[Elecraft] CW DECODING

[Gil G.]

Hello,

I am a "new" extra, and my first QSO ever was in CW. I've been a ham for seven weeks. Morse code for me is the essence of Radio. I don't remember how I found Elecraft on the web, but I was glad a company was making dedicated CW radios. I built my K1 and K2 before I had my license or had finishing learning code (self-patting on the back here, sorry…). I'm still slow as molasses, 7wpm copy speed, but I get better every day. I think the Extra exam should have a 5wpm requirement. Not everyone wants to use CW, but everyone should be able to copy it slowly. Imagine someone sending an SOS in Morse on a QRP rig somewhere isolated… If it was me, I'd hope someone would be able to copy it and not say "Hey, I hear morse code, cool!" 5wpm isn't much to ask to anyone using HF. The new rigs have decoders, but that's a small percentage. I don't have less respect for no-code extras, they didn't make the rules, but I certainly think they are missing a big chunk of what Ham Radio is. Doesn't Extra give access to mostly CW band segments? So, other than for bragging rights, why get the license then?

For me, a shack is sort of gloomy and isolated. I've taken my K1 out and even set-up outside a coffee shop. Morse code and coffee under the sun :-) People asked questions (I told one guy I was calling the mothership, he looked up!), it was nice to be outside playing radio. The K1 and my Buddistick were perfect  for that. You can't as easily do the same with a big SSB rig. Not only that, but CW with earplugs is quiet to everyone around. My set-up took one corner of my table, no big deal. That's why I love CW, you can do it anywhere with very little and small equipment.

Now if only I could get up to 20wpm...

Gil.
--
PGP Key: http://keskydee.com/gil.asc

On Nov 9, 2012, at 9:01 AM, Kenneth Waites K5WK wrote:

> I just cant let this pass without a comment.  I still remember the weeks I spent as a teenager in the Boys Scouts learning the code.  Then with pencil trying to copy code on the novice 40 meter band.  Then the first time I realized I had copied a call sign.  The first words I copied were "name is ...".
> 
> Today I have less respect for Extra Class operators who do not copy CW.  It just seams they got their grade more cheaply than those of us who worked hard toward the 20 wpm in front of that freightening FCC Examiner.  And I am not the world's best CW op, but it occupies 98% of my QSOs.
> 
> These days I consider it the only art that remains in the hobby.  CW FOREVER!
> 
> K5WK