RadioBanter - View Single Post - What makes a Pro code test Amateur a Troglodyte?

October 12th 03, 08:45 PM

In article , ospam
(Larry Roll K3LT) writes:

In article ,
(N2EY)
writes:

On the one hand, Morse is not used very much in emergency communication. On
the
other hand, it *is* still used occasionally, by hams, in emergency
communications. More important, there *are* times when it when it is the
only
available mode that would get through in the situation.
(Note that phrase "only available mode")

All of the above are documented facts.

The problem is, does the occasional use of Morse in emergencies mean that
*all*
hams *must* be tested on the mode? Some say yes, some say no, some say it's
a
piece of the reason. All based on personal opinion, nothing more.

Boil down any of the arguments on either side, and what you wind up with is
personal opinion.

73 de Jim, N2EY

Jim:

The truth is, only hams who know the Morse code have the capability
to fall back on the CW mode when other modes are unavailable.

Absolutely true. But whether that is a reason to make every ham pass a code
test is a matter of opinion - some say yes, others say no.

Why
do hams know the Morse code? Because they had to learn it to pass
the code tests to become licensed or obtain upgrades.

That's one reason.

In the absence
of a code testing requirement, why will they learn it?

Here are some reasons:

- Morse is fun for many thousands of hams
- Lots of interesting DX on Morse only
- Morse gets through better than any analog voice mode and better than many TOR
modes
- Morse equipment for a given performance level costs less and is simpler than
any other mode
- Morse is usually aural, not visual, but doesn't require talking. It's a
unique way of communicating
- Morse takes up less, or far less, spectrum than almost all other modes.
- There is much less objectionable stuff to deal with in the parts of the bands
where Morse is usually used.

How will we
convince new hams to invest the time and effort to learn this useful
communications skill when they are not offered the incentive of
increased operating privileges?

Through the incentives of:

- improved performance of a given radio setup
- less crowded spectrum space
- a unique communications experience not available elsewhere
- rare DX
- spectrum conservation

There is also the element of putting the mode out there for others to see. As
in demonstrations at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, Field Day, etc.
"Sell" the mode the way the FM/repeater, PSK-31, APRS, packet and other folks
have been selling their modes for years.

If all a new ham ever sees is other, more experienced hams talking into mikes
and tapping keyboards, that's all the newbie will think exists.

Look at what the AM and vintage/military radio folks have done. They set up
demos at hamfests and other venues to show what it's all about. Why not the
same thing with Morse? Show 'em how it's done - plant the seed.

Or consider the QRP/homebrew/hiker folks. What's the most effective mode to
bring along on a backpack trip?

Elecraft has a new rig - the KX1. Amazing little box the size of a stack of
QSLs. Is there *any* non-CW rig of equivalent size/weight/power requirement
that will perform anywhere near as well?

You should see the looks on their faces at FD when they see the CW station
making QSOs at a rate better than the 'phone folks, yet using a more modest
setup and expending far *less* effort. When well over half the points earned by
a 4A+free VHF FD setup come from one fulltime and one part time setup running
CW, serious selling is happening.

I'm asking you because I don't have
the answers. I'm one of those hams who learned the code because
I wanted to be a ham, and the requirement was there.

That's you. It's not everybody.

Some will be sold on the mode regardless of whether or not there's a test.

Some will never be sold no matter what you do.

And some will be sold if approached in the right way.

Ony *after*
learning the code and becoming a reasonably proficient CW operator
did I become aware of it's benefits and advantages. Personally, I'm
grateful that the code testing requirement existed when I became a
ham. Had it not, I never would have become a CW operator...and
neither will most hams in the ECTA (Era of Code Test Abolition).

How do we know that for sure? Maybe you would have seen the light after getting
frustrated with other modes.

Here's an experience I had recently (post-restructuring):

Relatively new ham got started via the Tech route. Decided he wanted HF and
passed the required elements, including code, which was learned from CDs and
computer software.

But then he discovered that learning enough code to pass the test was a far
different thing from copying and sending live on the air in a real QSO.

Now remember, this ham had already passed all the code tests he'd ever need to
pass. He had all bands and modes open to him, and a nice HF station set up.
There was absolutely no requirement that he ever do any Morse code operating at
all, ever. Nor was there any requirement to spend more time and effort learning
to send and copy real-world off-the-air Morse.

But this ham *wanted* to use the mode, based on its merits alone. With a small
amount of help and encouragement, he learned the skills of on-air copy,
sending, abbreviations, procedure, etc.

I had the privilege and honor of being his first CW QSO. Since then he's had
many more, his skills have improved, and he's on the way. CW SS is a few
weekends away.........

And this ham is the kind who will share what he has learned with others and
repeat the cycle. Test or no test.

--

Sure, not every new or old ham will be "sold". But we don't need every ham.
Just enough hams. And a positve image.

Does that answer the question?

73 de Jim, N2EY