I learned morse code in the early 80's. (ex KA2RLB). I was an avid ham for
years. I loved contesting, rtty, cw. I never really got much past 20wpm. But
I loved ragchewing in the novice bands where I could pick and choose a
comfortable speed. I was totaly inactive for about 10-12 years and recently
was re-bitten by the "ham radio bug" and obtained a ts430s. Wow, how fast
the cw came back to me!
There have been a lot of changes in ham radio in the last 10 years, mostly
due to computers.
the one thing that has not really changed is morse readers. They still
suck!! hihi.
Then I find out the whole license structure and cw thing. Ok... It sort of
saddend my heart a bit.
Kind of like an end of an era. CW is an antiquated form of communication, no
doubt, however I think there will be CW enthusiasts for many, many years.
People that are steeped in tradidtion. To remember radios early days, etc..
Occasionaly I find myself talking to young kids and (If I can manipulate)
the conversation turns to morse code (wink) I start rattleing thier name off
in morse code (spoken) Dahdidah Didah Da Didididit Dahdidahda, etc etc. Most
kids think its fun when you explain it like it learning a "secret language"
that isnt really to hard to learn!
So......where are all the CW'rs going to be???? I truley think, even if CW
gets totaly abolished it will be around forever.
Just my 2 cents

N2EIK

Dahdidah

--
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Your never really alone with a schizophrenic."
An unknown comedian.


..

"Doug Birky" wrote in message
...
I agree totally. I am really looking foreword to getting my general. I
don't mind the work of learning CW. I have both the G4FON and CodeQuick.
I
highly recommend the G4FON. I do use the CodeQuick if I find myself
getting
stuck or mixing up close or opposite sounds. I think that code should be
required for the HF licenses. At 5WPM the people that really want it will

work for it. If the ARRL does get the license changed so no-code gets
some
HF privileges, so be it. As long as folks stay where they belong in the
band, things should still go ok. Its those select few that can screw it
up.
If you don't want to learn code, fine. But stay where you belong. As for
me,
it will be fun to know the code. I have a nephew that is wanting to learn
it
is well. He is currently studying for his tech license and will be
joining
me soon after that when he learns the code as well. This is a fun hobby.
Its great to meet the people, talk to the older folks who started this
out,
and talk to others just getting into it as I am. Please don't wreck it
for
us newbies.
73
Doug / KC8YEC

Dee D. Flint wrote in message
gy.com...

"Old School" wrote in message
...
I applaud you for wanting to do it the old school way. Nothing wrong
with that. I want to as well, but time doesnt allow that for me unless
I get time soon.



Odds are it will take the FCC about 2 years to make any changes (if they
make any changes). If you practice 30 minutes per day using the free
G4FON
software, you should be ready to take the code test in about 2 months.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE