In article , "Kim W5TIT"
writes:

"Hans K0HB" wrote in message
. com...
"Kim W5TIT" wrote

Spark transmissions were outlawed (as well they should have been) so
the precedent exists.

Hmmmm, Jim/N2EY made that observation also. Then, I see the comment that
spark was a transmission method--not a mode. I think that's splitting
hairs, isn't it? I'm asking--I wasn't around for spark

The ONLY way a "spark" transmitter could send anything called
communications information was by on-off keying.

Since "morse code" was already in practice and was totally
on-off keying, it was adopted as The "radio code."

The adoption of a long-existing (since 1844) LANDLINE code
says absolutely nothing about its efficacy in radio communications,
ability to "work through" or much else. On-off keying was
adopted simply because it was the ONLY WAY POSSIBLE for
early, primitive radio to allow communications. It's just
practical applied physics. Nothing else.

Doesn't settle your question, I know, but then I've not been shy
about making a particular subject point... :-)

LHA