[HCDX] Morse code far from extinct in shortwave community

["Zacharias Liangas " <greekdx@xxxxxxxxx>]

http://zliangas.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-post.html
Morse code far from extinct in shortwave community
 
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Morse+code+from+extinct+shortwave+community/5703191
/story.html
 
Edmonton Journal November 13, 2011 2:07 AM
 
 

Re: "Morse code's dots and dashes fade into history; Wartime operators watch language 
dying," The Journal, Nov. 7.

The Journal's obituary to Morse code was a most interesting article, but I disagree with the 
conclusion that the code is a "dying language."

I have been a licensed amateur radio operator for many years; when I passed my 
examinations, proficiency in sending and receiving the international telegraph code at 18 
words per minute was mandatory. Morse was only recently removed from the amateur 
exams, but the use of Morse code, and the amateur radio hobby as a whole, is far from 
extinct.

One has only to spin the dial on any shortwave radio to hear this "dying language."

Hundreds of thousands of radio amateurs worldwide use Morse code on a daily basis, and 
proficiency in Morse is still a mark of special skill. Some novices transmit slowly, while more 
expert operators converse faster in code than is possible using the spoken word.

In emergencies, radio amateurs use Morse code to send vital messages when voice 
communications are impossible because of poor reception or improvised equipment. Often, 
amateur radio operators have provided the first or the only communication with devastated 
areas when satellite links and cellphones may be knocked out.

It is true the day of the professional radio operator expert in Morse has been overtaken by 
technology. But, while I have the greatest respect for the veterans of the Morse Telegraph 
Club, I think it's slightly premature to bid adieu to either Morse code or amateur radio. Both 
will be with us for a good while yet.

James Dawe, Edmonton
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton JournalStandard rig : ICOM R75 / 2x16 V / m@h40 heads 
Sennheiser 
Please read and distribute this 15 year research article http://tinyurl.com/5vzg7e 
Please read my article on SINPO at http://tinyurl.com/yt7qjd
________________________
http://zlgr.multiply.com (radio monitoring site plus audio clips ) MAIN SITE 
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........
Zacharias Liangas , Thessaloniki Greece 
greekdx @ otenet dot gr  ---  
Pesawat penerima: ICOM R75 , Lowe HF150 , Degen 1102,1103,108,
Tecsun PL200/550, Chibo c300/c979, Yupi 7000 
Antenna: 16m hor, 2x16 m V invert, 1m australian loop 


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