[ARRL-OK] To CW or Not to CW, Is that the question?

Thu, 17 Jul 2003 06:43:12 -0500

Well said Dean,

Mark Conklin N7XYO

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dean Feken" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>; " Nate Bargmann" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 11:50 PM
Subject: [ARRL-OK] To CW or Not to CW, Is that the question?

> Ok Guys, here's one amateur radio operators opinion;
>
>   1.. I empathize with the old timers position on the code, as they have
> worked hard to achieve proficiency in that mode.
>   2.. I also agree with the comments that CW is just another mode that is
> now approaching the end of its useful life.
>   3.. I STRONGLY agree with the comment that testing should be more
> rigorous.
> There is and should be a place in Amateur Radio for all of our interests,
be
> it CW, PSK31, Packet, or whatever. However, Amateur Radio has to grow.
This
> means that we have to be willing to grow. New modes offer the challenges
and
> opportunities for that growth. By placing arbitrary CW requirements on
> prospective amateurs we limit the technical growth that we could otherwise
> achieve.
>
> What is of greater concern, is the Amateur who has managed to pass exams
by
> rote memorization. I know a number of individuals that have reached
Amateur
> Extra using this technique. The Amateur Extra was at one time reached by
the
> amateur who could demonstrate a higher level technical competence. Today
> there are individuals who hold the once coveted Amateur Extra who can't
tune
> a simple antenna or program their handheld. In some cases these people are
> training new operators how to pass the exams using the same technique.
This
> is why I believe testing should be comprehensive and rigorous.
>
> Finally, those who "takes shots" at the ARRL just don't get it. The league
> works very hard at protecting our spectrum, our privileges, and our
> service - hobby - avocation. Without the efforts of these hardworking
> individuals the argument about code vs. no code would be moot. We wouldn't
> have bands to operate in.
>
> Respectfully
>
> Dean Feken KL7MA
>
>
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