Has the archaic code requirement been eliminated yet for all HF licenses? I cannot believe that we are in the 20th century and that the code requirement still existed several years ago when I last checked. Hopefully, it has been done away with.
Archaic Code Requirment
Started by jimwayda, 12/05/2005 04:04AM
Posted 12/05/2005 04:04AM
Opening Post
Posted 12/09/2005 03:44AM
#2
Hi Jim,
I don't want to start a feud, but just wanted to say that I use code for about 95% of my ham radio QSOs.
It's a tough issue. I agree that having a code requirement is prejudicial. Why not require proficiency in the other more modern digital modes?
However, I would argue that code, even though it is an old mode, is still a very effective way to communicate during marginal band conditions. Also its narrow bandwidth makes it far more efficient in terms of our limited spectrum as well.
Enough said. Ham radio is a fun hobby, but it is running up against some stiff competition these days from all kinds of other communication gadgetry. SMT components are also making it difficult for hams to get in on the technical side of things.
We'll see what happens . . . change is the only constant.
Clear Skies and 73,
Ed Kessler AA3SJ
I don't want to start a feud, but just wanted to say that I use code for about 95% of my ham radio QSOs.
It's a tough issue. I agree that having a code requirement is prejudicial. Why not require proficiency in the other more modern digital modes?
However, I would argue that code, even though it is an old mode, is still a very effective way to communicate during marginal band conditions. Also its narrow bandwidth makes it far more efficient in terms of our limited spectrum as well.
Enough said. Ham radio is a fun hobby, but it is running up against some stiff competition these days from all kinds of other communication gadgetry. SMT components are also making it difficult for hams to get in on the technical side of things.
We'll see what happens . . . change is the only constant.
Clear Skies and 73,
Ed Kessler AA3SJ
Posted 12/23/2005 03:29PM
#3
Bill,
I'm not interested in starting a code/no code debate, but I'm always suspicious of surveys like this, especially if you assume a half million or so hams in the US then the sampling represents 0.0001% of American hams. Straight key night has always been a rather limited affair with a small, but dedicated group of participants. Most of us, myself included, have better things to do on New Years eve (call it a life). I suspect that has more to do with whether or not one plans to participate in SKN than any pro- or anti-code bias.
ARL FIFTY EIGHT
Jim WD5BKO
I'm not interested in starting a code/no code debate, but I'm always suspicious of surveys like this, especially if you assume a half million or so hams in the US then the sampling represents 0.0001% of American hams. Straight key night has always been a rather limited affair with a small, but dedicated group of participants. Most of us, myself included, have better things to do on New Years eve (call it a life). I suspect that has more to do with whether or not one plans to participate in SKN than any pro- or anti-code bias.
ARL FIFTY EIGHT
Jim WD5BKO
Funding Member
