expeditionradio wrote: > > --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com > <mailto:digitalradio%40yahoogroups.com>, "Barry Garratt" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > HUH! > > > > They didn't want CW! What mode were the spark gap operators running > > then ? > > Spark. > > Bonnie KQ6XA
Yes, CW replaced spark gap in much the same way that PSK31 and later sound card modes replaced Pactor as primary digital communications modes. The innovation of the sound card modes made digital modes economical for most hams, and the digital modes have become far more ubiquitous than in the days when everyone needed a TNC to do digital modes. It freed hams from monopolists with proprietary modes aimed at forcing people to buy their hardware. Pactor is now pretty much dead as a QSO mode because there is no need to buy an expensive proprietary TNC to do advanced digital work. Which is why very few hams own TNCs these days. de Roger W6VZV
