gil wrote:
Well, then shouldn't there be testing for knowledge and/or proficiency
of spark and other things that are "part of our heritage"?


Was that ever part of the test?

All I'm saying is that a lot of the newbies and anti-code guys want to
change the exam to accomodate their wants/needs.

13 wpm was too much, now 5wpm is too much, do away with the code then the
debate will be...why should we learn or know anyting about radio when we can
just go to the store and buy a rig with lots of watts so we can chat with
someone on the other side of the world with no problem? No No wait....lets
give them a telephone call so we can talk without QRM!


Why not just eliminate all exams and rules and regulations?

What I'm trying to point out is the relevancy of the testing
requirements. Morse code proficiency isn't relevant any more. It
hasn't been for quite some time. And as you pointed out, spark was
outlawed. So far, that's the ONLY mode that has been outlawed by the
FCC. But the "test for morse code proficiency" people keep acting
like eliminating the code test requirement is the same thing as
outlawing morse code and CW on the amateur bands.

I've made it quite clear a number of times in the past that the testing
requirements should be relevant to current technology, modes of
operation and regulations.

I've also pointed out that morse code has done NOTHING to eliminate the
morons from the amateur radio bands. (Witness the usual nonsense on the
upper ends of 80 and 40 meters. Those are ALL code tested licensees.)

TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION

COMMISSION (CONTINUED)

PART 97--AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE--Table of Contents

Subpart A--General Provisions

Sec. 97.1 Basis and purpose.


The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an
amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the
following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service
to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service,
particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to
contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through
rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and
technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio
service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to
enhance international goodwill.


Funny, I don't believe I see ANYTHING in there about it being a hobby,
or heritage. Specifically, tell me how morse code proficiency relates to
paragraph (b)

Jeff
wa6fwi


--
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
"A life lived in fear is a life half lived."
Tara Morice as Fran, from the movie "Strictly Ballroom"