Hi Jim and Family,
I thought I would pass along a bit of news for Hams. The FCC has
done away with the Morse code requirement for all U.S. Amateur Radio
Licenses. The current No Code Tech license will change to include the
Tech
Plus license privileges. I can see advantages for knowing Morse code
for communications. One thing it will punch through almost all interference
and cover more distance on less power. However the FCC must have
thought that the code requirement had become more of a hindrance
to Hams as opposed to a benefit for each level of license. The changes
should become effective sometime in February according to the Amateur
Radio Relay League (ARRL) site. Here
is the ARRL web page with all the information on the ruling.
I know a lot of Hams who bemoan the fact that the code requirement
has gone away. I do understand their point. And unfortunately a part
of communications history has passed. However I can see a benefit in
one way. More Hams will more than likely seek a higher license level.
And those who learn the code will do so not just to fulfill a requirement
but for the love of the code. Those who did manage to learn for advancement
did not necessarily keep up their skills and the code was not a big
part of their abilities. Hence those who have a love of this mode of
communication should preserve the code. 73s and Merry Christmas, -
The Rabid One
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