RadioBanter - View Single Post - What makes a Pro code test Amateur a Troglodyte?

October 18th 03, 10:37 PM

(N2EY) wrote in message ...

How'd I miss this?

Here's an experience I had recently (post-restructuring):

Relatively new ham got started via the Tech route. Decided he wanted HF and
passed the required elements, including code, which was learned from CDs and
computer software.

But then he discovered that learning enough code to pass the test was a far
different thing from copying and sending live on the air in a real QSO.

Now remember, this ham had already passed all the code tests he'd ever need to
pass. He had all bands and modes open to him, and a nice HF station set up.
There was absolutely no requirement that he ever do any Morse code operating at
all, ever. Nor was there any requirement to spend more time and effort learning
to send and copy real-world off-the-air Morse.

But this ham *wanted* to use the mode, based on its merits alone. With a small
amount of help and encouragement, he learned the skills of on-air copy,
sending, abbreviations, procedure, etc.

I had the privilege and honor of being his first CW QSO. Since then he's had
many more, his skills have improved, and he's on the way. CW SS is a few
weekends away.........

Well Folks, the "relatively new ham" Jim is referring to is me. I too
am priviliged and honored, especially so to have worked my Elmer as my
first CW contact. Was passing Element 1 easy? Yeah, once the
characters started flowing. Was working another AR station OTA using
CW for the first time easy? Nope...but it gets better, and more so
every time out. The common denominator is the feeling of
accomplishment and the associated pride that comes from both
experiences. If any other newbies are out there reading this, DON'T
let ANYBODY minimize this factor. Experience it for yourself and then
YOU be the judge. Betcha you'll like it.

So when folks talk about having to demonstrate Morse "proficiency" to
get on HF, don't believe 'em. Memorizing 43 Morse code characters and
passing Element 1 at 5-wpm is nowhere near any level of "proficiency"
needed to effectively get OTA. What it did do for me though was allow
me to make an educated decision as to whether I wanted to pursue it
any further or not. The new QSL cards on the wall speak for themselves
re. my feelings about CW's merits.

Worked a fellow in Rochester, NY (From LI, NY.) with a QRP rig putting
out 2.5 Watts into a dipole, simply fantastic. I'm fortunate enough to
live in an antenna friendly neighborhood, HOWEVER, no antenna
restrictions could ever keep me off the air with this type of QRP
capability available. I'll bet many a wire get dropped from windows to
work 40 at night. (Very affordable too.) That's just one example of a
practical real-world benefit, there are more that Jim's already
touched on. Something to think about.

And this ham is the kind who will share what he has learned with others and
repeat the cycle. Test or no test.

You betcha! My first customer is in first grade.

TNX AGN N2EY es CUL.

--
73 de Bert
WA2SI