This is my web page about my hobby, which is Amateur or Ham Radio. I hold an Amateur
Extra Class license with the callsign KA4JQZ. I have been licensed since 1979.
Amateur Radio has had a profound impact on my life professionally as well as
personally. Enjoy navigating through my web site. Any comments can be sent to my
home e-mail account at f_skinner@yahoo.com.
Elimination of the 5 WPM Morse Code requirement for the Amateur Radio Service.
First of all, I do not oppose the elimination of the requirement for the most
part. They should have kept something for the Amateur Extra however, after
reading the Report and Order dated 15 Dec 2006 I realize that the FCC is not
only unaware of the activities of the Amateur Radio community but they have
based their facts on conjecture and speculation.
I firmly believe that the requirement to be proficient in Morse code ended
when the testing requirement dropped to 5 WPM. The battle now is keeping the
CW sub bands segregated from phone and digital operations.
My Comments on the Report and Order eliminating the 5 wpm Morse code Requirement:
Page 2, para 3: The R/O states “We conclude these actions will further the
public interest by removing unnecessary requirements from our rules.”
They fail to define what public interest are, and what defines unnecessary.
Page 3, para 3 sub bullet (2) (top of page): The R/O states “eliminate a
requirement that may discourage amateur service licensees from advancing
their skills in the communications and technical phases of amateur radio.”
It is strange that the amateur radio service did OK with 5, 13, and 20 wpm
requirements not that many years ago. It did not seem to discourage people
that wanted a license during the times we had those requirements. I believe
the written test may discourage some from advancing their skills so should
we eliminate that as well? I fail to see how elimination of a requirement
(any requirement) will advance a skill. I also do not understand the
difference in communication skills and the technical phases, highlighted
in this paragraph. I fail to see how a simple 5 wpm requirement negatively
affects amateur radio.
Page 6, para 11. (section III A) This is another paragraph that talks about
communication skills and technical skills. I fail to see the negative
correlation between communication skills and a simple 5 wpm Morse code test.
Page 7, para 14. "In this connection, we note that our Rules do not require
individuals to pass a practical examination to demonstrate some degree of
proficiency in non-telegraphy communications techniques. Rather, individuals
demonstrate knowledge of other communication techniques and technical
qualifications by passing written examinations composed of questions that
prove that the examinee possesses the operational and technical
qualifications required for the privileges authorized by the operator
license." Apparently there is a test that “demonstrates the test
taker has knowledge of other non-telegraphy techniques”. I wonder what
test that is because it is not an amateur test. The only thing a current
amateur test proves is that you have the ability to memorize 35 answers,
nothing more. No wonder someone ten years old can pass the test. What
amazes me is that everyone is surprise by that, especially when there is
another ham in the family. Anyway I digress. On with the rant.
This paragraph also states public interest will be served. Again, how,
who, when, why and how much? Is this public interest for emergency
communications or is it the advancement of capitalism?
Page 8, para 15. The R/O states “There is no relationship between an
individual’s knowledge of Morse code and that individual’s knowledge of
radio regulations and practices and skills necessary to operate an amateur
station.” I totally agree. I would also state that there is no relationship
between an individual’s ability to pass a simple 35 multiple choice test and
that individual’s knowledge of radio regulations and practices and skills necessary to operate an amateur station. Also, the FCC did not provide any empirical research to back this up. I can’t either, however I would take a look at the ARRL’s link to the FCCs Amateur Radio Enforcement letters and see how many were CW violations and how many were 2 meter/ 75 meter and other phone operations. So I will conclude, (the FCC does it why can’t I), that learning Morse code does not make you a better operator but that Morse code operators are better operators.
Page 12 para 23. line 12: The R/O states “Current examinations for the amateur
radio license ensure, at a minimum, that the applicant understands the
Commission’s rules for the service and the fundamental principles of radio
communication.” I think the Commission needs to take a look at those test.
This is absolutely false.
Page 15, section IV para 30: In summary, we believe…….” I would like to see
something along the lines; “In summary, empirical research proves….” but I
guess that is too much to ask for.
Again, I could care less if someone does not want to learn code. My gripe
is the conjecture and speculation the FCC used to push this on us. I would
have a lot more respect for them if they stated that they just wanted to be
inline with the rest of the world on this issue. I do firmly believe that
CW operators are better in line with the Amateur Code. CW operators have been
and always will be a cut above the rest in rules, regulations, operating
practices and general good will towards their fellow Amateur Radio Operators.
