W6ONV/AG on HF!

Let me preface this entry by saying I am not lazy, stupid or wanting a “free pass” when it comes to my amateur radio license. Sure, February 23, 2007 began a new era for ham radio, one that does not require anyone to learn Morse Code. The FCC requirement to demonstrate Morse Code disappeared from FCC Part 97 (see ARRL story).

When I received my Technician license back in 1995 I also picked up a set of cassette tapes from Radio Shack (Gordon West) in order to teach myself ‘CW’. I practiced on and off and quickly found that learning the code would take a serious commitment, as is true with anything new you attempt. But other priorities arose and I stashed the tapes.

I heard about the potential repeal of the FCC Part 97 a few years ago, and began studying Element 3, in order to complete my test and get a CSCE, allowing me 12 months to learn and demonstrate CW to a VE Testing group.

I purchased CDs from Ham Radio Outlet to teach me the 5-WPM requirement, as well as downloading many different programs (including CQ2000) in order to teach myself CW. I had some success, I was able to learn the alphabet and numbers, along with many of the prosigns, but being able to copy effectively remained elusive.

In order to become proficient (and skilled), one must set a study schedule and maintain it in order to prepare. This is the case with CW. I set time aside each day to learn and relearn the code, but was never able to copy to the extent I wanted to in order to pass.

As my 12 months was drawing to a close, I attempted to cram the code in and that failed miserably. So, my CSCE lapsed and I remained a Technician through 2006. That would change as the FCC was getting ready to set a precedent with the remove of the code requirement.

Now, I am not one to get into a pissing match with other hams, I see no need to. If I can demonstrate proficiency in a QSO using phone on 20 or 40 meters, what does it matter if I know code? Yet “old timers” (different than “old school” feel many of the 200,000 potentially new HF granted Generals are something less than proficient for never having to demonstrate a QSO using CW during their license testing.

Be that as it may, I was excited when I made that final turn of the rachet today and plugged in my power supply and toggled the red switch and turned on my ICOM-718. It was that ever familiar sound of the airwaves (static to many).

I began tuning around to see what exciting QSO (contacts) I could make. Being a “n00b” I did not want to make an ass of myself, so I had everything scripted, if I happened to come across someone calling CQ (saying “hello, talk to me.”). I never did get a signal strong enough to respond to, but was able to listen to some other conversation across the US and into Canada.

As for this hobby, I think it is exciting, at least for me, to finally have HF privileges, regardless of demonstrating code or not. I still intend on passing Element 1 (CW), but until that time, I am excited at the HF prospects that lay in front of me.