At 11:54 PM 2/15/2012, you wrote:
>Thanks, Kim... I will.
>
>And once I learn the Code, then I will be a "real" ham.
Oh, pshaw! This is a bit (OK, a lot) OT, but...
While I love CW (part of what drew me to TenTec -- there, I worked TT
into this) and CW constitutes about 99.9% of my on-the-air time,
knowing CW doesn't make you a "real ham" any more than knowing how to
do a graphical Fjortoft 24 h prog makes you a real meteorologist. And
I *am* a real meteorologist and I once knew how to do one, but it's
neither a necessary nor sufficient condition.
What makes a real ham is mostly summed up in the Amateur's Code:
CONSIDERATE . . . never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen
the pleasure of others.
LOYAL . . . amateurs offer loyalty, encouragement and support to
other amateurs, local clubs, and the American Radio Relay League,
through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented
nationally and internationally. (Some may legitimately argue with the
ARRL part. I accept that, even though I'm a Life member and
fundamentally support its mission.)
PROGRESSIVE . . . with knowledge abreast of science, well-built and
efficient station and operation above reproach.
FRIENDLY . . . slow and patient operating when requested; friendly
advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, cooperation
and consideration for the interests of others. These are the
hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
BALANCED . . . Radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties
owed to family, job, school or community.
PATRIOTIC . . . station and skill always ready for the service to
country and community.
Nuthin' in there about knowin' CW. Or Baudot, ASCII, EBCDIC or...
Even so, I heartily encourage you to learn and use it! At least for
me, there's nothing quite like a cold Winter's night perfumed with
the music of CW. Another benefit is that it's far more difficult to
be a jerk on CW. On 'phone it's easy, but on CW? Not so much.
Kim N5OP
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