Morse
Morse, or CW as we amateur radio enthusiasts prefer to call it, is the oldest form of radio transmission known to man. People either love it, or hate it! Morse Code, as devised by Samuel Morse in 1835 is a far cry from the code which we know today. It underwent considerable modification before it was adopted as a standard in 1844 but even this bears only a sparse resemblance to the code used by radio operators throughout the world today.
Many commentators consider the code to be old fashioned and outdated but it is undoubtedly one of the most efficient methods of radio communication today. It is not reliant on computerised technology, is very economical in terms of bandwidth and gets through the noise when all other modes fail. It requires patience and dedication to learn, skilled operators to use it and has the great advantage of allowing people to communicate with each other in circumstances where they do not speak a common language. Morse Code is, in effect, an international language enjoyed by thousands of people across the world.
Although no longer used for commercial communications in the developed world it is still widely used throughout developing countries and also within the amateur radio community. The ability to send and receive the code was, until July 2003, an international requirement for those radio amateurs who wished to operate on the HF bands. However although the requirement to be proficient in use of the code has now disappeared, there are still many skilled radio amateurs who will continue to use it as their only (or preferred) mode of radio operation.
GB2CW slow morse transmissions which ceased a few years ago, have been reinstated and full detailsof times and frequencies may be found by clicking here.
Morse has been enshrined in Jim Hatherley's poem "CW Forever" which may be viewed (and downloaded) here.
Straight Key Week
The International Morse Preservation Society hold their annual Straight Key Week in September for CW enthusiasts. They invite both members and non members to blow the dust off their Straight Keys and join in the fun. This is a relaxed friendly event where general Ragchews are encouraged, at whatever speed of sending/receiving the individual is comfortable with. Newcomers to CW are made especially welcome.
Further information on the International Morse Preservation Society may be found on the Internet at www.fists.co.uk
Play this video clip and hear some excellent hand sent morse using this nato straight key.
Learn Morse Online
A new website to learn and practice Morse telegraphy has been launched called Learn CW Online. While sticking to well-proven methods for learning and practice, all you need for using LCWO is a web browser. This gives the user the opportunity to practice CW wherever an internet connection is available and it retaining your personal settings, scores and statistics. Check out http://lcwo.net.
Morse code practice via Echolink
You can now get Morse code practice sessions on your 2m FM hand held by using Echolink to connect to the W1AW Conference Server 'W1AWBDCT' Node 37374.
Audio from W1AW’s CW code practices and CW/digital bulletins is now available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server “W1AWBDCT” Node Number 37374. The 9:45 PM ET phone bulletin is currently unavailable via W1AWBDCT. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently with W1AW’s regular transmission schedule.
According to W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, this server is currently at an experimental stage: “Since the server is located at ARRL -- and uses the ARRL’s Internet connection -- there may be an issue as to how many users can connect to W1AWBDCT via EchoLink. The current number of connections is set to 350. If the current system can properly handle these connections without adversely affecting the performance of the conference server, this number will be bumped up higher.”
All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please note that any questions or comments should not be sent via the “Text” window in EchoLink. Please send any questions or comments to w1aw@arrl.org.
Finally paralysed woman communicates using morse code!
Read all about it here.
Updated 08 December, 2010 22:16:19 GMT