[Fists] No Code - The Aussie Experience

[John Kirk]

Relax, guys 'n gals, Morse is alive and well, and will be for some time to 
come.  We've been "code free" for several years now in VK, and there is more 
interest amongst beginners in becoming proficient at it than there ever was 
when it was "jammed down our throats" (their words, not mine).  It seems to 
be human nature.

Sadly, I have had so many requests from beginners for nightly skeds to 
improve their code speed that I have had to turn them down (In case you've 
forgotten, a QSO takes a looong time at 10 WPM or less).  They're pressing 
on regardless, tapping away amongst themselves and no doubt picking up some 
bad habits, but at least the bands are active. The future looks very, very 
good for CW down here.

On a similar matter, we've endured with tiny "sliver" totally voluntary cw 
sub bands here for eons as well. 80 mtrs, for example, is 16% CW and 84% 
other modes, chiefly SSB.  I'm pleased to say that the vast majority of VK's 
respect the voluntary band plans.  I wish I could say the same about our 
near neighbours, however.  The amount of pirate activity in the southern 
hemisphere is unbeleivable!

73
John VK4TJ

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