K4YZ wrote:
robert casey wrote:

N2EY wrote:

What if their minds *have* changed? Perhaps they have looked at
the
arguments
provided by pro-code-test folks, and at the results of the
reduction/elimination
of code testing in the USA and other countries, and have
concluded
that
Element 1 is no big deal. Maybe they've even concluded that it
*does*
serve a useful,
regulatory purpose!

The FCC noted that there's been no noticeable increase in
violations in HF since they let 5wpm'ers loose on it back
in 2000. Trouble spots like 14.313 predate that by many
years. So 13 or 20wpm doesn't serve a regulatory purpose, and
the FCC isn't in the business of handing out "gold star"
awards.

No, they're not.

Nor merit badges. The Amateur Radio Service is not the Boy Scouts.
The FCC is not BSA Headquarters.

But they ARE in the business of making sure that thier rules
meet
the test of the enabling regulations.

They should start with the "rule" requiring a Morse Code Exam at 5WPM
refer to another "rule" defining Morse Code and how to derive a 5WPM
rate. Then then need to explain how a 13-15WPM character rate can be
legal for a 5WPM exam. Or not.

Part 97.1 establishes the Basis and Purpose of the Amateur Radio
Service. The B&P continues to establish an expectation of self
training and communications skills that prepare the licensee to meet
the needs of the B & P.

The Basis and Purpose does not specify your favorite mode as the one,
true path to rightiousness.

So...Until Part 97 is altered per process otherwise, Morse Code
is
still required for access to HF allocations.

5WPM. Not the 13-15WPM exam currently administered by the ARRL and
W5YI VECs.

And as Jim noted, so far, the overwhelming opinion of those who
have cared to express an opinion is "Morse Code skills are
needed"...Even if Lennie says they aren't...

73

Steve, K4YZ

Then Jim and his commenting cronies march to the beat of a different
drummer. The ARRL's scientific survey of 1998 said that there was no
clear concensus. Since then the ITU has eliminated the requirement for
a Morse Code Exam for HF access.