[QCWA] FCC Drops Morse

[B Roske]

>>With all due respect, I submit that today is not the
>>"day the music died.".
I agree with this statement, the music will not die until everyone quits 
using CW.  Yes, CW is music, at least to me.

>>Rather, it is the day when ham radio tossed aside its scratchy old 78 RPM 
>>records and embraced the better sound of the CD.
Hams didn't toss aside anything, the FCC did.   Without knowing which mode 
Bill feels is the CD, based on timing are SSB and FM 45 rpm records or 8 
Track Tapes.  Are the packet modes a cassette?  Where does, ILRP and PSK31 
fit in?

I know 20WPM Extra's that think CW shouldn't be required.  I know No-Code 
Technicians that think CW should be required.  There isn't a right answer, 
it's how You feel.

The main argument has been, "Why do I need to learn to send and receive CW 
when it's just another mode of communications?"  Beside the strong 
historical tie that CW has in Amateur Radio this is a true statement.  In 
this, "I want it now" world we live in, history and tradition don't carry 
much weight.

That being said, I encourage the VECs add a section to the question pool 
that tests knowledge about this mode like they have for the other modes.
         What is the ratio in time units between a dit and a dah?
         How many time units are there:
               between characters?
               between words?
        Why does CW get through when most other modes can't?
        How do you measure how fast someone is sending?
        How many characters does the number 5 count for when measuring 
sending speed?  Why?

Whatever your position, get on the air and operate your favorite mode.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

73,
Bob Roske, N0UF
QCWA 26454     http://www.qcwa.org/
FISTS  6769       http://www.fists.org/
SKCC 2173        http://www.skccgroup.com/
SOWP 5638-M   http://www.sowp.org/

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeffrey D Angus" <jangus at socal.rr.com>
To: "Discussion of QCWA" <qcwa at mailman.qth.net>; <newsline at ix.netcom.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 12:24 AM
Subject: Re: [QCWA] FCC Drops Morse


> newsline at ix.netcom.com wrote:
>
>>With all due respect, I submit that today is not the
>>"day the music died.".
>>
> I have to go with Bill on this one.
>
> The point everyone misses is that unlike Spark Gap technology, NOBODY
> has suggested arresting anyone caught sending morse code.
>
> What it means is that the proficient use of Morse code is no longer an 
> out-
> dated requirement for an FCC license grant. When the ONLY technology
> out there was sending code, yes, it made sense. When the majority of
> equipment out there was code only, yes, it made sense. When a majority
> of commercial and government radio applications required proficiency at
> sending and receiving morse code, yes, it made sense.
>
> Just like driving a car and getting a driver's license, they no longer 
> require
> you to know how to hand crank a Model T, nor expect you to know which
> end of a horse to put the hay in. Of course, with SOME of the drivers I
> have to deal with in Los Angeles, an artificial barrier like that would be 
> a
> "Good Thing(tm)".
>
> Morse Code, and the proficiency to send and receive it will ALWAYS be
> an important heritage of Amateur radio. It just isn't the ONLY way any
> more.
>
> Jeff
> wa6fwi
> Who after upgrading to a "voice also" license in 1968 STILL enjoys being
> able to send and receive (albeit badly) morse code.
>
>
>
> -- 
> "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
> "A life lived in fear is a life half lived."
> Tara Morice as Fran, from the movie "Strictly Ballroom"
>
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