[GreenKeys] Re: MORSE code

[Gary Buda]

I do RTTY and CW only.  Cannot remember the last time I did SSB.  CW is an art 
form.  It is like a second language and since my German as a second language 
sucks and since my Spanish as a second language sucks, I am happy to say that 
my CW (up to 30-35 wpm) is a second language, I am proud...that I can do it 
in my head by just listening. It sure is fun.  And, judging from some of the 
comments on e-ham of the SSB folks on SSB on 80 meters, those of us using CW 
and digital modes are high on the food chain.  The SSB operators, well, they 
can go pound sand, if they even know what sand is. 

73
Gary 
WA0NDN
NNNN 


On Monday 06 March 2006 18:37, Charles Ring W3NU wrote:
> 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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> > GreenKeys at mailman.qth.net
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/greenkeys
>
> 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
>
>
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