Morse Code, is it still relevant?

[Coldwood]

As I understood it from the last radio class I took, Morse hasn't been required for about 10 years. I would still memorize the basic SOS code, ...---... because that can be easily executed with a flashlight, marks on the snow, etc.

I occasionally fire up my old Hallicrafters 5-tube SW receiver, and I don't hear anybody using Morse anymore

 

[Eyegor]

What are the reasons cited?

IIRC, the ARRL was looking to increase the availability of amateur radio to new users. Learning code, even at 5 wpm was seen as unnecessary burden to folks new to or interested in the hobby. Hence, the "no-code" tech license was born. This view, combined with the amount of actual code use on the amateur bands (not an awful lot) led to the new FCC ruling.

 

[annr]

Thanks Eyegor.
Just thought of a famous example that should be around for a while: the opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony: ...-, "V" for victory.

 

[MrCoffee]

I was thinking this subject over, so I talked to some of the guys in my ARES group. They all feel that Morse is a great skill. But each of them admitted that it is limited, because unlike FM (Voice) it can only be understood by someone else that knows morse or even realizes what they are listening too. For me, well I do want to learn it, and I want my kids to learn it too.

Not required, but that doesnt make it less valuable.

 

[DPKnives]

A lot of countries dropped the code so the US finally went along with it. The ARRL i believe they thought it would in crease the interest in Ham Radio by doing so. The no code tech has been around for a while but now with no code needed at all anyone the gets their tech ticket can now test for the General and Extra class and not have to have code to up grade to get the high frequency usage. I am a general class and took the code test before they dropped it. I went that way even kind of knowing the code would be dropped, but wanted to learn it anyway. Doug

 

[xbxb]

Morse Code is used every night on numerous High Frequencies and also used at various times during emergencies. It works well especially under low power which many people would use during an emergency when they are using batteries to run their radios. kd0jxb jim

 

[annr]

I went that way even kind of knowing the code would be dropped, but wanted to learn it anyway. Doug

Do you have a suggestion for how to go about learning the code? What did you do, if you don't mind saying? On average how long does it take to get proficient?

 

[ktrjc]

Do you have a suggestion for how to go about learning the code? What did you do, if you don't mind saying? On average how long does it take to get proficient?

+1 I know the basic SOS, that is it.

 

[mete]

annr, I learned with tapes.There are also computer disc programs to help.It is said that those with music aptitudes learn quicker but you certainly have to get used to sounds of each letter not translating in your mind each dot and dash.

 

[Guyon]

Did you watch the debate last night? John McCain was repeatedly blinking, "Don't trust THAT ONE."

 

[annr]

annr, I learned with tapes.There are also computer disc programs to help.It is said that those with music aptitudes learn quicker but you certainly have to get used to sounds of each letter not translating in your mind each dot and dash.

mete, It's interesting you say that because my interest is in part self-serving. I don't know if you remember Julius Baker, the former principal flutist, of the NY Phil---since you hail from NY. That position is one of only five such jobs in the nation and he was easily the best of those five players. He once remarked that it was Morse code that did more for his ear training than anything else. He was a Morse code communicator in WWII. I never knew if he was assigned Morse code duty because his tremendous musical talent made him a natural, or the other way round. I suspect a bit of both.

How long did it take you to get the hang of it?

 

[mete]

I don't remember now, and I don't use it. But it's alive and well .One friend can copy 50 wpm !! To find tapes check www.ac6v.com either on that site or one of the dealers listed.