In article , Mike Coslo writes:

Len Over 21 wrote:

My "motive" in here is to advocate the removal of the code test for
any radio operator license.

I'd be more inclined to call it your rationale. Respectfully submitted
that you may have other motives.

I have no other "motives" in here.

That you want to "charge" me with something is an indication that
you wish to misdirect the flow of the subject into something else.

If you must question "motives," then question all those who demand
to keep the code test long after it has served any purpose.

I observe motives, not question them. Have whatever motive you might
like.

You imagine other motives rather than "observe" them.

I've stated my advocacy in here many times, yet so many have
to invent "other' motives. "They can't handle the truth!" :-)


The U.S. government hasn't "slacked off" on morse code testing since
WRC-03. Test Element 1 is still a test requirement.

yes

Then nothing has changed on the code test.

My last "operating involvement" with HF radio came earlier this year.

I used a small (some say "tiny") 20 W SSB HF transceiver that
many radio amateurs have purchased for themselves. I was not
operating in any amateur bands.

Was that one of the MFJ units? Did it work well? I've looked at them,
and thought they might be nice for traveling with. Small, and
inexpensive enough that I wouldn't have to worry about damage to it, as
I might my main transceiver.

NOT an "MFJ unit." I was designed and is made by SGC (Stoner
Goral Company) in Belleview, WA. Model number is 2020.

Search for "SGC" and you will get their website. You can also see a
nice review of it on Antennex (www.antennex.com) by Richard Morrow,
one of the regular contributers there. More pictures, too.

The 2020 is sold to anyone who cares to buy it. [not cheap] SGC's
market is probably divided between boat owners and hams plus
some non-hams for land use.

SGC also has some nice automatic antenna tuners. (4 models?)

Radio amateurs whose only exposure to "radio" is in amateurdom
will want to ridicule and denigrate non-amateur radio operation. That's
a psychological survival trait to overcome their own ignorance and
lack of experience.

I always try not to ridicule people. My folks taught me better. Or
tried to! ;^)

That's a good trait and you get a high-five for that. Pity that some
other folks' kids weren't taught better.


In this environment such is wasted effort.

Not really. I am an insatiable collector of such stories. And most
people are happy to share. some seem surprised because many new Hams
don't care about hearing about past exploits of others.

The "happiness" in sharing goes away after a number of those
"untrained" others want to pee in the puddle...because they LIKE
to do that sort of thing. [not unlike hecklers in cabaret stage shows]


I enjoy "non ARS" stories too. We have an Old timer in the local club
that had a career as an Engineer at a television station. Lots of good
stories about the stuff that went on there. He was happy to talk, and I
was happy to listen.

According to a strident minority in here, non-ham experiences are
verboten, forbidden, shouted down, etc., etc. Take it up with them.


When I came here there was name calling. There still is name calling.
Maybe its a chicken and egg sort of thing. I don't know when it started,
or who started it. I'm not all that concerned about who started it
either. There's always time to start over.

It started when the newsgroup was first formed...to take on the "code
test" issue that was getting out of hand in rec.radio.amateur.miscellaneous.

The Archaic Radiotelegraphy Society would have NO talk against
removing any morse code test, anywhere, anytime. They let all the
heretics (the ones wanting freedom of entry) KNOW it in no uncertain
words.


It is a broad brush you paint with.

Broad brushes are necessary when the graffitti is spread so far
and wide.


The question (in my opinion) that should be surfacing is: Why is
there such a prolonged talk about "how good and noble" are the
PCTA extras and "how band and wrong" are the NCTA?

That question might be honed to include the personalities involved.

Did that. Denial on their part.


The morse code test has long since outlived its
usefulness. There is NO validity in keeping it around just because
some middle-aged wannabes had to do it over 30 years ago. None
at all.

If it goes away, I won't lose a moments sleep over it.

The morse code test is an excellent reference point for braggadoccio
by those who passed it. They can then rightfully claim they did
"more" than newcomers did...and by extension the newcomers are
"dumbed down" by demonstration because they didn't have to take
a test. There's really no end of rationalizing the olde-tymers' self-
proclaimed superiority.