"T" wrote in message
. ..
In article ,
says...
Back just before 5 wpm code went into effect, a bunch of hams upgraded
just so they could say their license wasn't a welfare license. Heee
Heee.
I wonder if no-codes will make a mad rush to pass the code element this
time just so they can say they're a Code tested ham, or are welfare
license more acceptable these days?
SC
As someone that entered the hobby as a no-code tech and upgraded to
extra within a year, I feel I've earned the right to gripe. I did
element 1C at 20WPM. This 5WPM thing irks me.
Perhaps it would put a different perspective on things if you read up on the
early history of ham radio. The earliest testing for CW was only 5wpm for
any class (see "The Art & Skill of Radiotelegraphy" available as a free
download from FISTS). While I also had to take and pass a 20wpm test for my
Extra, the 5wpm does not irk me. I simply want people to have the basics so
that they won't be afraid to pursue this at a later date as their interests
change. I want people to know that they can learn it instead of believing
the naysayers who try to convince them that it is "too hard".
Of course I haven't used a radio in a few years now. Restrictions on
antennas and the fact that 2m, 70cm and up are nothing but packet
trackers these days.
I've made worldwide HF contacts from my car so there are alternatives. I
know apartment dwellers who go down to the local park regularly and put up a
temporary antenna on these base plates that campers sometimes use.
Packet is declining on VHF/UHF. We have some lively usage for other
purposes in our area. Start a simplex net or a repeater net. Do some weak
signal SSB or CW work. Interesting things crop up from time to time.
Dee, N8UZE
Dee, N8UZE