[CW] Clueless ( as in not a clue )

[Eddy Swynar via CW]

On 2014-12-31, at 7:20 PM, K3PID via CW wrote:

> Am I the only one noticing that more and more operators are completely clueless about the art of sending CW? I can generally copy 25+ WPM of GOOD code. That would be code with nominally correct dit to dah ratios and spacing's.  It doesn’t have to be perfect but geese! There are ops out there that I couldn’t copy at any speed! A long time ago in a galaxy far far away we would call them LIDS. Dits that are barely contact closures and dahs that run on and on with no break between letters let alone words!!
>  
> Sorry! Just felt the need to rant! I feel better now!
>  
> 73 es Happy New Year! Ron K3PID






Hi Ron,

I have to agree with you: there has been a marked deterioration in the quality of the CW being sent out there anymore---and from anywhere, too, i.e. definitely not limited to North American-based Hams...!

Oh sure, there have always been those guys around whom you'd swear send code with their left foot. In my 43-1/2 years on the air, I thought I'd heard them all---until the good openings on 10-meters in the past few months compelled me to work stations there about every 3 minutes, or so, pile-up style, to take advantage of paths while they were open. That's when I noticed that a lot of stations to-day have a tendency to display a blatant lack of spacing, they run their letters together, can't spell to save their lives (intuition can help a lot here!), and seem to subscribe to the motto of, "Why send only 4 dits, when 6 will do...?" Hi Hi

But, d'you know what...? I NEVER EVER complain to them about it---I simply do my best to get my report & their name, & I thank them for the QSO, & move on. I simply will NOT criticize some poor soul who may suffer from some sort of a physical disability / illness that prevents him / her from sending perfect CW. At least that person is trying to stay in the game, & I give them full credit for that. And I always remember that old saying of, "THERE, BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD, GO I."

So I clam up, & & enjoy the ride as best I can. There are lots of other "crackerjack" CW experts out there who far outweigh the poor operators anyway...and after all, variety is the spice of life!

HNY to all, & my vy

~73!~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ





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