[Elecraft] CW in Emergencies? (WAS: Dropping the Code Test)

[Dale Putnam]

>Those who worry about ham radio becoming another citizen's band need only
>scan 75M at night. They're too late. :-)
>
>Craig
>
Until a cw op pops up in the middle... calls cq, gets and answer, has a 
chat, sez 73, then moves on, and someone on ssb says, what was that?

The long haul cw nts ops are fading fast, the long haul cw need is fading 
until you look at the contest and the niche need.

Yes, we need a long range, "big picture", type, that understands that 
trunked radio is only the next step, not the end, and the lost cw 
requirement can be phased out, along with the test. There are a whole truck 
load of other "filters" or valid test questions that can be, and should be 
put into the requirements for holding an amateur license.
(Tongue firmly placed) One of which could be, which dielect is necessary to 
speak into a mic on 75 meters after 6 pm local time? Would it be more 
correct to add a bit of a drawl too?

Humor, sometimes gets me past the sense of loss........

and it doesn't even have to be real good either.

Seriously, if VHF phone works best in most emergencies, then use it. If the 
long haul ops are not used much in most, then by all means, let the traffic 
pass as effeciently as possible. If data doesn't work well, in emergency 
situations... and so far it doesn't, then find another proving ground for 
it, rather than try to force it to work anyway.
Have we used all the feasible methods available to utilize the modes and 
means we have? Have we really tried it all? Are we waiting for someone else 
to do it first?  Hey George? Are you there?
Albert? Alexander? The Wright bros? Anyone listening yet?
You folks were all doing it first... gee... someone has to... why not us?
And Elecraft has done it first too... just look at the specs... try that 
with any other...
But is Elecraft just sitting back and resting? I find that real tuff to 
believe! So... with all the examples of how and why.... what are you doing ?
--...   ...--

Dale WC7S qrp in WY