Morse Code is NOT Dead, Dude! 2020-06-03

Yeah - It ain't dead, dude! Morse code is still very much an art and a language in common use, every day of the year, all around the world.

Learn Morse code, here: https://lcwo.net/https://lcwo.net/

Learn about amateur radio, here: http://www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio

MORSE CODE: STILL USEFUL AND ENJOYED.

Once and awhile, I hear, "Morse code is an outdated method of communication."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Sailboats and sail power are also outdated modes of transportation.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.

What motivation do people have, that drives them to learn and use Morse code?

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:

• It will give me the ability to communicate if the world falls apart -- the prepper reasons,

• It gives me an edge when using very low power (QRP or QQRP),

• It allows me to go portable up to the summit of mountains, with light-weight equipment,

• It is a challenge that will help me increase my brain power,

• It is a competitive edge I can use during contests.

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.

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. Info 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 hea ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6KkSBfc_Vg