[CW] Code Speeds

[Richard Knoppow]

     Pursuing the question that came up a couple of days ago 
about code speeds (probably a dead horse by now) I found the 
requirements in a couple of editions of "The Radio Manual" by 
Sterling. The c.1929 second edition gives the requirment for an 
"extra first class" commercial license, the highest one, as 30 
WPM code groups for Continental code and 25 WPM plain language 
for American Morse. American Morse was not required for lower 
classes of license. Curiously there was a 20 WPM plain language 
requirement for the radio telephone first class license. Amateur 
licenses required 20 WPM plain language for the highest class and 
10 WPM for those below.
    An Extra First could be in sole charge of _any_ radio 
station, telegraph or telephone.
    Twenty years later (4th edition) the Extra First is gone, the 
requirement for a First Class Radiotelegraph license is 25 WPM 
plain language and 20 WPM code groups for Continental code, no 
requirement for American Morse.
     This book, c.1950, says that receiving tests below 25 WPM 
must be taken in handwriting but a typewriter can be used for 25 
WPM. For transmitting tests a hand key must be used below 25 WPM 
but a bug can be used for 25 WPM or faster. Bug and typewriter to 
be supplied by applicant.
     Now, my memory says there was a faster requirement for an 
aeronautical endorsement but I can't find it. By memory it was 30 
WPM. I think this is in Nilson and Hornung's book. I must have 
several but they are all in storage or else the silverfish have 
done away with them. Eventually, the bugs will get all of us.

-- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL