wrote:

SNIPPED

Removing the code requirement at this late date would do little to
increase the number of hams applying for a license. At one time,
possibly 30 years ago it would have made sense to replace the code test
with one that emphasizes skills that actually have a use in the real
world. Sadly, I think that there is little that can be done to attract
younger hams into the hobby. There are just too many license-free ways
of communicating with people from around the world.


Amateur Radio is about much more than "communicating with people from around the
world".

Amateur Radio is about LEARNING !!! LEARNING some physics, learning about
sunspots, learning about antennas, learning about propagation, learning about
some electronics, learning about digital communication techniques, learning
about VHF propagation, learning about microwaves, learning about wide band tv
systems, learning about narrow band tv systems, learning about ... [you complete
the phrase].

If you just want to talk around the world, use CB. If you just want to talk
around town, use FRS. If you want to LEARN about radio become an Amateur Radio
operator [make a commitment to LEARN].

/s/ DD, W1MCE

You forgot the most important part....
How about helping out the rest of the world in emergencies?

After any disaster, the first comunications out of the effected area comes
from hams. NOHA gets a lot of there hurricane information from hams in the
affected area. Sometimes while the ham op is in the middle of it.

When all else fails...we are there!!!!
Been there, done that
Joe


SNIPPED

Removing the code requirement at this late date would do little to
increase the number of hams applying for a license. At one time,
possibly 30 years ago it would have made sense to replace the code test
with one that emphasizes skills that actually have a use in the real
world. Sadly, I think that there is little that can be done to attract
younger hams into the hobby. There are just too many license-free ways
of communicating with people from around the world.


Amateur Radio is about much more than "communicating with people from
around the
world".

Amateur Radio is about LEARNING !!! LEARNING some physics, learning
about
sunspots, learning about antennas, learning about propagation, learning
about
some electronics, learning about digital communication techniques,
learning
about VHF propagation, learning about microwaves, learning about wide band
tv
systems, learning about narrow band tv systems, learning about ... [you
complete
the phrase].

If you just want to talk around the world, use CB. If you just want to
talk
around town, use FRS. If you want to LEARN about radio become an Amateur
Radio
operator [make a commitment to LEARN].

/s/ DD, W1MCE

wrote:

SNIPPED

Amateur Radio is about LEARNING !!! LEARNING some physics, learning about
sunspots, learning about antennas, learning about propagation, learning about
some electronics, learning about digital communication techniques, learning
about VHF propagation, learning about microwaves, learning about wide band tv
systems, learning about narrow band tv systems, learning about ... [you complete
the phrase].

I notice none of the things you list is Morse Code

If you just want to talk around the world, use CB. If you just want to talk
around town, use FRS. If you want to LEARN about radio become an Amateur Radio
operator [make a commitment to LEARN].

/s/ DD, W1MCE

http://kb9rqz.blogspot.com/


I can still put 18-20 wpm on paper [with arthritis in fingers] and read 25+ wpm.

What is your skill level?

Dave wrote in
:

wrote:

SNIPPED

Amateur Radio is about LEARNING !!! LEARNING some physics, learning
about sunspots, learning about antennas, learning about propagation,
learning about some electronics, learning about digital communication
techniques, learning about VHF propagation, learning about microwaves,
learning about wide band tv systems, learning about narrow band tv
systems, learning about ... [you complete the phrase].

I notice none of the things you list is Morse Code

If you just want to talk around the world, use CB. If you just want to
talk around town, use FRS. If you want to LEARN about radio become an
Amateur Radio operator [make a commitment to LEARN].

/s/ DD, W1MCE

http://kb9rqz.blogspot.com/


I can still put 18-20 wpm on paper [with arthritis in fingers] and read
25+ wpm.

What is your skill level?


Mark in the Dark doesn't have a skill level. He butchers the english
pretty good though.

SC

Dave wrote:
wrote:

SNIPPED

Removing the code requirement at this late date would do little to
increase the number of hams applying for a license. At one time,
possibly 30 years ago it would have made sense to replace the code test
with one that emphasizes skills that actually have a use in the real
world. Sadly, I think that there is little that can be done to attract
younger hams into the hobby. There are just too many license-free ways
of communicating with people from around the world.


Amateur Radio is about much more than "communicating with people from around the
world".

Amateur Radio is about LEARNING !!! LEARNING some physics, learning about
sunspots, learning about antennas, learning about propagation, learning about
some electronics, learning about digital communication techniques, learning
about VHF propagation, learning about microwaves, learning about wide band tv
systems, learning about narrow band tv systems, learning about ... [you complete
the phrase].

If you just want to talk around the world, use CB. If you just want to talk
around town, use FRS. If you want to LEARN about radio become an Amateur Radio
operator [make a commitment to LEARN].


I agree - learning something about amateur radio is a requirement for
passing the test. The real question is what kinds of knowlege about
amateur radio should be required of prospective hams before giving them
a license. It would seem to me that testing a prospective ham for
knowlege of how radios operate, how to set up a station properly and
how to operate the equipment safely would be a primary concern. Next
the ham should be able to demonstrate an ability to use the equipment
to communicate in an efficient and courteous manner in a mode that is
widely used. Voice is hands down the most frequently used mode of
communication. Additionally, a knowlege of how to communicate via
radio using voice would be a big help when trying to make contact
during an emergency with professional rescue groups. Having the
prospective ham learn morse code would not provide him with a skill
that has any real world use.