[List at K4FAU.org] Meeting Tonight

[William Fairbanks]

I have not been active in K4FAU for some time now;  first there were  
work things and now there are health things but I really appreciate  
receiving the postings from the list.

I appreciate the feelings of many regarding CW.  There is probably  
nothing more thrilling in ham radio than making your first contact on  
CW...don't ask me why... and I believe CW will always be there.  No  
question that it has attributes that no other mode has and that it's  
usefulness will probably out live us all.

Having said that, however, it's time to move on.  The digital age is  
upon us with all kinds of cool modes and equipment.  The knowledge- 
set required for these activities is different then it was in the old  
days but no less impressive and it's not fair to block perfectly good  
radio operators from using the HF bands to experience and enjoy  
them.  How about 'talking' to Japan on PSK31 using 15 watts from your  
condo...that's thrilling too !

Anyway, I think Amateur Radio will be fine.  One nice thing about it  
is it's diversity and if you enjoy CW I believe there will always be  
somebody on the bands to talk with.

Have a great meeting and a wonderful holiday season.

Bill Fairbanks KG4GXS

On Dec 19, 2006, at 11:45 AM, Al Raden wrote:

> This is the second or third note that I've gotten indicating the  
> view that the removal of the CW test will lead to the demise of  
> Amateur Radio.  As a new license holder, my view is that the  
> problem is much deeper than the secret handshake of CW.  I decided  
> to get my license after being without communication (either land  
> line or cell phone) after Hurricane Wilma.  So, I studied, took the  
> test and got my license.  I joined ARRL, and then bought equipment  
> so I could get on the air.
>
> I found the local repeaters, and set up my receiver to scan them.   
> Other than the occasional scheduled nets, there just wasn't much  
> going on.  And, most of what was going on was, frankly, boring;  
> most of the nets consisted of "I'm here, is anyone else there?"  I  
> don't think I've turned my radio on in a month now.
>
> There are too many other communication media competing for time and  
> attention these days.
>
> Just some input for your discussion.
>
> - Al
>
> On 12/19/06, Sjaak van Dam <pa3gvr at amsat.org> wrote:
> Hi List,
>
> A lot of you might have to do last minute Christmas shopping but I
> will be at T6 tonight for the meeting.
> If anything we can discuss the demise of Amateur Radio now the CW  
> test is gone.
>
> Sjaak
>
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