View Full Version : Solution to CW testing debate
N5PVL
10-29-2005, 08:00 AM
Personally, I do not operate in CW mode very much at all these days, though I have enjoyed it in the past. - I am more of a digital enthusiast. My HF rig hasn't had a key or microphone hooked up to it in close to ten years!
On the other hand, when I decided to start operating on HF, I studied and passed the 13wpm morse code exam in order to do so, along with some theory and a few regulations of course.
In light of that, the fact that some are claiming that the 5wpm exam is just too much for them is ludicrous - unless!
Unless you are willing to allow for learning a disability of some kind.
So - Why not have a special dispensation for the mentally impaired, in much the same way that we make allowances for those with hearing disabilities?
There... See how easy it is to find a solution for a problem, once the basic difficulty has been recognised?
http://www.uspacket.org/images/smiley.gif
KQ6XA
10-29-2005, 08:25 AM
<a href="http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=3;t=42778;hl=morse+and+hist ory" target="_blank">Click here:
Morse Is History</a>
Quote[/b] (N5PVL @ Oct. 29 2005,01:00)]So - Why not have a special dispensation for the mentally impaired, in much the same way that we make allowances for those with hearing disabilities?
Obviously you do not know anything about the VE testing system or the section of Part 97 that deals with Morse code testing. Before April 15, 2000, there were waivers for the 13 and 20 WPM code tests, but there is NO and never has been any dispensation or exemption for the 5 WPM code test. There are, however, accomodations that can be used to certify an applicant's Morse code proficiency. There is a huge difference in the definition of these words.
The ARRL VEC Manual has suggestions on how to accomodate a wide variety of handicaps such as cerebral palsey, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, visually impaired, heart and lung conditions, spinal cord injury, stroke, epilepsy and even illiteracy! There is a great deal of lattitude in terms of what testing methods that can be used, but the bottom line is that in some way, shape or form, applicants today must demonstrate Morse code proficiency.
ad4mg
10-29-2005, 11:39 AM
Quote[/b] (KQ6XA @ Oct. 29 2005,04:25)]<a href="http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=3;t=42778;hl=morse+and+hist ory" target="_blank">Click here:
Morse Is History</a>
No need to click for the facts here. #If you wish to gain privileges to operate on the MF & HF bands today, you must take a test that demonstrates morse proficiency. #See the definition of NPRM & O for clarification (Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Order).
Bonnie claims to be a cw operator. #But she is also a digital elitist, and thinks that we must compromise other modes in order to convert our service into the amateur radio internet service.
Only the very foolish think that amateur radio can do this. #If you add all of our MF & HF allocations up, there is not enough spectrum to accommodate even one lowly analog television signal. #Think about that, and how foolish it is to think that our MF & HF bands can provide anything close to the internet. #This is why the bandwidth based bandplan proposals put forth by Bonnie and the ARRL are doomed to failure.
Only the name of the thread has been changed, to protect the "innocent ( ? ) " !
Bonnie, I said I agree with a lot of what you say about us being in a "technology jail", but can't you see that CW and most of the digital mode users have been co-existing for many years without any major problems? The Pactor Robots remain a major problem, as I have said many times before, and that is NOT a bandwidth issue , it is an operational issue!
I'm getting rather dreary of this continual back and forth , and feel that the only way it is going to be resolved is when the F.C.C. finally issues their edict .
In the meantime 73. Jim
ad4mg
10-29-2005, 05:58 PM
Jim,
When and if the NPRM is acted upon and becomes law, I will graciously accept that with no problem. #I do, however, care little for someone "making the call" before the play is run.
I too will be grateful when it's over, no matter the outcome.
I also think that the upcoming transition towards more digital operations would have gone considerably smoother had we not had to deal with the inconsiderate lid-ops of Pactor II & III fame. #What a legacy these lids have created for themselves, now scorned by many.
I really don't believe Bonnie is advocating the total elimination of cw, so I'll "adjust" my previous post accordingly. #My apology for the overreaction.
73!
n9zxk
10-30-2005, 04:13 AM
Here we go again
K0RGR
10-30-2005, 05:41 AM
Are you suggesting that if people agree to sign a statement attesting that they are mentally defective that they can skip the 5 WPM test?
We already have enough mental defectives on the 75 meter phone band, and quite a few who are also CW ops. Unfortunately, they won't admit it, they just provide evidence almost every night on the air.
kb3mng
10-30-2005, 06:51 AM
Quote[/b] (N5PVL @ Oct. 29 2005,01:00)]So - Why not have a special dispensation for the mentally impaired, in much the same way that we make allowances for those with hearing disabilities?
There... See how easy it is to find a solution for a problem, once the basic difficulty has been recognised?
http://www.uspacket.org/images/smiley.gif
But we must preserve tradition! Chain the mentally impaired in the bedlam, just like our great-grandfathers did!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
w8cbc
10-30-2005, 07:30 AM
I'm all for mental impairment, one beer at a time. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Quote[/b] (KQ6XA @ Oct. 29 2005,01:25)]<a href="http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=3;t=42778;hl=morse+and+hist ory" target="_blank">Click here:
Morse Is History</a>
Business Card:
Wylie Coyote, "Genius"
Quote[/b] ]I really don't believe Bonnie is advocating the total elimination of cw,
Oh, I do.
The title of her second link is a dead give away as opposed to the reasonable digital ops like AG3Y.
w8cbc
10-31-2005, 12:49 AM
I believe the thinking goes, "I have no use for it, so neither should anyone else".
Arrogance comes in all sorts of packages.
N8CPA
10-31-2005, 03:17 AM
I find it ironic that they want to increase the number of amateurs by easing requirements, while at the same time wanting to reduce the numbers of hams who can use the spectrum at the same time. I think I'll take back the word "ironic." "Stupid" is the operative word.
w8cbc
10-31-2005, 04:02 AM
Like I said in another thread, let's warm up the vacuum tubes and do lots of AM and drifty CW to really P them off.
The Apache's gettin' a good workout this winter. Spare 6146As are in hand. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif