No more Morse Code

arajca · December 16, 2006, 10:13:23 PM

The FCC issued a rule yesterday that drops the Morse Code requirement from ALL Amatuer Radio license classes. Details: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/12/15/104/?nc=1

Nathan · December 17, 2006, 01:01:36 AM

That's disappointing...

MajorChuck · December 17, 2006, 02:30:31 AM

Quote from: Nathan on December 17, 2006, 01:01:36 AM
That's disappointing...

NOT if You dont know code

BTW.... I'm a 20WPM Extra

Nick Critelli · December 17, 2006, 03:43:17 AM

Big mistake.

de K0PCG

lordmonar · December 17, 2006, 05:03:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan on December 17, 2006, 01:01:36 AM
That's disappointing...

Why? With today's computers...code is not needed any more and the code requirements were the big reason for people not getting involved with Amature Radio.

I think it is a good move.

Pumbaa · December 17, 2006, 01:12:19 PM

With more powerful transmitters, satellite radio/video, internet, cell coverage, etc there is no need for morse code. It has gone the way of the horse and buggy, the bi-plane, the sailing ship, the coal steam train.

Could you imagine if United Airlines said all trans Atlantic flights would be by bi-plane? Or how about taking a cruise aboard a coal steamer?

Sure those things are quant and nolstagic, but in todays era, they no longer fill the need.

Morse code was designed for the technology at the time, one that had limited power as well as technological ability.

Morse code needs to ride off into the sunset with dignity and a place in our hearts.. much like the western union telegram which also ceased last year. (or was that 2 now?)

Eclipse · December 17, 2006, 05:35:00 PM

Its about time - only 3 years behind the rest of the world.

Trung Si Ma · December 17, 2006, 06:24:44 PM

Quote from: lordmonar on December 17, 2006, 05:03:19 AM
...code is not needed any more

Don't tell SOCOM it's not needed anymore, it's still part of Phase 1

Eclipse · December 17, 2006, 08:02:47 PM

XBox or PS2?

MIKE · December 18, 2006, 12:21:35 AM

They don't make SOCOM for XBox, n00b.

Major Carrales · December 18, 2006, 12:51:26 AM

The last telegram ever sent was done this year.

"The era of the telegram, an icon of communication dating back 150 years, came to a quiet end last week. Western Union says it delivered its final telegram on Friday. " -NPR

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5186113

Morse Code is a part of our history...

I never learned it to any great degree. It is another of those things in the past we have to give up to get other things. Much like one screen movie houses with ushers (and affordable food), vacuum tube radios, Newsreels and automats.

lordmonar · December 18, 2006, 06:03:04 AM

Quote from: Major Carrales on December 18, 2006, 12:51:26 AM
The last telegram ever sent was done this year.

"The era of the telegram, an icon of communication dating back 150 years, came to a quiet end last week. Western Union says it delivered its final telegram on Friday. " -NPR

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5186113

Morse Code is a part of our history...

I never learned it to any great degree. It is another of those things in the past we have to give up to get other things. Much like one screen movie houses with ushers (and affordable food), vacuum tube radios, Newsreels and automats.

They have not used morse code for telegram for maybe 90 years. Once automated teletypes started in the in 1920's. They use Baudot or ASCI systems.

Major Carrales · December 18, 2006, 06:11:04 AM

Quote from: lordmonar on December 18, 2006, 06:03:04 AM

They have not used morse code for telegram for maybe 90 years. Once automated teletypes started in the in 1920's. They use Baudot or ASCI systems.

Yeah, I know, but the loss of the nostalgic feel rings the same.

Major Carrales

TankerT · December 20, 2006, 04:19:36 AM

When I got out of the Army, they still had Morse Code Operators... (that wasn't that long ago...)

Do they still have them?

ZigZag911 · December 20, 2006, 04:43:32 AM

I've got mixed feelings about this.

Learned it for a ham ticket (technician, back in the Dark Ages!)...never really liked it, never used it, but still felt a certain glow of accomplishment at getting through that darn 5 wpm test!

It set a threshold for the ham community....hopefully no longer necessary.

Becks · December 20, 2006, 04:54:26 AM

.... --- .-- ... .- -..

lordmonar · December 20, 2006, 05:35:59 AM

Quote from: TankerT on December 20, 2006, 04:19:36 AM
When I got out of the Army, they still had Morse Code Operators... (that wasn't that long ago...)

Do they still have them?

In the USAF the old ditty-bop AFSC is now part of the intel career field and is more of an add on skill as opposed to their primary duties. Everything is getting more and more automated these days.

Matt · December 20, 2006, 08:15:56 PM

Quote from: Becks on December 20, 2006, 04:54:26 AM
.... --- .-- ... .- -..

you would...

brasda91 · February 24, 2007, 06:15:42 PM

Quote from: Becks on December 20, 2006, 04:54:26 AM
.... --- .-- ... .- -..

Jolt · February 24, 2007, 10:13:00 PM

Quote from: Matt on December 20, 2006, 08:15:56 PMyou would...

What are you saying?