So the FCC has eliminated the Morse code test from all licenses, but what level does one need to transmit code? I've very interested in it, but don't have any license yet.

Portable or stationary best for first radio? Favorites?

Thanks all!

They have eliminated the requirement for learning code, but, all license classes still allow the use of code. As you go up through the Amateur classes, you gain additional band space to operate, but, you can use Morse code right from the start.

There is some good info on the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) site: www.arrl.org that might be a starting place for some of your questions. Another suggestion would be to try to find a local ham to talk to. Most of them will be more than happy to chew your ear off about the subject! I've been licensed for years, but, don't actively use anything at this point. I still have gear to make local and DX contacts, and figure it's good insurance if normal comm's are down in an emergency.

There are now three license classes: Technician, General and Amateur Extra. You begin by passing a written exam for the Technician license, then you must pass an additional exam for General and one for Extra. No more code tests. The exams are multiple choice and are roughly half rules and half technical information.

The Technician license is primarily limited to FM voice on VHF/UHF (above 30 MHz). If you see a ham talking on a HT (walkie-talkie) or a mobile radio, they are probably on VHF/UHF FM. You can do code (and many other non-FM modes) on those available bands, but it's not trivial for the beginner. Many experienced hams enjoy working those bands and modes though.

The General license opens up almost all of the HF (shortwave) bands or what people traditionally think of when they talk about ham radio. Big antennas, towers, talking around the world, etc. Code is definately still around and some new hams continue to learn it.

The Extra license only really adds some extra frequencies on each band to what the General license has.

Makes my Advanced class license seem kind of unique now.

Are there any portables out there with a MC key?

I'm not sure which license you need for HF bands, but even as a non-HAM type myself, I've long thought that Elecraft's KX-1 rig has great potential as a Morse code-only, portable emergency radio. It runs on 6AA's, I believe. Generally speaking, with my limited understanding of radio, I believe that you would never be out of communications range if you had this HF rig. With a decent antenna, this could communicate around the world, couldn't it?

This guy has some sweet setups for exactly that.