Morse code: Not Dead!

Once and awhile, I hear, "Morse code is an outdated method of communication."

The argument might include comparisons to digital modes, or to the various ways to talk to other amateur radio operators--from HF side-band, to digital modes on repeaters or over the Internet.

Sailboats and sail power are also outdated modes of transportation. Yet, we see, on any given fair day at the harbors around the world, large numbers of sailboats being navigated around the harbors and inlets as large groups of sailing enthusiasts harness the power of the wind.

But, it ain't dead, dude!

The truth is that Morse code is very much an active mode, with a utility still applicable in this day and age. Preppers know this: when computer networks go down, and when modern communications technology fails, Morse code can be generated, transmitted, received, and decoded with the most minimal of technology.

Not only that, but the efficiency of CW (continuous wave modulation, A1A) in terms of propagation is impressive. Morse code can be effectively used to communicate over much greater distances than voice modes and many digital modes, using the same equipment, antenna, and power levels.

In terms of general use, take a look at the activity typical of an evening on shortwave bands:

I'm an SKCC enthusiast. I'm SKCC member 4758s, and the s at the end of my membership number is the indicator that I have achieved the level of Senator. Information on the levels are on their pages at https://SKCCgroup.com

At the same time, I'm always pushing to increase my ability to copy code at a faster clip. I'm relearning the code.

I used to do the mental gymnastics of translating dits and dahs. But now, I'm learning to hear the entire sound of a letter and just know the letter.

If I hear someone say, "A, B, C," I hear exactly those letters. Now, in the same way with Morse code, I hear letters and even whole words. Thus, my speed has increased.

I wish I'd first learned the code using the Koch method. That's basically the same as what the CWops Code Academy teaches (see https://cwops.org/ for more about them--the activity in this video is one of their weekly events).

At https://lcwo.net you can learn to hear the code. Don't learn it by counting dits and dahs!

73 de NW7US (which means, "Best regards, NW7US")