[CW] Dissing the ARRL

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

Just to clarify something that I didn't know might be misunderstood, but I
guess it was!

I passed my 20 wpm twice before the FCC, once for my Extra and once for my
2nd telegraph.  The first time was when I was 16 years old, and the second
was when I was in my 20s.  I sent 20 wpm for the FCC at the time.  I finally
had enough experience (one year) at being a professional telegrapher in my
late 20s, and I took my 25 wpm tests.  The FCC permits an applicant to use a
speed key (Vibroplex type only) to send the 25 wpm test, but only a hand key
for the 20 wpm code group test.  I passed this test also - using a bug for
25 wpm and a hand key for 20 wpm code groups.

My comments about NOT being able to send 20 wpm are from 2004.  I have tried
recently to send 25 wpm on a hand key.  I used to be able to send 23 wpm on
that type of key - this is the reason I used a bug for my 1st telegraph
license, but now I can't send 20 wpm.  I can now send 19 wpm on it, but I am
one wpm short!  I am now 52 years old - and it has been about 24 years since
my last FCC telegraph exam when I sent 20 wpm.

Again, I DID qualify, and did so when I took my Extra, then my 2nd class
Telegraph and finally when I took my 1st class Telegraph.  I just can't do
it now!

I think the reason is that I don't use the straight key all the time as I
did when I was taking my Extra or Telegraph licenses.  I'm older, have
arthritis and out of "shape"!

73

David Ring, N1EA