"Jeff Renkin" wrote in message
...
What are you going to use when HF propagation is too weak to support
voice???

That was already answered higher up in the thread, I will requote that
part:

The International Maritime Organization officially phased out Morse code
Feb.
1 for ships in peril, replacing it with the high-tech Global Maritime
Distress
and
Safety System.

So that answer would be, the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.



So this system is installed on all boats and planes of all sizes both
private and commercial? I seriously doubt that.

Satellites and GPS are far more reliable than HF. Keep in mind code
was
invented and used because there were no microphones invented yet.
Likewise, HF was ok before we had satellites and GPS. When a friend of
mine recently traveled overseas, I was able to track the entire flight
from
several free websites that you just enter in the flight number and you get
a
constant read out of speed, altitude, location and maps to show you
exactly
where the plane was the whole time. With technology like this, no one
even
needs to call for help anymore, when the signal stops, we know exactly
where
it was when it stopped and can go looking for it.

Why do so many people want to throw all this technology away and force
everyone to stay with antiquated forms of communication like HF and Morse
Code?


No we do not wish to throw away all the new technology. We want to keep a
viable communications mode in case that new technology fails. That is all.
The invention of the typewriter and later the word processor does not make
handwriting completely obsolete.

What next? Will they start a movement to force all of us to get rid of
our
washing machines and have to use old washboards instead so THEY will be
happy?

I for one, gladly embrace new technology that makes life easier and
better. Wanting to play around with HF and Morse Code for a hobby to
get a
nostalgic feeling of yesteryear is fine, but be realistic and don't come
up
with ridiculous ideas to force others to use it.


This new technology that you embrace was invented by the same people who
want to keep code. Complex infrastructures should always be backed up by
simple basic methods.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE