From: whs70@dancer.cc.bellcore.com (sohl,william h)
Subject: Re: Speaking of code...
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 92 17:20:03 GMT

In article <1992Nov12.082346.17640@ssc.com> tad@ssc.com (Tad Cook) writes:
>In article <1992Nov9.031130.27657@porthos.cc.bellcore.com> whs70@dancer.uucp (22501-sohl) writes:
>>First, most "proponents" in this discussion have not proposed a full
>>"no code" HF license.  They have continued to ask for a valid 
>>justification for the 13 wpm requirement.  None has yet to be aired
>>by anyone.
>>
>>Second, absent any validity on an international basis and/or for 
>>a valid domestic requirement, then yes...the 13wpm code requirement
>>is, indeed, comparable to "hazing" or it is simply an "arbitrary"
>>requirement.
>
>By that standard, ANY testing requirement is arbitrary.  That way
>if we have any code speed requirement, you can declare it arbitrary
>and demand reasons why it shouldn't be lowered.

No, by that standard, general radio theory is certainly still a
requirment as is knowledge of the federal regulations, and electrical
safety.  Likewise some familiarity with the modes of operation is
still a valid testing item.   BUT, a testing
requirement IS arbitrary if it is not related to the use of 
the license for which it is a requirement.  For HF operation, there
is a requirement "for knowledge of Morse code" by international
agreement.  There is no international agreement that requires anything
near 13wpm, nor has there been any justification aired in this newsgroup
as to the validity of requiring US hams to develop 13wpm reading ability
as a prerequisite to using non-CW modes in HF (excluding Novice 10m SSB).

The major point being put forth is that no other mode of operation
requires ever increasing skill levels in order to operate that mode,
nor to operate in any other mode.  I have no opposition to CW in general,
any more than I would say do away with manual transmissions in automobiles,
those that want to use it (CW or manual gearboxes) should be free to do
so and, for CW, can even have a dedicated band segments.  I simply do
not see the continued requirement for higher code speeds as being in any
way relavent to contemporary USA licensing requirments.

So, yes, if the internation Morse requirement went away, I'd not be opposed
to totally eliminating Morse as a requirement for any level of US ham
license, BUT since the international requirment IS still a factor, then
5wpm should be sufficient to meet the international requirment for any
level of US lisense.  I'll go further and acknowledge that if the US wants
to keep an exclusive CW only band segment(s) for advanced/extra licensees,
then for that license I could see a justification for 13wpm or even 20
as that would be an exclusive situation for CW only.

Let me also state that if I did gain HF privaledges with a 5wpm
code speed and I decided to do some CW operation,
I'd likely "hang out" in the novice CW bands while
I became more proficient at CW before venturing into the "general"
CW band segments.  Why, because that would be the logical way to
do it, assuming I choose to operate CW at all.  I suspect the bands
wouldn't see much influx of 5wpm operation intermixed with the higher
daily routine of 13+ because there'd be a "natural selection" process
that would take place.  That being the probable situation, what is the
"fear" in any one's mind of having a general license with only 5wpm
code speed?

Standard Disclaimer- Any opinions, etc. are mine and NOT my employer's.
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Bill Sohl (K2UNK) BELLCORE (Bell Communications Research, Inc.)
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