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FCC Proposes Abolishing Morse Code Requirement
TaxSlave writes "According to this ARRL article, the Federal Communications Commission has finally decided which path it wants to take with the Morse Code requirement for an amateur radio license. International requirements for Morse Code were done away with some time back, and several countries quickly abolished the requirement. Now, the FCC has proposed doing the same thing. Next step, months of comments, discussion, and navel-gazing."
I had to learn Morse code (5 WPM), and so should everybody else. Meh, now where's my prunes?
Beep. Boop. Beep. You have questions. I have answers and your home address.
just as soon as Morse is found to be better than another technology (little bitty thumb keyboards), it's considered unnecessary? I sense a little more than irony here...
The difference between spam and poop is that you don't have to dig through septic tanks looking for real food. -- Me
Also, few transmission methods can so easily slice through poor radio conditions as Morse. After all, it is one of the earliest forms of digital communications.
--Lord Nimula
If they're going to get rid of the Morse requirement, then we're going to need some similar obstacle which is trivial but which drooling idiots think is hard, to keep them out. Morse code has done a wonderful job of limiting ham radio to people who actually care about radio. If you drop all the standards so that anyone can walk in off the street and start yacking like it's a chat room, you get CB. We already have CB, and it's a total failure. Well not like it matters, all HF radio will be wiped out when BPL comes through, thanks a lot FCC. / DE KC1P
Morse, however, is still a viable means of communication. For example, it is certainly faster than SMS.
Only if you have 80 years of practise.
My SMS speed are faster than my Morse speed, and I bet it's not different with the rest of the world population.
bash$
This could really help out ham radio far more than the no-code beginner's license could. Personally, I still have my basic Tech license. It's not because I'm lazy or incompetent, but I really have no intention of ever using code.
The way I see it, morse code is more of an impediment to ambition than a sign that someone isn't intelligent enough to learn it. For instance, my no-code Tech license does just about everything I want to. I can already do lots of voice and data comm stuff that I find interesting. I could have "upgraded" to a license with a code requirement, but it really doesn't get me anything I'm looking for.
To me this isn't a sign that ham radio is "dying" like some people would have you believe, but a sign that it is adapting to the times. The more people there are interested in radio, the better the chance is that someone will come up with something interesting and break a few decades of stagnancy.
"There is a reason we adopt new communication technology, because generally we can completely replace the old w/o ever missing it."
The problem with that is that emergency situations have the uncanny ability to find your weak points.
That's an easy one. Radio doesn't require any infrastructure or fees. Also, much of the world, and a good amount of the US, do not have Internet. You could've asked "Why bother, since we have telephones and cellular phones?". The answer would be the same.
If an unfortunate router goes out, parts of the internet go away. If you have a widespread failure (for example, a natural disaster or crippling attack), then you can't trust the infrastructure; it probably doesn't work at all. During the Sept. 11 attacks, and for a while after, telephone and cellular network were unusable. The HAM radio people are what kept communications alive. This was a similar case during that power blackout that covered most of the NorthEast.
It's also a lot of fun to do just as a hobby.
What's the point of broadcast TV or radio, since we have cable? Why bother with regular telephone service, we have VoIP and the internet?
I will add to another comment.. commercialization. Ham radio is not allowed to be used for business, so it will always stay a hobby, and that's one of the reasons I like doing amateur radio.
-KC0NBY
This stupid code requirement has kept me from ham radio for 30 years. Had a FCC 1st class at 16. Went to military comm school, after a extra month in class learned to type (5 letter code groups perfect) but could not learn morse. (dyslexia)
Drop it TODAY!
In GOD we trust, all others we monitor.
I don't know about in the US, but here in Australia, the amateur radio operators become the communications infrastructure during a civil emergency, such at times when telephone cables or electricity lines don't work, or when two bodies without a common communications infrastructure need to work together. This sort of thing.
sub f{($f)=@_;print"$f(q{$f});";}f(q{sub f{($f)=@_;print"$f(q{$f});";}f});
2) what is the point of the Internet, since most of the globe was already connected by telephones?
3) how are you going to talk to the rest of the globe (or even the guys across the city) when the power is out? Or a hurricane has taken out all of the cell phone towers?
4) And don't forget that ham radio is also about experimentation and tinkering. It's not just about ragchewing (talking) with people on the other side of the world.
Why should ham radio go away just because there's other alternatives? I can send my dad emails ... but that doesn't mean that the telephone is obsolete or useless.
Ultimately, ham radio has two main `points': 1) it's fun, and 2) it's seen as a way to serve the community by providing emergency communication in times of need. Do you really need more than that?
Ham communication was used quite a bit on the 9/11 attacks in the US. The PSTN and Internet in New York were slammed and largely unworkable because one of the major hubs had been destroyed (the Internet isn't as redundant as we'd like, despite it's technical ability to be so).
Ham communication is quite robust because it's essentially a mesh network, every node connected to all other nodes. Since the signal propagates in all directions, and on some bands nearly all over the world, anyone tuned in on it can hear it, with no physical connection. A single transmission can reach many listeners, who can then contact others through any number of means.
Of course, an amateur could build a ham radio from discrete pieces, but certainly not a Blackberry. You also don't need to pay a monthly fee to signal code with amateur radio. Your solution fails on both of those whereas the current solution does not.
While it's possible, and has been done for many years, there is still reason to do Morse code. You propose a technological solution to a non-existent problem. These solutions never work out well...
Part of what makes code useful is that you don't need *anything* aside from your radio to make it work. You can be heard much further away than what voice communications would be possible for. You are still audible over substantial interference. The situations where manual code are most useful are also situations where you *wouldn't* very likely have something like a PDA.
Radios can still go places the Internet can't. My hang gliding group back in Raleigh used to tune into the aviation channels at the airports we flew out of and would also broadcast GPS coordinates if they went too far. We had one guy tow up to 1000 feet, thermal to 8000+ feet and fly 150 miles to the coast. Fortunately at 8000 feet you can broadcast for a pretty decent distance and we were able to find him based on the last coordinates we'd had from him (Turns out he'd landed at the Wilmington International Airport. Oopsie...)
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
okay, forgive me the flashback, I'm old, remember?
Anyway, since I went to all the trouble to learn CW and get that license, it would be reasonable to conclude that I'd be a strong advocate for retaining the code requirement.
Nope.
I have always thought that the code requirement was dumb, dumb, dumb. As a nerd boy who eventually became a professor of electrical engineering, it was blindingly obvious to me that The Code was a charming bit of history that had no business in modern radio practice. Those who would argue, "but with duct tape, batteries, a couple transistors, I could send an SOS after being shipwrecked on an atoll!" I'm sure you could, and that would have been an interesting argument until about 1975,
But how many of you Slashdotters have cell phones, or some other wireless gadget? When is the last time that any of you actually held a three-lead transistor in your suspiciously sticky hands? And even though it's true that some Righteous Code Dudes have recently out communicated some Valley Girls in a Morse Code/IM Slugfest,
A few days ago, someone showed me a computer parsing some BPSK on 20 meters in a 31 Hz wide channel (not a typo!), passing perfectly good text, with a quality that I claim could rarely if ever be achieved by a human ear.
I'll probably do some CW again soon --- but it'll be for Art's sake, and not because of a misguided notion that it is important to maintain a pool of practitioners skilled in Morse Code.
Because it isn't important. If you think it is, then let me gently suggest that you send a handwritten note across the continent you're on, by horse.
73 de Inspector Lopez
WB7NWP
Indeed, the same holds true in the US.
In the event of an emergency, all the fancy digital tunk systems tank, cell phones become overloaded, and folks revert to good old ham radio. The reason being, lots of hams maintain a good set of ready-to-go equipment. Plus many repeaters are emergency power capable, and even without repeaters, long distance communication can be achieved with humans repeating messages (e.g. on HF.)
Most of the major disasters end up using ham radio heavily: 9/11, the recent tsunami, the Space Shuttle explosion cleanup (not even the sheriff's radios worked in the back country of Texas), hurricanes, the list goes on. It allows people in the area to communicate, as well as communication OUTSIDE the disaster area. This latter point is sometimes the most essential component, since aid can be sent when requested. No request means no aid sometimes, or at least delayed aid.
I use my radios to talk to friends while vacationing in the middle of no where. With repeaters up on very large mountains, we can use the same repeater while being 200 miles apart. (And this us just VHF/UHF!) While hiking in the wilderness, I can generally get help if needed (no cell phones, and good luck with FRS!) In an emergency, my car can even be drafted into an emergency repeater parked up high on a peak.
With internet linking (IRLP, EchoLink) one can be driving along and talk with people from all over using an inexpensive hand held radio, or listen in on major events in other parts of the country.
In fact, as government rely more on commerical communication vendors and the Internet, I suspect ham radio is now more important than ever. Many local police and fire responders cannot talk with one another due to incompatible radios, so they end up drafting hams to bridge the two.
I don't know, but it works for me.
However, keep in mind that during a real emergency, we're allowed to transmit on any band as needed.
Speaking as someone who passed the 5wpm test, I'd say Morse code is a great art in its own way, and I have a lot of respect for it. But it's just a hurdle that covers a part of ham radio that most people will never use.
Look, the FCC isn't saying you can't do code...it's just not requiring it. Make the written tests as hard as you want if you want to raise the bar of entry. Hell, give usage tests to make sure people obey all the laws. Whatever. And people who really like Morse Code will learn it anyway.
I'd request the FCC give tests that are applicable to the current state of ham radio. I don't think that's so unreasonable.
If you can see the sky, you can get the internet. Services like Iridium and Globalstar have made that possible.
As long as the ground stations are still operating. I'm sure thy have redundancy, but a natural disaster at a ground station site could certainly cripple their capacity, if not access altogether (a huge tropical airmass like the one that stayed over the midwest and dumped feet of rain would certainly impede comms to the bird).
Do these services have the capacity to handle the tremendous load of official emergency traffic as well as health and welfare traffic? In a localized disaster area, everyone will be trying to hit the same bird.
Tiller's Rule: Never use a word in written form that you've only heard and never read. You will end up looking foolish.
but I also hope that a portion of each band is reserved only for those who do pass a code test
Best idea I've seen in a long time, and I'm neither a ham nor do I read morse.
5 WPM is something like 3 bits per second. Very slow compared to what we are accustomed to, but it is an enormous gain over no connectivity whatever.
(rant mode on)
/.
Well, I don't sit around talking about my hemorrhoids while eating prunes, as some here posted. I was first licensed in 1969, and hold the same call sign since 1972. Guess what, I'm the guy up high enough in the company to decide whether or not you get to practice all that new knowledge your brand new CS degree says you have. You'd be surprised to find where all those old farts are in business. Oh yeah, I'm a well known open source contributor as well. So much for all that "only new brains can be creative" crap typical on
(rant mode off)
Hopefully, the preceding rant will attract attention and folks will read on. I'm not going to rehash how amateur radio is there in emergencies, how local hams contributed to 9/11 or the last devastating weather event, earthquake, etc. Nor am I going to debate internet versus amateur radio. These are tangents to the real discussion.
As I mentioned, I learned Morse code a long time ago. Frankly, I found that I could do 5 WPM by simply memorizing the dits and dahs and matching them to what I heard. Most of the hams I know would probably agree as to how simple 5 WPM really is, but that should not be a reason to keep the code requirement.
I think that most hams see it as a barrier to entry, not for people who want to be hams, but all those morons who rush out to buy CB radios and want to play "good buddy" with all the truckers. I can safely say that no ham will ever tell anyone who is interested in amateur radio to go away. In fact, most hams I know talk about how to attract more young people into the hobby. No real ham will stand in your way. If he or she does, I'd like to see that individual's license taken away, not support the individual.
For me, amateur radio was how I got hooked into getting an engineering degree. Even now, it is a place for me to experiment with hardware and software in communications settings. By September, I'll have an experimental software defined radio on the air and have some fun as I learn some new stuff. Do I need Morse Code for this? Of course not.
Will I use Morse Code in the future? Sure will. In fact, as more and more people forget code, I'll cherish my ability as something that differentiates me from the masses. In fact, after a long hiatus, I just recently returned to code and enjoy every minute of it.
As a ham, I think the code requirement is dated. It doesn't really stop morons from getting on the air. A scan of the 75 meter QSOs any evening should help you get over your fears that no code will allow irresponsible individuals to run rampant and spoil the hobby. I would not advocate removing the code only portions of the HF bands, which is the next logical step in this process. CW and other digital modes need the spectrum allocation to prevent potential interference from the wider bandwidth modes.
In a related step, I'd like to see 11 meters taken back into amateur radio as a band for an entry level, no test license. Other, better services exist to fill the need CB radio originally addressed and 11 meters would make a great place to get people interested in the hobby.
OK folks, flame on!
I am a licensed no-code tech. I keep on meaning to upgrade, but I really don't like morse code. I'd upgrade in a minute if the code requirement were eliminated.
But I thought the written test for technician was too easy. General is a bit tougher, but I think there needs to be more modern questions, i.e. things about psk31 and mfsk16, etc. These are the modes that newcomers will most likely use on the HF bands.
Amateur Radio does need a shot in the arm. THe kids that used to get interested in Radio and become licensed and active hams how are more interested in the Internet. Even though there are still people getting their license at a young age, many of them are not active.
Speaking of being active, I am going to go get on the radio. I wonder how 6 meters is doing. See you on 52.525!
somewhere near me there is likely someone who can communicate with other people around the world under pretty much any conditions short of a massive EMP
Lots of us even have that covered. I keep an old AN/GRC-19 set around "just in case". It's a military rig from the 60s that uses EMP-hard tubes. Output power is 100 watts, which is good for about 50 miles with a 15-foot whip antenna. Of course, I'll be scrounging car batteries left and right to operate it, since it draws some hefty amps, but since 95% of the cars on the road today won't survive an EMP, I don't think they'll be in short supply.
Just junk food for thought...
I still plan on practicing when I get my HF antenna set up, and when I can afford to get an HF rig I may very well do some CW just for grins.
You should, and you'll have fun doing it. You'll never forget the thrill of pounding out your first CW QSO, with the patient ham at the other end helping you along and working with you to complete it. And then you get the QSL card in the mail with the notation: Mode - CW. You try again, make more contacts, and notice that your speed is getting better (and your wrist is getting tired) and decide it's time to get a paddle and a keyer. Pretty soon you're up to 10 or 12 WPM, then you break thru and realize you can copy 15 or 20 pretty solid. It's then that you realize that you're hooked.
seventy-five meters
Which, for those of you who are not hams, is roughly the equivalent of reading at -1
<vbg> (or as we'd say, hi hi)
Hey Dan,
It may be helpful to document a situation where CW did make a difference in an emergency situation. Say some emergency that occured in the past 10 years or so.
Senior NCO in the fight against entropy. I've seen things, man. Things no one should have to see.....
Don't most repeaters still identify themselves in Morse code? I don't think being able to send Morse is a usefull skill, since it is so easy to get a PC to do it for you. But being able to parse the Morse code you are hearing is still a usefull skill.
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.