I usually avoid copying chunks of previous messages, but I make an
exception this time. Yesterday there was a message which contained
the following:-
"While it's true that the FCC won't ban CW, the potential problem is
when all licenses are code free there MAY also be no sub-bands set
aside for CW. SSB will be allowed on any frequency including those now
CW only. It will make operating (CW) a lot harder. 72 Jim K4CGY qrp-l
#72"
Why doesn't this argument apply to all the other modes like RTTY,
Packet, ATV and FM? They all seem to have their specified areas. In
fact you could argue that a CW enthusiast can operate anywhere in most
bands (in the UK bandplans there are "CW and SSB" and "All Modes"
sections plus areas for FM etc), but has an exclusive section which is
usually at the bottom of the band. The only mode that enjoys this
privilege.
In my opinion the argument that CW will be "squeezed out" when the
Morse Code Test is removed is designed to engender a purely emotive
reaction to the no-code argument. It also ignores the view that CW
enthusiasts, like those interested in every other mode, will soon have
to encourage new enthusiasts to the mode rather than rely on a
compulsory test. It will be the success and ability to do this
recruiting which will ensure the continuation of the "CW Only" parts
of the band in the future and, again in my opinion, the sooner we get
on with it rather than using arguments that are weakened by emotive
language against no-code licenses, the easier it will be to prove that
CW is still alive and well and needs space on the bands.
Think of the QRP/QRO situation, if no new QRP enthusiasts were being
recruited then there would be no need for areas of the bands for QRP
operation. There isn't an additional 'test' to use QRP, yet the
numbers of QRP enthusiasts seems to be growing. I believe that this
is due to the enthusiasm, time and effort put in by those who visit
clubs and Elmer people new to QRP and that a 'QRP Test' would be
counter productive to encouraging new QRP operators.
Before the flames come rolling in, I know that there are those who do
a great job of Elmering new CW enthusiasts and talk about CW and Morse
Code to clubs, but I think that more of us who like CW need to get
proactively involved in encouraging new CW users, ready for the time
when the Morse Code Test is removed.
I wonder how quickly Packet or QRP operation would have grown and
developed had people been obliged to pass a 'Packet Test' or a 'QRP
Test' before going on the mode? I know that I wouldn't have bothered
to have a go if this had been the case.
Regards de Dave (G0DJA)
[
QRP-L Archive |
]
[
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000
]