Really? Another CLICKBAIT title? Aren't we beyond doing that to get views? Apparently not. But East Coast Host Gary K4AAQ (me) makes a compelling (or lame, you decide) argument to West Coast Host David W0DHG and Midwest Correspondent Kyle AA0Z. It boils down to this (so you can have a vigorous QRZ debate without having to actually watch the show): CW - continuous wave - is a transmission mode. It's just a dead carrier until you do something with it, like simply turning it on and off in a predetermined pattern. Say, Morse code. So you don't 'operate CW', you operate Morse code (using CW). Well, that gets convoluted. I suppose you could argue then that you don't 'operate SSB'. You operate voice (or 'phone') using SSB. Whatever... we're not going to change the world, we just wanted to get the views and the subs. But a more compelling case can be made for the comment that you can't 'learn CW'. You definitely learn Morse code. We're not done. Is it really Morse code (and note that we don't capitalize 'Code'). Shouldn't it be Morse's code. It's his code, after all (don't get us started on the Vale thing, because yeah, it's Vale's code, but that's just proving our point about the 's possessive, no mater whose name you use). So now we do expect hams to correct their age old habit and call it Morse's code from now on. ARRL and SKCC, are you listening?
Guess it's time to scrape the bottom of the barrel for YouTube topics. For the 62+ years I've spent on the air, the two have been pretty much interchangeable in most references. How many mode switches on rigs have you observed with the word Morse instead of CW?
Unless you're talking about the FCC rules. Part 97.3(c)(1) defines the term "CW" to mean "International Morse code telegraphy ..." I'm not necessarily claiming the FCC is correct on this point, but I would claim two things The FCC definition is the one to use when speaking in context of the FCC rules. The fact that they worded their definition that way is a symptom of the fact that CW and Morse have been very much intertwined in the consciousness of radio operators for a long time. Insisting that everyone else observe the distinction between CW and Morse is going to be about as productive as insisting that people refer to making QSO's using "English Language phone, modulated with SSB". Most people are going to just say "SSB", and let you figure out the rest from context, just like they say "CW" and let you figure out that they were using Morse code.
Me personally, I operate speech I guess. Anyhow, you need to learn to contort your face OM if as you say, you “Want to get the views and the subs”…..something akin to being extremely constipated would be a great start!
Actually, the code tests I had to take long ago were in Continental Code as I recall. Slightly different from Morse's original code. But I could be wrong. Rick, WB2PMC
My first code test was 1959 and it was the same code as is used today. You are 9 years younger, so not sure what year your test was taken.
Friedrich Gerke He the man who reworked the older telegraph Morse We practice Gerke We all who tested Took a test of the Gerke code
If you're talking to the general public and say "CW" you'll most likely get blank looks in return, but if you say "Morse code" you'll almost always get an engaged response, even if it's only "you still use that?"...
I am proficient at both. Always wondered why the term SK (Silent Key) is used for those who never used or learned CW/Morse Code. There was a time long ago where all had to know this mode of operation which explains the term SK. I'm asking for a friend.
It's just a traditional carry over from when they did all learn or use CW. Somehow, "silent mic" or "silent keyboard" won't cut it. Similar to saying 73 at the end of a phone QSO instead of Best regards.
I always thought SK was Dead. E's passed on! This Amateur is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace!
Tomato versus Tomaahto (shrug). Just remember you need a balanced diet in life. If your operating lifestyle is all Phone/FT8 you are living on junk food
