Code/No Code

[N0OV]

So now that a new head of the FCC will be appointed do you think there is any chance they will set aside more pressing issues and revisit the decision to do away with CW testing to get General and Extra Amateur Radio Licenses.

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Yes, this is a post to get a rise out of folks -- believe something you can call a troll post. But look at the bright side, I didn't attach any links you have to look up.

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Haven't had a good code/no-code debate in quite a while -- seems like politics and current news reports have replace this.

So lets have some fun -- testing aside, since the CW testing requirement has been abolished how many hams have actually gone out, learned this mode and are working some of the band segments where licensed CB'rs dare not tread...................

[N8YX]

From what I understand, one of his FIRST actions will be the prohibition of CW/SSB operations by U.S.-licensed amateurs via the VO- series of satellites.

[KD7PAB]

I haven't operated in years. I just started getting back into the swing of things. I was shocked to find out that the code requirement was dropped. I'm interested in upgrading to general and I intend on learning code. I think it's a very useful skill to have, even if it's not the primary mode of communication. It doesn't need to be legislated for me to want to learn it.

[N8YX]

I haven't operated in years. I just started getting back into the swing of things. I was shocked to find out that the code requirement was dropped. I'm interested in upgrading to general and I intend on learning code. I think it's a very useful skill to have, even if it's not the primary mode of communication. It doesn't need to be legislated for me to want to learn it.

Good for you. If you're a bit rusty, the G4FON CW tutor and similar programs are of great benefit. As is the SKCC and other slow-speed nets which one can find on the air.

Good luck and hope to work you via A1 some time.

[N0OV]

I haven't operated in years. I just started getting back into the swing of things. I was shocked to find out that the code requirement was dropped. I'm interested in upgrading to general and I intend on learning code. I think it's a very useful skill to have, even if it's not the primary mode of communication. It doesn't need to be legislated for me to want to learn it.

Actually go for the upgrade and learn code. It is so much easier and effective to learn a mode that you plan to use. Not forced to pick up any bad habits just to pass a test.

Go for it

[W6ONV]

While I am not long removed from being a General (tested 17 February 2007), a week later I was granted full privileges without having to pass Element 1. Since that time I have passed the Element 4 to become an Extra. Prior to taking either exam I did study for the Morse code test, but did not take it. Since becoming an Extra I have learned and use CW on a daily basis and enjoy it and also joined SKCC.

[WA6MHZ]

Should I pop some corn for this Thread?

[AB8RO]

So now that a new head of the FCC will be appointed do you think there is any chance they will set aside more pressing issues and revisit the decision to do away with CW testing to get General and Extra Amateur Radio Licenses.

No. Why would you think otherwise? Nothing has changed and the arguments for keeping the code are no more valid now than they were then.

[K1VSK]

I suspect that the morse code requirement will never be resurrected sadly but perhaps there may be hope for a real testing protocol such that obtaining a license will go from its present "cracker jacks" box difficulty to resembling actually having achieved something.

Creating a substantive written exam could be an opportunity to instill in the current generation a sense of accomplishment and pride from effort to obtain a license rather than the farce that currently exists.

This isn't to insult any of the current gen who passed the test by memorizing a limited q pool as that process has been inflicted on us by a resource-constrained FCC. Hopefully, quality will be valued more than quantity someday.

[KV1M]

Nice troll n0ov.