The Old Man and his Telegraph Key

[N9AS]

The Old Man and His Telegraph Key

He wasn't your ordinary hero but he belonged in the Hall of Fame. #He wasn't seven feet tall and never played basketball. He could never have been a tight end who scored the winning touchdown. Why he wasn't even your favorite movie star.

Seldom did he miss speaking the right word at the right time. #He never talked out loud but he would speak and you would drop all thought and listen. #He would gesture with his favorite golden telegraph key. #Looking beyond a fellow man's fist he could look into your heart. #He would always bring interesting thought and listen to your response.

Our hero would even fall asleep in his favorite chair just behind his radio and to the left of his telegraph key. #You would have thought that the warmth from that telegraph key stopped the cold on a cold evening. #Sometimes while alone in the big house you could hear music in the background. #A strange music to most but the note would never change as the words flowed throughout the house.

Over the years he was always there. #Sometimes in a blizzard and sometimes on a sunny day he would direct others into his heart. #When times were difficult he could put good #thoughts and comfort in place of despair and pain. #Darkness would only fill a night and never your soul when he tapped his telegraph key of life.

And then it happened one day! #I don't remember if it was his friend or his wife. #"That old telegraph key must go or I am not your friend any longer," came the insistence.

I think it broke his heart that day but he did comply. #Tears on his old telegraph key and that golden telegraph key tarnished that sad day.

As best as I can remember it seemed like decades before I saw the old man smile again. I informed him that he had just been inducted into the CW Hall of Fame.

"But I did nothing to deserve it" was his reply. #"Oh, yes there have been happy days at the other end of your old telegraph key" I spoke. #He smiled at me and a tear fell down his face as he pulled out an old box and pulled out his golden telegraph key of life.

His old friend never let him down and never left him over the decades. #I wish I could have said the same about his friend or was it his wife? #Sometimes it's only the longtime friends we need the most.

And so was born the Hall of Fame A-1 CW Operator whose soul lives forever.

Some recent Hall of Fame A-1 CW Operators:

http://members.csinet.net/asimpson/K9CA-01.jpg
http://members.csinet.net/asimpson/W5UIP-01.jpg
http://members.csinet.net/asimpson/K9CA-02.jpg
http://members.csinet.net/asimpson/W5UIP-02.jpg

Written by Art Simpson,N9AS based on a true life event.

[K0HB]

Congrats to the Old Timer on this award.

But if he didn't smile for all those years, then he seriously needs to develop some additional interests.

73, de Hans, K0HB
--
http://home.earthlink.net/~k0hb

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Congradulations ! Long live C W !! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[na8dx]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif I still use my straight key, I learned on a straight key and leg key 40 years ago, I know the automatated keyers don't like to QSO for long, BUT I sure do still love it.

Bob

SOWP OTC

[W6UQZ]

I wish the deprived CWer peace and digital mode. I'm a younger Ham (25+ yrs as a ham, now) with an older, basic straight key. I have an IC-746 with a keyer, but I choose my straight key for CW, and often work 30mtrs with an inverted vee, many countries worked. However,
CW is one of many satisfying hamcom modes, and hamming is one of several major hobbies I enjoy.

One must raise the posterior out of the chair and view the horizon to keep the sparkle in the eye...even that sparkle that occurs when the str key is hammering out ham-speak. 73, JH

[k5ahh]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Great post! W5UIP lives a few miles from me. I'm glad I read this.

[KD5LJH]

man i would have dropped the woman like a bad habit!

lol seriously, I'm a 5wpm general i guess you could say, and after working SSB, and PSK31 since i got my general ticket, i've always felt i lacked something.... and it is the CW. To ME and only ME, CW is part of the foundation of radio. To ME its partly what ham radio is all about. So i'm in a bidding war to get me a key of some sort, either straight or iambic and i'm going to get my 5wpm back down again and start talking to folks. I just get a better feeling i'll feel more complete in my hobby if i do.

[kf4dew]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Nice story.But morse, the one who invented it die to. So long morse code. I will even give you a 21 tap salute. JMO !!!!

[N4OI]

Nice story. #I have been a ham for just one year this month and, after working SSB, RTTY and PSK31, I am almost 100% on CW. #Most fun is using the K1 I built a few weeks ago - and I now have DSW-20 and Rockmite kits on the way. #I am saddened, however, that the friend or wife and the man could not have worked out a compromise instead of posing the ultimatum. #As a result, he lost his joy. #We all need balance between hobbies, work and relationships. #I have found that seeking God's purpose first helps put all else in right priority and balance. #I believe our true joy is not in activities, things, recognition, or even relationships, but is in finding our purpose and then walking it out. #73 de Ken - N4OI

[kd5sdi]

I keep trying, last saturday I missed the mark by one question. I guess I'll get the code some day. I am going to get a K1 as a congratulations gift to myself.

[w8qf]

This was a truly great story and expressed the heart of a real ham.I can see why the opponets to the code requirement feel the way they do.You will never know what CW is about unless you learn it and use it.An appliance operator will soon feel an empty spot in this hobby and never accept the reason for it,but will know without a question it is the lack of knowledge of CW that is the root of that empty spot.Reread the story above and you'll get the picture.Now I want it clearly understood that I hold no position or grudge with those who want code removed but I do feel sorry for them for what they are missing.John,start with a straight key,you'll get a better feel with it,and when you feel your getting pretty good at CW then try a set of paddles.You might also want to try FIST code buddies program and take advantage of an elmer to help develop the art.John,once you have learned the art of CW,you will then see the passion many of us have for it and why it is hard to let go.I would send you a straight key my self,but the only one I have left my elmer gave me over 40 years ago and i'm keeping it to use another 40 years.Good luck John and a TNX to the author for a great story.Dave, AE8U

[ah6gi]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (N9AS @ Oct. 26 2003,17http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">And then it happened one day! I don't remember if it was his friend or his wife. "That old telegraph key must go or I am not your friend any longer," came the insistence.

I think it broke his heart that day but he did comply. Tears on his old telegraph key and that golden telegraph key tarnished that sad day.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

This makes no sense at all.

But then, who knows.

see groups.yahoo.com/group/codenocode for more meaningless code discussions.

[w0tut]

Great story and 73 from an ex Santa ship
R/O also, who remembers copying WCC press in
Rio de La Plata with a weak signal and sferic bursts
on 4 mhz but never missing a press sked. #

good luck de Joe Prewitt w0tut #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[K9DI]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (AE8U @ Oct. 28 2003,07:33)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">An appliance operator will soon feel an empty spot in this hobby and never accept the reason for it,but will know without a question it is the lack of knowledge of CW that is the root of that empty spot.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Dave, I respectfully submit that perhaps you should reread the story, it's about CW not homebrewing equipment. #There are alot of "Appliance" Ops that use CW...I should know, I'm one of 'em
73
de
Wayne K9DI es Leader Dog Patriot
k9diNOSPAM@k9di.org

[aa1mn]

While it is a touching story I agree with the sentiments expressed by both K0HB and AH6GI.

It's a sad state of affairs if CW was the only thing this guy had to look forward to in life ... he, or any one like him, really needs to broaden their horizons if there is only one thing that brings contentment to such a narrow and isolated life.

It makes no sense at all, any of it ...

Chuck, AA1MN

[N8YV]

I guess I missed the point...(?) If the moral of this fanciful tale is that CW is going away just because it may not be a test requirement in the near future, all I have to say is "HOGWASH" !

Whether part of amateur licensing exams or not, CW will always be here, nobody is going to take it away or make it illegal to use.

Keep on keyin', there's plenty of code QSO's waiting to be had out there, and there will always be a plentiful supply of brass pounders as long as there is ham radio.

[kg4ivt]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aa1mn @ Oct. 29 2003,08:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">While it is a touching story I agree with the sentiments expressed by both K0HB and AH6GI.

It's a sad state of affairs if CW was the only thing this guy had to look forward to in life ... he, or any one like him, really needs to broaden their horizons if there is only one thing that brings contentment to such a narrow and isolated life.

It makes no sense at all, any of it ...

Chuck, AA1MN[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
....and anyone that would even remotely consider choosing ham radio/cw/what have you over (let's say, non-ham) friends OR http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif a woman really needs to have their head examined. E-S-P-E-C-I-A-L-L-Y for that second reason.

[KE4MOB]

I don't think that people should slam anyone for finding something that they truly enjoy. #

And as far as demanding that the key be put away or else, I think any companion that would do that sort of thing really isn't worth having in the first place unless I was way, way, out of line.

[aa1mn]

KE4MOB,

No one's slamming any one for having found something they enjoy, it's just being pointed out that if it's to the exclusion of all else, that is the other pleasures that life holds, it would be a sad state of affairs when that is the case.

And yes, your second point is quite valid, anyone who would insist that a simple pleasure be foresaken for friendship is waaaayyyy out of line.

Chuck, AA1MN

[N8CPA]

My wife knew she was marrying a ham. #I made no secret of it. #She understood it as part of who I am. And though I had no real station at the time we married, she knew I intended to assemble one some day. That day came 14 months after we got married, well before I expected.

We went to RS for some stereo speaker wire or something. #There was an HTX 100 on display. #I showed her the dials and jacks of the 10 meter rig and explained what each one did to signals sent and received by the radio.

I was shocked when she said, "Buy it."
"No." #I told her. #"You don't know what you will set in motion if I buy that thing. #I will start assembling the station of my dreams and that will cost a lot of money.
That is one project you don't want me start yet."

We stood there arguing about it for several minutes--I lost. #Within 6 months of that argument, I had an attic full of antennas, and a desk full of rigs covering 160 thru 2 meters. #And it was her fault!

That was almost 13 years ago. #Now there are even more rigs and a tower in the back yard. #And the only time she ever complained was on Field Day a few years ago. #In exchange for a weekend spent in our hot camper, I had to take her on a trip to a destination of her choice where there was air-conditioning.

Maybe I'm just lucky to have her. #I don't know what I'd do if I had to make a choice like the gentleman in the story. #I'm afraid I'd miss my wife. #Fortunately, I know she would not make me choose between losing myself or losing her.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ah6gi]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif6--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aa1mn @ Oct. 29 2003,12http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif6)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">KE4MOB,

No one's slamming any one for having found something they enjoy, it's just being pointed out that if it's to the exclusion of all else, that is the other pleasures that life holds, it would be a sad state of affairs when that is the case.


Chuck, AA1MN[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

So is the point of the story that he spent all his time pounding brass? It didn't exactly say that.

I listen to CW maybe a hour a week, just to keep in practice.

Most folk spend dozens of hours a week watching TV. That's a real waste of time.

[aa1mn]

AH6GI,

The original post implied that CW was the main joy in the person's life, to the exclusion of most others -- an interpretation that I and other readers of it made based on the wording that when the ultimatum was made to forgo this he rarely smiled for many years after.

I have known a few such people in my life and, with rare exception, found them to be rather dull to be around; most of us have a major interest or skill that we put much value in and persue which is fine, but when it is done mainly to the exclusion of all else it doesn't really make for and interesting or healthy individual.

Most people I know, myself included, have a variety of interests that they hold and are versed in to a greater or lesser extent that they are able to share with themselves and others.

Did you have a different understanding of it Cory? If so, please feel free to share it with us.

Chuck, AA1MN

[9V1VV]

I took the posting as a cautionary tale and vow not to become the Old Man and the Telegraph Key. The secret of a healthy life lies in moderation in all things.
I just took a peek at my bio on QRZ and resolve to change the pic !!!
73

[k1lwi]

cw till i drop dead the only way to go the best way to go best mode #music to my ears cw cw with my old j38 key and my old vibroplex key and the new keyer mfj grandmaster lic 43 yrs i love cw http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k0ru]

Wonderful story,

Noted was the fact they had been chosen by their peers to be selected for the most coveted award to be nominated as a A1 CW Op into the Hall of Fame.

This is a wonderful accomplishment, that only a selected few operators will ever experience.

Congratulations to them.

The other portions of the story, just about every operator can relate to in one way or the other. #This story just happens to evolve around CW, had it been SSB, AM, RTTY, PSK31, or packet doesn't matter. #For those of us that have spent many, many hours working the DX Chase, climbing the Contest ladder, or just enjoying the wonderful QSO's in their favorite mode of the years can relate to some of the emotions these operators are experiencing.

You do what you LOVE because you LOVE what you do. #Its that self satisfaction that is the most cherished, and the hardest to obtain. #These gentlemen have done that, some day others will have accomplished this feat and recognize these feelings and heartfelt emotion that one achieves through dedication and commitment throughout one's life.

Congratulations!

Rob - W8YRB

[aa1mn]

W8YRB,

Rob, it is sad that there are so many among us that are only able to find fulfillment by seeking acceptance from others.

Fulfillment and satisfaction comes not from acceptance comes not from acceptance by others but from acceptance of self.

Chuck, AA1MN

[n7uo]

Art:

Finally, someone has found the verse to notch the truely emotional issue surrounding this rewarding modality. I congradulate you in your sensitive disclosure and honor the accomplishments of those chosen for this award.

Many of the threads in this forum digress into "keep" or "discard" concerning the use of this mode of operation. I find genuine pleasure in listening to a senior operator who sings a love song with their key/keyer honoring their accomplishment over their many years of operation.

Indeed, CW is an emotional issue in amateur radio today, but it's been emotional for those of us who have been fortunate to master it, and reap enjoyment from others through it. Thank you for taking this issue to it's very foundation found in those of us who have chosen it as our mode.

Frank/N7UO

[n0nwo]

GAWD I luv cw. But me thinks that ol' boy had his priorities out of balance. My wife suports my radio hobbie, my music, and my wood working because I also whole heartedly support her in whatever she does. We also make sure to make time for each other and for God. I am confident I will never have to put away my key... IN FACT! I just ordered a new strieght key (with her blessing).

[w6th]

---Hello Joe W0TUT...

Slightly different Joe. I operated under heavy weapons and "nambu sack" Japanese machinegun fire. At the age of 18 I enjoyed the cw with the noise that went with it.

# # # # You see, cw is fun no matter what.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # 73, #W6TH

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ...

[na8dx]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif Chuck, Your font alone tells a lot about you.

Bob

[aa1mn]

WD8NXT,

And what would it be that my font tells about me?

Or aren't you able to articulate that just yet, Bob?

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Chuck, AA1MN

Into my heart some morse that thrills,
from yon far country flows,
where are those old rememberd calls,
what fists, what echos those.

Those were the bands of lost content,
I see it shinning plain,
The Ks and Gs, all silent keys,
I'll never work again.

(with apologies to AEH)

HI! Ken M0RZZ

[N0RTU]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif What a well written verse......but,"put away your golden key or we will be together no more"http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
Just a word to you who may be younger than I. #When it comes to female companionship........it's cheaper to rent! #And, if you like the code and would like a patient someone to work with you on the air to help you get better at it, The FISTS folks are here for you!
Check out FISTS.org and get yourself a code buddy!

A most hearty Congratulations to ALL A-1 CW ops!
73 and safe hamming to ALL hams
CW won't die in my lifetime, I won't let it!
de
Mike
N0RTU
A proud fists member http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[w0tut]

Hi Vito W6TH
Wow!" Nambo sack" at 18 years old. Interesting stuff
I bet you could write a book. Ran into a guy
at the ARA/ROU technical school in NYC in 1973
was on Liberty in Pacific whole WW2 and boy
did he see and hear the nambo sack fm airplanes.
He said in spite of the "action" was greatest time
of his life as he was young, #18 years old.
Now a silent key.

73 de Joe w0tut #

r
:

[wa6itf]

In September of 1993, Icom America Inc. and Zeeman Productions of Seattle WA. premiered their 30 minute ham radio motion picture "More Than Radio's." The video movie tells the story of an "Old Timer" or "OT" who take a newcomer under his wing, "Elmering" him into the hobby and into its traditions. As the show reaches its climax, the "OT" becomes an "SK" and his widow passes his prized "key" on to the young ham to keep the "tradition" of ham radio alive.

Sadly, this movie was not well received by the nations ham radio community and quickly disappeared from distribution. Why? I cannot say but I suspect it may be because by the early 1990's we were already in this fast paced world and even hams had little room in their lives for "tradition."

For all I know, I may be the only one left with a copy of the "edited master" of this show (on Betacam SP videotape supplied to me by Icom since we packaged the satellite premiere for Icom hosted by the late Roy Neal, K6DUE). I also have a VHS copy around here and I think that as soon as I post this I will take it out and watch it as a tribute to all of the "OT's" who has kept the light burning by passing on their keys -- and their love.

"More Than Radios" was not a "great" movie, but it did tell our story in a pretty dramatic way. It also reminds me of the words that dancer/choreographer/actor Ann Reinking has said about her profession -- dance. That its traditions and knowledge are best passed along from one person to another, one-on-one -- and in fact its an unwritten responsibility of every dancer to do this. (For those unaware Reinking was a student of the legendary choreographer/director Bob Fosse and is now carrying on the Elmering tradition in dance thru her own educational foundation, the Broadway Theater Project. This is a Florida based training program connecting students with seasoned theater professionals.)

I would dare to say that what Ann Reinking says about "dance" applies equilly to our world of Amateur Radio. Maybe more so in that for decades the knowledge and tradition of our hobby/service was passed down one to one. Unfortunately, in ham radio, the art of "Elmering" seems to be quickly being replaced by the instant gratification of "weekend cram class training." These classes may turn out lots of hams, but they do not turn out hams with class. Only one-on-one training from a friend can do that.

Maybe, just maybe what we need is a ham radio version of what Ann Reinking has made available for students of dance. A "United States Ham Radio Project" -- if you will -- that places new hams into contact with seasoned veterans who are willing to hand down their prized key so that the tradition lives on.

de
Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF
Amateur Radio Newsline

[N9AS]

Thank you!

What a great post.

Simpson260

[KC5JSR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ah6gi @ Oct. 29 2003,06:47)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (N9AS @ Oct. 26 2003,17<!--emo&http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">And then it happened one day! #I don't remember if it was his friend or his wife. #"That old telegraph key must go or I am not your friend any longer," came the insistence.

I think it broke his heart that day but he did comply. #Tears on his old telegraph key and that golden telegraph key tarnished that sad day.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

This makes no sense at all.

But then, who knows. #

see groups.yahoo.com/group/codenocode for more meaningless code discussions.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
What about it doesn't make sense?
It brought tears to my eye's. Might be the best thread I've read thusfar.
--... ...--
John C.

[KC5JSR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KE4MOB @ Oct. 29 2003,11:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I don't think that people should slam anyone for finding something that they truly enjoy. #

And as far as demanding that the key be put away or else, I think any companion that would do that sort of thing really isn't worth having in the first place unless I was way, way, out of line.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Thank you. Unfortunatly he did put his key away. What a shame that a mate, gal-friend, wife or anyone should set down such an ultimatum.
--... ...--
John C.

[aa1mn]

KC5JSR,

Perhaps you need a re-read of the article.

Who was it that wanted "the old man" to give up his key? A friend? The wife? Perhaps some unknown entity employed by a mysterious and dangerous cabal?

Why was "the key" asked to be forsaken? What reasons were given urgent enough to command compliance with such a request? Hmmmm ...?

Tears were brought to my eyes too, more from a sense that any "willing suspension of disbelief" was shattered by such a poorly thought out plot.

Sheesh, don't you think a monkey could have done better than to leave so many unanswered questions?

Chuck, AA1MN

[sugarfoot]

What a guy! so wraped up in a silly hobbie he let his wife and life pass him by for a cold piece pf brass and plastic...Yes folks ham radio is only a hobbie and if you spend more time setting infront of your rig than with your wife you deserve to loose her. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[ku4uk]

All I can say is. If you don't like CW. Just leave the ones that do the hell alone.