View Full Version : CW on the rise
Anyone besides me notice the increased number of folks trying out CW for the 1st time since the testing requirement has been eliminated?
Seems like folks are learning the mode to make some contacts vs learning the minimum to just pass a test.
And that is nothing but a good thing..............
wb6mmj
07-28-2007, 02:12 AM
Quote[/b] (n0ov @ July 27 2007,18:59)]Anyone besides me notice the increased number of folks trying out CW for the 1st time since the testing requirement has been eliminated?
Seems like folks are learning the mode to make some contacts vs learning the minimum to just pass a test.
And that is nothing but a good thing..............
Since the end of CW on the exams, I`ve been thinking about getting back into CW again. I hate what`s been happening to Ham Radio, the dumbing down, because of the F.C.C and the A.R.R.L. Yes I said the A.R.R.L !!
If you want to argue with me about my statement, have fun. I will not reply to people who just want to argue.
kd8grp
07-28-2007, 02:17 AM
To me, ham radio IS CW. I'm trying and it's coming,slowly. I'll get there about the same time I'm ready to upgrade to General.
Is that real CW or computer CW?
For some, CW is just another keyboard mode.
KA4DPO
07-28-2007, 02:57 AM
Quote[/b] (wb6mmj @ July 27 2007,21:12)]Quote[/b] (n0ov @ July 27 2007,18:59)]Anyone besides me notice the increased number of folks trying out CW for the 1st time since the testing requirement has been eliminated?
Seems like folks are learning the mode to make some contacts vs learning the minimum to just pass a test.
And that is nothing but a good thing..............
Since the end of CW on the exams, I`ve been thinking about getting back into CW again. I hate what`s been happening to Ham Radio, the dumbing down, because of the F.C.C and the A.R.R.L. Yes I said the A.R.R.L !!
If you want to argue with me about my statement, have fun. I will not reply to people who just want to argue.
I certainly can't argue with you. I agree with you..
KI4ODO
07-28-2007, 02:58 AM
Well I LOVE IT!! Been doing it since the rule change. The day the rules changed, my first HF contact was CW (ugly as it was #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ) But tonight I have made several very good qso's with some super nice ops. It's just a great mode. This week I got my first keyer and paddles and am having a blast. And yes, it's on the rise! I talk to many "no code generals" on CW. I had a fellow tell me a few minutes ago on 14.056 that we were "carrying the tourch onward". I like the sound of that. What CW has done for me is make me want to learn even more things. I mean hey, if I learned to speak another language (CW) I can learn about other things that hams really should know. I am electronically challenged, I admit that #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #So I figure now, if I learned CW, I can learn electronics to. Both of which I want to use, not just pass a test with, there is a huge difference.
KI4ODO
07-28-2007, 03:11 AM
Note to all the old timers. Here is a shocker but it's true. WE LISTEN TO YOU. When you make a big deal about the changes, some of us realize there is a reason for the passion you all have, and we take notice. It makes some of us want to take it upon ourselves to learn, and preserve something that is special. It may not seem like it sometimes, but we respect the OT's, and listen to what you say and think.
And to any OT that I have met on the air, thank you for guiding us. The OT's are doing a great job of helping us. They are being patient, helpful, and motivating us to want to learn. And I thank them for that.
Now this may sound like ass kissing, but this is what MY (real world) ham radio experience has been thus far. Very helpful people that I look up to, and want to be more like as far as ham radio goes.
VO1GXG
07-28-2007, 03:56 AM
CW...meh couldn't be bothered to learn it but i still find it a great mode .
K8MHZ
07-28-2007, 04:01 AM
I am an instructor for the Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council's Continuing Education Program.
I have seen no lack of interest in Morse Code since the dropping of the Code requirement of the FCC. #In fact, I have seen my students refer in awe to the Morse operator's proficiency they witnessed at Field Day this year and I think they will pursue it with a veracity that a licencing requirement would only hope for.....and fall obviously short of.
We discuss the value of learning Morse Code in class on a routine basis, not just by using CW, but by the virtue of the fact that Morse can be sent so many ways and copied by people all over the planet, or close to home if they have the training.
Personally, I think the dropping of the requirement was a shot in the arm for Morse Code. #I do wish that the FCC would have kept a certification available for those that wished to learn it voluntarily, though. #Wallpaper is always a good motivator, especially when initiated by our Federal Government.
N8CPA
07-28-2007, 10:10 AM
See below. I hold such truth to be self evident.
wa0kzl
07-28-2007, 11:21 AM
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I've said it for a long time and will continue to do so..
"Talk is Cheap - Real Hams Beep!"
Amen
W4HAY
07-28-2007, 11:56 AM
To me CW is like dressage (Google it!). It's a constant learning process, trying to obtain that perfection even the greatest of riders never achieve but constantly strive for.
My J-38 sits next to my paddles, ready to QRS for the increasing number of those wanting to investigate the thrill of learning a new mode, a mode that functions between the ears, not inside a black box.
A few that I worked several months back now want me to grab the paddles, and a couple have even left me in the dust!
If you CW newbies hear me calling CQ, reply at your own speed. It takes me about 3 seconds to shift gears.
BTW, rumor has it that at least one of the VE groups is considering re-instating the code tests and awarding certificates, perhaps with an on-line posting of the certificate holders.
KI4ODO
07-28-2007, 12:20 PM
W4HAY, I hope so, I'd be in line for that. It would be cool to have, sort of like a WAS cirtificate, it would be nice to have on the wall.
I think that n0ov is right. I just tuned across the 40 meter band and found 14 phone and 16 CW QSO's going on. Pretty decent numbers for CQ on an early Saturday morning http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
73
George
K3UD
k0dxc
07-28-2007, 04:20 PM
That's what I did http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
W2BBQ
07-28-2007, 05:08 PM
On the rise? Not in my shack. Waited 12 years for the dang requirement to be dropped. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
WA2ZDY
07-28-2007, 05:29 PM
CW is the only mode I work on HF. If I had a REAL AM rig, I'd do that too. I can't stand the noise with SSB. It hurts my ears.
w8znx
07-28-2007, 05:45 PM
Quote[/b] (w2bbq @ July 28 2007,10:08)]On the rise? Not in my shack. Waited 12 years for the dang requirement to be dropped. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
12 years wasted
CW not in your shack
stands to reason
reading your qrz bio
you have a base station
mac
wa9cwx
07-28-2007, 05:47 PM
What the hell is all this, am I in heaven ?
w8znx
07-28-2007, 05:56 PM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ July 27 2007,19:50)]Is that real CW or computer CW?
For some, CW is just another keyboard mode.
real cw ops do not need a computer
( new age, no code ops please read
above two or three times before
posting reply how no code ops are real ops )
funny story
happend to friend of mine
we will call him wx8xx
40 cw few days ago wx8xx
called cq
had station come back
started the basic rst qth name hw cpy bk
station comes back asks if wx8xx
could switch over to key board
as his computer is having a hard time
copying wx8xx sending
wx8xx replys
sry om but i do not use a computer to run cw
but would you like to move up band
and we try psk 31
other station comes back with 73 and signs off
mac
W2BBQ
07-28-2007, 08:58 PM
ZNX I have wasted nothing sir. That is your opinion.
Base, home, fixed....there is no point in nit picking over words. Your perjoratives are a waste of keystrokes and bandwidth. Attitudes like yours are among those that turn people off from ham radio.
Stop hating are start supporting. Be a part of the solution instead of the problem.
wa9cwx
07-28-2007, 09:19 PM
There you go Mac, hating again.....
Let me add up all the hatefull posts you have made in 5 years.......... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Ok, theres the one that......
no, wait......
oh, yea, the one..........
then.......
Well, just give me some time.......
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
w8znx
07-28-2007, 10:11 PM
Quote[/b] (w2bbq @ July 28 2007,10:08)]On the rise? Not in my shack. Waited 12 years for the dang requirement to be dropped. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
by your own admission
you waited 12 years
for the code requirement to be dropped
if that is not a waste
i don't know what is
missed a whole sun spot cycle
you only get so many sun spot cycles
in a life time
im just a hatefull old timer
did i hurt your feelings
oh
the shame of it all
the shame of it all
mac
W5HTW
07-28-2007, 10:35 PM
Quote[/b] (KI4ODO @ July 27 2007,19:58)]Well I LOVE IT!! Been doing it since the rule change. The day the rules changed, my first HF contact was CW (ugly as it was :p ) But tonight I have made several very good qso's with some super nice ops. It's just a great mode. This week I got my first keyer and paddles and am having a blast. And yes, it's on the rise! I talk to many "no code generals" on CW. I had a fellow tell me a few minutes ago on 14.056 that we were "carrying the tourch onward". I like the sound of that. What CW has done for me is make me want to learn even more things. I mean hey, if I learned to speak another language (CW) I can learn about other things that hams really should know. I am electronically challenged, I admit that :D So I figure now, if I learned CW, I can learn electronics to. Both of which I want to use, not just pass a test with, there is a huge difference.
Well, did you discover CW? Or did you discover "pride of personal achievement?" Either way, it's a good thing.
It is rather sad, though, that we had to legislate personal pride. If we removed math from high school, would more high school students go to college and study science? If we remove history from high school, will more people know what the US Constitution is about? (OK, I doubt that would work. Maybe the Mexican Constitution.)
I'm not sure I buy that. But I am glad CW is on the rise, which it is. Maybe that will keep the FCC from banning it.
BBQ I agree. You did not waste 12 years. You just played VHF CB while you waited for ham radio to be redesigned to fit your personal needs. See? You had fun! So why did you leave VHF? Why are you on HF? You didn't want it until it was spoon fed to you.
How totally self-centered.
Ed