In amateur radio, Morse code, also known as Continuous Wave (CW) operation, holds a special place. Despite the proliferation of voice and digital communication modes, CW remains popular among many amateur radio operators for several reasons and is supported on virtually all HF radios suitable for Foundation Licence holders:
- Efficiency: CW is highly efficient in terms of bandwidth usage. It requires minimal bandwidth compared to voice transmissions, making it ideal for crowded frequency bands or when conditions are not favourable for other modes.
- Long-Distance Communication: CW can often be received at greater distances and under weaker signal conditions compared to voice modes. Its simplicity and narrow bandwidth make it more resilient to noise and interference.
- Low Power: CW can be effectively transmitted using low power, which is advantageous for portable or battery-operated operations. This makes it popular for activities such as field days, contests, or emergency communications.
- Licensing: In many countries, Morse code proficiency was a requirement for certain amateur radio licenses. While this requirement has been relaxed in many jurisdictions, there remains a strong community of operators who learned and enjoy CW.
- Skill and Tradition: Operating CW requires skill and practice, which appeals to many operators as a personal challenge. There’s a sense of tradition and nostalgia associated with Morse code, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate its history and elegance.
Amateur radio operators who specialize in CW often engage in activities such as contests, where they compete to make as many contacts as possible within a given time frame, or they participate in “ragchewing,” which involves casual conversations with other operators. CW can be transmitted using simple equipment like a straight key or paddle, or more advanced electronic keyers, which help automate the sending process. Overall, CW operation remains a vibrant and integral part of the amateur radio hobby.
Given the level of interest in this mode, it shouldn’t really come as any surprise that a number of dedicated clubs exist to preserve and spread CW. Among those are the FISTS CW Club whose website gives details of many learning methods including live practice – https://www.fists.co.uk/resources.html#livepractice
