Jim:

The truth is, only hams who know the Morse code have the capability
to fall back on the CW mode when other modes are unavailable. Why
do hams know the Morse code? Because they had to learn it to pass
the code tests to become licensed or obtain upgrades. In the absence
of a code testing requirement, why will they learn it?

If the people, like you, that do love it, it will live on through proper
promotion of it. It's just that simple. Of all the "coded hams" out there,
not ALL of them are code lovers, and I would place a bet that some couldn't
pass the current 5wpm test as they have not used it since their
examinations. But in the same turn there are some that love it and will
pass it on. As long as it is mentored properly.

How will we
convince new hams to invest the time and effort to learn this useful
communications skill when they are not offered the incentive of
increased operating privileges?

Gee, if it is so useful, then why bribe them?? It should be sooooo damned
good as you say, they should automatically want to flock right to it.
People will invest the time and effort if they see value and usefullness in
it.

I'm asking you because I don't have
the answers. I'm one of those hams who learned the code because
I wanted to be a ham, and the requirement was there. Ony *after*
learning the code and becoming a reasonably proficient CW operator
did I become aware of it's benefits and advantages. Personally, I'm
grateful that the code testing requirement existed when I became a
ham. Had it not, I never would have become a CW operator...and
neither will most hams in the ECTA (Era of Code Test Abolition).


Oh jeesh Larry, add more to the alphabet soup eh? (PCTA, NCTA, ECTA,
etc.)



--
Ryan, KC8PMX
FF1-FF2-MFR-(pending NREMT-B!)
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