A new division of the Amateur Radio Service

Radiofrecuencia N 86 - Editorial

The editor or his guest writers, have, over their own signatures, always used this platform to express our perception of the direction that human and institutional developments are taking. We have rarely been wrong, and have often been prescient, and on this occasion we shall not falter from expressing our thoughts and feelings, even though it gives us no great pleasure to do so.

Even as early as the late 1960s, which we remember as the period during which the basis of the current radio Amateur Service was established, and during which many existing amateurs found their experience enriched by the enthusiasm of newcomers, some experts were already expressing doubts about the future of amateur radio, and the course it should follow in the future.

At that time a crucial change occurred. A period characterised by shared values ended, and was replaced by one in which there was no basic agreement about the origins and aims of amateur radio. This was demonstrated in the private, the collective, and the institutional spheres by growing indiscipline, irresponsibility, and contempt for rules and regulations.

We shall not go into details about the views of members of "Wheel of the West", "Cross of the South" and others wrong attitude, who, having been licensed since the 1930s were promulgating resolutions prohibiting the Net. But we shall say that between them and us there are notable differences, and if we were to examine these in detail we would find that the old-timers are better than us.

We began to hear innumerable dialectical clashes on all bands. Newcomers seemed to be using imported technology of which they had little or no understanding, while the more experienced expressed the feeling that their traditional preserve was being invaded by an unstoppable flow of new fans who, while being genuinely filled with enthusiasm for amateur radio, seemed to think that all that was required was to buy some equipment and press the PTT.

Happily, many of the new arrivals during this period were at least able to tune their rigs correctly, and adopted the principles of amateur radio (such as operating procedures, and a readiness to experiment and learn) in a spirit of solidarity with others. Nevertheless, their efforts were not sufficient to prevent the widespread social deterioration from infecting the Amateur Radio Service.

2003 will be remembered as the year in which it will be possible for many countries to delete CW capability from the qualifying requirements for new amateurs.

This way it is, quite this is ready for the stellar throwing of a new division in the radio, though it is neither any tragedy nor anything that seems to him, it suits to remember our predecessors with his predictions, and we must notice which are the mistakes that surely will be committed in altars of the progress of the amateur radio, but in political, personal or commercial benefit of many interested parties and of others that add for conviction without managing to perceive that they are manipulated with interests that have to see nothing with the "Experimentation" and not at least with the common good.

On the one hand, many fans and member Societies of the IARU will choose to do this, hoping for a better future and justifying their decision with arguments that they consider of sufficient value. Although it has already taken actions against to the Morse and it might therefore like "asking pears from an elm", we hope that the Radio Club Argentino prudently hesitates before rushing into this, and checks the opinions of its members before making a commitment to the IARU.

But on the other hand, many telegraphy enthusiasts believe that Morse proficiency continues being of great usefulness and that if it is to be deleted as a licensing requirement, it should be replaced in the examinations by elements that significantly test the capability of the aspirant, and challenge him or her with a real obligation to study and serious application of mind before receiving something so valuable as an amateur radio license.

It might be said that these possible actions would complete the current process of converting our Amateur Radio Service into an extension of the Citizen´s Band, but, we trust in those amateurs, who in spite of everything, continue fighting strenuously from their position as private individuals or club members to support our Service by resisting these developments.

It is probable that some poor spirit hams are already claiming the victory - "Telegraphy has died ...!!!", "No more CW examinations...!!!", without understanding that they are taking a new step into the void, - a way without technological support and lacking in genuine aims.

As for us, we know that radiotelegraphy is more alive than this, and for those who understand the essence of the Amateur Radio Service, it will never be a link in the mass-production and growth of ignorance, as is seen in many of the educational areas where alien values are being pursued.

For us telegraphists, new and old, this it will be a great moment, the beginning of a stage for which we have waited for long time. A moment of extreme happiness, satisfaction and relief. We will be able to stop having to explain and justify ourselves and we will be free to continue to use the bands with major satisfaction.

So, Morse friends and sympathizers, who enjoy the magic of Radio, reach for your keys and manipulators with the pride, knowing that CW is legitimately included in the Amateur Radio Service of the UIT.

Alberto U. Silva LU1DZ - uranito@infovia.com.ar

PD: I want to thanks Andrew "Andy" Smith G4OEP, who spend his time to translate this spanish original into good english.