wrote in message
...
On Mon, 14 Aug 2006 22:16:54 -0400, Al Klein
wrote:


I'm not sure where you're coming from with "these" statements.............

today theere is NO requirement for CW testing. It is not needed that I
know CW in order to operate at all. Indeed even if we don't stick to
band plans I don't need to be able read a CW signal to know it is
there, and reconize the frequency is in use

UNTIL the Code requirement is abolished for good - which to my
recollection - it has not for U.S. hams (yet), then to get on H.F. you most
certainly are required to pass the 5 WPM code exam.

no harm will result if I don't know Morse code many hams ven now on HF
don't know it well enough to use indeed there was never a test to
determine if we could use it on the air at all


Also, I think if you read Part 97 - you may be surprised. VEs can give
either a receiving test OR "sending" test. USUALLY (most of the time) - it
is a "receiving" test. Whatever it takes for them to have "the examinee"
prove his/her knowledge of the code at 5 WPM. For example, you could claim
tone deafness to me - ok - so instead of "receiving" the code, I could have
you "send" the code. Before the code dropped to 5 WPM - you could get a
doctor to sign a waiver and you got code credit. BUT once the code was
dropped, so too were the waivers. I know it may sound hokey to have you
"send" code if you claim tone deafness, but the other options are a buzzer
sending YOU the code - you decipher - or a flashing light or whatever. AND
the FCC stated to the VEs that THOSE claiming handicaps are the ones
responsible for supplying the equipment to enable them to have every
reasonable chance of passing. Also, that code test "could" be broken down
into segments. Instead of playing a tape with a full message as you would to
most applicants, the VEs could break it down in segments of letters, words,
sentences at a time for someone with severe handicaps. WHATEVER was able to
give that applicant every reasonable chance of passing without much stress.
Argue that with THEM - "I" didn't make the rules.

So, just when was it that CODE was "abolished" as an "Exam" requirement?
Maybe I missed some mail from the VECs and FCC to tell me to quit testing
for 5 WPM code to get on H.F. ........... You give me a date that it went
into effect, and I'll retract my post.............

L.