In article m, "Dee D. Flint"
writes:

Actually the fact that other services don't use it very much is a strong
argument to require hams to learn it. This is the place to preserve the
skill in case of need and to prevent this capability from becoming a lost
art. Plus of course the fact that quite a few hams do use it.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE


Dee D.:

Very interesting point. And, of course, 100% true. I would add that the one
thing that gets prospective hams to learn the Morse code is the requirement
to be tested for Morse proficiency in order to achieve upgraded HF privileges.
How many New Age No-Code Extras do you think you can "sell" on the
concept of learning the Morse code, just on the basis of it's operational
characteristics or the fact that it's "fun" to do? Keep in mind, they can
yakk on HF phone on any band and frequency they want, and with
maximum allowable power. They will have legitimate, full-privilege General-
or Extra-class licenses, without no requirement for code testing at any
speed. So, how many do you think you can convince to try code and
get them up to 20 WPM and become regular CW operators?

I know that for 14 years, nobody could "sell" it to me at any price. I'm
just glad that one fine day I was able to be convinced that being a ham
was worth enough to me to make the efford to learn and gain useful
proficiency in this particular communications skill.

I predict that in a future ARS with no code testing, getting new hams to
become CW operators will be a daunting, if not impossible, task.

73 de Larry, K3LT