CW rules! I'll go into more detail why that statement is true for me, but before I start any arguments, let me say that amateur radio has so many options and opportunities, it would be wrong to make a decision without becoming informed about what options are available. Everyone is different, and some modes of communications will hold more interest for some than for others.

Maybe it's the nostalgia, but when I think of ham radio, I think of guys and gals hunched over their code keys tapping out messages into the late hours of the night when the rest of the world is still. The world has changed, but there are still many operators that pursue this activity. I number myself among them. I wouldn't consider myself a purist, but I do believe that there is great value in CW. That doesn't mean that it has to be everybody's favorite mode of operation, but I'm glad I was forced to learn it, otherwise I wouldn't have even known what I was missing.

There are other reasons to know CW. The fact that you can get through when no other mode will work. The fact that if you want to build your own transceiver, you can do so for much less money and complexity if it is a CW transceiver. The fact that it is somewhat universal in much of the abbreviations, and that it can be understood by many people who don't share another common language. If you want to operate portable, from the trail side, you don't have to pack a computer, heavy radio, or lots of batteries. With a CW transceiver, you can carry all you need with very little weight or packing space requirements. This is one reason why QRP - low power - is so popular with CW rigs. If you don't want to carry lots of batteries, then you better use low power. If you have to use low power, then CW is a good mode to use because it will get through better than other modes.

International law changed in 2003. Knowing CW is no longer an international requirement, but is still required by the FCC and many other countries. Some people argue that CW is an outdated mode of communication. I agree that their are other methods of communication that are more efficient when you have a good signal - but not necessarily more enjoyable.

For weak signals, CW is terrific It is also simple - in terms of the radio equipment required, so it becomes very practical to build your own CW radio, or purchase one for less money than what radios with other modes cost. You can also squezee more CW signals into a given amount of frequency than almost any other mode (PSK31 is an exception - but doesn't work as well when there are many signals close by)

Some people believe that we need to get more people involved in ham radio, and requiring CW to pass a test limits the number of people that enter the hobby. I disagree.

Let's be honest. Talking on a radio using voice is pretty common place today. Most young people do not get excited about being able to do that. They can do that with a cell phone, and they can use VoIP on their computers to talk to virtually any country of their choosing. Using digital modes of radio is not that different from using digital modes on the computer. There isn't that much excitement in text messaging. People can already get a no-code license (Technician), but that doesn't seem to always keep people interested.

Morse Code is different! It offers a challenge and its intriguing to many people!

Need proof? Set up a ham radio display at a school or scout camp. If you have someone demonstrating Morse code, and teaching the kids how to send and receive their names in CW, that's where the kids will be! They will walk right by a booth with just VHF/UHF FM, or even SSB on HF. They are drawn to CW!

As hams, we need to change the perception that CW is difficult to learn. That will enable young people to experience CW on their own terms, without transferring the prejudice or baggage we may carry. Go to a school, set up a display, and see for yourself! In the 1950's it was common for young people to learn and use CW. My son learned when he was 11 years old (in 2002). He was doing 20 wpm when he was 12 years old. Kids can do this. CW doesn't create a barrier to the hobby. In fact, it might be one of its saving graces!

If we want to attract young people to the hobby/service, then we have to offer them something they don't already have. Equipment cost is also a big issue for young people (and the not-so-young, too!) They can buy, or even build their own CW equipment for much less money than it costs to use many of the other modes. It also provides us with an opportunity to help the newer hams with building projects. When was the last time you helped teach a young person to solder? When did you last teach a kid how to tap his name out in CW?

If you are not already using CW to attract newcomers to our hobby, then do it! Don't miss out on a great opportunity to share the fun with another person

[When I say young people, I also mean anyone new to ham radio. The age doesn't make a difference, however, it's the youngsters that seem to have a real fascination with the CW when they hear it]

Want to improve your CW?

Free CD images for CW mastery

Chuck Adams, K7QO, has written a complete CW course that includes all the recordings of the CW, plus a manual to aid you in learning the code. Chuck is using a Koch-type model, where he is teaching you one character at a time. You learn the code a speed that is fast enough to help prevent "counting" the "dits" and "dahs" so you learn it correctly the first time. You only add another character once you have mastered the last one.

You can download a ISO image of a CD that has everything you need. From that CD, you can extract the MP3 files and create your own audio CD's or tapes, or just listen off the computer.

By the end of the course, you will be able to copy CW very proficiently, and at speeds that are useful on the radio. If you have to learn it, you might as well learn it at a speed that will allow you to make use of it. You will be glad you did! Check it out on my "Links" page.

If you want a great computer trainer to use that incorporates some of the same psychology, then check out the CW trainer by G4FON.

You don't need to run a lot of power. In fact, using less power than it takes to light a single christmas tree light will let you talk to the other side of the planet. On my "Links" page, I have a link to K3WWP's site. You need to check that out to see what can be accomplished while running low power and just using a piece of wire for an antenna. It is amazing, but more importantly, it provides the credibility to know that you and I can do it, too.

You don't need an elaborate antenna system to have a lot of fun. I'm not saying that I wouldn't love to have one. In fact, I'd like to someday have some land where I could put up a horizontal loop, and get it over 60 feet up in the air. Today I just use very modest, simple antennas and equipment. You can get more details by clicking on my "Station" button on the main page.