On 6/29/2011 8:48 PM, WILLIS COOKE wrote:
> For that matter, it would be pretty hard to head copy and then
> write a full minute with no errors to pass the FCC code test.
> Head copy is pretty much a ham radio thing.
Starting in the late 1960s I was one of the FCC code examiners in San
Francisco. One day an "old timer" coast station operator came
up for the Radiotelegraph First Class code test - 25 wpm -
where a "mill" could be used. He said that he wanted "the
First" before he retired. He set it up, and just before I
started the tape he asked whether it was OK to smoke during the
test. In those days, no problem. He put on the "cans" and said
"start the tape". He reached into his pocket, took out a
cigarette. Then he reached into another pocket, and pulled out
a book of matches, lit the cigarette, put the extinguished
match in an ashtray, dropped the matchbook on the floor, bent
down to pick it up, put it back in his pocket, sat back for a
few seconds, and then started typing like a madman about
halfway into the 5 minute tape - perfect copy. When the tape
was finished, he turned to me and said "didn't think I could do
it, did you, sonny?!
Something I will never forget.
-- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402
Retired and loving every minute of it
Work was getting in the way of my hobbies
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