[rescue] Ham license question...

[James Fogg]

On Wed, 06 Jun 2001, THOU SPAKE:
> I've never understood the code req. in modern terms.  It's just another
> mode, like ATV, SSTV, Packet, etc.  You don't pass a test in addition to
> your tech license, to run those modes over your licensed bands.  Why treat
> code differently?  Or, why close off bands if you don't have the
> 5wpm(which I am studying for, as time allows)? 

By international agreement, nobody in any radio service was allowed to operate
below 30 Mhz without understanding Morse code. This is why US Military ops
still studied Morse code until recently. I think this agreement changed.

As far as band limits, it was used as an incentive to prompt operators to
upgrade to higher license classes (remember, each class used to have a higher
wpm requirement).

Things change slowly in ham circles because the old-timers hate change and the
Government moves slowly.

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	 James D. Fogg, Network Engineer
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