Len Over 21 wrote:

In article , "Dee D. Flint"
writes:

Newcomers with any gumption can have some HF if they choose to pass the
code.

Hoops. Jump through the hoops like good little doggies. Arf, arf.

You seem to have a problem passing exams required of others. No matter
and certainly no loss.

As a newcomer to HF 51 years ago, I got on HF without needing one bit
of morse code knowledge, skill, or anything else.

When and if you pass an amateur exam, you can be a newcomer to amateur
radio. Right now, if it is HF you want, you'll still have to climb that
5 wpm mountain.

HF propagation hasn't changed since then. Solar cycles are still cycling.

That's right. I've enjoyed those cycles immensely.

The only difference is that hams have solid-state toys now instead of
glass, metal, and vacuum active devices. Some still insist on ON-OFF
keying of their carriers, even with sophisticated radios that can do much
more.

My solid state toy drives a pair of vacuum active devices. I'll use
whichever mode I desire as a radio amateur. You may do as you can.

I generally choose "on-off" keying rather than the more abrupt "ON-OFF".

Dave K8MN