On 7 Dec 2005 17:28:40 -0800, wrote in
. com:

snip
But many forms of amateur radio operation *do*
require unique, specialized skills and
knowledge that most nonamateurs have not developed.

Perhaps this skill and knowledge requirement is why
you have such a dislike of Morse Code, Len. Morse
Code operation in amateur radio usually involves
skilled operators.
snip more to this effect


I have to butt in here.....

Radio communication has two parts: 'Radio' and 'Communication'. From
what I have seen over the years, hams seem to be more concerned with
the 'radio' than the 'communication'. IOW, many hams have developed
technical skills but too few have developed communication skills for
use with the radio. The radio is just a tool -- a device that allows
the operator to communicate. Unfortunately, the written test doesn't
require an applicant to prove communication skills beyond the ability
to memorize the answers to the pool questions.

Morse Code is no exception. Knowing Morse Code does not a skilled
communicator make. All it means is that some knob-turner can tap out
the alphabet; and all that's required to pass the Morse test is a
rudimentary skill level. Or am I wrong? If a third-grader can read and
write a few words using all the letters of the alphabet, does that
make him/her a skilled communicator? Of course not..... except maybe
on a third-grade level. And a skilled communicator doesn't necessarily
need a technically complex tranceiver with all the bells and whistles.
Even a cheap CB radio can (and frequently does) get the job done if it
can be used as a means of communication (flame retardant suit on).

Personally, I think that Morse -should- be required for several
reasons, not the least of which is because it's a language that's used
and understood internationally. But if the amateur isn't required to
have the communication skills needed to use Morse to its minimum
potential, why even bother to make it a requirement? at a skill level
that has little practical application? and especially when no other
communication skills are required?

It really doesn't matter anyway. The ARRL wants to make ARS testing as
easy as possible to increase its membership; i.e, revenue. And since
they control the ARS lobby, the point is moot -- color the code gone.
It's all good though, because maybe hams will then be able to focus a
little more on the neglected aspect of radio communication.










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