[Elecraft] Morse test elimination

[N2EY at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/17/06 7:28:12 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
d.cutter at ntlworld.com writes:


> I have it in mind that the introduction of the Morse Code as a requirement 
> for an amateur licence was to enable (in the UK at any rate) a coast station 
> 
> operator to instruct amateurs to clear the frequency in time of war.  

Urban legend.

In the times when radio licensing started, one of the first things done was 
to put amateurs on different frequencies/wavelengths than maritime stations. 
Amateurs were limited to "200 meters and down" (meaning 1500 kHz and higher 
frequencies) and maritime stations operated primarily on 600 meters (500 kHz and 
lower).

The main reason for the Morse Code test in those times (1912) was simple: 
Nearly all radio operation was Morse Code then, and it was considered an 
essential skill for all radio operators to have. There were a few experimental AM 
voice stations on the air as early as 1900, but they were the exception that 
proved the rule. In almost all cases, Morse Code was the only mode available to 
radio operators of all kinds in 1912 and for years afterward.

Today, with the notable exception of amateur radio, there is very little use 
of Morse Code on-the-air. In amateur radio, however, Morse Code is extensively 
used. Unlike 1912, it is used even though it is not the only mode available.  
  

The powers-that-be in some countries have been convinced that the widespread 
use of Morse Code isn't enough reason to require any specific testing for 
skill in using the mode. The USA just joined those countries.

73 de Jim, N2EY