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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.