Jeff, I've seen no signs of it dieing out.
Let's see, in the early 1960's as SSB began rapidly replacing AM as the
primary voice communications mode, it was so much better that people began
to predict the death of CW.
When PR arrived and then in the 1990's began to expand, people predicted it
or something like it would be the death of CW.
What we saw killing CW was a lack of interest. When Extra Class hams
couldn't even recognize their own call sign at 5 wpm. They had passed 20
wpm and then later couldn't even do 5 wpm. And there was no requirement for
them to ever use CW again.
Then we had multiple countries "kill" the CW requirement as part of their
test for a shortwave license. Funny, in these countries, the CW activity
went up!
Prior to any country actually doing this, there was speculation on both
sides of the argument. I chose to side with the "No CW" side. We won in
most countries. Now, we are seeing an increase in new hams as well as an
increase in CW ops.
So far I have not read or heard any argument that convinces me that the
advantages of keeping the CW requirement outweigh the advantages of dropping
it. The best way to keep CW alive is to keep ham radio alive and dropping
the CW requirement has helped.
Look for me in CW (only) contests under my new call sign, DJ2T.
73
Rick
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Jeff Frank
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 9:46 AM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] FCC Testing Requirements
Rick,
I think when people begin ham radio they don't really know what to think
about it's various aspects. I think they take their lead about what is
important and what isn't from license entrance requirements, other hams
experiences, what they read, etc. For example, the reason certain areas are
tested on the written exam is because they are deemed important, and that
conveys a message to the newcomer. That's why you have to know FCC
regulations for the exam ... because they want you to know it's important to
follow them. On the other hand, I see the handwriting on the wall. At this
point, because cw has always been, for me, a center-piece of my enjoyment of
ham radio, I just hope "active" cw operating lasts at least as long as I do.
Jeff KX2P
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