Subj : Da Di Dit Dit - Rulz To : MODERATOR From : STAN PHILLIPS Date : Sat Aug 05 2000 03:49 pm Hi there, M > No-Code vs Code is a viable topic for discussion here. From what I have been reading (and hearing), the debate is not really about 'code' as such. It is about having a test that will keep people who are not really interested in Ham radio out. I.E. as a 'filter'. For example, many comments about the new code speed (U.S.A.) from those who have qualified with high speed code, are about the 'standards being lowered and fear of 'C.B. type behaviour' creeping in to H.F. operation. If it was really about 'code' then the comments would be more about a possible reduction of people available to communicate in 'high speed code'. The reality is that standards can be made higher at the technical written exam level, and to have their 'on-air performance' monitored and a qualified 'monitor' certify that they meet standards of operation. This, together with the FCC going after those who do not behave themselves on the air, should work towards 'clean air waves'. Coming back to "Code", Personally, I think that code SHOULD be still be required. IMHO, the code should be memorised. This is no different from learning the rules and regs or Ohms law for that matter. speed is NOT the important thing, ability to communicate using it is. It allows communication using the simplest transmitters/receivers. For example, a few years ago at Dayton, a wife waiting in the car started calling her husband using the car horn. As another example, a semi-paralysed patient in the Emerg was annoying the nurses by 'rattling a spoon'. A local HAM visiting the hospital recognised that it was an attempt to talk in code. He got the attention of the nurses and told them what the patient was trying to say. This, and many similar cases has resulted in an organized effort to teach code to paralysed people as they often have some part of the body that can be moved under control. M> CB radio is not a tabu here, but I also moderate the CB_RADIO conference Very good. It is a LONG time since I have used CB, however there are some local 'senior citizens' who have a 'CB' chat in the mornings. As I am now a 'senior citizen' perhaps I should get one and join in now and again. (will need a vertical antenna for 28 Megs!!!!) What is the full name of the conference? 73 Stan VE3 ILU * Please let me know if you did not receive this. --- þ RoseReader 2.52á P003387 * Origin: FONiX Info Systems * Berkshire UK * +44 1344 641625 (2:252/171) .