[CW] Re: Digital CW (was Numbers Stations)

[John Pumford-Green]

On Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:57:12 +0000
Ron Youvan <ka4inm at tampabay.rr.com> wrote:

> 
> > Well It should be noted that there are a few operators who use a
> > keyboard (often a dedicated CW generating board) and dont use any
> > kind of outboard copying device. Usually they are using extremely
> > QRQ speeds i.e. 60wpm+ that preclude using a bug, keyer etc. in
> > most cases. 
> 
>    I met a real sweet OT at field day, several years ago, with
> hearing aids in both ears, he sent with a keyboard (at 20 wpm)
> because of arthritis. He send with his right thumb, sure looked odd,
> but he could hear signals too weak for me to copy and he was very
> accurate. (He set macros under the function keys that worked for
> everything other than call signs.)

Thanks for the words of agreement, to the overall idea that CW is a
"manual/aural" mode. I have to admit I'd not thought of those that
can't (or "can't anymore") use a manual (key, paddles, bug etc.) method
to generate the CW, and need the facilities of a keyboard. 

Of course this is just great if technology can allow them to extend
their CW careers and keep it up.

As to QRQ ops, well I guess that if they can copy at 60wpm+ (and I
know a lot can) then they shouldn't be denied the ability to send as
fast as they can read! For most people the limitation is the other way
round and even electronic keyers or bugs are "too much technology"! 

Receiving should always be aural/brain though, surely? If you need the
PC to decode, at whatever speed, then you're better off with a real
data mode. Or have I missed another good reason for CW decoders being
used. Perhaps there are OPs that can send with a key, and get pleasure
from that side of it, but can no longer hear well enough to read the CW
themselves?


On keyboards, I'd feel confused enough if someone using a keyboard sent
"LOL" or "YMMV", but I'd be thrown off altogether by ":-)" - hi!

Cheers,

John