about time everyone has a chance at HF. Element 3&4 is not that easy to pass. Furthermore you "EXPERTS" will keep us no code "jerks" in line. So listen up for a verry happy ham on the HF bands. Uhhh where are my VE's!!! Happy New Year All!!! kg4hlv Rex In Orlando,Florida. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif [QUOTE]

[n5pzj]

Quote[/b] (PE1RDW @ Dec. 22 2006,00:59)]There will always be guys thinking that because they passed a morse code test they are better then the rest of us, I see it here in the Netherlands too after nearly 3 years of no code testing.

Guess what even the old timers that came in the hobby when morse testing was the main test see that an attitude like that makes no sence...

In otherwords, give it time for the bitter types to patch up their inflated egos and it will calm down.
It seems this issue has been decided and that PE1RDW has some kernels of truth and insight, there will be those among us who don't like what the FCC done but it is done and nothing will bring the code test back, you are still free to use code, however.

It was a regulatory issue that gave the FCC problems (waivers and such) so they (The FCC) with the elimination of the treaty requirements decided to eliminate this headache and give it a rest.

The hobby radio segment does not put very much money in the Federal coffers, so the elimination of problems allows the FCC to concentrate on other issues.

The MORSE ISSUE has been settled and the FAT LADY HAS SUNG (FCC) so three written tests are now the requirement (after the 30 day notice), so that is that.

Where I see personal (Hobby) radio going is:

1. GMRS/FRS will probably be licensed by rule some time in the future and some channels expanded to herd personal radio to a select UHF area.

2. AMATEUR RADIO will grow and radio type hobbists encouraged to expand the horizons of Amateur Radio.

3. 27MHZ CB (Class D) will probably be sunsetted in the next 20 years or so. This would be accomplished by removing CBs from Marketing and then having a 10 year sunset period where the 26-27MHZ 40 channels would be in use with no new legal radios being sold and then at the end of the 10 year period, Class D CB would be removed from US Allocations and closed. Sure a few diehards might stick around, but time would fix that, not to mention the few left would migrate to other Services. Some selective enforcement can be very persuasive. Drain the Lake and you can catch the few remaining fish very easily.

Element 1 has passed into history, time to move on to the future.

[N0MLR]

There was a guy who once lived down the street from me. His name was Bill. Bill had Polio when he was a kid and could not walk. To make a living he learned to work on Type Writers a craft that he was good at. Bill later got into CB. He had a drinking problem and was known to pass out on the Mic button and burn up Finals. in short he was your average CBer.
Later when the Code was droped for the Technician License he took the test and passed. This was also about the same time he stoped drinking. Bill learned the operation rules and became a very good operator. He tested and went on to General and later Advanced and Extra. I never heard him slip into his CB isms and he always operated in the finest tradition of ham radio. He was the Trustee of the local repeater for the Club. He was always willing to elmer others.
How do I know all this? Well it was because of Bill that I went on to take the test myself. It was because of Bill that I got into Packet. Even though I had a Commercial Ticket and knew more about Radio and Electronics than Bill he was in effect my Elmer for Ham Radio.
Bill is gone now and I miss my friend. However he and his legacy live on. You see his call is now mine (Vanity Call) and I to continue the tradition and example that he set as a Ham Operator. I would gladly elmer anyone who needs help.
You see.. If someone is a CBer they can make a fine Ham Operator and contribute to the Art of Ham Radio. Don't be to fast to pass judgement or you may just have to eat your words.
May you rest in peace Bill !

73

N0MLR

[N7YA]

Quote[/b] (N0MLR @ Dec. 22 2006,16:00)]There was a guy who once lived down the street from me. His name was Bill. Bill had Polio when he was a kid and could not walk. To make a living he learned to work on Type Writers a craft that he was good at. Bill later got into CB. He had a drinking problem and was known to pass out on the Mic button and burn up Finals. in short he was your average CBer.
Later when the Code was droped for the Technician License he took the test and passed. This was also about the same time he stoped drinking. Bill learned the operation rules and became a very good operator. He tested and went on to General and later Advanced and Extra. I never heard him slip into his CB isms and he always operated in the finest tradition of ham radio. He was the Trustee of the local repeater for the Club. He was always willing to elmer others.
How do I know all this? Well it was because of Bill that I went on to take the test myself. It was because of Bill that I got into Packet. Even though I had a Commercial Ticket and knew more about Radio and Electronics than Bill he was in effect my Elmer for Ham Radio.
Bill is gone now and I miss my friend. However he and his legacy live on. You see his call is now mine (Vanity Call) and I to continue the tradition and example that he set as a Ham Operator. I would gladly elmer anyone who needs help.
You see.. If someone is a CBer they can make a fine Ham Operator and contribute to the Art of Ham Radio. Don't be to fast to pass judgement or you may just have to eat your words.
May you rest in peace Bill !

73

N0MLR
This is the third thread you've posted this on...its nice, but....three threads?

>>>(edit)...Hey, you know what? Ill take that back, Post what you like...Its a nice story and if you post it 1000 more times at least you arent attacking anyone. we need more nice folks.

My Apologies! and Merry Christmas.
73...Adam, N7YA

[ww5rm]

Quote[/b] (K2PG @ Dec. 21 2006,08:12)]Quote[/b] (ke5eiy @ Dec. 20 2006,14:14)]Quote[/b] (ke5eiy @ Dec. 20 2006,08:54)]
You yourself know it all it seems by your posts. #You see someone with 5 letter call and assume that you are far superior to that person without even knowning their education or background, how pathetic and sad at the same time.

Ah, so now our greenhorn NCT thinks he's a psychologist too! Do us all a favor and go back to CB where you belong. The gang on 27.185 is waiting for you. There are plenty of new guys with the "5-letter" calls who act civil on these forums and who don't have the arrogant, obnoxious attitude that you do. Obviously, you are not one of them. And we neither need nor want your kind in amateur radio.

BTW, there's nothing wrong with old technology. While you're sending your ricebox back to Yaesu, Kenwood, or ICOM because you can't fix it, I can just do a little circuit tracing and get back on the air with the "boat anchors". And the old stuff will laugh at power surges and antenna mismatches. Can't say the same for the new stuff.

While I don't "know it all", I do have a lot more experience than you do...38 years worth of it! One thing they should have taught you when you first "got into ham" is that you can learn a lot from guys who have been around longer than you have. The records show that you were licensed last April. Gee, what a lot of background in amateur radio! I guess you're an expert in all things related to our hobby. It's a good thing we don't have pilots with your attitude. The cops would be picking them and the remains of their planes off the ground with a spatula.
Most Hams call a five letter call a 2X3 right Phil. Green Horn? Being new in the Oilfield I was called a Gimsell and then moved up to Worm and then finally became a Hand. That is old school ways just like the military does it. That keeps the Gimsells and worms in check so they don't get out of line you see. But I must admit I lost my composure too and am in the same boat as he. And ask for all who saw my comments to please forgive me for them because I lost my cool. Oh and sense it is abvious Mr. Kitty Kat and I are buddies now where is he lately? Did he move to another forum?

[VA3JWP]

It's good to see the FCC has dropped the morse code requirement. Here in Canada, it was done around a year ago, and the response has been very positive. The existing HF'ers welcomed the "no-coders" onto the bands and the various nets with open arms. Their is alot more activity on the swapnets and general check in nets, and lots of new people to meet. I'm sure the amateurs in the US will welcome the new no coders, and will enjoy the many new contacts.

73 and happy holidays to all.
James VA3JWP

[n0klu]

Let's see if we can drive this thread to break the 1000 mark. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ww5rm]

Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,08:33)]Let's see if we can drive this thread to break the 1000 mark. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Signal Corp. I have seen that insignia before. You must have been ARMY communications?

[n0klu]

Quote[/b] (n0uyx @ Dec. 23 2006,23:58)]Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,08:33)]Let's see if we can drive this thread to break the 1000 mark. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Signal Corp. I have seen that insignia before. You must have been ARMY communications?
Yes, US Army, My service was from 1974 through 1986. 100% communications.

[ww5rm]

Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,12:30)]Quote[/b] (n0uyx @ Dec. 23 2006,23:58)]Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,08:33)]Let's see if we can drive this thread to break the 1000 mark. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Signal Corp. I have seen that insignia before. You must have been ARMY communications?
Yes, US Army, My service was from 1974 through 1986. 100% communications.
Outstanding ........my Elmer lived in Manhattan, KS and was retired military. His call is NØFLU he now lives in Topeka. I spent 8 years in the military myself and ejoyed my stay in Manhattan, KS it was always fun.

73 DE NØUYX

[n0klu]

Quote[/b] (n0uyx @ Dec. 24 2006,05:03)]Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,12:30)]Quote[/b] (n0uyx @ Dec. 23 2006,23:58)]Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,08:33)]Let's see if we can drive this thread to break the 1000 mark. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Signal Corp. I have seen that insignia before. You must have been ARMY communications?
Yes, US Army, My service was from 1974 through 1986. 100% communications.
Outstanding ........my Elmer lived in Manhattan, KS and was retired military. His call is NØFLU he now lives in Topeka. I spent 8 years in the military myself and ejoyed my stay in Manhattan, KS it was always fun.

73 DE NØUYX
I express my heartfelt thanks to you and your Elmer for your services to our country. I spent my years mostly overseas, Germany and the Pacific theatre. It is good to bump into vets these days.

Also Merry Christmas to you and yours. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ka9uce]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Dec. 16 2006,13:06)]Quote[/b] (wa2sam @ Dec. 16 2006,20:59)]Can someone please tell me why now that code is no longer a requirement, some people think we'll end up like 11m ?
Because it takes no real effort to get a license now.

Also, the bands will be more crowded.
It's never taken any 'real effort' to get a ham license!

Pounding brass is NOT working for what you want, and for those that think this way, you obviously can't repair your radios!

I'll take electronic service techs any day over any CW buff!

Knowing how to copy and send CW is really child's play, try learning how to design a class AB 2304 Mhz. amplifier...and you think CW is 'hard'?

You need to grow up and get outside more!

So...in your view, knowing CW and being an appliance op makes you a better ham, while being an electronic design engineer and NOT knowing CW makes you a fool?

Is that what you mean?

If it is, then you are THE downfall as well as the 'dumbing down' of ham radio...due to ignorance and self worth *spew**cough*

That mentality makes me sick!

Pity the children in that home!

I can see it now....Daddy, can I use your calculator to do my geometry?

Dad: No, you have to prepare for your code test, you need to get past 13 WPM to make 'general' before your sister does.

No wonder sports ranks #1 in the nation......Simple minds, simple pleasures!

[ww5rm]

Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,16:56)]Quote[/b] (n0uyx @ Dec. 24 2006,05:03)]Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,12:30)]Quote[/b] (n0uyx @ Dec. 23 2006,23:58)]Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 23 2006,08:33)]Let's see if we can drive this thread to break the 1000 mark. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Signal Corp. I have seen that insignia before. You must have been ARMY communications?
Yes, US Army, My service was from 1974 through 1986. 100% communications.
Outstanding ........my Elmer lived in Manhattan, KS and was retired military. His call is NØFLU he now lives in Topeka. I spent 8 years in the military myself and ejoyed my stay in Manhattan, KS it was always fun.

73 DE NØUYX
I express my heartfelt thanks to you and your Elmer for your services to our country. I spent my years mostly overseas, Germany and the Pacific theatre. It is good to bump into vets these days.

Also Merry Christmas to you and yours. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Roger That..........Thank you Sir for your service to this great nation of ours. So that we may raise Old Glory up high in the morning, lower her in the evening and fold her up just right.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

God Bless and God Speed during the Holidays.

De NØUYX - Randall

[ka9ekg]

[QUOTE]It's never taken any 'real effort' to get a ham license!ka9uce?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?WELL THAT SUMS IT UP.IF THAT IS SO WHY HAVE YOU NOT PASSED THE CW PART.OH YOUR GOING TO TELL ME YOUR TONE DEAF.I HAVE ELMERD THE BLIND AND THE DEAF.GUESS WHAT THEY PASSED THE CODE.NO I AM NOT GOING TO BE ONE OF THE FEW THAT PUTS YOU DOWN..IT IS ONLY A HOBBY TO LEARN FROM.GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE.DE.KA9EKG,TOM.

[kb3ojg]

Okay, folks,
time for my two cents (more like twenty bucks, the way I go on some times!)

A little background:
I previously had the callsign N3jus (got in the first time in 1991, as a "tech-plus", in case you wondered.) Due to various things -- too much to bother listing here -- I didn't actually have much success or fun with Amateur Radio the first time around (I don't want to go into it.) Due to those factors, I let my license laps, thinking that I'd never do anything with Amateur Radio again.

Well, to make a long story short, during the tail end of last year, I had the opportunity to get back into "shortwave listening". Also, I finally got to rummage around in some boxes that I'd had stashed away for a long time. One of them contained some books on Ham Radio, electronics, etc. Well, I just recently took the tests -- only had two weeks to study up before the testing session. It was remarkable to me how much I actually remembered. Well, I passed General (Tech theory, 5-wpm code, general theory, the whole bit.)

Now, let me be the first to say that everything I say here will probably offend BOTH sides of this "debate". I want to be up-front about that.

Here's my position:

This "issue" has been garbage from day one. When the first "No-Code" Tech. licenses were granted, the same chronically-whiny wannabe "old-Timers" started to cop an attitude. I had several very good friends of mine who I introduced to Ham Radio. Unfortunately, they decided to go the "No-Code" route and, predictably, eventually got dissilusioned by the downright snotty way they were treated -- not by EVERYBODY, to be sure, but by a significant number.

Now, I never got treated that way. The "Old-Timers" always took time out to try and "Elmer" me, and were downright solicitous about it, in many cases -- but when it came to a "No-Coder", well, it was a different story altogether.

Most of those friends of mine have dropped out of Ham radio entirely, and I actually can't blame them. They're impression of the Hobby/service/activity/whatever mostly consisted of extremely-clannish "Old-Timers" -- most of which hadn't been in for more than ten years or so -- who either refused outright to comm. them at all, or were very condescending about it.

Now, there was a significant gap where I wasn't involved in Ham Radio, but now that I'm back, it's downright dissapointing that the same sort of stupid nonsense is still going on. No WONDER the "No-Coders" are jumping up and down, gloating, and taking every opportunity to "diss" CW: most of them probably associate it with snotty power-plays, and bad jokes about "Chicken-band." I can very definitely understand why they'd be happy to finally see the Old-Timer's precious "filter" ripped away. Now, the licensing is all about THEORY tests -- which I'll wager right now that a significant portion of them will undertake with the enthusiasm and dedication befitting the TRUE SPIRIT of Amateur Radio.

Further, I have a certain insight into the "Old-Timer" mentality (given that most of my initial exposure to Ham Radio came by way of self-teaching from old ARRL handbooks and literature from Ca. 1940s-1970s era.) Thus, I was -- and am -- somewhat familiar with the various so-called "major" changes that have happened in Amateur Radio over it's history. Newsflash -- this is NOT one of them.

What WAS a "major change"? Hmm, maybe the whole "incentive licensing" scheme, undertaken solely to forcibly inject relevance back into the Advanced/Extra classes in 1968? See, some years before, the FCC had made what many Hams considered to be a blunder, and granted full privileges to GENERAL class licensees. Thus, from an operational standpoint, absolutely nothing was gained in passing an Advanced or Extra class license. Needless to say, the Advanced and Extras of the era were NOT happy.

(Given the fact that the Advanced license had originally been created as a replacement for the earlier "Class A" license and was originally closed to new appicants, one can readily see why -- prestige.

Now, what "incentive licensing" did was essentially to steal a bunch of HF spectrum from General class licensees who -- and this is very important to note -- had previously been granted that spectrum legitimately. Essentially, it was a forced down-grade of duly-licenced operators who had previously been recognized as fully-qualified for that spectrum.

This was -- predictably -- protested by the General-class licensees of the time. They saw it for what it was -- a power-play by licensees whose 'prestige' didn't actually amount to anything other than a pretty piece of paper on a wall.

Now, let's be honest here: look at the call-signs of the vast majority of the people saying negative things about this. (No, I am NOT impugning all Advanced/Extras, nor am I saying that upgrading isn't a good thing, etc. so don't even go there.)

Let's be honest: there's a lot of hams out there who are REALLY protective of their "elite"-only sub-bands, and get a rea l power-rush out of looking down on lower license classes. I think a lot of this stuff about how this will "kill Amateur Radio" comes from the idea that there's going to be a whole lot of new General/Advanced/Extras, and that many of them will be drawn out of the despised "No-Code" class.

This is NOT about CW -- it's about power and prestige.

So here's my idea, folks: a big rush of upgrades, as high as you want to go -- just to show 'em. That'll inject some "new blood" into their "Class-specific" sub-bands.

(No offense meant to the "old-timers" -- just giving my 2 cents.

73, kb3ojg (Henry)

[k9ekg]

Quote[/b] (w0uzr @ Dec. 21 2006,11:36)]Quote[/b] (KI4NNL @ Dec. 21 2006,05:57)]Wow man, try decaf next time. #Your really getting waaaayyyy too hung up on this, even if it did get as bad as you seem to think it will, which I highly highly doubt, its a hobby and not worth sending your blood pressure through the roof. #

Its a hobby folks, relax a bit and see what comes, that and help to guide it in the direction you want.
Quote[/b] ]Its a hobby folks,

no #it #IS #NOT #A #HOBBY !!

# # # # It's a service. #And everywhere in the rules and regulations, the FCC refers it to the #SERVICE.

And as far as the ARRL goes, they are Not going to see a dime of my money until they quit dumbing down the service. Now they finally got the FCC to get rid of the code requirement, so there isn't any real EFFORT to put in anymore to get your license.
# # # # # #If the Effort is gone out of getting licensed, then people won't value their license and the Privilege of being on the bands, and won't care about the quality of the service #NEAR #as much. #

10-4?

thanks.
Just like:

Citizen's Band Radio Service

or

General Mobile Radio Service

or

Family Radio Service




Flawed logic....I bet you have an amber light and orange vest in your car too? You know, for the service?
Weak.

[k9ekg]

Quote[/b] (kc2jfs @ Dec. 22 2006,09:28)]Just passed my EXTRA last night. I wanted to get it before the oxymoron of NO CODE EXTRA went into effect !!
Why? You're still not as good as those who had to past a code test that was more than 5 WPM, and they will tell you that. Regularly.

Congrats otherwise!

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (k9ekg @ Dec. 24 2006,13:33)]Quote[/b] (kc2jfs @ Dec. 22 2006,09:28)]Just passed my EXTRA last night. I wanted to get it before the oxymoron of NO CODE EXTRA went into effect !!
Why? You're still not as good as those who had to past a code test that was more than 5 WPM, and they will tell you that. Regularly.
Only the jerks. Ignore them.

[kb3ojg]

Here's a quote from one of the books I learned from:
It's called "Here is your hobby, Amateur Radio", copyright 1968 by Byron G. Wells):

"If you ever need assistance with an Amateur Radio problem, ask another Ham. Hams are exceedingly helpful, and it doesn't take much asking to get lots of answers. Traditionally, in Ham radio assistance is a big part of the hobby. One of the traditional Ham "parties" is called a stick-raising. When you are ready to put a complex antenna up, mention it at the ham club, and tell them when. Hams from all over the countryside will descend on your home to help you put up the antenna, and all you have to supply is sufficient refreshments. This is very much like the barnraisings our pioneer forbears had, and it's an excuse to have a lot of fun. The visiting hams will argue, discuss technology, and finally get the antenna up and tested. It's an easy way to prove that many hands make for lighter work, and have some fun at the same time."

Now, I'll admit that this was written in 1968, before I was even born. But nowhere in that quote -- or, seemingly, in the ham radio "scene" of the time as portrayed in any of the other books I have from that time period, is there ANY suggestion of this snotty "I-have-a-higher-license-class-than-you-so-I-spit-on-your-shadow" mentality that's so prevalent nowadays. Elitism is the LAST thing that Ham radio needs -- whether it's snotty anti-CB'er stereotyping (which just insures that the better type of CB'er is NEVER going to bother getting into ham radio), or snotty FISTS-style "Proud to be a KNOW-CODE ham" nonsense. This pathetic refrain of "you damn kids have it so easy, when I was YOUR age..." is just tiresome. You do NOT "elmer" people by telling them "you were basically handed a license unjusty, and shouldn't even BE INVOLVED", but that's exactly what we're seeing over and over and over from the "Morse Advocacy" side of this debate. The No-Coders are, in the main, talking about things like "advancing the radio art through technology" and actively becoming interested in progressing to higher licenses, and all that the chronically-hemmhoroidal "Old-Timers" can do is make the sign of the Evil Eye in their general direction, and grumble about how they're letting the "Wrong Kind" into the precious, restricted country-club known as "Amateur Radio".

Both sides have admitted that there is REALLY sub-par operation going on (75 meters was mentioned several times.) So now, let's be honest here -- for them to operate LEGALLY on those freqs, they are at least General class. Also, many of these people are "old-timers" themselves -- I remember hearing this same complaint quite a lot back prior to 2000 (when the precious 13-WPM was still in effect) so you can't just blame the bad operation on the profressive reduction in code-speed requirement.


The No-Code folks have repeatedly mentioned this (and the obvious fact that 'license class' has nothing to do with quality-of-operation), but have been getting snottiness back for their efforts. Sad to say, but if THIS is what Ham Radio is about, then the precious Hobby/service/whatever it is SHOULD get swallowed whole by BPL.

The story about Bill N0-whoever it was (sorry don't remember your callsign right now) really should have been all the evidence both sides of this "debate" need, but evidently not.

I wonder what the spark-gap afficianados said when their 'mode' was outright banned by the FCC? (NO, I am NOT "comparing CW to spark-gap", so don't even waste your time going there.)

Pre-"incentive licensing" Advanced/Extras benefitted by the forcible downgrading of that era's General-class operators (to create their precious sub-bands), and today's Advanced/Extras are frantically trying to keep the "wrong kind" of people out.

How about this for an idea (This'll really get 'em all):
After restructuring takes effect, whenver someone upgrades to the one of the formerly CW-requiring license classes, how about a bunch of you "Right-thinking" Oldtimers go out to their house and burn a giant Straight-Key on their lawn? Just be sure to wear your call-sign hats, K?

73 Kb3ojg (beginning to wonder why I actually got back into Ham radio).......:(

[N4TLL]

I'm happy about this and I will buy a HF Rig and a "Hf Beam antenna. I'm a No- code Technician Class license holder too. Tim Lewis N4TLL from Jenkins Kentucky

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (kb3ojg @ Dec. 26 2006,13:51)]Here's a quote from one of the books I learned from:
# It's called "Here is your hobby, Amateur Radio", copyright 1968 by Byron G. Wells):

#"If you ever need assistance with an Amateur Radio problem, ask another Ham. #Hams are exceedingly helpful, and it doesn't take much asking to get lots of answers. #Traditionally, in Ham radio assistance is a big part of the hobby. #One of the traditional Ham "parties" is called a stick-raising. # When you are ready to put a complex antenna up, mention it at the ham club, and tell them when. #Hams from all over the countryside will descend on your home to help you put up the antenna, and all you have to supply is sufficient refreshments. #This is very much like the barnraisings our pioneer forbears had, and it's an excuse to have a lot of fun. #The visiting hams will argue, discuss technology, and finally get the antenna up and tested. #It's an easy way to prove that many hands make for lighter work, and have some fun at the same time."

# Now, I'll admit that this was written in 1968, before I was even born. #But nowhere in that quote -- or, seemingly, in the ham radio "scene" of the time as portrayed in any of the other books I have from that time period, is there ANY suggestion of this snotty "I-have-a-higher-license-class-than-you-so-I-spit-on-your-shadow" mentality that's so prevalent nowadays. #Elitism is the LAST thing that Ham radio needs -- whether it's snotty anti-CB'er stereotyping (which just insures that the better type of CB'er is NEVER going to bother getting into ham radio), or snotty FISTS-style "Proud to be a KNOW-CODE ham" nonsense. #This pathetic refrain of "you damn kids have it so easy, when I was YOUR age..." is just tiresome. #You do NOT "elmer" people by telling them "you were basically handed a license unjusty, and shouldn't even BE INVOLVED", but that's exactly what we're seeing over and over and over from the "Morse Advocacy" side of this debate. #The No-Coders are, in the main, talking about things like "advancing the radio art through technology" and actively becoming interested in progressing to higher licenses, and all that the chronically-hemmhoroidal "Old-Timers" can do is make the sign of the Evil Eye in their general direction, and grumble about how they're letting the "Wrong Kind" into the precious, restricted country-club known as "Amateur Radio".

# Both sides have admitted that there is REALLY sub-par operation going on (75 meters was mentioned several times.) # So now, let's be honest here -- for them to operate LEGALLY on those freqs, they are at least General class. #Also, many of these people are "old-timers" themselves -- I remember hearing this same complaint quite a lot back prior to 2000 (when the precious 13-WPM was still in effect) so you can't just blame the bad operation on the profressive reduction in code-speed requirement. #
# #

# The No-Code folks have repeatedly mentioned this (and the obvious fact that 'license class' has nothing to do with quality-of-operation), but have been getting snottiness back for their efforts. #Sad to say, but if THIS is what Ham Radio is about, then the precious Hobby/service/whatever it is SHOULD get swallowed whole by BPL. # #

# The story about Bill N0-whoever it was (sorry don't remember your callsign right now) really should have been all the evidence both sides of this "debate" need, but evidently not.

# I wonder what the spark-gap afficianados said when their 'mode' was outright banned by the FCC? # (NO, I am NOT "comparing CW to spark-gap", so don't even waste your time going there.)

# #Pre-"incentive licensing" Advanced/Extras benefitted by the forcible downgrading of that era's General-class operators (to create their precious sub-bands), and today's Advanced/Extras are frantically trying to keep the "wrong kind" of people out.

# How about this for an idea (This'll really get 'em all):
# After restructuring takes effect, whenver someone upgrades to the one of the formerly CW-requiring license classes, how about a bunch of you "Right-thinking" Oldtimers go out to their house and burn a giant Straight-Key on their lawn? #Just be sure to wear your call-sign hats, K?

# # 73 Kb3ojg (beginning to wonder why I actually got back into Ham radio).......:(
Wow !!

# # # Quite a write up/

My position on this #Isn't about bashing the new people coming in. Not about the people that are already here. It isn't the new people coming in's fault that the FCC caved in to these whiners and that the FCC needs a psychiatrist. #They will do what is required from this point on and get licensed.
# # # #My beef is the people that #WON'T put forth any effort and just cry and whine and wait for things to be changed just for them, and wait for it to be handed to them. And band together to get an organization together so that their crying and whining is unified (NCI) and go through all kinds of hell and high water to get the FCC to change things their way because they don't want to put forth any effort to do something they don't want to do. And if they put a quarter amount of effort to just learn the code as they do in whining and trying to get the code dropped, they would #upgrade just fine.

# # # # # #And my other position is that when you take away all the effort on getting something, the person isn't going to value it hardly at all. When a person has to put in a lot of time, effort, discipline, then they are going to value the service, guard it, and try to keep it clean. #It was 13wpm for general, 20wpm for extra, and now it's no code with a test you can memorize the answers on.

# # # # # # #Like if you give a young person a Cadillac. #And another young person worked and saved for years and bought his.
# # # # # #Who is going to value and take care of his car more? #

# # # # #There you go, it's the same thing with the Amateur Radio Service.

Gee, now that code will soon no longer be a requirement...code learning tapes and CD's are selling like hotcakes.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ka9ekg]

Who is going to win Sunday nite.Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers?.......................................... ............................

[n9xrt]

Quote[/b] (ka9ekg @ Dec. 27 2006,06:08)]Who is going to win Sunday nite.Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers?.......................................... ............................
Hey, Packers have a chance! lol

[n9xrt]

Quote[/b] (w0uzr @ Dec. 26 2006,21:49)]Like if you give a young person a Cadillac. #And another young person worked and saved for years and bought his.
Who is going to value and take care of his car more? #

# # # # #There you go, it's the same thing with the Amateur Radio Service.
I'll give you that...but, scrap the Caddy, I want another Harley! And I promise to take care of it as well as the one I bought.

[ka9ekg]

Maybe so.If Favre had someone besides Donald Driver to throw to.He still is the best QB around.

[n9msh]

Quote[/b] (n9xrt @ Dec. 27 2006,10:12)]Quote[/b] (ka9ekg @ Dec. 27 2006,06:08)]Who is going to win Sunday nite.Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers?.......................................... ............................
Hey, Packers have a chance! # lol
i think there is a better chance of getting the code re-instated than the pack winning http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (w6zf @ Dec. 26 2006,06:52)]Gee, now that code will soon no longer be a requirement...code learning tapes and CD's are selling like hotcakes.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Yeah, right. And I've got some beachfront property in Tennessee I'd like to sell you.

[ka9ekg]

How much is your regular gas?it is $2.39 here.

[ka9ekg]

How much is a gallon of milk were you live?

[ka9ekg]

Watch out for tneN.O.Saints,they stand a chance to go all the way.

[ka9ekg]

Quote[/b] (ka9ekg @ Dec. 27 2006,14:15)]Perhaps it's time that America learn from the Australians!


Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on
> Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted
> radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
> A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to
> Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister
> John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists
> would face a crackdown. #Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir
> apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked
> to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular
> state, and its laws were made by parliament. #"If those are not your
> values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic
> state, then Australia is not for you", he said on National Television.
> "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws
> governing people in Australia : one the Australian law and another
> the Islamic law, that is false. #If you can't agree with parliamentary
> law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law
> and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices # #
> it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said.
> Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave,
> he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move
> to the other country. #Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told
> reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values
> should "clear off. #Basically people who don't want to be Australians,
> and who don't want, to live by Australian values and understand them,
> well then, they can basically clear off", he said.
> Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday
> by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques
> Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. #Take It
> Or Leave It. #I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are
> offending some individual or their culture. #Since the terrorist attacks on
> Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of
> Australians."
> "However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the
> 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that
> our patriotism was offending others. #I am not against immigration, nor
> do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming
> to Australia ." #"However, there are a few things that those who have
> recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to
> understand." #"This idea of Australia being a multi-cultural community has
> served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. #And as
> Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language
> and our own lifestyle."
> "This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials
> and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom"
> "We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese,
> Japanese, Russian, or any other language. #Therefore, if you wish to
> become part of our society .. Learn the language!"
> "Most Australians believe in God. #This is not some Christian, right wing,
> political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian
> principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. #It is
> certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. #If God
> offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as
> your new home, because God is part of our culture."
> "We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. #All we ask is
> that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us."
> "If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like "A Fair Go", then you
> should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. #We are
> happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't
> care how you did things where you came from. #By all means, keep your
> culture, but do not force it on others.
> "This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will
> allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. #But once you are done
> complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian
> beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one
> other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'."
> "If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. #We didn't force you to come here.
> You asked to be here. #So accept the country YOU #accepted."
> *Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find
> the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths!*
>
>



__
[QUOTE]

Uh...what's the difference between an orange? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[N4EMP]

Keeping my eye on this!!!
Just waiting for HF privileges on 10 Meters since...
I still have the remains of an old 11 Meter Quad/Yagi antenna laying around.
Can my 'XYL' (KG4NLD) and I anticipate using "Voice" on this band (10 Meter) in the near future?
Need to know what lengths and spacings to adjust this thing to for that privilege!!

Ya'll have a Happy New Year in 2007.... regardless!!

This old World is going to get a lots crazier!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Was going to with or without Morse Code use. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (N4EMP @ Dec. 30 2006,17:29)]Can my 'XYL' (KG4NLD) and I anticipate using "Voice" on this band (10 Meter) in the near future?
Tech licensees will have "voice" privileges from 28.3 to 28.5 beginning when the order goes into effect. We are estimating sometime in February 007.

[n0klu]

Quote[/b] (N4EMP @ Dec. 31 2006,23:29)]Keeping my eye on this!!!
Just waiting for HF privileges on 10 Meters since...
I still have the remains of an old 11 Meter Quad/Yagi antenna laying around.
Can my 'XYL' (KG4NLD) and I anticipate using "Voice" on this band (10 Meter) in the near future?
Need to know what lengths and spacings to adjust this thing to for that privilege!!

Ya'll have a Happy New Year in 2007.... regardless!!

This old World is going to get a lots crazier!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Was going to with or without Morse Code use. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
A tuner will make that 11m antenna work on 10m.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Dec. 30 2006,23:00)]Quote[/b] (N4EMP @ Dec. 31 2006,23:29)]Keeping my eye on this!!!
Just waiting for HF privileges on 10 Meters since...
I still have the remains of an old 11 Meter Quad/Yagi antenna laying around.
Can my 'XYL' (KG4NLD) and I anticipate using "Voice" on this band (10 Meter) in the near future?
Need to know what lengths and spacings to adjust this thing to for that privilege!!

Ya'll have a Happy New Year in 2007.... regardless!!

This old World is going to get a lots crazier!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Was going to with or without Morse Code use. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
A tuner will make that 11m antenna work on 10m.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
So will a hacksaw.

Seriously... I have worked VK land (Australia) on an unmodified 11m antenna using a Kenwood AT-200 manual tuner.

[N5FOG]

Could make allot of money selling those on QST. Have a ad claiming "miracle antenna tuner tunes any HF antenna to work on 10 meters only $29.95 plus S&H". Just ship them a box with a hacksaw in it.

"The new and improved hacksaw, helping 11 meter ops get on 10 meters worldwide"


Eric KC5FOG

[N0NCO]

Quote[/b] (ka9ekg @ Dec. 27 2006,14:11)]How much is your regular gas?it is $2.39 here.

None of my vehicles use regular, but it's currently ~$1.97 around here.

73...

Joel - N0NCO

[N0NCO]

Quote[/b] (w6zf @ Dec. 28 2006,20:12)]Uh...what's the difference between an orange? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

A pear, of course! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

But....do you take the bus to work, or carry a lunch? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

73..

Joel - N0NCO