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VK3ZWI > AMRVIC 17.07.05 00:37l 35 Lines 1472 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 52500_VK3DSE
Read: GUEST
Subj: Morse code alive & well
Path: DB0FHN<DB0FOR<DB0SIF<DB0FSG<DB0RGB<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0AR<ZL2BAU<VK3AYM<
VK3DSE
Sent: 050716/0918Z @:VK3DSE.#MEL.VIC.AUS.OC #:52500 [Narre Warren] FBB7.00g25
From: VK3ZWI@VK3DSE.#MEL.VIC.AUS.OC
To : AMRVIC@WW
Morse code alive & well
-----------------------
It's just over two years ago the mandatory requirement of Morse code
proficiency tests for access to the high frequency amateur bands was removed.
That historic decision at the World Radiocommunications Conference 2003
resulted in many countries ending the code requirement.
But what if any impact has that decision had on the use of Morse code by
radio amateurs? There appears to be no sign of a demise of CW interest and
operation. Listen to the HF bands and often there more simultaneous CW
contacts than there are on phone. Sometimes there's plenty of QSOs on the
bottom end of the band and no phone contacts to be heard.
DXpeditions and some special event stations demonstrate that those which
include CW in their operation have great successes.
Contesting is another area of CW strength. Morse code operator clubs are
attracting new members.
Requests for CW learning materials regularly appear on the ham wanted and
for sale sites, along with second hand straight keys and paddles.
Manufacturers of paddles seem to be doing very well. New model ham rigs
continue to have in-built CW keyers.
Samuel Finley Breese Morse would indeed be pleased to hear that the
telegraphic code which bears his name, and created a revolution in world
communications, is being conserved for the future by radio amateurs.
- Amateur Radio Victoria
www.amateurradio.com.au
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