Echos from the past, code a hinderence to a ticket
 

Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN LIARS!"

John

John Smith wrote:
Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN LIARS!"

Omission of relevant facts can be a form of lying.

Here's the whole story:

I read that bit of W5YI propaganda, and also the original articles in
"200 Meters And Down" and the QSTs of the time.

(have you done so?)

The referenced article does not give all the relevant facts.

For one thing, the article claims that "higher speed" code testing has
been
used to "limit the number of hams since the very beginning of ham
licensing".
The fact is that all US hams were licensed in the US by 1912, 24 years
before the 1936 happenings cited. The code test speed after 1919 was 10
wpm, and the 1936 increase to 13 wpm - hardly a quantum leap.

To get a clear picture of what was actually happening, it is important
to
understand what ham radio was like back in those days. After WW1, ham
radio
almost ceased to exist. It was brought back to life by the dedicated
efforts
of a few enthusiasts.

Amateur radio was not even recognized by international treaty until
1927. The
1927 treaty resulted in stricter new rules and much-narrowed bands.

By 1929 there were about 16,000 hams in the US. Almost
all of them were on the 160, 80, 40, and 20 meter bands. A typical ham
transmitter was a self-controlled power oscillator, and a typical ham
receiver
was a three tube regenerative. Sure, more advanced techniques existed,
but few
hams could afford them in thos Great Depression years.

Code skill was important in almost all radio services. 10 wpm was not
considered as anything like professional level - 25 or 30 wpm was more
like it. (This was with semiautomatic keys for sending and manual
typewriters for
highspeed copy).

1929 saw two big changes to ham radio. The treaties signed in 1927 came
into
effect, which cut deeply into the 40 and 20 meter hambands (70% of 40
was lost, and 80% of 20). The treaties also required much cleaner
signals from ham rigs. The Great Depression followed soon afterwards.

But the Depression and the new regs had a surprising effect on ham
radio. The
number of hams took a sharp upturn in the early thirties. By 1935 there
were
over 46,000 hams - almost TRIPLING the number of just five years
earlier! But the turnover in amateur radio was approaching 40% per
year.

This meant that most hams were raw newcomers, with relatively little
technical
knowledge or operating skills. A ham with 5 years on the air was a
veteran, one with 10 years was a grizzled old timer. Problems of
interference and crowding abounded. Complaints from other services
threatened the existence of ham radio.

The problem was that thousands of newcomers were learning just enough
to pass
the tests, assembling simple stations with little understanding of
proper
design, adjustment, or operation, and putting them on the air. Many of
these
newcomers lost interest quickly, particularly when the limitations of
their
knowledge and skills became apparent. The newly formed FCC was
concerned, as
was the ARRL.

The action proposed by the ARRL to the FCC was in two parts: Raise the
code
speed SLIGHTLY, (10 to 12-1/2 wpm) and make the written test more
comprehensive. The changes to the written tests are all but ignored by
the NCI
article.

The goal was NOT to limit the total number of hams, nor to hinder or
deter anyone from getting a license, but to control the flood of
newcomers, and make sure that the new folks had the necessary skills
and knowledge.

Look at the complete picture, and the action of the FCC in 1936 makes
sense.

73 de Jim, N2EY

N2EY:

Nice attempt at "spin doctoring" for the weak minded...
It is like fishing, you bait your hook, toss it in the water and see what
bites...

John

On Fri, 05 Aug 2005 09:36:54 -0700, N2EY wrote:


John Smith wrote:
Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN LIARS!"

Omission of relevant facts can be a form of lying.

Here's the whole story:

I read that bit of W5YI propaganda, and also the original articles in
"200 Meters And Down" and the QSTs of the time.

(have you done so?)

The referenced article does not give all the relevant facts.

For one thing, the article claims that "higher speed" code testing has
been
used to "limit the number of hams since the very beginning of ham
licensing".
The fact is that all US hams were licensed in the US by 1912, 24 years
before the 1936 happenings cited. The code test speed after 1919 was 10
wpm, and the 1936 increase to 13 wpm - hardly a quantum leap.

To get a clear picture of what was actually happening, it is important
to
understand what ham radio was like back in those days. After WW1, ham
radio
almost ceased to exist. It was brought back to life by the dedicated
efforts
of a few enthusiasts.

Amateur radio was not even recognized by international treaty until
1927. The
1927 treaty resulted in stricter new rules and much-narrowed bands.

By 1929 there were about 16,000 hams in the US. Almost
all of them were on the 160, 80, 40, and 20 meter bands. A typical ham
transmitter was a self-controlled power oscillator, and a typical ham
receiver
was a three tube regenerative. Sure, more advanced techniques existed,
but few
hams could afford them in thos Great Depression years.

Code skill was important in almost all radio services. 10 wpm was not
considered as anything like professional level - 25 or 30 wpm was more
like it. (This was with semiautomatic keys for sending and manual
typewriters for
highspeed copy).

1929 saw two big changes to ham radio. The treaties signed in 1927 came
into
effect, which cut deeply into the 40 and 20 meter hambands (70% of 40
was lost, and 80% of 20). The treaties also required much cleaner
signals from ham rigs. The Great Depression followed soon afterwards.

But the Depression and the new regs had a surprising effect on ham
radio. The
number of hams took a sharp upturn in the early thirties. By 1935 there
were
over 46,000 hams - almost TRIPLING the number of just five years
earlier! But the turnover in amateur radio was approaching 40% per
year.

This meant that most hams were raw newcomers, with relatively little
technical
knowledge or operating skills. A ham with 5 years on the air was a
veteran, one with 10 years was a grizzled old timer. Problems of
interference and crowding abounded. Complaints from other services
threatened the existence of ham radio.

The problem was that thousands of newcomers were learning just enough
to pass
the tests, assembling simple stations with little understanding of
proper
design, adjustment, or operation, and putting them on the air. Many of
these
newcomers lost interest quickly, particularly when the limitations of
their
knowledge and skills became apparent. The newly formed FCC was
concerned, as
was the ARRL.

The action proposed by the ARRL to the FCC was in two parts: Raise the
code
speed SLIGHTLY, (10 to 12-1/2 wpm) and make the written test more
comprehensive. The changes to the written tests are all but ignored by
the NCI
article.

The goal was NOT to limit the total number of hams, nor to hinder or
deter anyone from getting a license, but to control the flood of
newcomers, and make sure that the new folks had the necessary skills
and knowledge.

Look at the complete picture, and the action of the FCC in 1936 makes
sense.

73 de Jim, N2EY

From: John Smith on Fri 5 Aug 2005 09:00


Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN LIARS!"

...or, as one 7 hostile (personality) action murine would have it,
"LIAR PUTZ, LIAR PUTZ, LIAR PUTZ!!!" :-)

---

John, it may interest you to note that NCI was conceived and
begun by Bruce Perens, himself a 20 WPM tested Extra...a few
years BEFORE the release of 98-143 and dropping of the present
code test to 5 WPM.

It isn't that No Code International is that influential, but that
it is a coming-together of LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS from all over
the world to banish the administrations' "necessity" for a morse
code test. The IARU got convinced and was a major mover and
shaker to rewrite S25 and to make morse testing optional in S25.5.
Carl Stevenson of NCI was on the scene in Geneva two years ago
to help push that along.

Elimination of a federal test for morsemanship started as a
small snowball decades ago. It has been rolling along steadily
for years, gathering momentum, gathering mass, and now has
become HUGE. We must pity those who stand in its path since
this is no Tienanmen Square and the no-code-test "tanks" aren't
stopping for anything or anybody. squish, squish

ave mar

The problem was that thousands of newcomers were learning just enough
to pass
the tests, assembling simple stations with little understanding of
proper
design, adjustment, or operation, and putting them on the air. Many of
these
newcomers lost interest quickly, particularly when the limitations of
their
knowledge and skills became apparent. The newly formed FCC was
concerned, as
was the ARRL.

The action proposed by the ARRL to the FCC was in two parts: Raise the
code
speed SLIGHTLY, (10 to 12-1/2 wpm) and make the written test more
comprehensive. The changes to the written tests are all but ignored by
the NCI
article.

Code won't help here, but testing for knowledge does.
As the FCC lets us build and maintain our transmitter,
we need to know a few things. Like:
Basic knowledge of oscillator and amplifier circuits,
and what happens if such are not designed or adjusted right
(harmonics and such problems). Technical stuff the CB "freebanders"
with "Linayers" should know but don't. Basic troubleshooting
skills (probable faults in given situations). Basic
circuit theory. Also block diagram level systems
(like the parts of a superheterodyne receiver). KNowledge
of RFI and probable causes. Repeater management. Bandwidth
of various modes (SSB, FM, etc) and why you don't set the
transceiver frequency at 14.349 in USB mode (your signal
will leak over the band edge into another service's band).
Rules and regs like IDing and no pecuniary interest (which
really protects our bands from business invaders). No
broadcasting (the web is a better medium for this anyway).

Enough knowledge to be tested so a candidate can be
trusted to operate transmitters and not screw up the
radio spectrum for other users.

John Smith wrote:
N2EY:

Nice attempt at "spin doctoring" for the weak minded...
It is like fishing, you bait your hook, toss it in the water and see what
bites...

John

At least that's how you do it, "John".

Dave K8MN

On Fri, 05 Aug 2005 09:36:54 -0700, N2EY wrote:


John Smith wrote:

Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN LIARS!"


Omission of relevant facts can be a form of lying.

Here's the whole story:

I read that bit of W5YI propaganda, and also the original articles in
"200 Meters And Down" and the QSTs of the time.

(have you done so?)

The referenced article does not give all the relevant facts.

For one thing, the article claims that "higher speed" code testing has
been
used to "limit the number of hams since the very beginning of ham
licensing".
The fact is that all US hams were licensed in the US by 1912, 24 years
before the 1936 happenings cited. The code test speed after 1919 was 10
wpm, and the 1936 increase to 13 wpm - hardly a quantum leap.

To get a clear picture of what was actually happening, it is important
to
understand what ham radio was like back in those days. After WW1, ham
radio
almost ceased to exist. It was brought back to life by the dedicated
efforts
of a few enthusiasts.

Amateur radio was not even recognized by international treaty until
1927. The
1927 treaty resulted in stricter new rules and much-narrowed bands.

By 1929 there were about 16,000 hams in the US. Almost
all of them were on the 160, 80, 40, and 20 meter bands. A typical ham
transmitter was a self-controlled power oscillator, and a typical ham
receiver
was a three tube regenerative. Sure, more advanced techniques existed,
but few
hams could afford them in thos Great Depression years.

Code skill was important in almost all radio services. 10 wpm was not
considered as anything like professional level - 25 or 30 wpm was more
like it. (This was with semiautomatic keys for sending and manual
typewriters for
highspeed copy).

1929 saw two big changes to ham radio. The treaties signed in 1927 came
into
effect, which cut deeply into the 40 and 20 meter hambands (70% of 40
was lost, and 80% of 20). The treaties also required much cleaner
signals from ham rigs. The Great Depression followed soon afterwards.

But the Depression and the new regs had a surprising effect on ham
radio. The
number of hams took a sharp upturn in the early thirties. By 1935 there
were
over 46,000 hams - almost TRIPLING the number of just five years
earlier! But the turnover in amateur radio was approaching 40% per
year.

This meant that most hams were raw newcomers, with relatively little
technical
knowledge or operating skills. A ham with 5 years on the air was a
veteran, one with 10 years was a grizzled old timer. Problems of
interference and crowding abounded. Complaints from other services
threatened the existence of ham radio.

The problem was that thousands of newcomers were learning just enough
to pass
the tests, assembling simple stations with little understanding of
proper
design, adjustment, or operation, and putting them on the air. Many of
these
newcomers lost interest quickly, particularly when the limitations of
their
knowledge and skills became apparent. The newly formed FCC was
concerned, as
was the ARRL.

The action proposed by the ARRL to the FCC was in two parts: Raise the
code
speed SLIGHTLY, (10 to 12-1/2 wpm) and make the written test more
comprehensive. The changes to the written tests are all but ignored by
the NCI
article.

The goal was NOT to limit the total number of hams, nor to hinder or
deter anyone from getting a license, but to control the flood of
newcomers, and make sure that the new folks had the necessary skills
and knowledge.

Look at the complete picture, and the action of the FCC in 1936 makes
sense.

73 de Jim, N2EY

"John Smith" wrote in message
...

Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN
LIARS!"

John


It obviously didn't work did it. Not only is the total number of hams far
greater today than then but as a percent of the population we are more
numerous than then. It simply goes to prove that anyone who wanted to be a
ham could.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE

Dave:

Well, there is debate and argument for good and reason, and then there is
not...

Then there is religious devotion to a test which serves only a select few...

It would be interesting if the powers that be were to decide in keeping CW--and
then explain why they alone in the world community made that decision, frankly,
I would be happy not to have that task...

There are plentiful examples of insanity in this world... that old book which
bears the title something like "The Emperor Wore No Clothes" is as meaningful
today as the day it was written...

John

"Dave Heil" wrote in message
nk.net...
John Smith wrote:
N2EY:

Nice attempt at "spin doctoring" for the weak minded...
It is like fishing, you bait your hook, toss it in the water and see what
bites...

John

At least that's how you do it, "John".

Dave K8MN

On Fri, 05 Aug 2005 09:36:54 -0700, N2EY wrote:


John Smith wrote:

Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN
LIARS!"


Omission of relevant facts can be a form of lying.

Here's the whole story:

I read that bit of W5YI propaganda, and also the original articles in
"200 Meters And Down" and the QSTs of the time.

(have you done so?)

The referenced article does not give all the relevant facts.

For one thing, the article claims that "higher speed" code testing has
been
used to "limit the number of hams since the very beginning of ham
licensing".
The fact is that all US hams were licensed in the US by 1912, 24 years
before the 1936 happenings cited. The code test speed after 1919 was 10
wpm, and the 1936 increase to 13 wpm - hardly a quantum leap.

To get a clear picture of what was actually happening, it is important
to
understand what ham radio was like back in those days. After WW1, ham
radio
almost ceased to exist. It was brought back to life by the dedicated
efforts
of a few enthusiasts.

Amateur radio was not even recognized by international treaty until
1927. The
1927 treaty resulted in stricter new rules and much-narrowed bands.

By 1929 there were about 16,000 hams in the US. Almost
all of them were on the 160, 80, 40, and 20 meter bands. A typical ham
transmitter was a self-controlled power oscillator, and a typical ham
receiver
was a three tube regenerative. Sure, more advanced techniques existed,
but few
hams could afford them in thos Great Depression years.

Code skill was important in almost all radio services. 10 wpm was not
considered as anything like professional level - 25 or 30 wpm was more
like it. (This was with semiautomatic keys for sending and manual
typewriters for
highspeed copy).

1929 saw two big changes to ham radio. The treaties signed in 1927 came
into
effect, which cut deeply into the 40 and 20 meter hambands (70% of 40
was lost, and 80% of 20). The treaties also required much cleaner
signals from ham rigs. The Great Depression followed soon afterwards.

But the Depression and the new regs had a surprising effect on ham
radio. The
number of hams took a sharp upturn in the early thirties. By 1935 there
were
over 46,000 hams - almost TRIPLING the number of just five years
earlier! But the turnover in amateur radio was approaching 40% per
year.

This meant that most hams were raw newcomers, with relatively little
technical
knowledge or operating skills. A ham with 5 years on the air was a
veteran, one with 10 years was a grizzled old timer. Problems of
interference and crowding abounded. Complaints from other services
threatened the existence of ham radio.

The problem was that thousands of newcomers were learning just enough
to pass
the tests, assembling simple stations with little understanding of
proper
design, adjustment, or operation, and putting them on the air. Many of
these
newcomers lost interest quickly, particularly when the limitations of
their
knowledge and skills became apparent. The newly formed FCC was
concerned, as
was the ARRL.

The action proposed by the ARRL to the FCC was in two parts: Raise the
code
speed SLIGHTLY, (10 to 12-1/2 wpm) and make the written test more
comprehensive. The changes to the written tests are all but ignored by
the NCI
article.

The goal was NOT to limit the total number of hams, nor to hinder or
deter anyone from getting a license, but to control the flood of
newcomers, and make sure that the new folks had the necessary skills
and knowledge.

Look at the complete picture, and the action of the FCC in 1936 makes
sense.
73 de Jim, N2EY

commander buzzard logic:

.... yawn ...

John

"Cmdr Buzz Corey" wrote in message
...
John Smith wrote:

Nice attempt at "spin doctoring" for the weak minded...
It is like fishing, you bait your hook, toss it in the water and see what
bites...



Nice try at 'spin doctoring' yourself, but it doesn't fly.

Dee:

I think it more reflects the readily availability of manufactured equipment as
compared to equip constructed by ones own hand.

I also think it has to do with an economy which allows one to support such
hobbies, and the abundant free time individuals have to devote to such hobbies.

I also think it has to do with education and the masses do not find radio a
"dark mystery" anymore, etc, etc...

It has to do with a lot of things... one I don't even consider is a factor
which has helped the popularity of ham radio is CW... indeed, it has served as
a hindrance... only the degree which it has hindered is left to be argued, in
my humble opinion--and shortly we are due to find out... indeed, without some
sort of "shot in the arm" amateur radio would continue its' course and go the
way of the dodo bird...

John

"Dee Flint" wrote in message
...

"John Smith" wrote in message
...

Here the NCI offers proof and spells it out, just in case these old key
tappers are in danger of pulling some wool over your eyes...

http://www.nocode.org/articles/filter.html

As some have noted in the past, "There are liars, and there are DAMN LIARS!"

John


It obviously didn't work did it. Not only is the total number of hams far
greater today than then but as a percent of the population we are more
numerous than then. It simply goes to prove that anyone who wanted to be a
ham could.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE