[Lowfer] Alternate Morse code test

[Bill Ashlock]

Jay, others:

>Nice idea but it'll never happen. This is the membership boon the ARRL has 
>been
>praying for. If you get a chance check out a 60's ARRL license manual. That 
>will give you a
>good appreciation for how far we've gone downhill. The current theory part 
>of
>the test is a complete joke by comparison. Now that the cw requirement is 
>gone
>we are fully "dumbed down" and the "Good Buddy" floodgates are wide open.
>Breaker, breaker 14 200.

I'm intrigued with all the comments about code speed and reduction of 
technical understanding needed to pass the written portion of the exam as 
the years increase.  Is the real motivation for making these changes an 
effort to counteract the decreasing interest in Ham radio or some other 
reason?  I suppose any discussion on the successes and/or failures of the 
ARRL could REALLY swamp this reflector? I would hope the ARRL is having the 
same internal discussion as we are having tonight, or is the current 
leadership from a different persuasion? I find very minimal desire amongst 
the younger set in this town (30k pop) to get into Ham radio, even though 
the number of Hams here is at least 200. Not sure how many are active, 
however.

Bill A

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