RadioBanter - Why You Don't Like The ARRL

In article et, "Bill Sohl"
writes:

"Bert Craig" wrote in message
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IMHO, No-Code Int'l. has:

1. Encouraged the idea that it is preferable to lower the
requirements
through mass petition rather than encourage individuals to
strive
toward
higher achievement. Some refer to it as "lowering the bar."

Call it whatever you want. I guess the states "lowered" the bar
when they stopped testing new drivers on manual gearbox autos.

Funny you should mention that, Bill. You see, I took my first
driver's
license exam in Jamaica, W.I. where, if you tested in a car
equipped
with an automatic transmission, your driving privileges were
limited
to vehicles equipped likewise. It was not really about the
"privileges," but about safety and all understood this. (Though we
ALL
bemoaned the dreaded ramp test.) So yes, I suppose you did "guess"
correctly although the analogy is not quite appropriate to the
ARS.

Don't take my word for it. Ask the poor slob who got rear-ended by
that person who borrowed his/her friend's car and, in a panic
stop,
mistook the clutch pedal for the brake pedal when the driver ahead
of
him/her stopped short. Actually Bill, I was that poor slob about
ten
years ago...so maybe you should take my word for it. I let him
slide
though as the damage was minimal with no injuries. Besides, why
make
us all pay via increased insurance premiums. Hmm, 1500 Watts on
VHF/UHF...perhaps it wasn't a bad analogy after all?

The reality is the Morse test is past its prime...and the entire
body
of international countries have seen fit to eliminate Morse as
an international treaty element.

The reality is that CW is the second most popular mode in the ARS
today and is a part of the big picture. Let's also not forget that
we're talking about the 5-wpm exam for upgrade within, not for
entry
into, the ARS.

So how many rear-enders have no-coders had while using CW?

Oh, I don't know, Bill.let's see. Let's ask that fellow who just
passed Element 2 and just couldn't wait to get OTA. So he bought a
nifty little dual-bander, a "killer" Mirage amp, and pumped a few
hundred Watts or VHF or UHF RF into his nice long Yagi (You know, the
one marketed as a "Boomer.") pointed toward a distant repeater.right
through the second floor of his neighbor's house. Heck, he mounted it
on the mast that formerly hosted a TV antenna.that ought to be good
enough, right?

And none of this would have happened if only he had known
code? Give me a break.

I'm not talking about "knowing" the code, Bill. Very few people
actually "know" the code from preparing for and passing Element 1. I'm
addressing the self-discipline required to accept the challenge and
meet the requirements to upgrade one's privileges rather than complain
about how one never plans on using it.

Translation, I did it, so should everyone else.
Using your philosophy, the FCC should never change requirements...
even when a specific requirement no longer has justification.

It's the LAW, Bill. LAW can't be changed.

[normal US democratic principles and the First Amendment of the
US Constitution does not apply to amateur radio law...]

I'm not much into the newer
digital modes nor am I particularly interested in Satellite assisted
communications, however, if the path to upgrading my license/privies
leads through some learning and testing re. said subjects.no problem.
(Psst, it's a character issue.)

No problem there and I don't oppose "knowledge" questions
about CW the mode. The issue is the stand alone skill test
for morse which is a separate pass fail element. NO other
mode is set on that pedestal.

Morse code is the epitome, the ultimate top-most skill that
amateurs can possess.

Morse code skill is absolutely vital and important for all radio
amateurs.

Answer the question asked...The question is, for those that need
clarity: IF someone became a General or Extra with NO
code skills, and then decided to learn code on-the-air, what's
the harm, danger, etc?

None. But I suspect you are deliberately missing my point. The code
skills themselves are irrelevant. You could substitute any actual
challenging aspect of upgrading one's ticket in it's place and the
same folks would likely bemoan it. In this "I want it now" culture,
many don't want to have to actually put forth much effort to earn
their ticket. I'd be all for dropping Element 1 altogether AND doing
away with the published Q&A pools. How about just a study guide? Oh
yeah, let's make Element 2 50 questions while we're at it.

You are free to propose any changes you wish. Others already
have done so.

After all, I'm sure that someone who is so bothered at the notion of
having to learn and be tested on a skill he deems irrelevant to how he
plans on operating, that he joins an "international" movement to
remove said offensive task.would certainly be concerned and cognizant
of any harmful RF his equipment might be radiating. Heck, he did pass
that 35 multiple-guess.er, I meant choice test that proclaimed him
"ready." I am fairly certain though that his mode of choice was not
CW. ;-)

The analogy is a joke.

Actually, I am pretty much joking around with you, Bill. (Lighten up.)
HOWEVER, the potential for physical harm is there and somewhere the
above scenario may be playing out as you read these words.and that's
no joke.

The potential for harm, physical or otherwise is NOT tied
to anyone's knowledge of code. THAT is the point.

Sorry, Bill. That may be the point you'd like to key on, (No pun
intended) but that's not the point I'm stressing. I agree 100% with
the sentence above. It's the slacker-mentality (Sorry, time to shoot
from the hip.) that I deplore. If we really want to get young folks
involved in AR, this is not a principle I'd like to see them learn.

You'd rather we continue mandating a skill test for a mode that
is all but totally gone from the world of radio communications
except within amateur use? Again, per my comment above,
NO other mode has its own unique test. That's the point.

Everything outside of amateur radio is irrelevant.

Amateur radio communications operates outside radio physics
laws applying to every other radio service.

I have been told these TRVTHS as they were engraved on the
marble and granite of other amateur extra's minds and stated
to me.

If
you complain enough, the bar will be lowered for you. As a youth, the
concept of achievement (As well as a well-rounded education.) was
constantly stressed and I thank God I had folks (Parents, teachers,
guidance counselors, etc.) that cared enough to strongly encourage us
to achieve rather complain. I feel so sorry for the kids that are
recently got that curve on their Regents exam rather than enroll in a
summer program to increase their knowledge to the appropriate level.
Some will perform poorly in college and if enough of them complain
that their college curriculum is unfairly difficult, perhaps that bar
will be lowered as well. Interestingly enough, I now tend to seek out
those Elmers who will push me to become a better operator. IMHO, they
have my best interests at heart.

My my, I guess the end of all amateur upgrading
and new learning will be tied to the end of code
testing.

Absolutely.

You must have really been disappointed when
states stopped testing drivers on manual gearboxes.
For me it was no problem. When my kids wanted
to drive they learned or they had no car to drive as
all our vehicles had been standard shift. Those that
want to learn will. Trying to claim some great
philosophical tie of ending code testing being
the start of an end to new/old hams continuing to
learn is just bunk.

No, it is Divine Law. US amateur radio is all about morse code.

There is ZERO element of safety involved wit CW knowledge/testing.

Agreed. It's the mindset I find kinda alarming. Folks that have no
problem with putting forth the effort to advance in their endeavors
are more likely to exercise that same "work ethic" wrt conscientiously
ensuring the safe operation of their station. Conversely, folks that
would rather complain about having to put forth some effort (Let's be
honest, the effort is rather minimal re. Element 1.) to advance
themselves are perceived to be "corner-cutters." (Some might even call
them."slackers.")

The "effort" has nothing to do with code testing. The goal
of ending code testing is based solely on the lack of any continued need
for code skills
to be mandated for any HF access.

I disagree, I truly believe that it's almost all about the required
effort.

So let me get this straight. You wantis some undefined,
unmeasurable amount of effort that the FCC should be
trying to have in place for any license level?

Absolutely vital, important, and a fact of life that all must
demonstrate SELF-DISCIPLINE, DEDICATION, and
COMMITMENT to olde-tyme hamme tradition.

Morse code skill is an integral ingredient of that tradition.
IT MUST NOT BE BROKEN. EVER!

Again, drop those published Q&A pools and watch the squirming
commence.

It will never happen and I don't care if it did. The old
ARRL and AMECO learners guides were just as easy to
memorize sufficiently to pass. I did the General test in
the late 50s exactly that way.

Irrelevant, Bill. That does not demonstrate self-discipline and
blind obediance to the traditions of the amateur community.

Folks just don't want to be made to have to sit down for 20
mins., twice daily, for a month or two and memorize 43 Morse code
characters.

Irrelavent. The point is NOT the effort, and the FCC has
already chimed in on the. The test must exist or go based
on a clear and understood need for the knowledge. EFFORT
is not now and never has been recognized as a valid test requirement
determinator.

Self-discipline demonstrated to the whole of the amateur community.

Vital, important, necessary.

There was, in the past, a rational reason
or set of reasons for code knowledge. Those days are gone.
It is that simple.

There still is. It's the second most popular mode in use in the ARS
today.

Yet that failed to convince the FCC and, more
recently the ITU. The point is that those bodies
recognize that no one needs to know morse just to be
issued a license. Those that wish to engage in
morse contacts are free to learn morse and use it.
The issue is solely the test requirement and has no
link to actual morse use by anyone.

Option is a failure.

Morse code skill MUST be demonstrated to the amateur community
to show dedication and commitment to olde-tyme hamme radio.

BIG BIG DISCLAIMER: I am quite aware that this is not true for all
no-code Technicians and/or NCI members, HOWEVER, all it takes is one
poor soul getting a cranial soaking from some dunderhead who wants to
bombard that repeater to validate the concern. Lest the repeater folks
feel offended, there is a club here on LI devoted to simplex operation
who support VHF/UHF operation with a tad more than the few hundred
Watts mentioned above.

Again, this dialog isn't about the validity or not of
current writtens. My point(s) here are focused only on
code testing. PERIOD!

Again, my dialogue is addressing the character issue involved re.
squeaking vs. achieving.

That's just the old tripe argument that has convinced no one.
The rony of your claim is that most of us that are the
nucleus of NCI activity had already done the morse
test at 5, 13 and/or 20 wpm. Nothing to gain now
if code testing goes altogether.

Morse code skill MUST be the prime focus of all amateur radio.

All else is superfluous and irrelevant.

Except membership in ARRL, of course...

Do you really want to focus on the code test,
Bill. Quite frankly, Element 1 is NOT much of a code test to focus on
and very rarely leaves anybody with any level of OTA proficiency. So
you see, it's not the actual code knowledge or lack thereof that makes
for the dangerous scenario.it's the associated mentality of those
who'd rather squeak than achieve that can possibly lead to harm.

Yawn.

Had there been any relevant safety
aspect to justify CW testing the FCC would have acknowledged it.

You slay me, Bill. Is this the same FCC that's ready to administer the
BPL suppository to AR? "Who's yer daddy now?!"

Sorry to burst your bubble, but its the only
FCC we have. Indeed, had the FCC seriously
errored in their past decion(s) regarding need
or non-need for code skills testing, then I'm
amazed you and others haven't filed court action to
stop the FCC.

Quite frankly, Bill.I'm no big fan of the FCC. You are, however,
correct.they're the only game in town. Do I think they make mistakes?
Sure, but I'm not sufficiently motivated to file a court action
against them. A few letters to my elected representatives and some
recreational debate on R.R.A.P suffices.

What, no motivation? :-) :-)

Insufficient dedication and commitment to the amateur community.

ARRL speaks for amateur radio. Individuals do not count.

Trust me, my bubble is very much intact. I came into AR approx. three
years ago pretty much oblivious to the code vs. no-code debate. All I
knew was that I wanted to be an ARO and operate HF. Like I've said
before, remove the whing and passion from both sides of the debate and
the obvious remains like a purple elephant in the living room.

The FCC removed the winning/passion when they issued the R&O
for 98-143. If you haven't read that yet, I suggest you do.

The Holy Words of amateurism were written by T.O.M.

Those are the only ones that matter.

2. Made the notion of more privileges via higher achievement
appear as
if
it's fundamentally wrong. If one wishes to upgrade, then meet
the
requirements necessary to achieve that upgrade. (Not just the
requirements
we *want* to meet.)

I see it as fundamentally wrong when the added privileges
have no rational link to the added/higher achievement attained.

Second most popular mode in use today...particularly on HF?!

So how come a no-code tech isn't banned from using CW
on the only two all-CW only bands.

That nice slow-code practice you speak of below. Learn to drive in a
safe environment before venturing onto the highway.

If new ham goes OnTheAir to learn code, does that trouble you?

Not at all. I consider myself a relatively new ham and I continue to
increase my code proficiency OTA. After all, the license is really
just a ticket to learn.

Exactly. So then why the need for code skill testing...oh,
I remember, the FCC must impose a mystical quantity
of effort for all ham licensing.

US amateur radio is all about morse code skill.

All amateurs must exercise self-discipline, dedication, and
commitment to the amateur community by becoming
morsemen.

What part of amateur spectrum is considered highway vs
non-highway?

Thanks for makin' it easy, Bill. How about the CW only portion of
2-meters? I think that sounds like a groovy place to practice some
seriously slow code with a code-buddy. Then, if I like it, perhaps I'd
pass Element 1 and hop on the Novice/Tech "+" sub-bands to increase my
proficiency. Thos are some examples of "rural routes."

The highway, hmm. Would you really encourage a brand newbie to hop on
7026 kHz and mix it up w/the 35-wpm+ crowd, Bill? Think they'd feel
encouraged?

IF they did so, so what? They'd either make a QSO or not.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If they felt out of
place they'd shift to calmer waters.

Not relevant. No dedication or commitment to the epitome of
amateur radio skill embodied in morsemanship.

I've had a couple of ops QRS from 20-wpm down to 19-wpm
for me and lemme tell ya, it wasn't fun. Conversely, I have had guys
switch to some really nice Farnsworth style 25-wpm character speed
spaced apart to about 8-wpm and an hour and a half ragchew QSO just
breezed on by with very little effort or tension.

To each his own. What ever floats your boat. I see no problem
with newbie hams doing morse at slow speeds anywhere morse
is allowed as long as they do so within the rules.

Those should be drummed out of the corps, banished to the nether
world of VHF and higher. All must show commitment and dedication
to the amateur community by maintaining a pool of trained morsemen
ready and waiting to save the world from alien invasion.

Everything good in US amateur radio is about morse code skill.

Self-discipline, dedication, committing to the olde-tyme hamme
traditions. Showing all one's hard work and efforts.

Words to live by in the amateur lifestyle, the belief system that is
the bastion of amateurism. Amen.

LHA