One of the better sites to learn Morse Code. Check it out.
A MEMBER OF THE CROATION CW CLUB
Begali Graciella Key
LogiKey K5
A video clip from the Jay Leno Tonight Show May 13, 2005 showing Morse Code versus Text Messaging. Chip K7JA is sending while Ken K6CTW receives using Yaesu FT-817 transceivers at very low power and rubber ducky antennas 3:09 Minutes. Click on the Photo
It is difficult to convince people that Morse Code is faster than any other mode in Amateur Radio. Many argue that Teletype, PSK31 etc is fast but look at the complexity setting that gear up. Amateur Radio is supposed to be an emergency communications service so just imagine the effort to hook up and install gear at a site and get it operating properly where a simple transceiver and battery can be set up in a matter of minutes using Morse Code. Many simulated emergency tests have been conducted at sites with total failure because of no knowledge of procedure and lack of information how to operate the radio gear, not to mention using computer software.
Q: What did Thomas Edison nickname his children Marion and Thomas Jr.?
A: "Dot" and "Dash," respectively—using Morse Code
Telegraphy was Edison's entrée into technological innovation. From ages 15 to 21, he traveled from city to city taking jobs as a telegraph operator. He invented numerous enhancements to the telegraph, including an improved stock ticker and a system for sending multiple messages simultaneously, and nicknamed his first two children based on this work. Edison even proposed to his second wife using Morse code! di dah dah-di dit--di dah di dit--di dah di dit--dah di dah dah--dah dah dah--di di dah-dah dah-di dah-di dah dit--di dah dit--dah di dah dah--dah dah--dit SAMPLE 10WPM
Learning and using Morse Code has been proven to increase a persons IQ and in fact most members of the Mensa Society is capable of communicating with Morse Code.
Certain situations require Morse Code such as an Orthographic output for people with profound multiple disabilities.
So what's so great about Morse Code, anyway?: First and foremost, it is simple. The only characters in the code are dit(.) and dah(-). This was the reason it was originally adopted -- even if the cable covered great distances and was of poor quality, it was still possible to distinguish these two characters. This binary nature is also the reason that Morse Code is still around. Users don't need 100 keys for input with Morse - 1 or 2 can do the trick. Through simple devices like a puff-sip straw or mechanical switch, disabled users have achieved full control of a computer.
If you happen to be Japanese, it has been proven you are more adept at learning the Morse Code, more so than Caucasians since your IQ is superior . That may explain why we work so many "JA" stations on CW?
Morse Code (CW) is the most important mode in Amateur Radio and when the FCC announced they were dropping the requirement of code testing, most radio operators that use CW became very worried since in a matter of a few years, amateur radio will surely suffer. Apparently the FCC didn't listen on the ham bands since there are many operators using that mode, both on HF and VHF/UHF. Many say the ARRL didn't strive to protect our use of CW since they are predicting a surge in testing and of course more profit from new members. Oh well, we may as well enjoy amateur radio as we know it now and utilize CW all we can on the bands.
Using CW on 20 meters is my favorite, especially during some of the CW contests where even though I may not participate as far as sending in a log, it is enjoyable making contacts mostly to stay in practice. Most contesters operate at approximately 25 to 35 words per minute which really isn't that fast since only call letters and contest information is exchanged. My favorite key is the Begali Graciella from Italy used in conjunction with a Logikey K5. Even though most transceivers now come equipped with internal memory keyers, a separate keyer is a must since CW is operation is shared with the transceivers microprocessor making good CW impossible. Here is a web site that can teach you Morse code and how to touch type called "Just Learn Code".. Another way to learn code is to actually find someone to practice with you, simulating radio contacts and if you already have your ham license, get on the air with them using a tone oscillator if needed placed in front of the microphone on an unused 2 meter frequency.
Some physically-disabled people with neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or other conditions that hinder their ability to write, type, and speak, require an assistive tool for purposes of augmentative and alternative communication in their daily lives. A wireless environmental control system has been designed using Morse code as an adapted access communication tool. The system includes four parts: input-control module; recognition module; wireless-control module; and electronic-equipment-control module. The signals are transmitted using adopted radio frequencies, which permits long distance transmission without space limitation. Experimental results revealed that participants with physical handicaps were able to gain access to electronic facilities after two months' practice with the new system.
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