CANADA REPORTS AGREEMENT TO DROP MORSE

[N7SPY]

Many CW users complain about new hams like me neither knowing nor caring about Morse Code and only learning the 5WPM required for the General Class but then forgetting all about it.

What kind of motivation is it for a new ham to learn Morse Code when, once we learn the Morse Code, we get bashed (on the air, off the air, sometimes both) for being slow and/or innacurate?

Why should I (a younger Ham) bother learning Morse Code when current Morse Code Operators (who are much older than me) continuously hold my youth against me... and these same Operators immediately assume that, because I've only been a Ham for a year, I'm ignorant/stupid/clueless... and that I will NEVER be at "their level"?

I ask you this:

What do you want from me? That I learn to transmit AND receive Morse Code flawlessly plus at least 10-15 WPM BEFORE going on the air? All YOU had to learn was 5 WPM.. just like me. Why are you trying to raise MY bar much higher than YOURS?

Has the thought come across your mind that maybe... just maybe... some of us have problems discerning DITS from DAHS because we grew up in a much-louder, much noisier world?

Are you going to hold against me that I consider Morse Code impersonal.. and that I would much rather listen to the voice of the person I'm having a contact with?

Instead, it's easier to call me "a 2-meter op." (or worse, a CB'er).

Why don't you extend your hand to help me?

Tell me about the methods YOU used to learn Morse Code... because I might find those methods easier for learning Morse Code than using computers.

Get on the air and tune into the Novice/Technician Morse Code bands and coach someone on the air... not only will they thank you, but you will have another potential user of the HF Morse Code bands.

Leave your name/callsign with VEC's and/or Ham Clubs to let new members know that you're available for assistance.

Do SOMETHING to help preserve Morse Code... instead of whining and complaining about Morse Code being a dying form of communication.

[KB9KLC]

Well spy, I had a friend that held an advanced class license that was 23 years YOUNGER than me to help me. We were fortunate enough to be able to use some 2 meter radios that had cw on them and he worked with me on the air till I finally "got it". (thanks Tony). I used tapes, computer, paper and pen, but it wasn't till I was able to finally do it on the air that it all sank in. good luck to you.

[N0FQN]

Since we seem to continue on the dumbing down path for instant gratification. Why not take it a step further and eliminate voice and only allow digital modes of communication. Afterall, they are the new and improved way to go. Except this concept, it's going to happen. Get your ragchewing, dxing voice off the digital frequencies. Don't they understand how much bandwidth they are wasting and how "old fashion" voice communication is? YUCK!!!
If it's a mode available to the operator what's wrong with it being on a test? They do provide waivers for people with a genuine handicap and not because you don't want to learn. That's been the only excuse I've heard and not a valid reason to remove CW. It's a mind set. If you WANT to learn CW you will. People cause there own mental blocks to anything that places a challenge before them that they consider too demanding. CW is still a viable form of communication available to any operator whether you choose to use it or not.

[VA6DJB]

Would you all like a little cheese for your WHINNNNNNNNNNE

73

Don
VA6DJB

[KC5SDY]

I think I can go for that. Cut voice completely and make the entire band digital. Nope, that won't work. People will say that this would be the end of the world too and will say that if your radio does not have a mic attached, then you are not a ham.

[KB9KLC]

You mean I'm supposed to have a mic plugged into my radio???

[KC5SDY]

Exactly! If you don't have a mic it will be the end of the world!!!

It is already the end of the world because everyone does not have a keyer plugged in!

[KB9KLC]

I've got the paddle plugged into the 817 not sure where the mic is LOL. I'm thinking however it isn't the end or "my world "

[KC5SDY]

You can keep the paddle plugged in until the mic becomes the reason for the world to end. Then you have to plug it back in. How does that sound?

[KB9KLC]

Well........ok... if I MUST ...