You don't have to look far in any Amateur Radio forum for a Know-Code/No-Code debate. Every now and then someone will start a new thread just to watch the trolls come out from under the forum "bridge" and start the frenzy again.

Older hams seem to look down on the newer hams who have not taken a morse code test. Seldom is it mentioned by the Know-Code people that there is no other way into the hobby other than the No-Code route.

Then the same Know-Code groups will complain about there not being enough "new blood" coming into the hobby. But wait! The only way in is via the No-Code route. The old fogies can't seem to win. I sometimes feel sorry for them, having to endure so much frustration. They refuse to see that, officially, there's nothing to argue about. The FCC says it's No-Code, so it's No-Code!

Time and time again I see the No-Coders defending themselves, declaring that it was not their fault that the code was eliminated and how they intend to study the code and actually use it.

As far as I know, there is no option to take a Morse Code exam, since the requirement was eliminated by the FCC. But, here's an idea that could make a few dollars for some enterprising hams:

Start a Morse Code Testing & Certification Team.

Now I know the ARRL has their CW qualifying runs, or whatever they call them, but that program works on the honor system. You copy the message and send in for your certificate.

How about having teams of VEs around the country administer an actual CW test, for a fee, and offer a certificate. This testing and certification process would have nothing to do with the FCC, ARRL, or any other organization.

A reasonable fee could be charged for this testing and actually retained by the VE team. Wow, that's a novel idea!

These VE teams could be comprised of current VEs from the ARRL, W5YI and other groups. This would lend a level of respectability to the program. I don't know why any of the organizations would object to this. If they do, then independent groups could set up teams across the country.

This way, people who became licensed after the code was eliminated, yet feel "less" of a ham, can obtain and display their certificates for various code speeds.

Now I know this idea will probably go over like a "screen door on a submarine", but I'm a little short on material today and this was the best I could do!

73,

WF5TX