I know when I passed the 13 wpm in 1961 (remember the old tape code players with a 800 Hz tone the FCC Offices used, this one in Houston, Texas) at the age of 17, I was on cloud nine. I was in a room of much older people trying the test. When I heard them send the 20 wpm test, I thought at that time it would take a miracle to pass that.
I have to admit, I only used CW because I had to (had a Eico 720 running xtal controlled only)in the early day. Yes, on 15 and 40 meters which was quite a challenge. When I got out of college a number of years later, I finally had the funds to buy a ssb rig (Heathkit HW-100). I tried CW a few other times and then peaked at 20 wpm to pass the Extra and have not had a CW contact since then. I stupidly sold my Vibroplex Bug a number of years ago not knowing it was worth well more than what I paid for it in 1960. I knew that it was a matter of time before the CW requirement would go that away, but it still is re to use if it is warranted to make a QSO. Roger W5RD ex-AJ5L, K5JAJ, KN5JAJ Licensed in spring 1961 ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 1:21 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] FYI: FCC officially issues R&O dropping code requirement today One time 35-40? years ago, I was applying for an electronic technician position in Pasadena California. One of the pre-employment test questions was to draw a block diagram of a receiver. As my hobby time back then was amateur radio and I had been studying the Motorola T44A6A 450-470 Mc (not MHz back then) receiver. So, I drew the block diagram of the T44A6A receiver - triple conversion, walking first and second IF's, 455 Kc third IF and AFC circuit. Yes, I did get the job. Neil - WA6KLA ----- Original Message ----- From: Glenn Little WB4UIV <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Saturday, December 16, 2006 10:50 am Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] FYI: FCC officially issues R&O dropping code requirement today > It is now just a matter of time. The problems with hams not > understanding what they are doing will increase. Interference > will increase. Commercial interests will petition the FCC for > the frequencies. The hams will not be able to defend their > desire to keep the frequencies. Now the ham frequencies will > be sold to the highest bidder. > > The handwriting is on the wall. > > Less that 10% of the newly licensed hams can draw a simple > block diagram of the radio that they use. > > Just my opinion, based on my observations. > > 73 > Glenn > WB4UIV >
