[TCARC-NTX] RE: CW requirement

Wed, 6 Aug 2003 19:11:44 -0500

David,

    I agree with you completely.  A few sayings come to mind:  "Use it or
loose it" and "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  On the other side of the
question, however, if CW is eliminated and amateur radio becomes little more
than high power CB radio someone will have to teach all the former CBers how
to use all the frequencies allowed with an amateur license.  If the new
operator is obnoxious, or has a "better-than-you" or "know-it-all" attitude,
let the new operator pay dearly for competent instruction on the one radio
system in use at his/her station.  I know that amateur radio is a hobby and
not-for-profit, but if someone first acts like I am ignorant or says as much
to my face then later wants or needs my help learning a new task I would
have no problem charging for the time teaching that one (or however many)
systems the same way as with computers.

    There is enough variance in the different makes of radios that if
someone did try to get an advanced license without learning any practical
theory and working experience on how to make repairs, the field known as
amateur radio would quickly be divided between those able to buy whatever
they want or need and those that can repair what they already have and build
something new.

    73
    Jim    KD5VXH

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Johnson" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 1:04 PM
Subject: [TCARC-NTX] RE: CW requirement


> My own personal position on the matter is that we should not only
> require morse code proficiency testing, but also other mode proficiency
> testing.
>
> We don't have enough proficiency testing as it is, and we should not get
> rid of what we do have.  Let's keep requiring more, not less.  I'd
> rather not be the world leading nation of radio wussies.
>
> What, besides memorizing answers for questions we don't necessarily
> understand, sets Amateur Radio Operators apart from the CB operator?
>
> Test more.  It makes you better.
>
> Keep CW.  Add more hands on testing.  Add required elmering.  Don't
> lower the standards.  Every where we lowered the standards, foreigners
> have kicked our behinds in the world market.  Never lower the standards.
>
> Let's be better.
>
> David KB5YLG
>
> [email protected]
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/tcarc-ntx
>