Who says Morse code is dead?

[ForestGal]

I guess I'm basically toast on this subject.  I have no desire to learn Morse Code.  Just talking is so much easier, and I'm just learning that.  I know what the words mean, BobC, from just studying so much, but I certainly don't know how to apply it.

Thanks for all your support, everyone!   

[sage]

Thanks for the message Wrightwood.  Just listening to that brought back such great memories...my Dad sitting at his ham radio sending out messages to his buddies.  Wow, I don't think I've heard any morse code for at least 25 years. Here's to my Dad W6WSZ (William 6 William Sugar Zanzibar)

[Toolman]

[SkierBob]

[SoCalGal]

Gee, don't we have any fans of submarine movies out there?    How would the sailors in the sunken sub communicate with rescuers if they couldn't tap in Morse on the hull??
And if ham signal strength isn't strong enough for voice communications, doesn't code often get through where voice can't?  I had the good fortune years ago to take a weekend course from Gordon West to get my first license - code Technician - and am sorry I let it lapse.  Gordo is pretty quick over the basics, but it was a good way to dip into the ham waters.

[lagomorphmom]

SoCalGal, you should 're-enlist'! No code required now, and it's pretty darn handy in town with so many active hams - when the power goes out, somebody always seems to know the scoopage on why. Btw, Gordan West is still out there and publishes probably the most popular study book.

As for elmers, when I first joined my local club we had a older guy who had a key on his steering wheel and could do 40wpm while driving the car. I think being able to do code well must come from a similar gene that covers being able to play the piano. For the rest of us it's work and work that we don't do well...

[desert5150]

My Morse Code story:
Enlisted in the Army Security Agency in 1972 as a CW Intercept Operator (MOS O5H).  Spent about 8 hours a day for months on end having it pounded into my head in Pensacola and Ft. Devens, MA.  Then, two tours in SE Asia listening to the NVA and other pound it out (usually about 15 wpm).  Then a great time as a civilian contractor, copying the Soviets poundint it out (they liked it at about 30-35 wpm).    Also, my Outlook Express mail notification is CQ  I presume that other, 3rd world places, still use it.

[ak7v]

I use Morse code almost exclusively on ham radio.  If you hear me on 20, 30, or 40 meters, give me a call!  My 10 watt signal isn't very big, but if conditions are favorable, I can chat all over the US, Japan, Australia, South America, and sometimes Europe.

I usually run about 30 wpm but can go slower or a little faster.

[SkierBob]

Calindy you have no idea what monster you have just created 

 I just made new ring tones for my ham friends using their call signs. Now when I hear the call sign, I'll know who it is instead of my old music tones. Yes your tax dollars hard at work 

Since I don't receive e-mail services on my phone, I have to figure out how to get them to the phone 

Tax dollars hard at work? 

No not really.  Just another example of our tax dollars at waste.

I know I've said some dumb things on this forum also,, so live and learn.