[CW] future of CW

[ve1ex@ve3kyz.ampr.org]

 I have been enjoying this discussion about the future of CW.
 I cannot see why cw would be made an illegal mode like spark gap.
Spark Gap, as I understand it, caused a lot of interference, where
modern day cw is a very narrow mode and uses very little band width.
The only possible reason I can think of for making it illegal is that
all the non code folks would not be able to understand it.  But then again
if they do not have a tnc or a soundcard rigged for digital modes they would
not understand psk31 or packet.  Can someone perhaps suggest why cw might
be made illegal?   IF cw is made an illegal mode, I have several programmes
here that simulate cw contests and dxpeditions, and I will resort to them
to get my cw "fix".    Is there any serious talk about making CW illegal?
or is this all speculation?
  I would urge you folks in the States to pester the ARRL relentlessly
to keep your band plans.  Up here in Canada we have had a "voluntary"
band plan for the past few years.  This really means any mode anywhere.
A disaster and I would like to see the word voluntary taken out..  I als
o agree that if they are going to do away with morse testing then something
else should take its place.  Showing proficiency in one of the digital modes
would be a good idea.   Caving in to the lowest common denominator is not
the answer.     I had a chat with a history teacher here at one of the high
schools in the area.  He found out that I was a ham and was telling me that
once he had a little time to himself he was going to get his ticket and learn
the code.  When I told him about how things were changing and that the demise
of the code as a testing feature was looming, he seemed quite disappointed.
The hobby seemed to lose some of its prestige for him.
Andrew Bowlby VE1EX
cw- the original digital mode.


------------------------------------------------------------------------
           *** THE ABOVE USER RECEIVES MAIL VIA VHF RADIO ***
Please keep replies short, (20-30 lines if possible), personal mail only.
No binary attachments, no encryption, no business or commercial messages.
------------------------------------------------------------------------