Subj : Da Di Dit Dit - Rulz
To : STAN PHILLIPS
From : TOM WALKER
Date : Mon Aug 07 2000 11:44 pm
-> M > No-Code vs Code is a viable topic for discussion here.
-> From what I have been reading (and hearing), the debate is not really
-> about 'code' as such. It is about having a test that will keep people
-> who are not really interested in Ham radio out. I.E. as a 'filter'.
-> For example, many comments about the new code speed (U.S.A.) from
-> those who have qualified with high speed code, are about the
-> 'standards being lowered and fear of 'C.B. type behaviour' creeping
-> in to H.F. operation. If it was really about 'code' then the
-> comments would be more about a possible reduction of people available
-> to communicate in 'high speed code'.
Well a little listening on some of the HF bands to Those 13 & 20 WPM
types Soundly Disproves that one. The "CB Mentality" is Alive and Well
amongst the Generals, Advanced and Extra Types.
-> The reality is that standards can be made higher at the technical
-> written exam level, and to have their 'on-air performance' monitored
-> and a qualified 'monitor' certify that they meet standards of operation.
-> This, together with the FCC going after those who do not behave
-> themselves on the air, should work towards 'clean air waves'.
That one I agree with 100%. The Technical Knowledge is SHAMEFULL. I
concidered the Tech Exam I took a JOKE. It is catering to the LOWEST
terchnical mentalities.
-> Coming back to "Code", Personally, I think that code SHOULD be still
-> be required. IMHO, the code should be memorised. This is no different
-> from learning the rules and regs or Ohms law for that matter. speed
-> is NOT the important thing, ability to communicate using it is.
Now that is a CROCK. I have been fighting to learn but never winning
the "Code Battle" since 1948. And I have tried it ALL Methods.
Some years ago(1992) I finally gave up and became a No Code Tech.
As a side note the FEARS of the Old Timer HAVE come to pass as the CB
Mentality is firmly in place above 30 Mhz, at least in Southern
California and we have Mindless Licence Mills cranking out the poorest
quality Hams imaginable. One group I ran across that had held soem
Licence Classes was actualy telling people that a Ham Radio can be
concidered a "FREE CELL Phone"!!! :-( :-( :-)
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