Code Proficiency Credentials? - CW Forum at eHam.net

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Code Proficiency Credentials?	Reply
by K5END on January 6, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I keep seeing references to some "Code Proficiency" test or certificate, ostensibly such that no-code licensees like myself could wave it in the face of the no-code-nay-sayers. Yes, there WERE tests, but does any such "badge of honor" or membership exist in the U.S.? Just curious. I'm even more curious about how much the no-code whiners spend doing CW? I wonder that because, oddly, I have not heard this complaint "in code," but I'm still copying at best only around 12 to 18 WPM plain text or rag chews, on a good day.

ARRL Code Proficiency Certificates	Reply
by N5XH on January 6, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
http://www.arrl.org/awards/#cp Illegitimi non Carborundum

RE: ARRL Code Proficiency Certificates	Reply
by K5END on January 6, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
"Illegitimi non Carborundum" Ah, yes. Words of wisdom. Thanks for the link. 73

RE: Code Proficiency Credentials?	Reply
by W8ZNX on January 7, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
you don't need them you can do the ARRL code runs i know more than one 20 wpm extra that has not run cw in over 25 years they only got up to 20 wpm to pass the test then threw away their telegraph key nobody can tell if you passed or did not pass a code test if you are hanging out down at the bottom 50 kc of the bands running cw we all know you know morse code and don't have to prove anything to us yours truly mac dit dit

RE: Code Proficiency Credentials?	Reply
by NB8N on January 7, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
>we all know you know morse code and don't have to prove anything to us Amen! which gives summary of the difference between talkin' the talk and walkin' the walk. But here's something I've been suspecting for a bit: many folks shun CW because they think they are not good enough. That is, they stay on the sidelines after hearing the high-speed ops. My advice is to get in the game and make your CQ at a speed you are comfortable with, regardless of what that speed might be. There may be some who will dial past your effort, but a good op will not. He/she will pause, respond, and encourage your effort. Give it a try. 73, Bob - NB8N Harassing Electrons Since '78 www.bobburdick.com

RE: Code Proficiency Credentials?	Reply
by K5END on January 7, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Not being "good enough" never stopped me at anything before, haha. BUT, I confess I was very reluctant out of consideration for the experienced OM. "What gives me the right to ruin the fun," so to speak. But what I noticed was the opposite of what I expected. The CW ops complied willingly to the QRS in the first two QSOs, and by the 3rd QSO I could copy at least the average straight keys without a problem. They told me that my code was good copy. I guess "good" is relative. :) They said, keep practicing and welcome to CW. QSL cards were immediate and encouraging. Not one negative response on the bands, so far. Not one. It was like walking into a room of old friends whom I'd never met before, if that makes sense. Not used to that. You don't find many situations like that these days.

RE: Code Proficiency Credentials?	Reply
by W7ETA on January 7, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Now that would be funny L K5end, someone complaining about no code ops in CW. To go from 15-18 WPM to 20wpm, I had to write in script, and copy random characters and numbers. Past 20wpm, I had to copy words in my head. 73 Bob

BADGE OF HONOR	Reply
by PLANKEYE on January 7, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
The best thing you can do is get on the Air. If you like CW put your keyboard up and get your Key out. Quit trying to find your Badge of Honor. The days of testing for the ticket are over. Be nice to folks and Have Fun!! PLANKEYE

The Most Important Code Credentials	Reply
by N2EY on January 8, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I passed the old 20-wpm-FCC-examiner code test 38+ years ago. That was a one-time thing; show the examiner you can send and receive. I've got a 30 wpm ARRL certificate around the shack someplace, again a one-time thing. I say this just so you know where I'm coming from. IMHO the most important Morse Code credential is what a ham does with it on the air. Ragchews, contests, traffic handling, DX, trying out new rigs/antennas and much more. Actual on-the-air operating - that's what really counts. 73 de Jim, N2EY

RE: The Most Important Code Credentials	Reply
by WB2NVY on March 27, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Back in the early '60s I got my ARRL code proficiency award for 20wpm as a general class ham, and was proud of it. I can copy about 25wpm, 100% now, but I often wonder about how anyone establishes their claimed copy speed. The ARRL award requires copying 1 minute 100% solid copy, which makes sense. But many people claim it's good enough to head copy "most" of what's sent. So, if I can copy only 75-80% of 50wpm, am I a 50wpm op? If so or if not, where do you draw the line between enough and not enough, short of 100%?

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