Morse Code Migrating To The Net

Rosco P. Coltrane writes "With Morse code slowly disappearing off the air, there seems to be a growing number of people who carry out conversations in Morse over the internet. Several Windows and Linux clients using VoIP or special protocols, such as EchoLink, EchoLinux, MorseMail, CW Communicator or CWirc exist for Morse lovers worldwide to pound brass and make contact with one another. Could the next must-have computer input device be a morse key ?"

Comments

As a diehard fan...

[Kinetix303]

As a diehard fan, it's always made a lot more sense to just plug in the radio if I'm going to do comms in morse. It's a lot more gratifying, and believe it or not, a lot more entertaining than over the net. With a radio, you don't have to pay for air time, nor do you have to set up complicated clients.

Many a night has been spent in front of a glowing dim console, applying a feather touch to an old worn dial to a hear a faint signal, a single voice coming from a hemisphere away. Sure, the internet is a guaranteed easy, clean connection. That's a given.... but it's just not the same.

*sigh*

73, VA3CSG

Re:As a diehard fan...

[ebh]

nor do you have to set up complicated clients

You're saying that "./configure; make" is more complicated than building a 100' tower with a tribander on top? :)

Back in the day, it took me a couple months of evenings and weekends to set up my "client", a Heathkit HW-101. And you're right, for as much fun as the Internet is, it's somehow missing something that those faint late-night bleeps had, coming through the original "ether" net.

Re:As a diehard fan...

[Kinetix303]

Well, I might as well use this opportunity while my comment is rated +5.

This forum is generating a substantial amount of commentary. If anyone in this forum has a son or daughter, niece or nephew who might be interested in ham radio, I have a built 20-metre CW transmitter kit that was sent to me several years ago by the test lab operator for the ARRL's periodical.

Several years ago, this gesture inspired me. The generosity of this man opened up a world of opportunity for me in communications. He opened my eyes to the entire world. He helped get me where I am today. Little does he know what course he'd set for me when I was in my early teens. I lost track of him; I can't even remember his name. If he's still alive, he has all of my blessings and thanks.

I want someone else to have the same opportunity that I did. If you know of a youth in your community that's passed their licensing test but can't afford their first rig, please, send me a message.

I want to make sure they get a good start.

73, VA3CSG

Sigh...

[niko9]

I was suprised at all the negative comments this story has received. I guess it's easy for most people to forget where they come from.

Morse code, in my opinion, is an invaluable tool in opening the doors to the young in such fileds as electrical engineering, physics, computers and radio communications.

There is no way most parents could/would shell out 500 dollars and upwards for even a used HF rig for their kid to get started in their "hobby".

But I bet you that same kid would never foget his first QSO with his home built, 200mw, 9 volt battery operated rig and a wire antenna. Especially if he's chatting it up with another ham 2 states away. These kist are available for as little as 20 bucks online, minus the cost of the soldering iron.

As for the art of morse code "dying", the poster has no idea that there are hundreds of contests that take place yearly on a international level.

I guess it's easier for parents to sit their kids in front of a tv/interet enabled computer than to sit with them and help them learn their first morse charachters.

Re:Sigh...

[tcgroat]

One who applies the material studied to pass the license test probably has more real electronics knowedge than the typical sophomore EE major. He may not ace the midterms, but who do they ask for help when it's time for the lab classes? Somebody who has used the test equipment before. Somebody who knows what a cold solder joint looks like. Not every ham will be a good EE, and not every good EE was a ham--but the correlation is stronger than mere coincidence. Just because you have a degree doesn't mean you're qualified.

Calculate the input impedance and frequency response of a Tschebeychev low-pass filter filter. Now do it again, with real component values for parts you can actually buy. Connect that filter to a frequency-variant complex load through a real transmission line (not the easy ideal one from your textbook). Calculate the new input impedance and frequency response. Now match it to the proper load line for your output transistor. Is that not appreciable math?

Just because you don't have to know the math to pass the test doesn't mean math isn't involved. The license is only the starting point--your chance to get your hands dirty and really learn about the technology--or you can sit on your butt, play with your toys, and vegetate. You can do that with voice, or a keyboard, or Morse code, or a computer; the tools and techniques make no difference. What does matter is the motivation to work at learning something.

If the license is the means to an end, the first waypoint on a journey of learning and discovery, then it's doing something for you. Something that is one of the core reasons Amateur Radio exists.

If it's the end in and of itself, a mere formality to be dealt with with as quickly as possible, then you'll get out of it what you put into it. Diddley-squat.

Like sports, music lessons, computer programming, drama clubs...Ham Radio won't make a star of somebody who lacks the talent and motivation to do so. But it is a way to challenge and nurture those who do have the potential, the curiosity, and the motivation to pursue electronic technology.

Re:What's the point?

[ONOIML8]

I think you guess right, at least for some. Morse code is one of those things that you kind of have to do to understand. If you haven't held a QSO (conversation) in morse and developed the skills then there is no way to fully appreciate the art.

You are correct that it doesn't have any practical use, especially on the net. Then again there isn't any real use for the Mona Lisa, Dixie Chicks CD's, or internet pr0n. There doesn't have to be a use for something to be done, used, enjoyed, whatever.

Re:Great use for morse code

[PapaZit]

I want this feature, but I want it to vibrate, not beep. Then I can get my SMS messages in meetings, in the theater, etc. Add in a morse response button, and I could respond w/o pulling out the phone, too.

'course, all that fiddling in my pocket might look bad...