Post by jonasparker on Feb 21, 2018 1:45:39 GMT 10
Morse Code - do you really need it?
Morse code is no longer a requirement for an amateur radio license in the US. That being said, is it a good idea to take the time and expend the effort to become at least semi-proficient in Morse code (or "CW" in "ham-speak)? Probably yes, and for a number of very good reasons.
First, there are frequencies on the 80, 40, 20, 17,15,12, 10, 6, and 2 meter bands reserved exclusively for data (PSK31, etc) and CW use. The 30 meter band is exclusively reserved for CW.
Second, a CW signal will travel further and be more easily readable in poor propagation conditions like static. CW will get through where SSB phone will not.
Third, a CW signal travels a lot further on a lot less power, a real advantage if you're running on batteries or emergency power.
Fourth, almost all transceivers today have an input jack for a CW sending key, and sending keys are not terribly expensive. Adding CW capability to your "rig" won't break the bank account.
Finally, not all hams and very few non-hams know Morse code. In a SHTF scenario, the chances of your transmission in CW being picked up AND UNDERSTOOD by a casual listener are fairly small.
OK, so how do you learn CW? There are many ways. You can find a print-out on the net which promises that you can learn Morse code in 1 minute. You can purchase a DVD advertised in the ARRL magazine QST which promises to teach you Morse code by hypnosis. Or you can download a free program "Just Learn Morse Code" here:
www.justlearnmorsecode.com/download.html
Obviously, IMHO, "Just Learn Morse Code" is the way to go since it teaches 2 letters at a time, prints out what you're hearing, and provides for adjustable speed. So learning Morse code may be a good project for all us "prepper hams" out there.
Morse code is no longer a requirement for an amateur radio license in the US. That being said, is it a good idea to take the time and expend the effort to become at least semi-proficient in Morse code (or "CW" in "ham-speak)? Probably yes, and for a number of very good reasons.
First, there are frequencies on the 80, 40, 20, 17,15,12, 10, 6, and 2 meter bands reserved exclusively for data (PSK31, etc) and CW use. The 30 meter band is exclusively reserved for CW.
Second, a CW signal will travel further and be more easily readable in poor propagation conditions like static. CW will get through where SSB phone will not.
Third, a CW signal travels a lot further on a lot less power, a real advantage if you're running on batteries or emergency power.
Fourth, almost all transceivers today have an input jack for a CW sending key, and sending keys are not terribly expensive. Adding CW capability to your "rig" won't break the bank account.
Finally, not all hams and very few non-hams know Morse code. In a SHTF scenario, the chances of your transmission in CW being picked up AND UNDERSTOOD by a casual listener are fairly small.
OK, so how do you learn CW? There are many ways. You can find a print-out on the net which promises that you can learn Morse code in 1 minute. You can purchase a DVD advertised in the ARRL magazine QST which promises to teach you Morse code by hypnosis. Or you can download a free program "Just Learn Morse Code" here:
www.justlearnmorsecode.com/download.html
Obviously, IMHO, "Just Learn Morse Code" is the way to go since it teaches 2 letters at a time, prints out what you're hearing, and provides for adjustable speed. So learning Morse code may be a good project for all us "prepper hams" out there.