Morse code is alive and well

It's just over two years ago the mandatory requirement of Morse code proficiency tests for access to the high frequency amateur bands was removed.

That historic decision at the World Radiocommunications Conference 2003 resulted in many countries ending the code requirement.

But what if any impact has that decision had on the use of Morse code by radio amateurs? There appears to be no sign of a demise of CW interest and operation.

Listen to the HF bands and often there more simultaneous CW contacts than there are on phone. Sometimes there's plenty of QSOs on the bottom end of the band and no phone contacts to be heard.

DXpeditions and some special event stations demonstrate that those which include CW in their operation have great successes.

Contesting is another area of CW strength. Morse code operator clubs are attracting new members.

Requests for CW learning materials regularly appear on the ham wanted and for sale sites, along with second hand straight keys and paddles. Manufacturers of paddles seem to be doing very well. New model ham rigs continue to have in-built CW keyers.

Samuel Finley Breese Morse would indeed be pleased to hear that the telegraphic code which bears his name, and created a revolution in world communications, is being conserved for the future by radio amateurs.

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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