Morse test elimination

[Fred (FL)]

I think it is a sorry state, where FCC feels Morse
Code isn't needed any longer.  Frankly I don't think
the FCC is all that technical an agency any longer.
Many of their frequently-changing commissioners - seem
to be non-technical "kids", or political appointees.
I'm sure the US Government budget treats them poorly,
compared  to the "homeland security" and DOD agencies.
 

I'm sure they have their complement of career staffers
- many of whom may be technical.  But the
commissioners
seem to frequently disagree with the ARRL, and they
do things in opposite directions of what common
technical sense would indicate.  They don't even
agree with the IEEE - the electrical engineering
society, on some technical issues.  Digital over
power lines is one example!

I think the Blackberry digital phone message
contest of a Blackberry handheld vs 2 Morse
operators - sort of told it all.  Morse Code
won, handily!  Keyboarding cell phones lost.
(Re: Jany Leno Tonight Show - 2006)

Looks like the World Amateur Ham community will
be the ones keeping CW alive - in the near
term.  Or spy agencies worldwide.

Fred
FL

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com 
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[peter gerba]

Hi Fred ET all;

A number of years ago ham friend, knowing the Code Requirement was doomed,
said the following:

There will come a time when drug traffickers and other bad guys will be able
to openly communicate in CW without the scrutiny of any police agency. They
won't be able to find then if the transmissions are short and there won't be
anyone around who can copy CW.  And, if you think that CW reading computer
software is the solution.. try your software out on some OT using a bug with
a "banana boat swing"  (I don't think this would apply to the abc agencies).
But who knows these days.

I'll let one of you OT bug users explain the banana boat swing..

Pete, kn6bi

 -----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]  On Behalf Of Fred (FL)
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 8:46 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination

I think it is a sorry state, where FCC feels Morse
Code isn't needed any longer.  Frankly I don't think
the FCC is all that technical an agency any longer.
SNIP

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Matthew D. Pitts]

I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth. They were
the ones to let the code go back in 2003.

Matthew N8OHU
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred (FL)" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 9:46 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination


I think it is a sorry state, where FCC feels Morse
Code isn't needed any longer.  Frankly I don't think
the FCC is all that technical an agency any longer.
Many of their frequently-changing commissioners - seem
to be non-technical "kids", or political appointees.
I'm sure the US Government budget treats them poorly,
compared  to the "homeland security" and DOD agencies.


I'm sure they have their complement of career staffers
- many of whom may be technical.  But the
commissioners
seem to frequently disagree with the ARRL, and they
do things in opposite directions of what common
technical sense would indicate.  They don't even
agree with the IEEE - the electrical engineering
society, on some technical issues.  Digital over
power lines is one example!

I think the Blackberry digital phone message
contest of a Blackberry handheld vs 2 Morse
operators - sort of told it all.  Morse Code
won, handily!  Keyboarding cell phones lost.
(Re: Jany Leno Tonight Show - 2006)

Looks like the World Amateur Ham community will
be the ones keeping CW alive - in the near
term.  Or spy agencies worldwide.

Fred
FL

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com


_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[VR2BrettGraham]

N8OHU added:

>I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth. They were
>the ones to let the code go back in 2003.

Not quite - the ITU does what its members decide.

And the end of Morse as licensing requirement
probably started with the JA no-code license -
the first ITU member that "found" a way to get
around the requirement.

The amateur population in JA is now contracting,
but the effect of their no-code license was quite
positive on amateur radio in Japan when it was
introduced.

The effect that had on equipment suppliers is
still obvious today.  I wonder what things would
be like now if there was no Incentive Licensing, or
if international opinion would have allowed dropping
the Morse requirement around that time? ;^)

73, VR2BrettGraham

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[KBG Luxford]

I have been partially following the thread on the elimination of the
requirement for Morse code proficiency in the U.S., and the comments on
the changing of the guard in your FCC.

Down here, things seem to be going in a similar direction.  The monetary
bottom line and political pressure seem often to take precedence over
basic technical feasibility, let alone common sense and faithfulness to
international treaties.

All I can say is, "Keep up your old skills, guys, you never know when
they might be needed."

I believe the following is true (I got it third or fourth hand).  Some
years ago, the authorities indicated that hams would not be so heavily
relied upon for emergency communications, "Because all of our officers
now have cell phones."  Then came the devastating New South Wales bush
fires.  Guess what!  The dense smoke rendered the cell phone system
practically inoperable in some vital areas.

And as it is almost the night before Christmas, I wish all people of
every faith and none a peaceful and rejuvenating holiday and a
prosperous New Year.

73
Kevin
VK3DAP / ZL2DAP
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[David Cutter]

This might have been said already:
I have it in mind that the introduction of the Morse Code as a requirement
for an amateur licence was to enable (in the UK at any rate) a coast station
operator to instruct amateurs to clear the frequency in time of war.   Quite
what the form would be or how it would be believed and followed I don't
know.

David
G3UNA


----- Original Message -----
From: "VR2BrettGraham" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination

> N8OHU added:
>
>>I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth. They
>>were
>>the ones to let the code go back in 2003.
>
> Not quite - the ITU does what its members decide.
>
> And the end of Morse as licensing requirement
> probably started with the JA no-code license -
> the first ITU member that "found" a way to get
> around the requirement.
>
> The amateur population in JA is now contracting,
> but the effect of their no-code license was quite
> positive on amateur radio in Japan when it was
> introduced.
>
> The effect that had on equipment suppliers is
> still obvious today.  I wonder what things would
> be like now if there was no Incentive Licensing, or
> if international opinion would have allowed dropping
> the Morse requirement around that time? ;^)
>
> 73, VR2BrettGraham
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com 

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Karl Larsen]

Guys, the ARRL almost caused a revolt in FCC-Wireless. They were being
visited by ARRL people daily. They are lawyers and they are trying to
kill Internet on power lines, and push band planning and morse code
testing removal.

    Then after they GOT the band plan they pushed it was discovered ARRL
goofed. They made too much space near the CW/Digital bands Extra Class.
But then wait. It will be simple to get a Extra Class license. No 20 WPM
send and receive, hard written stuff, it is just some multiple guess
questions now.

    The ARRL keeps sending me mail which says they need big bucks to
keep the lawyers in Washington. Will I send a hundred bucks? I throw
away to letter.

    All the fun I have had teaching code to people is over. My last
effort was fun because I had a 5 year old girl. She had little trouble
with the code, but she had not learned how to write down a Z or A.

    So all this is over. Well I'm almost over too.

72 73 Karl K5DI








VR2BrettGraham wrote:

> N8OHU added:
>
>> I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth.
>> They were
>> the ones to let the code go back in 2003.
>
> Not quite - the ITU does what its members decide.
>
> And the end of Morse as licensing requirement
> probably started with the JA no-code license -
> the first ITU member that "found" a way to get
> around the requirement.
>
> The amateur population in JA is now contracting,
> but the effect of their no-code license was quite
> positive on amateur radio in Japan when it was
> introduced.
>
> The effect that had on equipment suppliers is
> still obvious today.  I wonder what things would
> be like now if there was no Incentive Licensing, or
> if international opinion would have allowed dropping
> the Morse requirement around that time? ;^)
>
> 73, VR2BrettGraham
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[N2EY]

In a message dated 12/17/06 7:28:12 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[hidden email] writes:


> I have it in mind that the introduction of the Morse Code as a requirement
> for an amateur licence was to enable (in the UK at any rate) a coast station
>
> operator to instruct amateurs to clear the frequency in time of war.  

Urban legend.

In the times when radio licensing started, one of the first things done was
to put amateurs on different frequencies/wavelengths than maritime stations.
Amateurs were limited to "200 meters and down" (meaning 1500 kHz and higher
frequencies) and maritime stations operated primarily on 600 meters (500 kHz and
lower).

The main reason for the Morse Code test in those times (1912) was simple:
Nearly all radio operation was Morse Code then, and it was considered an
essential skill for all radio operators to have. There were a few experimental AM
voice stations on the air as early as 1900, but they were the exception that
proved the rule. In almost all cases, Morse Code was the only mode available to
radio operators of all kinds in 1912 and for years afterward.

Today, with the notable exception of amateur radio, there is very little use
of Morse Code on-the-air. In amateur radio, however, Morse Code is extensively
used. Unlike 1912, it is used even though it is not the only mode available.  
 

The powers-that-be in some countries have been convinced that the widespread
use of Morse Code isn't enough reason to require any specific testing for
skill in using the mode. The USA just joined those countries.

73 de Jim, N2EY
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Arie Kleingeld PA3A]

Karl,

PA is a no-code country for nearly two years now.
At our local radio club (PI4D / PI4DEC) we started teaching morse code
last year because some hams asked for it. It is still a mode that
appeals to a lot of people.

73
Arie PA3A

-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] Namens Karl Larsen
Verzonden: zondag 17 december 2006 13:52
Aan: VR2BrettGraham
CC: [hidden email]
Onderwerp: Re: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination


Guys, the ARRL almost caused a revolt in FCC-Wireless. They were being
visited by ARRL people daily. They are lawyers and they are trying to
kill Internet on power lines, and push band planning and morse code
testing removal.

    Then after they GOT the band plan they pushed it was discovered ARRL

goofed. They made too much space near the CW/Digital bands Extra Class.
But then wait. It will be simple to get a Extra Class license. No 20 WPM

send and receive, hard written stuff, it is just some multiple guess
questions now.

    The ARRL keeps sending me mail which says they need big bucks to
keep the lawyers in Washington. Will I send a hundred bucks? I throw
away to letter.

    All the fun I have had teaching code to people is over. My last
effort was fun because I had a 5 year old girl. She had little trouble
with the code, but she had not learned how to write down a Z or A.

    So all this is over. Well I'm almost over too.

72 73 Karl K5DI





_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Fred (FL)]

I guess its a sign of the times.  "Radio Rooms" are no
longer installed on major SS maritime vessels.
Weather
warnings, over HF, are no longer sent out by
government
stations to ships at sea.  I suspect, CW intercepts of
clandestine stations are still being handled by a
few CW pros at a few agencies.  Dittyboppers.

What ever happened to Gabriel Heater?

..... oh time is passing too fast.  I just hope the
FCC continues to nurture the technical pros in the
ham community, this nation's technical guhrus!  

Fred, FL

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com 
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[David Cutter]

I did an all day demo at a local kids school (<11 years old) and they
enjoyed most of what we did.  But what they really lapped up was being
taught to send and receive Morse Code across the class room and into
adjacent rooms.  I was astonished at how quickly they caught on and how they
enjoyed it.  They didn't know it is "irrelevant" to today's information
society, it was just fun.

Similarly, a friend told me that in some RN ships they still teach Morse by
lamp just for the fun of it.

Developing a skill for its own sake is not logical, but it works.

David
G3UNA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Karl Larsen" <[hidden email]>
To: "VR2BrettGraham" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination

> Guys, the ARRL almost caused a revolt in FCC-Wireless. They were being
> visited by ARRL people daily. They are lawyers and they are trying to kill
> Internet on power lines, and push band planning and morse code testing
> removal.
>
>    Then after they GOT the band plan they pushed it was discovered ARRL
> goofed. They made too much space near the CW/Digital bands Extra Class.
> But then wait. It will be simple to get a Extra Class license. No 20 WPM
> send and receive, hard written stuff, it is just some multiple guess
> questions now.
>
>    The ARRL keeps sending me mail which says they need big bucks to keep
> the lawyers in Washington. Will I send a hundred bucks? I throw away to
> letter.
>
>    All the fun I have had teaching code to people is over. My last effort
> was fun because I had a 5 year old girl. She had little trouble with the
> code, but she had not learned how to write down a Z or A.
>
>    So all this is over. Well I'm almost over too.
>
> 72 73 Karl K5DI
>
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Matthew D. Pitts]

Karl,

Where do you get the idea that the ARRL is trying to kill BPL? Aren't you
aware of the fact that they are, or have been, testing a BPL system at W1AW?
As far as the recent changes to 75/80 meters, that was something the FCC
screwed up on, not the ARRL. And the ARRL has been opposed to the total
elimination of the code test; they wanted at least for the code to be
required for Extra Class. Don't give up teaching the code to people just
because it's not required; it's still useful when all else fails.

Matthew N8OHU

----- Original Message -----
From: "Karl Larsen" <[hidden email]>
To: "VR2BrettGraham" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 7:52 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination

> Guys, the ARRL almost caused a revolt in FCC-Wireless. They were being
> visited by ARRL people daily. They are lawyers and they are trying to kill
> Internet on power lines, and push band planning and morse code testing
> removal.
>
>    Then after they GOT the band plan they pushed it was discovered ARRL
> goofed. They made too much space near the CW/Digital bands Extra Class.
> But then wait. It will be simple to get a Extra Class license. No 20 WPM
> send and receive, hard written stuff, it is just some multiple guess
> questions now.
>
>    The ARRL keeps sending me mail which says they need big bucks to keep
> the lawyers in Washington. Will I send a hundred bucks? I throw away to
> letter.
>
>    All the fun I have had teaching code to people is over. My last effort
> was fun because I had a 5 year old girl. She had little trouble with the
> code, but she had not learned how to write down a Z or A.
>
>    So all this is over. Well I'm almost over too.
>
> 72 73 Karl K5DI
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> VR2BrettGraham wrote:
>> N8OHU added:
>>
>>> I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth. They
>>> were
>>> the ones to let the code go back in 2003.
>>
>> Not quite - the ITU does what its members decide.
>>
>> And the end of Morse as licensing requirement
>> probably started with the JA no-code license -
>> the first ITU member that "found" a way to get
>> around the requirement.
>>
>> The amateur population in JA is now contracting,
>> but the effect of their no-code license was quite
>> positive on amateur radio in Japan when it was
>> introduced.
>>
>> The effect that had on equipment suppliers is
>> still obvious today.  I wonder what things would
>> be like now if there was no Incentive Licensing, or
>> if international opinion would have allowed dropping
>> the Morse requirement around that time? ;^)
>>
>> 73, VR2BrettGraham
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Trevor Day]

I am not sure of the current situation, but just a couple of years or so
ago, much 'third world' maritime traffic was still CW as it was cheap
and the equipment easily repaired etc.  I doubt that has changed much.

We can all bemoan the fate of Morse code on the amateur bands but as
long as at least two of us can still read code, then there will always
be someone out there to work :-)

Trev G3ZYY

In message <[hidden email]>, "Fred (FL)"
<[hidden email]> writes

>I guess its a sign of the times.  "Radio Rooms" are no
>longer installed on major SS maritime vessels.
>Weather
>warnings, over HF, are no longer sent out by
>government
>stations to ships at sea.  I suspect, CW intercepts of
>clandestine stations are still being handled by a
>few CW pros at a few agencies.  Dittyboppers.
>
>What ever happened to Gabriel Heater?
>
>..... oh time is passing too fast.  I just hope the
>FCC continues to nurture the technical pros in the
>ham community, this nation's technical guhrus!
>
>Fred, FL
>
>__________________________________________________
>Do You Yahoo!?
>Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
>http://mail.yahoo.com
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

--
Trevor Day
Sunny Saltash

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Bob Cunnings NW8L]

Umm, the ARRL only wanted to extend phone for Extras down to 3725.
It's all here:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-79A1.pdf

and the ARRL wanted to retain the morse testing requirement for Extras:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.pdf

RC

On 12/17/06, Karl Larsen <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Guys, the ARRL almost caused a revolt in FCC-Wireless. They were being
> visited by ARRL people daily. They are lawyers and they are trying to
> kill Internet on power lines, and push band planning and morse code
> testing removal.
>
>    Then after they GOT the band plan they pushed it was discovered ARRL
> goofed. They made too much space near the CW/Digital bands Extra Class.
> But then wait. It will be simple to get a Extra Class license. No 20 WPM
> send and receive, hard written stuff, it is just some multiple guess
> questions now.
>
>    The ARRL keeps sending me mail which says they need big bucks to
> keep the lawyers in Washington. Will I send a hundred bucks? I throw
> away to letter.
>
>    All the fun I have had teaching code to people is over. My last
> effort was fun because I had a 5 year old girl. She had little trouble
> with the code, but she had not learned how to write down a Z or A.
>
>    So all this is over. Well I'm almost over too.
>
> 72 73 Karl K5DI
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> VR2BrettGraham wrote:
> > N8OHU added:
> >
> >> I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth.
> >> They were
> >> the ones to let the code go back in 2003.
> >
> > Not quite - the ITU does what its members decide.
> >
> > And the end of Morse as licensing requirement
> > probably started with the JA no-code license -
> > the first ITU member that "found" a way to get
> > around the requirement.
> >
> > The amateur population in JA is now contracting,
> > but the effect of their no-code license was quite
> > positive on amateur radio in Japan when it was
> > introduced.
> >
> > The effect that had on equipment suppliers is
> > still obvious today.  I wonder what things would
> > be like now if there was no Incentive Licensing, or
> > if international opinion would have allowed dropping
> > the Morse requirement around that time? ;^)
> >
> > 73, VR2BrettGraham
> >
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Fred (FL)]

I bemoaned the FCC's treatment of the ham
community.  I'm 100% behind ARRL - never said
a word about them?

Fred
FL

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com 
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Ron D'Eau Claire-2]

Kevin, VK3DAP/ZL2DAP wrote:

I believe the following is true (I got it third or fourth hand).  Some
years ago, the authorities indicated that hams would not be so heavily
relied upon for emergency communications, "Because all of our officers
now have cell phones."  Then came the devastating New South Wales bush
fires.  Guess what!  The dense smoke rendered the cell phone system
practically inoperable in some vital areas.

-------------------------------

That sort of thing has happened here in the USA several times that I know of
over the past several decades. Not just with cell phones, but with wired
phones as well.

The underlying problem is simple and obvious: no communications system that
is in business to make money can have infinite capacity. Indeed, they design
around a "typical" maximum capacity. When that's exceeded, the system stops
working; Your cell call is dropped or your wired phone doesn't give you a
dial tone when you pick it up. The phone companies have worked hard to
ensure that seldom happens in *normal* use, but just let an emergency occur
in which everyone picks up the phone at the same time and you'll find the
system isn't working!

To have reliable emergency communications, one needs a dedicated emergency
communications system that is not accessed for "normal" use. I understand
cellular technology has this capability to a certain extent. They can give
certain coded calls priority that will cause calls from other phones to be
dropped as needed so they get a channel on demand, unless too many other
"priority" calls are already in progress and if the cellular system itself
is working.

Historically, us Hams have been the backbone of an ad-hoc emergency
communications service that has potential operators scattered all over the
world using systems independent of the power or normal communications
infrastructure, so it's unlikely one disaster will destroy our ability to
communicate. We're ready to stop chewing the rag and get to work handling
emergency traffic when and where needed. And, when telephones are out, we
are infinitely the fastest option available.

Here in the USA, the Department of Homeland Security has recently been
instructed to insure the Amateur Service is well-integrated into the
emergency communications system. We are no longer the first choice. If the
cell phones are working, they are faster and easier since every policeman,
fireman, paramedic, etc., is a "communications operator" with a cell phone
in his/her hands. Over the years, police, fire and other communications
systems have become better able to withstand a disaster and keep working.
But when they don't work, services like Amateur Radio mean the difference
between life and death.

Amateur Radio isn't the only alternative they have, but we have the
potential of being the most flexible and readily-available. We have the
potential of being invaluable, but we Hams aren't always ready. I was in the
San Francisco area during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, and while
there were some Hams providing emergency communications, there weren't
nearly enough.

How handy would it have been to have had someone with a KX1 at the arena in
New Orleans after Katrina, for example?  

Even so, most such communications will be by voice or computer keyboard
using one of many digital modes. But that only means CW has a smaller role,
not that it no longer has a role to play. Anyone who has had a loved one in
a disaster area and gotten a "health and welfare" message saying they were
okay knows the value of even those simple missives, which are often sent by
Amateur radio and often sent by CW, at least part of the way.

Our skills and our Elecraft rigs can play a very significant role as a
safety system for our communities using CW, SSB and digital modes, but we
have to be ready. We have to be trained in emergency communications, most
especially if you want to use CW. Nothing is worse than having the
inexperienced and unskilled stumbling around during an emergency.

Kevin, KD5ONS, who leads the Elecraft CW net (ECN), is very active in
emergency work. Here in the USA, organizations like the National Radio
Emergency Network (NREN) provide training to CW operators interested in
being ready for emergencies (see http://71.238.18.70:81/nren/). Your local
clubs and national Amateur Radio organizations have information about Ham
groups eager for your help to become a part of the emergency network in
countries all over the world.

You won't likely get your picture in the papers for the work. You may be a
Ham for your lifetime and never pass a real emergency message. Hopefully,
you'll never do anything but train and train and then train some more.
You're like a fireman: you train hard and hope you'll never be needed. Your
satisfaction needs to come from knowing that it's still a valuable,
important role for us Hams and our Elecraft rigs to play.

Ron AC7AC


_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Karl Larsen]

Matthew D. Pitts wrote:
> Karl,
>
> Where do you get the idea that the ARRL is trying to kill BPL?
    That is what the ARRL letters say they need my money for.
> Aren't you aware of the fact that they are, or have been, testing a
> BPL system at W1AW?
    They have been traveling to BPL sites and testing from Mobile Rigs.
> As far as the recent changes to 75/80 meters, that was something the
> FCC screwed up on, not the ARRL.
    Matt read the Report and order and you find it's the old ARRL
Re-farm the Novice Bands thing. It isn't bad. But they didn't get the
bandwidth's right. And the digital guys are mad.
> And the ARRL has been opposed to the total elimination of the code
> test; they wanted at least for the code to be required for Extra
> Class. Don't give up teaching the code to people just because it's not
> required; it's still useful when all else fails.
    I'm a Fox in the Fox Hunts and I run a local CW net. I like CW and I
will keep using it. But I'm 71 years old and my 3 mile walk is getting
harder.

72 73 Karl K5DI

>
> Matthew N8OHU
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karl Larsen" <[hidden email]>
> To: "VR2BrettGraham" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 7:52 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination
>
>
>> Guys, the ARRL almost caused a revolt in FCC-Wireless. They were
>> being visited by ARRL people daily. They are lawyers and they are
>> trying to kill Internet on power lines, and push band planning and
>> morse code testing removal.
>>
>>    Then after they GOT the band plan they pushed it was discovered
>> ARRL goofed. They made too much space near the CW/Digital bands Extra
>> Class. But then wait. It will be simple to get a Extra Class license.
>> No 20 WPM send and receive, hard written stuff, it is just some
>> multiple guess questions now.
>>
>>    The ARRL keeps sending me mail which says they need big bucks to
>> keep the lawyers in Washington. Will I send a hundred bucks? I throw
>> away to letter.
>>
>>    All the fun I have had teaching code to people is over. My last
>> effort was fun because I had a 5 year old girl. She had little
>> trouble with the code, but she had not learned how to write down a Z
>> or A.
>>
>>    So all this is over. Well I'm almost over too.
>>
>> 72 73 Karl K5DI
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> VR2BrettGraham wrote:
>>> N8OHU added:
>>>
>>>> I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth.
>>>> They were
>>>> the ones to let the code go back in 2003.
>>>
>>> Not quite - the ITU does what its members decide.
>>>
>>> And the end of Morse as licensing requirement
>>> probably started with the JA no-code license -
>>> the first ITU member that "found" a way to get
>>> around the requirement.
>>>
>>> The amateur population in JA is now contracting,
>>> but the effect of their no-code license was quite
>>> positive on amateur radio in Japan when it was
>>> introduced.
>>>
>>> The effect that had on equipment suppliers is
>>> still obvious today.  I wonder what things would
>>> be like now if there was no Incentive Licensing, or
>>> if international opinion would have allowed dropping
>>> the Morse requirement around that time? ;^)
>>>
>>> 73, VR2BrettGraham
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Matthew D. Pitts]

Karl,

They want BPL equipment manufacturers to follow the rules just like we have
to. They go to places where BPL Trials are in gross violation of FCC Part
15, like Mannasas VA, Briarcliff Manor, NY, etc. Here is a link to an
article on the ARRL website about the Motorola Powerline LV system being
tested at W1AW, http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/08/29/1/ . I know
about the Novice Refarming thing, but it was still the FCC that made the
mistake in allocation, not the ARRL.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Karl Larsen" <[hidden email]>
To: "Matthew D. Pitts" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 3:22 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination

> Matthew D. Pitts wrote:
>> Karl,
>>
>> Where do you get the idea that the ARRL is trying to kill BPL?
>    That is what the ARRL letters say they need my money for.
>> Aren't you aware of the fact that they are, or have been, testing a BPL
>> system at W1AW?
>    They have been traveling to BPL sites and testing from Mobile Rigs.
>> As far as the recent changes to 75/80 meters, that was something the FCC
>> screwed up on, not the ARRL.
>    Matt read the Report and order and you find it's the old ARRL Re-farm
> the Novice Bands thing. It isn't bad. But they didn't get the bandwidth's
> right. And the digital guys are mad.
>> And the ARRL has been opposed to the total elimination of the code test;
>> they wanted at least for the code to be required for Extra Class. Don't
>> give up teaching the code to people just because it's not required; it's
>> still useful when all else fails.
>    I'm a Fox in the Fox Hunts and I run a local CW net. I like CW and I
> will keep using it. But I'm 71 years old and my 3 mile walk is getting
> harder.
>
> 72 73 Karl K5DI
>>
>> Matthew N8OHU
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karl Larsen" <[hidden email]>
>> To: "VR2BrettGraham" <[hidden email]>
>> Cc: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 7:52 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Morse test elimination
>>
>>
>>> Guys, the ARRL almost caused a revolt in FCC-Wireless. They were being
>>> visited by ARRL people daily. They are lawyers and they are trying to
>>> kill Internet on power lines, and push band planning and morse code
>>> testing removal.
>>>
>>>    Then after they GOT the band plan they pushed it was discovered ARRL
>>> goofed. They made too much space near the CW/Digital bands Extra Class.
>>> But then wait. It will be simple to get a Extra Class license. No 20 WPM
>>> send and receive, hard written stuff, it is just some multiple guess
>>> questions now.
>>>
>>>    The ARRL keeps sending me mail which says they need big bucks to keep
>>> the lawyers in Washington. Will I send a hundred bucks? I throw away to
>>> letter.
>>>
>>>    All the fun I have had teaching code to people is over. My last
>>> effort was fun because I had a 5 year old girl. She had little trouble
>>> with the code, but she had not learned how to write down a Z or A.
>>>
>>>    So all this is over. Well I'm almost over too.
>>>
>>> 72 73 Karl K5DI
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> VR2BrettGraham wrote:
>>>> N8OHU added:
>>>>
>>>>> I'd rather say it's the "fault" of the ITU, if you want the truth.
>>>>> They were
>>>>> the ones to let the code go back in 2003.
>>>>
>>>> Not quite - the ITU does what its members decide.
>>>>
>>>> And the end of Morse as licensing requirement
>>>> probably started with the JA no-code license -
>>>> the first ITU member that "found" a way to get
>>>> around the requirement.
>>>>
>>>> The amateur population in JA is now contracting,
>>>> but the effect of their no-code license was quite
>>>> positive on amateur radio in Japan when it was
>>>> introduced.
>>>>
>>>> The effect that had on equipment suppliers is
>>>> still obvious today.  I wonder what things would
>>>> be like now if there was no Incentive Licensing, or
>>>> if international opinion would have allowed dropping
>>>> the Morse requirement around that time? ;^)
>>>>
>>>> 73, VR2BrettGraham
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Post to: [hidden email]
>>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   Help:
>> http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>>
>
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[k6dgw]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Kevin, VK3DAP/ZL2DAP wrote:
>
> I believe the following is true (I got it third or fourth hand).  Some
> years ago, the authorities indicated that hams would not be so heavily
> relied upon for emergency communications, "Because all of our officers
> now have cell phones."  Then came the devastating New South Wales bush
> fires.  Guess what!  The dense smoke rendered the cell phone system
> practically inoperable in some vital areas.
>
> -------------------------------
>
> That sort of thing has happened here in the USA several times that I know of
> over the past several decades. Not just with cell phones, but with wired
> phones as well.
>
> The underlying problem is simple and obvious: no communications system that
> is in business to make money can have infinite capacity.

Capacity is one factor, I'm sure, but another big one is the
infrastructure itself.  I volunteer at our local blood center which
serves the entire central valley of California from Merced to the Oregon
state line.  Right after 9/11, there was a big need for blood in the
NYC/NNJ area.  Not for the victims, but for the regular patients since
collections had been disrupted badly.  Telephone communications were
nearly totally out, both due to capacity overloads, but also because the
infrastructure itself failed in a number of places (particularly in
lower Manhattan ... a lot of cell sites were on the WTC and adjacent
buildings).

The blood center has had a longstanding agreement with the Sacramento
ARC ... the hams maintain a ham station at their HQ (HF, VHF, UHF), and
in return get to use the very large conference room for their meetings.
  The RC fired up the station and made HF contact with a ham in NYC.
BloodSource ultimately ended up shipping them a little over 1,000 units
of blood and blood products via two USAF aircraft out of Travis AFB (all
civilian A/C were still grounded).

This was essentially infrastructure-free communications ... ham and rig
on the left-coast -- ham and a rig on the right-coast -- nothing
in-between.  In my 50+ years as a ham, I've seen this on a number of
occasions, and I've concluded that we don't do enough PR with local
agencies and organizations on the fragility of their communications
infrastructure, and our ability to circumvent infrastructure failures if
we and they plan in that mode.

Here in California, we can occasionally see floods in the valley, but
probably our two most famous natural disaster sources are earthquakes
followed by forest fires.  Fires often occur in areas without cell
coverage, and regularly take out the repeater sites for public safety
agencies and firefighters.  But earthquakes, though far less common than
most non-CA folk think, can do huge damage to comm, power, and other
infrastructure over vast areas.

I don't think we should be competing with cell phones and other
infrastructure-dependent systems.  Our forte is rapid deployment of
mobile and portable capability that requires no intervening
infrastructure.  Lots of mobiles on VHF/UHF simplex.  HF on appropriate
frequencies for longer haul stuff between command centers and agency
HQs.  A lot of the ARES and RACES activities I've been involved with
over the years have placed reliance on repeaters, digipeaters, and the
like, all part of the overall infrastructure of course.  If/when they
failed, we too were beset with no communications, just like those folks
we were trying to serve.

Include repeaters and infrastructure in emergency Plan A.  But like all
good combat troops, we need Plan B as well, and I think we've not done
well at stressing the infrastructure-free aspect of our capabilities to
the served agencies and organizations.

Fred K6DGW
Auburn CA CM98lw
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Phil Kane-2]

On Sat, 16 Dec 2006 18:46:28 -0800 (PST), Fred (FL) wrote:

>Looks like the World Amateur Ham community will
>be the ones keeping CW alive - in the near
>term.  Or spy agencies worldwide.

  That's been the only justification that I could have for
  accepting the elimination of requiring a CW test for licensure.

  We can - and must - keep Morse alive for its own sake, not
  because the Rules require it.

>I think it is a sorry state, where FCC feels Morse
>Code isn't needed any longer.  Frankly I don't think
>the FCC is all that technical an agency any longer.
>Many of their frequently-changing commissioners - seem
>to be non-technical "kids", or political appointees.

  Yes, today's FCC is not the same FCC that I joined 39 years
  ago and retired from (in sadness) 11 years ago.  I deal with
  the remnant of the technical people there on a regular basis
  and I can feel the frustration.  Like it or not, they must
  dance to the tune of the political masters.  It's not only
  the FCC, it's all government agencies nowadays.

>I'm sure the US Government budget treats them poorly,
>compared  to the "homeland security" and DOD agencies.

  The FCC has been a "neglected stepchild" as far back as I could
  remember.

  Enough of that....  happy CWing !

--
   73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
   Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402



_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com