No Morse Code Required for Ham Licenses

[Beowulf]

I don't know Morse code and probably will never devote the time to learn it. I admire those that have learned it and recognize that there are uses for Morse code but I have concluded that the hobby should move forward and devote brain power of new hams to advanced technologies.

I want to get my APRS set up working. I want to learn IRLP and some things like these.

-B-

 

[groucho]

I hope that someday we will all get along and realize that not one soul on this planet has to use Morse Code. OK, maybe some still in the military have to be able to for their job, but Amateur Radio Operators do not. Over 80% of the Amateur bands offer sections that allow for some if not all of the other 7 or so types of transmission(CW, RTTY, Phone, Data, MCW, SSB, Image...).

The hobby is and always has been the breeding grounds for the strange and unusual forms of invention that now fill our everyday life. Just consider the similarities between the binary language of computers an the binary language of morse code. One uses 1's and 0's, the other a long and short section of transmitted carrier/sound. Morse code as a hobby itself may not be that interesting, but neither may be using binary code as a means for communication. But they both have played vital roles in where we all are now.

Morse code is not required anymore. That doesn't mean it doesn't deserve any merit. It is amazing, however. My grandfather(now silent key ex-WØDW) during the latter years of his life had a lot of difficulty hearing anyone who spoke to him. It was very frustration for everyone, to say the least. We made a discovery one Thanksgiving while listening to CW before dinner. Grandpa, who had been regulalry proficient at 30 WPM, was telling my father and I exactly what the other operators were saying in CW even before we could. The Morse code sound was as clear as day to him, and it made him feel like he could be involved in conversations again. Now that's merit.

Do CW if you want. Don't do it. It's always been up to the individual. Either way, I'll see you down the log...73

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

So how do you know "nobody" does Morse. I just spun the dial on my HF rig and heard at least 25 QSO's and that was only on 40.

Granted the mode is dated but there are people who happen to LIKE Morse code.

Some can speak Spanish, some can send and receive Morse.

Oh and when the band is down and conditions are bad those that know Morse will get through.

In a disater go on and depend on your cell phone, I'll have my Vibroplex and will rely on my self contained means of world wide communication.

Give me paper, pen and a copy of the morse code, and I can receive and send morse. Big deal, the code is even on walkie talkies and anyone can use it in an emergency. If you like dotting and dashing, more power to you.

 

[groucho]

Give me paper, pen and a copy of the morse code, and I can receive and send morse.

It sure would be fun to see that. 5WPM isn't very fast when you consider it, but without any previous knowledge of the code, there isn't enogh time to try to match up what was heard with somehting on paper.

PismoJim, maybe LandCruisers4Life wants to try your semafore flags? Smoke?

Do what makes you enjoy the hobby. 73 & 88.

 

[Beowulf]

You can probably change horse shoe faster than a tire, but I'd rather drive

You may not have noticed that what I posted was a link. Click the link.

-B-

 

[Kofoed]

You may not have noticed that what I posted was a link. Click the link.

-B-

I did. Call me when you get out of the Blacksmith shop. Or via PSK31, AFSK, Packet, Echo Link, D-link, or IRLP.

[edit] I am being sarcastic. The technology today renders code a bit out of date. Sextant/chronograph or GPS?

 

[Beowulf]

[edit] I am being sarcastic. The technology today renders code a bit out of date. Sextant/chronograph or GPS?

I somehow got through engineering school using a slide rule in the 60's so I hear you loud and clear on the newer technologies. Mechanical drawings with a T-square and compass; no Autocad if you can visualize that. Drawings were done in pencil then completed using india ink. The PDP-9 computer in our EE lab used paper tape for data storage.

Nope.... I'm not going to learn Morse code if I don't have to, but I really do respect those that are good at it and that video illustrates how fast information can be delivered by CW experts.



-B-
KE5KOE