[Elecraft] on CW

[wayne burdick]

The test may be eliminated, but all the reasons that CW is popular will 
still be there. Perhaps this is why CW continues to flourish even in 
countries that phased out their own testing requirements in past years.

It's fun for many of us, of course. But it's also characterized by 
generally simpler equipment, and offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio 
than voice modes for a given power level or amount of signal 
processing. This is why it's appropriate for gear that we carry on 
backpacking trips and for emergency use, and of course for QRP gear in 
general.

CW has a standardized shorthand (including Q signals and common 
abbreviations) that transcend language barriers. And it's a "digital" 
communications mode, yet it doesn't require a computer or specialized 
interfaces. There's an immediacy to CW communications that makes it 
feel quite personal -- just as if you're talking, which of course you 
are.

Then there's my personal favorite: When I'm out camping in some remote 
location, late at night, I can put on my headphones and make two-way 
contacts with faraway places -- without disturbing anyone sleeping 
close by. (There's something about surfing the ionosphere, with all its 
propagation modes, odd noises, and unexpected surprises, that you just 
can't duplicate using the internet.)

Elecraft will continue to strongly support both CW equipment and CW 
operation.

73,
Wayne, N6KR


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