May 30, 1999

    It wasn't my love for the Morse Code that drew me to Amateur Radio in the first place. I was intrigued by the prospect of voice communications.  See My Ham History - click button above.

    Since the ability to send and receive Morse Code was a requirement to obtain the license, I just accepted the fact, and set to work toward my goal. After receiving my novice license in the fall of 1972, I got on the air with the code, also called CW, and really enjoyed it. It was very fascinating to be able to communicate with so many states and countries, even by tapping out code!

    I continued to enjoy CW, in addition to voice communications, after I went on to higher class privileges. There are several types of keys which be chosen for sending Morse Code, but my preference was always the old "straight key."  I figured, even twenty-five years ago, Morse Code was sort of out-dated as a very efficient mode of communication.  Since it was an old fashioned mode, I thought it seemed reasonable to use the old fashioned method.

   Of course, many hams prefer other types of "keyers" for sending their CW. The amateur radio hobby has lots of room for variety and innovation.  I always enjoyed CW if it was sent properly, but it seemed like a high percentage of the guys using "electronic keyers" had not really mastered the use of it.   Extra dits and dahs made it hard to copy such code.

   Many others did it right, and it was a joy to copy their code. On the air, choose the ones that sound good to you.

   Now there is a Technician Class license in the United States which allows you to use the VHF voice bands without learning the Morse Code. Many old timers strongly opposed this change, but it seemed reasonable to me, because times have changed. One of the reasons governments allow amateur radio to exist is to advance technology. Morse code doesn't really promote new technology and innovation anymore.

   Another group of old timers believe the code requirement should be eternal because it was required when they earned their license.  They think it wouldn't be fair to allow anyone to receive the same privileges without meeting the same requirements.

   I earned mine the old fashioned way -  CW at 20 words per minute, and the required written test for the Extra Class license. Still, I realize that changing technology is reflected in the written tests, requiring more complexity than before, and the code requirement doesn't really fit the purposes of amateur radio in the 1990s and the new millenium.

    Proposals are in the works to greatly change the licensing structure. Some of these will probably become new FCC regulations. Should you wait, and see if the requirements are more to your liking later?  In my opinion, no, don't wait.  Meeting the challenge is good for your mental ability, and helps develop discipline and character.

    You can soon be enjoying many aspects of ham radio. The American Radio Relay League has lots more information available free on the web. They were a great help to me when I first got involved more than 25 years ago.

   73 and Happy Hamming from WB8NXA.

                                                                                                                            David H. Hersman