On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:54:34 EDT, AF6AY wrote:

As a prime example, the changeover to GMDSS and replacement
of the old 500 KHz international distress and safety frequency which
used morse code exclusively. Even the USCG stopped monitoring that
old 500 KHz frequency. GMDSS was designed and approved by the
Maritime Community, not by amateurs.

As those of us who had our ears to the hull, so to speak, know very
well, the main reason was to get rid of "Sparks the Radio Operator"
who was a very large expense for the traffic that was being handled by
non-Morse methods. Some could be retrained as service technicians,
many could not and took retirement.

Be aware, though, that there are still several Public Coast Stations
in the US that are capable and do handle Morse traffic, and twice a
year the USCG fires up its Morse stations. It's not all dead.
--

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon

e-mail: k2asp [at] arrl [dot] net