[CW] CW requirement....tests..etc..

[Thomas Beaudry]

>> Another argument often given is speed of traffic.  I can't speak 
>> about the digital modes, haven't ever gotten around to using them at 
>> all.  But I've used both SSB and CW for traffic handling in emergency 
>> and non-emergency situations when I was younger.  In either 
>> situation, CW wins hands down with less repeats needed.
>>
> Even when using other digital modes or phone (when you have the power 
> and antennas that will allow you to use these less efficient modes) an 
> experienced CW operator knows how to get the greatest amount of 
> essential information passed in the shortest amount of time. Learning 
> how to get the essentials exchanged first using unambiquous language 
> is something that CW operators carry over into their other modes of 
> operation naturally. It can be learned without CW experience, though 
> it is often not learned.

Good point.  And now the ARRL has to offer classes in proper emergency 
communications.  I won't claim everyone used to know, but there were 
more than sufficient numbers when an emergency did arise.

-- 
Thomas M. Beaudry
k8la / ys1ztm
K2 # 3422