NARC Morse. Classes and Net
As you all know the Morse is taking a summer break, both the classes and the NARC Net. I don’t really need to put anything on here because the students know about the break and we never get any response on the Net, other than those that run it.
Perhaps some information about Morse might help instil some enthusiasm into some others to come and join in. We run the net to help those who don’t have too much experience in CW operating.
CW is mode that cannot be explained to those that know nothing about it. Even fully licenced amateurs who have never used Morse on HF usually talk a load of rubbish when they discuss Morse. It’s a mode that needs a lot of work and until you are Morse capable you may not understand. Listen to good CW operators on HF and when you can read it you will know exactly what an enjoyable mode it is!
This is how it used to be half a century and more ago::::
The Low End
CW is the most basic means of communication within our hobby. When I was first licenced it was also included in the Radio Amateur Examination. We had to take a Morse test at 12 wpm in order to get on the air. Then we were restricted to a year on Morse before being allowed to use phone as it was called then. Phone was all AM in my day.
It did not matter to me because all my Elmers ( Mentors ) were CW people anyway and spent most of the time on the air chasing DX. That is why most G3 licencees are CW qualified and active. DX working is still very popular on the HF bands and on CW it is invariably on The Low End. ALthough not quite as much as those early days when most of the rare and weak DX was in the first 5KHz of the bands. Now the DX-peditions normally work within the bottom 40KHz and work split. This means that they listen for calls, NOT on their own frequency, but up about 5 to 10, sometimes more.
NFD has been with us since those early days of amateur radio and I have attended every one since I was 14 as a SWL. Two years later I was operating in NFD, albeit using a straight key. Now a computer is used to control the radio and a paddle is on the desk, just in case we have to correct something or say HI to an old friend.
NFD and Radioactive go hand in hand because it is a two day event to encompass those very keen NFD operators; you can attend talks in the main room at the G7URP ranch at Gt. Ellingham and treat ourself to a roast meat roll on Sunday. It is also a social event, attracting lots of operators, club members and those interested in operating the 6m station which is set up on the same site and taking part in the 6m contest which runs the same weekend.
Book yourself an enjoyable two days and take part in what you wish. The Club has over 250 members and it is a good event to meet others and do some socialising.
See you on the Low End. May the Morse be with you = 73 de Roger, G3LDI