Once and awhile, I hear, "Morse code is an outdated method of communication."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Sailboats and sail power are also outdated modes of transportation.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.
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.
My limited exposure to the world of Morse-code-enabled amateur radio operators (30+ years) has given me the impression that the motivation and interest to learn Morse code lies in one or more of these concepts:
I'm sure that there are other reasons. Whatever the reasons, there has been an uptick in the number of people learning, using, and leveraging Morse code.
In terms of general use, take a look at the activity typical of an evening on shortwave bands:
There are some who will point to statistics compiled from the Reverse Beacon Network, or other spotting websites or DX clusters. The statistics from such resources show modes like FT8 far more popular than Morse code/CW. However, these statistics are misleading.
The problem with stats are many, including the fact that there is no widespread network of spotters that can automatically decode and identify modes other than CW, PSK31, and FT8, with perhaps one or several others. The rest are either self-reported, or spotted. Which leaves out a VAST number of stations that are on the air but not captured by any data-gathering network of monitors. Thus, the numbers are skewed. Horribly so.
But, yes, FT8 is heavily used on the HF bands. FT8/FT4 are relatively new modes which could easily explain the flocking to those modes. Most ops already have the awards on CW/SSB and are now working on FT8/FT4 awards, for instance.
FT4/FT8 is essentially Robot Radio where many ops set it on automatic while they go about their lives. It is useful for propagation studies, or getting DXCC without the extra effort to use Morse code or SSB.
FT4/FT8 signals are sent and copied via computer and not by human ear like CW. The software can copy signals below the noise floor where the human ear cannot. But, there is one major drawback: FT8/FT4 are modes that do not provide a way to exchange more information than a signal report, a callsign, and a location. You cannot have a conversation with these modes--you cannot pass traffic with FT8 or FT4.
Yes, there is another new mode based on FT8: JS8CALL.
JS8CALL is still in development, so the software is a bit combersome. It does have potential. It may become popular.
Nevertheless, you must have some sort of computer (or tablet, etc.) to encode and decode these digital modes. Morse code only requires a minimal amount of radio--the transmitter and receiver can be very basic. And, Morse code only requires your brain and ears to encode and decode. That's it. Skill, without a need for a computer.
Newer hams find the FT8/FT4/JS8CALL options make for quick gratification of the DX urge. And, that's exciting and cool.
At some point, though, those new ops discover that maybe they want to go portable to a park or mountain top, without anything more than a QRP CW transciever and a lightweight battery. They might also develop the urge to have conversations while away from the home computer equipment. They then discover that Morse code--the CW mode--is not only a cool challenge, but an effective way to travel lightly, and accomplish DX more efficiently than using voice modes like Upper or Lower Side Band emissions, or digital computer-aided modes. Thus is born, for them, the new journey into using Morse code as a means of discovering new excitement and satisfaction.
Amateur radio is many things to many people, true. The art of Elmering is alive, though.
Groups like CWOps, FISTS, and SKCC do a good job in mentoring interested amateur radio enthusiasts. Just like other pursuits of passion, like sail boating, many still find such pursuits worthy of time, effort, money, and promotion. And, there are plenty of people willing to help the new Morse code operator learn the language and the art of radio telegraphy.
I'm a Straight Key Century Club (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--I've had a high number of unique QSOs with other SKCC members, all using a straight key. Information on the levels are on their pages at https://SKCCgroup.com
Making so many QSOs caused me to realize that I want to increase my skill. I'm always pushing to increase my ability to copy code at a faster clip. To do that, I'm relearning Morse code.
I used to do the mental gymnastics of translating dits and dahs--I would count the dits and dahs, and mentally do a lookup in a mental table, to figure out what letter or number, or punctuation mark, was heard. Such decoding is a LOT of work, and takes too much time--I would miss letters because I was still looking up the character while new ones were being heard.
But now, I'm learning to hear the entire sound of a letter--to just know the letter by its total sound.
If I hear someone say, "A, B, C," I hear exactly those letters. In 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 the same learning technique (or scheme) as what the CWops Code Academy teaches. And, at https://lcwo.net you can learn to hear the code, too. The bottom line? Don't learn it by counting dits and dahs!
I hope you and I have a QSO via CW Morse code, sometime!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6KkSBfc_Vg
73 de NW7US
| W0RW | 2020-07-22 | |
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| Re: It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| Now is the time for you to switch over to coping "Words'. See https://www.eham.net/articles/41222 Paul w0rw Reply to a comment by : NN2X on 2020-07-22 I think CW will continue to live on, but I think it might be by the better CW Decoders, and Key Board method.. Take for example, the new Kenwood 890S, the CW Decoder is really good, I passed CW 20WPM for my Extra in 1980, however, today sadly I am about 16 to 18wpm....But with a decoder helping me along the way, I am willing to bet I can get my speed up there again! NN2X/ Tom Reply to a comment by : VE3CUI on 2020-07-06 Thomas, that entire last entry in your article would have been unnecessary, had you paid heed from the very beginning to the basic credo in that fifty cent booklet of yore that was published by the ARRL, i.e. "Learning The Radio Telegraph Code." LEARN THE SOUND of each character in code, it preaches throughout. That's exactly what I did some 50 years ago, & I just absolutely LOVE my CW as a result of that, I am sure... You obviously came around to that reality, albeit via a different path. No worries --- at least you made it, & now enjoy CW as much as the next aficionado! Why did I, personally, get attached to the mode...? My working days were filled with one-on-one verbal communications with others --- but CW bestowed me with the opportunity to converse with my hands! Besides, I don't care WHAT anyone might say to disparage the code, it really is second language. that demands discipline in its execution. I may not be a master at it, but I like using it... So there --- 'nuff said! Hi Hi | ||
| NN2X | 2020-07-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Re: It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I think CW will continue to live on, but I think it might be by the better CW Decoders, and Key Board method.. Take for example, the new Kenwood 890S, the CW Decoder is really good, I passed CW 20WPM for my Extra in 1980, however, today sadly I am about 16 to 18wpm....But with a decoder helping me along the way, I am willing to bet I can get my speed up there again! NN2X/ Tom Reply to a comment by : VE3CUI on 2020-07-06 Thomas, that entire last entry in your article would have been unnecessary, had you paid heed from the very beginning to the basic credo in that fifty cent booklet of yore that was published by the ARRL, i.e. "Learning The Radio Telegraph Code." LEARN THE SOUND of each character in code, it preaches throughout. That's exactly what I did some 50 years ago, & I just absolutely LOVE my CW as a result of that, I am sure... You obviously came around to that reality, albeit via a different path. No worries --- at least you made it, & now enjoy CW as much as the next aficionado! Why did I, personally, get attached to the mode...? My working days were filled with one-on-one verbal communications with others --- but CW bestowed me with the opportunity to converse with my hands! Besides, I don't care WHAT anyone might say to disparage the code, it really is second language. that demands discipline in its execution. I may not be a master at it, but I like using it... So there --- 'nuff said! Hi Hi | ||
| KB9CFH | 2020-07-21 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| Morsecat2 to learn MORSE CODE Has both letter and word practice capabilities. CRYPTO style. EDITOR for loading text file or type in what you want to work on. WINMORSE2 to make your own text to wave files that you can convert to MP3 files. Converts tany text file to MORSE CODE AUDIO FILES. Works at different speeds. CwCom ( CW COMMUNICATOR ) YOU DON'T NEED A HAM LICENSE to send and receive MORSE CODE over the internet. SUPERALDIS3 to practice sending and receiving MORSE CODE BY LIGHT. Good practice for small boats and sailing vessels. Can be used in terminal mode for practice between 2 computers. Good for being somewhere you don't or can't use a radio but you have a flashlight. HIGH-RISE BUILDING TO HIGH-RISE BUILDING | ||
| VE3CUI | 2020-07-17 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I TOTALLY agree with K6CRC's assessment of the code situation to-day... The other day I had a CW QSO with the YOUNGEST Ham that I've encountered in ages --- and even HE was 54...! The majority of CW addicts is around my age, here --- 68 --- but I get at least have as many again in their 70's...some even well into the "...high seniority" years of the 80's... Lord love 'em all, though. I just LOVE my CW, & thoroughly enjoy conversing with fellow aficionados with the mode... | ||
| K6CRC | 2020-07-16 | |
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| Re: It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I don't really get the 'prepper' stuff. The average age of Hams who can effectively use code is very high. Few will survive that 'zombie' event. And, even fewer will be in any kind of shape to do anything useful. Hell, just finding their glasses will be a major chore. Society collapse? Trade your Ham rig and code key, you only need whiskey, guns, and gold. Reply to a comment by : K8QV on 2020-07-11 "...Morse code can be generated, transmitted, received, and decoded with the most minimal of technology." I've been preaching this since emergency communication became a huge fad. The problem is we need more than a handful of code operators to make it effective when literally everything goes south. We will have a ton of guys with handhelds but no extra batteries and minimal coverage without the repeaters up and running! | ||
| K8QV | 2020-07-11 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
"...Morse code can be generated, transmitted, received, and decoded with the most minimal of technology." I've been preaching this since emergency communication became a huge fad. The problem is we need more than a handful of code operators to make it effective when literally everything goes south. We will have a ton of guys with handhelds but no extra batteries and minimal coverage without the repeaters up and running! | ||
| N2RRA | 2020-07-09 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I’ve used code everyday since 1990. Been using it in the worst days of our poorest solar cycle till date. When the phone bands were dead there was activity on the CW portion. Before FT8 we were still making DX contacts where phone couldn’t. More code will NEVER die. It’ll be around long after digital and when the grid goes down. 73 | ||
| KC6RWI | 2020-07-08 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I learn't to receive it but its just not my cup of tea. I can say few things that I like about cw, it would be fun to mountain top with a tiny radio. Its also great when a 2 meter station or any station id's in cw, if a bystander hears morse they don't associate that sound with CB. | ||
| VE3WGO | 2020-07-07 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| You mentioned emergency, QRP, portability, brain power, and contests. But you might have forgotten to include a very big reason why many people use the Morse Code.. and that is, no matter how its merits may score on any comparison scale versus other modes, the truth is... CW is fun! | ||
| G8FXC | 2020-07-07 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I'm fond of morse code - but nowhere near as good at it as I would like to be. I do have problems with these "prepper" arguments - if the world falls apart around me, I would be far more inclined to swallow a large bottle of sleeping pills washed down with brandy than to try to have a QSO with someone on the far side of the world! | ||
| N3BXZ | 2020-07-07 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| Great article. I personally love CW and it is the only mode I use. But I get why some folks don't like it. When I was first licensed in the 90s, CW was the barrier I had to overcome to get my license and it kept me from upgrading. When I came back to the hobby after 10 years, I decided to relearn and then improve my CW skills. It has become my favorite mode and I make CW contacts every day. I have used PSK31 and FT8, but I just enjoy CW more. Yes, CW is alive, and well if you want to give it a go. And as for my opinion on "No Code Operators", they are Ham radio Operators, therefore they are cool with me. Tate N3BXZ | ||
| KF4HR | 2020-07-07 | |
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| Re: It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I learned CW back in the 60's. Even though CW is not my favorite mode, I'd much rather spend my time having a CW QSO, than a FT8 info exchange. Reply to a comment by : VE3CUI on 2020-07-06 Thomas, that entire last entry in your article would have been unnecessary, had you paid heed from the very beginning to the basic credo in that fifty cent booklet of yore that was published by the ARRL, i.e. "Learning The Radio Telegraph Code." LEARN THE SOUND of each character in code, it preaches throughout. That's exactly what I did some 50 years ago, & I just absolutely LOVE my CW as a result of that, I am sure... You obviously came around to that reality, albeit via a different path. No worries --- at least you made it, & now enjoy CW as much as the next aficionado! Why did I, personally, get attached to the mode...? My working days were filled with one-on-one verbal communications with others --- but CW bestowed me with the opportunity to converse with my hands! Besides, I don't care WHAT anyone might say to disparage the code, it really is second language. that demands discipline in its execution. I may not be a master at it, but I like using it... So there --- 'nuff said! Hi Hi | ||
| KC3JV | 2020-07-07 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| I was personally not very good at CW. I like PSK31. According to a QST article a few years ago you can receive PSK 31 well below the noise floor. It is a chat mode that will work up to 50 WPM if you can type that fast. If your good at CW then please enjoy it. I cannot learn to copy behind so I will never be any good. Mark KC3JV | ||
| K6CRC | 2020-07-07 | |
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| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| Good article. CW is great, many hams enjoy using it. Many do not. It should not matter. And, it is just one aspect of the hobby. The author gives good reasons to learn and use code, likely new hams will appreciate all the help. For me, I like to talk and don't enjoy CW. Likely, I am not good at it and it isn't fun for me, is the real reason. One of the issues that drove away new potential hams for years was the code requirement. It was repealed, but how many on-line discussions end up with some OF complaining about 'no-coders'. These are the same people who rag on young people as 'stupid', then are mystified why their computer doesn't work. I hope we see a lot on new hams signing up to learn CW. If they chose not to, welcome them anyway. Tell them if they hear yet another cranky OF, just spin the dial... | ||
| VE3CUI | 2020-07-06 | |
|---|---|---|
| It Ain't Dead! (Morse Code - Still Effective and Useful) | ||
| Thomas, that entire last entry in your article would have been unnecessary, had you paid heed from the very beginning to the basic credo in that fifty cent booklet of yore that was published by the ARRL, i.e. "Learning The Radio Telegraph Code." LEARN THE SOUND of each character in code, it preaches throughout. That's exactly what I did some 50 years ago, & I just absolutely LOVE my CW as a result of that, I am sure... You obviously came around to that reality, albeit via a different path. No worries --- at least you made it, & now enjoy CW as much as the next aficionado! Why did I, personally, get attached to the mode...? My working days were filled with one-on-one verbal communications with others --- but CW bestowed me with the opportunity to converse with my hands! Besides, I don't care WHAT anyone might say to disparage the code, it really is second language. that demands discipline in its execution. I may not be a master at it, but I like using it... So there --- 'nuff said! Hi Hi | ||