Carl R. Stevenson wrote:
"Mike Coslo" wrote in message
...

I just saw another accusation of Pro-Coders as technically backwards.

Yet some of the most progressive RF Engineers and Technicians I know
(who are Hams) are really enamored of Morse CW.


In over 32 years as an RF engineer, I have not had the same experience.
The most technical folks have seemed more interested in the technical
side of ham radio and there have been MANY who I could not recruit
into ham radio because they had no interest in and were unwilling to waste
their valuable time learing Morse to a level that would get them decent
HF privs. (some have capitulated and jumped through the 5 wpm hoop
since "restructuring" and are now extras, but many have refused, on
principal, to jump through the hoop, saying they'll wait until they don't
have to waste their time on Morse)


I would challenge the NCTA's to show some proof that those who believe
that the morse code test should be retained are in a technical backwater.


Most of the avid CW ragchewers/contesters I've known over the years
(remember, I'm a long-time ham) have been more interested in the operating
activity (ragchewing, contesting, paper-chasing) than the technical side.
My experience has been that they have been less technically inclined than
a lot of the no-code techs I've met, less inclined to participate in public
service/emergency communications, and more inclined to just being "users"
rather than tinkerers ...

I agree that the Tech's on average have been more likely to do public
support in my area. i'm also in a University town, so that can skew the
results.

But that's okay as far as my argument goes. As long as things average
out, its consistent with my statement.

Remember, this is my personal experience, and since it seems to differ from
yours, YMMV ...


I would also challenge them to do it without being abrasive or insulting.


I think I've met the challenge ...


Just facts or intelligent informed opinions.


Since there are no authortative, scientific statistics (and probably never
will
be), I think that all you can expect to get are peoples accounting of their
own
personal experiences. Mine are admitedly coming from the fact that I'm "in
the business" of RF engineering ... but through local clubs and ARES/RACES
participation over the past 25+ years, my observations seem to hold, even
amongst contacts/acquaintences/friends who are not "in the profession."
Remember, YMMV ...


Pro coders can help by refraining from name calling too.


We shall see ...


My statement is that there is no direct relationship.


The evidence is anecdotal will, as I point out, vary from person
to person, depending on their location, profession, the "slant"
of the local club(s) they belong to, etc.

True enough. My main purpose here is to see if any of those who declare
that PCTA's are behind the times can come up with anything substantial.


- Mike KB3EIA -