"Ain't" [dead] is a poor form of grammar. In fact, you might say your grammar is a very poor mode of communication. You might revise your English grammar to say; "Morse code is still being used extensively by many amateurs".
FT8/FT4 Robot, no doubt about it...However, JS8CALL, same specifications, just has the ability to have a QSO, supporting 20wpm...(About)... FT8 has been around for a while now, however, you make a good point, new shinny object, folks flock to it, however, knowing the advancements of digital, will only continue to grow in popularity (Meaning the ability to continue to decode signals at a lower level.. NN2X /Tom
Bellyaching to mean unstructured and ineffectual complaining to an audience not empowered to change the status quo? Well, I'd start with lobbying the FCC and Congress, including an analysis of how the proposed changes will not only improve the service, but benefit the nation as a whole by improving some aspect of STEM participation and our competitiveness on the world stage. One could also analyze how current enforcement efforts would be lessened as a result of the improved quality of participation. Reduced costs always get attention. I didn't use that word, nor did I imply it. Chris
Just curious here - do you critique and correct the enunciation of common English words drawled by your Fort Worth neighbors?
It's not dead, but it isn't feeling well. I wonder how many amateurs are still tapping it out, and not using a keyboard and a screen to read it. Is it a case of, "Only real hams use a paddle or straight keyer." Are the digital crowd wannabees?
Don't be so sure about that, friend. SKCC membership is up to 22,544 strong as of June 7, 2020. I'm still tapping it out here with either the hand pump or paddles on the Brown Brothers CTL-B, or Vibroplex Original Standard bug. Only used the keyboard for a very few contests back in the 90s using macro buttons in contest logging software...and by "very few contests" I'm guessing less than a dozen contests TOTAL. Never, ever used electronic code readers. Never had the need. Never had the desire. Oh stop it, for goodness sake! I wouldn't call them "wannabees". Voluntary compliance to the QRZ Forums Code of Conduct prevents me from saying what I call them ... at least here.
Sounds like you have a problem. Where were we? Morse is still very popular. Calculators, on the other hand, will never be popular. Digital cameras cannot replace SLRs. Your cheque is in the mail...
Glad you find joy in CW.. I could be considered a "no-code" extra since I didn't need to pass any test to upgrade, but CW is about the only mode I ever use. I did need to pass a 5 word-per-minute back in the 80's when I was first licensed as a Novice, but that ticket expired many years ago. When I got back into the hobby in 2012, I was happy to find that CW was very active indeed and I have made many thousands of qso's since then. Have Fun!
One last comment. CW is alive because of it's own merits. The ARRL and FCC did nothing to keep it a viable part of Amateur Radio. They had it removed as a requirement for a FCC license forgetting that it is no more outdated than Radio itself.
These stats are from PSKReporter....Here is the URL https://pskreporter.info/cgi-bin/pskstats.pl Scroll down some you will see the stats... About which is better at decoding? (Which can detect lower level) CW or FT8 / JS8CALL? FT8 and JS8CALL wins that hands down..Many noted that the human ear can detect really low, which is very true, however, for FT8 /JS8CALL you will never hear it, although the decoder can decode... Note: FT8 yes is robotic, however, NOT JS8CALL, why?, Because you can have a QSO at 20WPM ( About)...at -24dB below the noise floor..at 50hz of Bandwidth. This is from VOACAP, this is from Dallas to Morocco, More red color less power required Below is for FT8 Note the red color This is CW Although I am a big fan of CW, but FT8 (Or JS8CALL) requires far less power to close the link. And yes, JS8CALL, you can have a QSO, having FT8 Specifications) At this hour and Date: June 6, 2020: UTC 4:10PM...CW third place... Having said all that...I love CW! NN2X, Tom
In days of old when ops were bold, and sideband not invented Words were passed by pounding brass And all were quite contented -unknown CW is my favorite mode. I'm not very good at it, but it sure is fun. 73
You can drive a corvette, but isn't it fun to drive the model t around once and awhile? Voice vs morse code analogy.
