On Feb 3, 9:30 am, "KH6HZ" wrote:
wrote:
My ARRL Division is exploring bringing the "qualifying runs" to a
local venue. I don't know if they will run them concurrently with
License Exams, don't care. It will probably be a means for long time
hams to validate themselves into thinking they are still hams...

If I'm not mistaken, the ARRL has offered similar certificates for years.
Not locally, but via mail (i.e. you copy 1 minute of code at X WPM and you
get a certificate from the League). Not sure if other organizations like
FISTS do something similar or not.

Don't know much about FISTS, but you are correct about the ARRL. They
have two programs... code practice and qualifying runs. If you
qualify, send in your copy, and they send you a certificate for
whatever the speed was.

Every once in a while I try to copy the slow code practice, not the
qualifying run, it still doesn't thrill me after 20 years.

I can't imagine for the life of me why you would have an issue with that. In
a sense, it is little different than contesting... WAS, for instance.

I have so little feelings for it that its hard for me to imagine it an
issue. I only brought it up because it was "on-topic," not that I had
an interest in it.

Our Division Director, Jim Weaver, is highly proficient at keeping the
division informed.

Perhaps it is the choice of operating mode that offends you for some reason?

Copying a code tape in a classroom does not offend me. Copying code
practice on the air does not offend me. Copying a qualifying run on
the air and sending in for a certificate does not offend me. Using
code in a two way communication does not offend me.

Would it be more to your liking if the ARRL had "FM competency certificates"
where people had to copy a solid minute of a voice transmission and mail it
in the to the League?

Is this something I want my League spending money on? Sure, I don't
care. If it help these guys get over their loss... it will be money
well spent.