[Elecraft] Dropping the Code Test

[EricJ]

Despite this oft repeated myth, CW is RARELY ever used in emergency
communications. I talked to a number of different hams in So Cal whose ham
radio involvement is virtually all emergency services ops and NONE of them
ever hear CW used. I mentioned that on QRP-L and only one person (John
WB8RCR) could come up with a situation where CW is regularly used. He is in
Upper Michigan and, I don't remember the details, but it had to do with
their high latitude and auroral effects. Otherwise, no one there could come
up with a single emergency services group using CW ops for any purpose.

Certainly, there are isolated cases where CW has been used as a last resort
for particular communications, but then there are cases of trapped
individuals tapping out pleas for help with a rock.

There are many interesting and useful applications for CW and it has been
virtually my only mode of operation for 48 years, but to continue to tout it
as necessary for emergency preparedness is to deny reality. I would be
willing to bet during the worst moments of the current crisis in the Gulf
states that nobody was heard to utter the words, "If only we could get some
CW ops in there with battery power rigs." It just doesn't happen. I dare say
there will be no stories of CW saving the day for anyone.

Most emergency services ops are handled on VHF/UHF FM. Far less is handle
via HF SSB. Consider that amateur radio emergency services must interface
with other services whose operators don't use CW and you can see it just
isn't very useful for emergency communications in the real world.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Matt Osborn
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 8:58 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dropping the Code Test

On Sun, 4 Sep 2005 21:07:24 -0400, "Thomas M.Beaudry" <k8la at arrl.net>
wrote:

>Emergency communications where the power lines are dead and the 
>repeaters are down.  I've been in a few of those situations and the 
>saving grace was battery powered rigs and CW.
>
>> Are there any novel and compelling reasons for keeping the code test?

As a new guy, Tom, I was surprised to discover that despite poor band
conditions, the hurricane emergency nets are all using phone.  Does the
availability of power make the difference?
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