When the Novice Class and Morse Code requirements to join the Amateur Radio ranks were dropped 16 years ago I didn't say anything. But now that we have many years experience without these simple incentives I've come to believe both deletions were HUGE mistakes.

The NOVICE written exam with a simple 5 WPM code minimum requirement was a GREAT IDEA that proved successful for many years. A huge percentage of Hams today entered during this era and met this basic requirement.

This low-barrier minimum-effort test also brought a dignity and seriousness to the integrity of the craft that is slowly fading. (The claim that some bellyaching PhDs cannot master 5 WPM has no credibility here. I copied and sent the slightly more difficult Railroad Morse code well in 2nd grade at 7 yrs old and could have passed a 5 WPM Railroad code test had there been one.)

The idea that an applicant can become a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator without demonstrating a unique skill other than taking yet another written test is so absurd it is scoffable. That any Ham Radio operator today cannot copy simple Morse Code at even a very slow speed is a disgrace and a huge embarrassment when talking about Amateur Radio vs Citizens Band to outsiders.

When a Ham signs into a voice net using slow speed CW but the members (or worse, Net Control) have to ask "Can anyone read the code?" it triggers groaning sounds. Imagine Hams who can't even read the code signature from a repeater, or following a JT-65 transmission, or an aircraft beacon heard on short wave. Or read the flashing beacon light at the entrance to a harbor or an emergency SOS from a flashlight or a honking car horn or flashing taillights. Any decent Boy Scout can do that.

Skill at reading fast code is not the objective. But the ability to read Morse Code even if it has to be repeated again and again IS the objective. For a Radio Amateur to not be able to read slow code is downright shameful to both our heritage and purpose, and dumbs down Ham Radio. As our licensee count increases ham radio regrettably at times sounds more like Citizens Band.

I have become unalterably opposed to ANY change in licensing that does not include re-establishing the 5 WPM minimum Morse Code requirement, and for all license classes. Regardless what the advertisers want! Regardless what the League Staff might want, or what the FCC might want. Oh, and I don't care what other countries are doing. Let us be the leader, not just another dumb follower with excuses.

While waiting for the FCC to act the League could give strong support to Morse Code for all Hams in QST and by serious promotion of code lessons and testing by VECs through ARRL affiliated clubs.

The continued success of Ham Radio is not measured primarily by license count or the number of advertising pages in QST. Amateur Radio does not justify it's existence, government encouragement and protection by being just another entertainment medium. It is of course fun, but meaningful incentives for lifelong learning and technical growth differentiate us from CB or just another video game and uphold our distinguished heritage.

Let's re-establish the incentives and Make Amateur Radio Great Again!

David Lien - W7DAL
Vancouver, WA
50+ yr member ARRL and IEEE