[GreenKeys] Re: MORSE code

[Charles Ring W3NU]

w8au at sssnet.com wrote:
> At 12:21 PM 3/6/06, Bob McConnell wrote:
>> Paul Anderson wrote:
>>> On 3/6/06, WØQFC <erastber at tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> If you like the mode, use it. If you do not
>>>> like it don't criticize those who.
>>> Half the fun of this hobby is the wide array of modes available.  I'm
>>> new to this hobby(just passed my exam this weekend!), but I know I
>>> intend to learn CW, simply because I find it elegant, simple, and
>>> efficient.
>>
>> I have a problem with those vocal advocates that insist on forcing 
>> everyone to learn an anachronistic form of communications that 
>> requires mental and physical skills that are no longer taught or 
>> re-enforced in our educational and social systems.
>
> ***Wow..  an unwarranted criticism for sure...  Three things:
>
> 1.  You're not forced to learn CW, even for ham radio.
>
> 2.  It may be old, but it's still a very viable comm mode. (I'll
> not elucidate on it's virtues) It doesn't fit into commercial maritime 
> shipping since it was a victim of "downsizing."  Militarily, it's 
> still used for snooping (SIGINT)
>
> 3.  It's still taught by military (see above) and by volunteers all 
> across the country. (ham clubs, etc)  Morse instruction was never
> a big part of our public educational/social systems.  It was always
> a select vocational school offering.
>
> You're entitled to your opinion, of course.
>
> I offer the above only to provide a balanced viewpoint.
>
> Perry   w8au   (an old greenkeyer AND keyer)
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>

Morse is still used for station ID for many kinds of radio other than 
amateur. I have used it at work to identify a satellite carrier. However 
i think a major point is being missed just about totally. Morse and 
CW/A1 transmission are an unbroken link to the beginnings of radio that 
should not be lost. Spark had to go due to the interference it creates 
or else I'd want it still on the air. Here's what is being overlooked: 
the code test is ham radio's version of an  INITIATION RITUAL and I am 
not joking. It remains related to what ham radio is and links us back to 
our beginnings. It has been mainly an initiation rather than wholly 
practical for a number of decades and does not change in that regard no 
matter what newer modes appear. It should remain if only for that reason.

73 de W3NU