[hfsig] Morse in Canada

[W6AFK]

I have no problems with IC's new rules. Morse code is just one "mode" we 
have at our disposal.
 
IMHO, one of the main reasons some hams offer for keeping the morse code 
requirement is not that the new ham will be inclined to use that mode, but 
the ill-conceived notion that morse code will keep out the undesirables. It 
never was an effective filter... just listen to the ham bands.

Memory lane --> I remember passing my ham radio tests in Canada back in 
1970 when you had to provide full answers (no multiple choice stuff) and 
pass a verbal test with a DOC official (i.e. government). I had to draw 
simplified schematics and bloc diagrams then answer the examinator's 
questions on them. I also agree that this theory portion was scary... but 
fun ;-)  Hey, back then we were actually building our equipment. I sure 
remember all of my home built transmitters, antennas, receivers and 
amplifiers... blown capacitors, HV arcs, (learned the "smoke way" that you 
do not use paper capacitors in the output tank section). Ah... them were 
the days ;-)

The morse code portion for the Advanced license was at 15 wpm TX and RX. 
Back then, you had Basic and Advanced classes. Basic required 10 wpm while 
advanced required 15 wpm.

Enough... we are in 2005 and the world of communications has changed (I 
design state-of-the-art HF system solutions). Ham radio needs to adapt to 
these new times, hence why I would like to see less government limitations 
and more experimentation. But I am only one voice.

Bruno, W6AFK/VE2EQ
Oceanside California
Grid: DM13ie


__________________________
On Mon, 1 Aug 2005 22:27:54 -0700 (PDT), Barry Bogart wrote:

Why does anyone think that forcing amateurs to learn
enough Morse to pass a 5wpm exam, will make them WANT
to use it? It is completely irrelevant to the USE of
Morse on the bands. If you want to use it, you always
can. NOT forcing others to learn it is not a threat to
anyone.

BTW the Basic exam in Canada covers everything
required to operate on all bands. The Advanced is
entirely on electronics and is more difficult than the
Extra. Now you can get HF privileges by demonstrating
more knowledge of electronics, OR knowldege of Morse,
OR geting 80+ on the Basic exam which I would say is
equivalent to the General. Seems entirely reasonable
to me. And hopefully more Canadians will get licensed,
although most will not use HF... or Morse.

73, Barry
VE7VIE/KD7IGX ex WV2ECZ