[Elecraft] CW Decoding - Your Brain is best

[Michael Usher AG6MK]

I also agree with both sides.  I have great respect for those who have learned this skill, and I'm trying to get there myself.

But I also see the value in computer assisted modes.

The question really is "how many dB is brain decoding worth?"

If the signal is strong and stable enough, a computer can be just as good as a brain -- but the brain will cope with weak signals better.

I work in the tech industry -- and I can read a raw byte stream from a sniffer and easily distinguish packet types, options, payload.  Do I use that technique for my email?  No -- it's more convenient for the computer to do all that for me.

It's always a tradeoff for what tools you choose to engage.

Is it cheating to use a notepad to write down the code?  Is it cheating to type the code you recognize on a keyboard into a note application (faster than writing)?

I think these decisions are all up to the operator.

The great thing about this hobby is that it accommodates all the different skill levels and styles of operation.

$0.02
Michael
AG6MK