For The Transcript
Just over three years ago, the Federal Communications Commission ignited a firestorm in the amateur radio community by proposing to eliminate Morse Code as a requirement for ham radio operators licenses.
Many hams disagreed while others were just as vocal that Morse Code was a relic skill that had outlived its usefulness. After weighing the pros and cons, the FCC ordered the end of Morse Code testing for any licenses in the Amateur Radio Service effective Feb. 23.
This licensing change is eagerly awaited by many amateur radio operators who have been unable to gain proficiency with Morse Code.
"After the FCC's announcement of its decision in late December, we had 20 people sign up for our monthly testing session in January when normally we would have had only three or four," said Jim Copeland, who coordinates license testing for the Norman's South Canadian Amateur Radio Society amateur radio club.
SCARS partners with the city of Norman emergency management and provides volunteer services such as emergency communications for severe weather operations, community outreach for preparedness and other community service efforts.
"There are about 250 licensees today in the FCC database with a local mailing address that will immediately benefit from this change. That's because any technician licensee now will have access to high frequency radio bands they could not use before without demonstrating their Morse Code skills. These same individuals also will be able to upgrade to the general class license now by just passing a simple written examination," said Copeland.
"We hope to see an increase in the area amateur radio clubs and in volunteering," said David Grizzle, the city of Norman's emergency management coordinator.
The end of testing for proficiency in Morse Code does not mean that Morse Code conversations between amateur radio operators will end. Morse Code contacts are very reliable and available even when other forms such as voice, TV, and even cell phones fail. Some hams even foresee an increase in the use of Morse Code.
The SCARS club has strong relations with the city of Norman emergency management office to support and help in emergency situations. The fire education center classroom at Fire Station No. 7 has been made available for club meetings, training classes and license testing for the public.
The club will hold additional test sessions once implementation details are set. Further information can be found at www.w5nor.org, the club's Web site or by contacting the office of emergency management at 292-9780.
Local news
FCC ends Morse Code testing requirement for amateur radio operators
- Local news
-
-
Seed exchange planned
Every day brings spring a day closer, meaning it’s time to start thinking about and planting spring vegetable and flower gardens....
-
Newest library branch expected to open by month’s end
The city of Oklahoma City is currently working with equipment manufacturers to remedy last-minute obstacles that are keeping Pioneer Library System’s 10th branch closed to the public....
-
TEAM having positive results
The Citizens Public Safety Oversight Committee elected Don Holyfield as the new chair and approved the annual report at its monthly meeting Thursday....
-
Union members protest GCI at new OU dorm site
Members of Carpenters Local Union No. 329 conducted a protest Thursday morning in front of the construction site of a new dormitory on the University of Oklahoma campus....
-
OK-FIRE workshop coming to Norman
A full-day OK-FIRE computer training workshop will be March 16 at the National Weather Center in Norman. Dr. J.D. Carlson, OSU fire meteorologist and OK-FIRE program director, will direct the workshop. Training will begin at 9:30 a.m. and ...
-
Wheelock receives Girl Scouts award
Girl Scouts-Western Oklahoma presented Brenda Wheelock of Norman with the Frances Hesselbein Award at the organization’s recent annual meeting. The award is named for a woman who changed Girl Scouts of the United States of America when ...
-
Weed control is important in lawns
Did your lawn fall under attack from weeds last year? Do you want to get a head start on controlling them this year? Or maybe you are thinking about doing your own lawn care instead of hiring out? It seems that weed control is on ...
-
IRS launches outreach campaign to help workers
The Internal Revenue Service and community partners nationwide launched an annual outreach campaign this week. The campaign is aimed at helping millions of Americans who earned $49,078 or less take advantage of the Earned Income Tax ...
-
Men face counts including bribery
The Multi-County Grand Jury handed up indictments today against two former Blanchard city administrators. Former Blanchard city manager Bill D. Edwards and former police chief Tom M. Linn were indicted on two felony counts, including ...
-
Norman named best school district
Oklahoma Technology Association named Norman Public Schools as Best District of The Year for the 2011-2012 school year Wednesday morning at its annual conference in the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City....
- More Local news Headlines
-
Seed exchange planned
