Michael Coslo wrote on Feb 22 2005 9:58 am
Alun L. Palmer wrote:

5wpm isn't very fast, but why is it required to operate phone?

And there we have the crux of the situation, expressed in a simple

question.

If a person wants to operate phone, and that is it, then what do
they
need to do that?

Nothing. The Citizen's Band is adequate proof of that

So are all branches of the U.S. military operating on HF.
So are all civilian aircrew flying long routes using HF.
So are all private boat owners using HF.
So are various other civilian PLMRS users on HF.

Buy a rig, an antenna, and pay some people to put it up.
Presumably the
only requirement is to know how to read, talk and mash the PTT button.

"Mash" the push-to-talk button? That means those
owners have to know where to get the PTT control
fixed! :-)


The test requirements are there to give us some basic exposure to
elements of the hobby that are considered important by knowledgeable
people. While there may be argument about how well the tests function
for that purpose, there they are.

Right...cast in concrete...protected by armor plate...
forbidden EVER to change!

[time no march on very fast for some...tsk, tsk]



And what of people who only intend to operate phone QRP? The RF
exposure questions are kind of a waste of time for them. Satellite
operations? Just how many Hams do satellite operations? Why test on
band
allocations, we can look them up in a book. Why should a person have
to
do any basic electronics questions if they only want to buy a rig and
antenna and operate phone?

We can eventually argue away most of the test.

Of course to all PCTA, eliminating the morse
code test means "ALL tests are eliminated!"

Oh, my. That old merry-go-round started up!


I was able to overcome my own physical limitations and pass the darn
thing.

Your "hero of the American Amateur Corps" medal is
being struck right now. Watch for the event's
announcement in all leading news sources....

I don't advocate changing the rules because I had trouble with
one of them.

Right..."no gain, no pain." Not to mention NO GUTS
to try eliminating it by lawful means like "democratic
principles guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution."

You wanted to buy into the old beliefs. You did it.
Now you can have fun sneering at all who don't care
to buy that. You're a "somebody" in a radio hobby
activity! [applause, applause...] :-)

The ARRL is proud of you.