A trivial topic on Morse code...
In Dec of 2014, I have posted the following sentences in facebook.
I have enjoyed QRQ navigation with Mitch WB0GKH and Bill W6QR on 40m this evening. About 35WPM. QRQ seems to effectively activate my brain. We should synchronize thinking with the movement of fist in QRQ. Much fun. I should sometimes train myself with that speed, even though I won't take it like a sport. I have forgotten that fun for a while. I have finished the session tonight with a bit slow bug with Don WB6BEE as usual haha.
This short message has brought me back to those days. Happy and pleasant. As if it were endlessly continuing.
A blog post I made in my Japanese blog around the same time as the post shown above reminded me of saying by a good old friend Bob Warmke W6CYX. I was calling CQ on 15m and he called me to tell he could not resist giving me a call when I ran "a bait". A straight key or a bug key sending is so attractive to him. He actually bit the bait at that time. I was almost forgetting this episode but now clearly remembered of that. Actually such a bait was often worth using when the band was deadly silent and there was no answer to CQ with an electric keyer or even a memory keyer!
What do these two episodes tell me? I enjoyed QRQ but was more interested in slow Morse code sent by hand keys. The latter is more unique for the sending individual. It is like agogic in music performance. It makes us more relaxed and feel the sender's personality. Or even the sender's psychological status. There used to be some friends who wanted me to send Morse code with a hand key in QSO with him, whether a straight or a bug. Now I fully understand why they wanted me to change the electrical key to a hand key.
Considering further, I should say what key to use is a kind of external issue. More important is what to talk about. That refers to an inner richness in communication. Del W8KJP used to be a masterful user of bug key years ago. But his health issue made him giving up using that bug key with fluence and fine nuance. He started using a key board. I have enjoyed talking to him even more after that.
Through the simplest system of mode in communication, we enjoy understanding each other and sharing things and experiences. It might be the ultimate goal of Morse code communication.
Being asked if I have achieved that myself, however, I must say I am ashamed and embarrassed to have been away from the goal.
Your return to amateur radio would be welcomed by many. A worthwhile consideration
ReplyDeleteDon
WB6BEE
Don, thanks for such a comment. I am asking about it to myself. Not much motivated yet. If coming back, only with a small set up. Best season's greetings to you and Wendy. Is Sebastian still with you? It was the time you were picking up a tree for Christmas in the forest.
DeleteSebastian passed almost exactly a year ago. We were away at the time and received a call from the caregiver that he had fallen and could not use his back legs. We cancelled our trip and returned home, meeting the vet at the hospital. We said our goodbyes to him.
DeleteWe are on our way to Scottsdale for Christmas, stopping a few days in Pagosa for Wen's business.
I have shared with others that I do miss the mornings on the radio when in Colorado. With my EDZ antenna, I had a pipeline to the antenna of JA1NUT.
A small set up is better than no set up. I am now only 400w and simple wire antennas.
Please think about it, my friend
Don
Sorry to hear about Sebastian. Time sure is flying away.
DeleteWhat a long drive both of you are doing! Be safe and much fun there. Toast a glass of Kirin for me.
When things are ready, I won't forget to tell you that. Again, be safe on the way.
Hi Don, (and Shin) ... I miss our QSOs, though most were very brief and difficult due to my local noise. A few times we were able to have a good bug chat. It is most satisfying, but as Shin says, the choice of key is external to the main pleasure of the mode.
ReplyDeleteKeep on pounding the brass Don, it was always music to my ears.
John 9V1VV
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0k8y9kq
ReplyDeleteDon, Shin, you will find this fascinating, especially if your are interested in the relationship between music and morse, and the psychology of Morse.
John 9V1VV
John, thanks for the podcast of BBC on the HST Championship in Tunisia. It encourages me a lot that those young people are interested in Morse code. However, honestly, handling it like a kind of sport won't thrive it as a communication mode. Functioning as a communication mode, that is, exchanging ideas or thoughts must be raison d'etre of this old fashioned way of communication, I believe. Of course, proficiency in speed and accuracy could be a factor but could never be the ultimate goal. Sorry for a bit bitter thoughts on this program. Best season's greetings to you and yours, John.
DeleteSeason's greetings Shin, and good luck and health for 2025.
ReplyDeleteJohn 9V1VV
Thanks, John. All the same to you and yours all. Always appreciate your comment.
DeleteHello John & Shin
DeleteIt is troubling that the passage to time and events have moved so many of us apart. Friendship is such an important element of what makes living enjoyable. It is a shame that we grow old without being able to share time together.
It is true about FOC and friendships. At least for me, what friendships I have, they came from FOC.
Don
Have you already returned home?
DeleteYes, time is mercilessly passing away.
Even in FOC gang, I have lost a lot of old friends now. Those who had sponsored me in 1988 were all silent keyed except for Rod K5BGB. It is the things fixed in our lives. You are lucky to have good friends within or out of FOC and to have decent set up at home. Treasure every moment with them there, Don. Again, Best Season's Greetings to you and Wendy.