I don't know how long this thread will be tolerated, but I will try
to add a few comments (mainly to "Dyarnes" <w7...@cox.net>):
Definition of ending or disappearing is subjective, at best. Sure
there are a few AM enthusiasts out there but one would not really
consider AM as a thriving active mode. Maybe a test is to see how
easy it is to find a station running a mode.
You can hear CW almost any time of the day on a daily basis (unless a
CME has destroyed the ionosphere). Use that same test on AM. Also
AM has not disappeared from commercial use like CW: Still in use on
BC band, Shortwave broadcast, and for VHF aircraft. But there are
plenty examples where morse code has be discontinued.
I don't expect CW to disappear overnight from ham radio, and like the
rebuilders and restorers of "Old radios" may linger on
indefinitely. But with the exception of high power transmitting,
tubes are history. And this hold-out is under attack by LD-MOS
technology for high RF power amplifiers. I still use a 8877 for QRO
on 2m-eme but probably would not start building one today in favor of
building a $250 LD-MOS 1200w amp that drives with 3w and only
requires 50v vs 4kV. Technology!
Regarding digital modes and their "conversation ability": psk-31 and
rtty both are nice for this. JT65 was not designed for
messaging. It was designed to handle the minimum information
required for a valid eme contact. EME is not conversational for most
stations (there are a few big-guns that can carry on a conversation
using CW). But JT65 can be modified to handle plain text messages so
not functionally impossible. The recent creation of JT56HF and use
on HF would predict such as forthcoming.
The objection to digital is to its not being a real-time interactive
experience, yet many of you participate on chat rooms. Keyboarding
is an alternative how ever it is technically accomplished. The real
truth is many on this reflector are avid CW operators and "like
it". So why justify that? I like eme...you do not have to. I like
designing and building smt level stuff...you do not have to. You like CW...
It really comes down to whether CW will attract "new blood". That
must happen for it to survive as an activity. No one can predict the
future....yes, that is all BS! But that is one of the fun things of
ham radio...BSing (chewing the rag, whatever).
Final note: I got my Novice license in 1958 and did learn CW; later
passed my General, Advanced, and Extra. I also hold a 2nd Class
Radiotelephone with radar endorsement. 45+ years in electronics as a
professional. I own all that to ham radio which captured my
imagination at age 12. How well is ham radio doing with youth, today?
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubus...@gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
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