RadioBanter - View Single Post

May 22nd 05, 12:05 AM

wrote:
For years and years the ARRL has emphasized morsemanship
over and above all other skills in amateur radio.

How, Len?

Let's look at some examples...

Contests and Operating Activities:

Almost every contest ARRL sponsors is open to modes other than
Morse Code. The two exceptions are Straight Key Night and the
160 Meter Contest.

Public Service:

Most ARES activities are organized around voice modes, not Morse Code.
The NTS structure has had both voice and Morse Code nets for more than
40 years.

Publications:

QST has articles on every new mode that comes down the pike. Articles
on Morse Code are no more numerous than any other mode. There have long
been regular columns on VHF/UHF, digital modes,
and even SSB (in the late 1940s and early 1950s). No column
on Morse Code.

The long list of ARRL publications includes a very few books on Morse
Code. Other modes are at least as well represented. It has been many
years since Morse Code had its own chapter in the Handbook.

W1AW:

Bulletins and other information are sent from W1AW on voice, RTTY and
Morse Code. Morse Code does have its own practice sessions sent from
W1AW.

Awards:

Every operating award but one can be earned using modes other than
Morse Code. The sole exception is the Morse Code Proficiency program,
which starts at 10 wpm.

Policy:

In 1953, when the FCC opened all amateur operating privileges to all US
radio amateurs except Novices and Technicians, ARRL did not
try to require more code testing for full privileges.

In 1963, in its original "incentive licensing" proposal to FCC, ARRL
proposed that full privileges be available only to Advanced and Extra
licensees, and that the Advanced be reopened to new issues. This meant
that full priviliges would require more written testing but not more
code testing.

In 1990, ARRL supported the creation of a nocodetest amateur radio
license.

In 1998, ARRL proposed reducing the code test requirement for a
General class license from 13 wpm to 5 wpm, and the code test
requirement for an Extra class license from 20 wpm to 12 wpm.

In 2001, ARRL took a neutral stand on retaining code testing
as a part of ITU-R treaty requirements.

In 2004, ARRL proposed to FCC that code testing be retained
only for the Extra class license, and only at 5 wpm.

So - how can it truthfully be said that:

"For years and years the ARRL has emphasized morsemanship
over and above all other skills in amateur radio." ?

That's not a loaded question.