The test may be eliminated, but all the reasons that CW is popular will
still be there. Perhaps this is why CW continues to flourish even in
countries that phased out their own testing requirements in past years.
It's fun for many of us, of course. But it's also characterized by
generally simpler equipment, and offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio
than voice modes for a given power level or amount of signal
processing. This is why it's appropriate for gear that we carry on
backpacking trips and for emergency use, and of course for QRP gear in
general.
CW has a standardized shorthand (including Q signals and common
abbreviations) that transcend language barriers. And it's a "digital"
communications mode, yet it doesn't require a computer or specialized
interfaces. There's an immediacy to CW communications that makes it
feel quite personal -- just as if you're talking, which of course you
are.
Then there's my personal favorite: When I'm out camping in some remote
location, late at night, I can put on my headphones and make two-way
contacts with faraway places -- without disturbing anyone sleeping
close by. (There's something about surfing the ionosphere, with all its
propagation modes, odd noises, and unexpected surprises, that you just
can't duplicate using the internet.)
Elecraft will continue to strongly support both CW equipment and CW
operation.
73,
Wayne, N6KR
---
http://www.elecraft.com
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