Is Morse Code The Best For Ham Radio Prepping/SHTF?

When you consider the type of situations you could be in outdoors, or during an emergency, how do Single Side Band, Digital Modes and Morse Code rank up? Well here are my thoughts.
Links from the show:
Small CW Radios with K6ARK: • Building The K6ARK Por...
Adam K6ARK Channe: / @k6ark
Mike Glover - PACE comms planning: • What Are Tactical Comm...
PreppComm DMX-40 Radio: • PreppComm DMX-40 - Mor...
Want the best HT antenna? Signal Stuff Signal Stick signalstuff.com/?ref=622 (This is an affliate link)
Support Ham Radio Crash Course Content
Patreon - / hoshnasi (includes monthly newsletter, stickers and Patron perks)
KZbin - / hamradiocrashcourse (includes early access to videos, membership YT badge and custom emojis)
Shop HamTactical: www.hamtactical.com
Shop Our Affiliates: hamradiocrashcourse.com/affili...
Shop Our Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/hamradioc...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Current Shack Config (includes affiliate links)
ICOM 7300: amzn.to/2PKBpmZ
SteppIR 3E Yagi: consumer.steppir.com/shop/hor...
ICOM 2730a: amzn.to/2JqrASg​
MFJ-4230DMP: mfjenterprises.com/products/m...
Connect with Ham Radio Crash Course
Website...................► hamradiocrashcourse.com
KZbin..................► / hamradiocrashcourse
Twitch......................► / hamradiocrashcourse
Podcast...................► hamradiocrashcourse.podbean.com/
Discord....................► / discord
Facebook................► goo.gl/cv5rEQ
Twitter......................► / hoshnasi
Instagram.................► / hoshnasi
Physical Mail.............►Josh Nass P.O Box 5101 Cerritos, CA 90703-5101
Music by Sonic D:
Soundcloud.com/sncd
Twitter.com/sncd
Facebook.com/djsonicd
#HRCC #hamradio #amateurradio

[@rikuk3]

I'm a ham and a prepper, learned morse back in 1969 and have loved it ever since but...learning and using morse is seen by many hams and preppers as too hard/waste of time nobody uses it etc which is wrong on both counts. Lot of hams would not know what to do if you removed their CW reader and gave them a key and a set of headphones/speaker but they are the ones loosing out. I'm 67, happily retired and still get a buzz having a QSO with South America/Japan/West coast USA from the UK running

[@kn6eze]

Agree on all points. But in my mind a prepper, by definition, is someone who goes to lengths to prepare themselves for an emergency. By that definition, I dont think the average ham qualifies as a prepper at all - most are hobbyists. Buying a radio and putting up an antenna are at the hobby level, but a prepper will do everything possible so that they are "comms up" even in dire situations. Getting set up with JS8Call, learning Morse code, using Winlink, using backup power, etc., are all MINIMUM level prepper activities. A ham prepper not knowing the code is like a fireman with no oxygen tank - a little kitchen fire might be doable, but if the house is on fire and someone's inside... well, good luck 🔥

[@mrbyamile6973]

As someone that struggles with dyslexia I was learning the letters in CW but was struggling to copy words. I also was unable to send out sentences as I'm unable to spell words without writing the word first as there is some disconnect in my brain. As a result of dyslexia I'm a horrific speller. I gave up learning CW and gave up my dream of becoming a ham, wasn't until years ago I learned they dropped the requirement. I'm now a licensed ham as a General.

[@444DG]

@@mrbyamile6973 I'm glad that you made it into the hobby!

[@pthithic]

There's CW readers? That's a great idea, I've never learned CW because it's stupid and a waste of time, but a reader might make it so I occasionally check out CW

[@KB2OXR]

@@mrbyamile6973 I have dyslexia also, I had no trouble at all learning CW .

[@JerryAGreene]

Hey Josh, I appreciate the fact that you are spending a lot of time on CW. Hopefully, it is encouraging other hams to learn and not be so fearful of trying to make contact with morse code. 73, KB2IOF

[@ronpetroski7203]

How dare you make these informative videos. Because of you and not Rubicon I have entered the realm of ham. Thankyou.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!

[@WilliamParmley]

Dang, this was fantastic! Good, honest, accurate information and extremely high production quality. Definitely will watch more of these.

[@jamesh9746]

Good video. I helped set up the winlink Alpha Rubicon backbone years ago, and now have switched to CW for the long haul. Keep up the good work.

[@mdc07zilla]

I'm looking forward to incorporating this into my mix and have really been enjoying this topic. The key to this working is, as you say, to make sure everyone in your group knows CW. This is a highly effective form of communication with the steepest bar of entry imo (becoming fluent). With all the digital options it seems like this is a niche that needs more attention for a more formal mainstream adoption. I for one would love to see more of your journey Josh as you go.

[@yourshootingbuddy]

I joined and am an active participant in the Long Island CW Club because of your videos featuring them. It has proven to be an outstanding value. They have many classes a day and forums of many kinds.

[@rst5nn]

I usually describe SSB vs CW for newbies and friends like you need reach the longest distance with regular flashlight and laser beam. Obviously, with regular flashlight power is spreaded in most of directions but with laser beam all power gathered in small dot. The similar is SSB vs CW.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Well said.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Brilliant analogy!

[@jaytibbles2223]

Excellent! I first started ham radio in 1957! (78 For the curious) When I worked for NASA I drifted away due to lack of free time. Fast forward 50 years! A friend (Former medical school professor) challenged me to sit the exam since code was no longer required. Passed all three in one sitting! Shortly thereafter, Governor Newsom announced that ham radio operators were "obsolete" for emergency services planning to justify removing repeaters from government installations. That attitude is why ham radio and especially CW is necessary! On another note, I notice a large disparity between "views" and "likes". ACTIVITY helps promote any KZbin channel. Even a "dislike" ups the "activity count" (Why anyone would "dislike" is a mystery!) Became a technician! (Again?)

[@randalltom9750]

Even 10wpm Morse on 9v, with a pixie, can outperform an HT with no internet…. My morse is slow, and copy is weak… but improving. And we (you & I) both know the confidence that brings. I love the minimalist approach to ham radio Adam K6ARK, and Gil the “Radio Prepper” bring to consideration, with field operations. SOTA & POTA also bring the requisite operational field practice to a refined art form. Bravo Josh for a great video…

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you very much! I agree with all your points.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Well balanced discussion Josh. Generally people put more un warranted value in HTs and seldom fully discuss how fluency in all modes Amateur Radio are needed to be an effective PREPPER. I have yet to see a comprehensive discussion on being fully Radio Prepped for disaster situations. Thanks for the primmer.

[@lonestarprepper0156]

I agree, especially if there are radios that will decode for people in your group who are weak. Biggest problem with PACE plan is getting family who does not care at all for radio to buy in let alone practice.

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

This is one of those rare videos on the entire web that most of will learn from. The subject is timely and the narrator/videographer is not an egomaniac.....superb video, a five star, grand slam blue ribbon winner...there should be a separate category for vids such as this. from Mr. S , who can tell a nut from the real thing. This is the real thing!!!!

[@jasonconrad9212]

I’m still a new CW OP, I’ve been learning off and on. I can send all the letters and numbers. I’ve been sticking to around 15wpm, I think it’s funny that I inadvertently learned how to send with a paddle “backwards” I use the the left paddle for DAH’s and the right for DIT’s. I don’t think it really matters but I don’t think I can turn back now! I’ve been having fun with CW. I built the QCX mini for 30 meters. To me 30 meters isn’t so crowded or lots of lighting fast CW like 40 and sometimes 20 meters. There’s not a lot on 30 but I always manage to hear someone during the day and sometimes early evening. I also have a KX2 that I love for several reasons. I admit I do cheat a bit and have the decode on, I just make sure I get the callsign right. I also have the SW3-B that I made a modification to. I plugged the now empty hole where the key Jack was and I have the now discontinued paddle from QRP GUYS mounted to the bottom edge of the radio. Thanks to you Josh I’ve been listening and getting on the air more with CW.

[@glennmeader626]

A smartphone is the ubiquitous extreme portable computer. “Without needing a computer” requirement does not account for a start phone. So how about a little tiny radio for digital modes that connects to smartphones via Bluetooth or WiFI? The radio can do some of the codec work and the app on the smartphone can do the rest of the digital modes work.

[@ehayes5217]

I've been all CW on HF for decades now & love it (but still enjoy FM on VHF/UHF)...73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸 dit dit 🤓

[@potaactivator]

Learning and becoming proficient in Morse code is a tremendous accomplishment. The late Senator John McCain used a version of Morse code to communicate with fellow prisoners inside the infamous Hanoi Hilton. 5 watts and a wire/whip makes for a lightweight means of communication. The human brain is a tremendous computer, which makes the CW mode the original digital.

[@KX4UL]

You made some good observations of the different modes and their effectiveness in a SHTF situation. I am SO glad you have taken an interest in CW. In fact, it was your videos with the LICW club that inspired me to join and renew my CW skills to a higher level. The simplicity of a small, inexpensive CW rig that can do a big job fascinates me, thus my love for CW. 73 my friend!

[@Ronparks1378]

I agree that CW is the best... except that it seems to be losing (not gaining) popularity. It's only good if the population that needs it knows it. That could change, but I doubt it. I have to say I like your call! Ron KX4IU

[@KX4UL]

@@Ronparks1378 Losing in popularity? I thought so too Ron. But it is most certainly growing.... The LICW Club had around 200 members less than 2 years ago. Today there are over 2,600 members. We have had 400 new members since I joined on Jan. 20, 2022, a few weeks ago. That is over 100 new members per week! We had over 100 people in just one of the many Zoom classes just a couple of weeks ago. Check the stats at CWOPs. Same thing, growing not losing. So, I have to respectfully disagree. But however you want to see it is ok by me. BTW, I like your call...73 my friend!

[@jameski5oeb668]

The out takes kill me almost every time! Great video Josh! Well organized and thought out, thank you!

[@toml.8210]

Other people use the extra time to say useless comments. Josh can be a bit long-winded sometimes, but stays on-the-topic, and has good information- at least until he opens a beer...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

mmm beer

[@izmazix2148]

How greatly timed! I hope to chat with you one day because my goal is: "Make a kit to hand to a non-ham friend and with minimal training, communicate with them in an emergency over the horizon." Hope to see more on the PrepComm as I think this is the solution

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!

[@javiermijares]

Would be cool to see a video on how to use JS8CALL with a simple HT for prepping purposes. I know you'd lose a lot of the advantages of the mode doing FM and not SSB, but the asynchronous comms part of it would make it relevant.

[@mikethees6434]

Preppcomm DMX 40 seems most practical foe me in that I have a handicap so keying is hard, I do believe it's coupled with difficulty in comprehending a second language but picking it up slowly excellent video

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It would likely help in that case.

[@Capt_Duffy]

Started learning about a year back, can do a rubber stamp QSOs, still struggling for Headcopy, but one thing is for sure, its real fun, definitely hard and above all its a real addiction...73s

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Great job!

[@ehayes5217]

...& a great explanation of CW in ur vid! Thanx, de WA4ELW 🇺🇸

[@dougdaniels]

Heard CQ CQ in CW on 146.52 the other day. Not sure if they were calling or just practicing. Odd, but cool none the less.

[@LJH08Ralith]

The issue is just finding the time to learn it. It’s on my list.

[@lonestarprepper0156]

After getting the basic characters down try listening to one ARRL code practice a day which is less than 10 min. You will be surprised at your increased ability to decode

[@kurttuttle1708]

like learning anything new, you have to make time to learn it, even if it only 30 mins a day, and start using it.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Dude! You got a Tom Bihn HLT2 for the MTR-4B! It's the bee's knees, isn't it? I've bought a total of 2 for radios, 2 for EDC (one size 2, one size 1), and an HLT1 for the wife. And the topic is spot-on. I've been working on an article with a similar theme. I think one huge point people tend to forget: it's okay to like more than one mode for Emcomm or ham radio in general. Some ops seem to feel they must have allegiance to one particular mode and I don't fully understand that. The brilliant thing about ham radio are all the amazing, diverse options. Again, great video! 72, K4SWL

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I saw your blog and had to buy it! It’s a great size. qrper.com/2022/01/my-new-mtr-3b-ultra-compact-field-kit-built-in-a-tom-bihn-hlt2/

[@chuckles3079]

Great video. I just got my general license and am looking into getting into CW. Do you know of any good kits for the tech and general bands?

[@Asshole58]

I just got my tech and general license. What kind of radio do u use for CW? I’m trying to learn it now- thanks for any info!

[@burndup8300]

Whatcha doing with the Harbor Fright lithium drill battery? Got a link to how that voltage is being stepped down to 12v?

[@ERICtheLATE]

Morse Code is so pure with simplicity, but a razpi device to link through bt, a phone with a conversion app, to decode audiable morse, but sending is the tricky 1. It need to take typed text on screen, and send it to a bt printer type link through bt, but changes it to pulsing voltage to a relay, that is directly taps into the straight key port of a transciever. No laptop, keyboard, and it is like texting on your phone, no massive gear to setup. Radio, razpi, Smartphone, person, HF.

[@Outcaste153]

I am not a ham, I do enjoy your content and thank you for teaching me stuff. Would anyone actually follow these rules if shft actually happened? Just wounding if you say f it and do as you please or still abide by them. I myself would not, but that's me.

[@deanblake5072]

In an emergency , it is true, CW given the very narrow bandwidth. Provides a huge advantage in signal to noise ( the narrower the bandwidth the less the noise power ) this is major !!! Example , its well known in radio engineering math that SSB is about +9db in system performance over the old AM ( carrier plus 2 side bands ). CW ( morse code ) can be down in the few hundreds of hertz bandwidth. Another +6 db advantage over SSB. Ever wonder why EME ( earth moon earth ) contacts were usually done in early days with CW ( morse ). That 6 db can make or break very weak signal work. However , in emergencies ! The AUDIENCE is more important than mode ! I want someone to hear me and CW might be only a good choice in very remote places and I must be hear even if somewhere on the globe.

[@Bob814u]

I was at a local ARES meeting and they were discussing a SET (Exercise). "We will only be using Winlink." I asked what the back up to Winlink would be in case the Winlink quit working. "Winlink will never fail!!" was yelled back at me. I just smiled and said "You just stated that Government Emergency Preparedness staff said First Net would never fail and it did. What is the backup for this exercise in case Winlink fails?" Needless to say I haven't been back to another meeting as no matter how many times I asked I kept getting "Winlink doesn't fail!!!"

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol.

[@VictorDenisov]

You forgot to mention that Morse code can be used with a flash light in emergency, with a mirror, or you can use it as the main character of martian book - laying stones on the ground - easier than laying full letters.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Indeed!

[@mrbyamile6973]

@@dj-la--wolf1288 I struggle with dyslexia and spelling out loud without seeing it written. I tried for years to learn CW and finally gave up realizing it was not for me. Knowing CW is no longer a requirement for ham license and I am now a licensed ham. Technician license is not very hard, does take some studying and knowledge. General was more difficult but manageable with more studying.

[@jck9763]

But how many fars can it talks

[@toml.8210]

In most of the war movies or adventure movies I've seen, some person trapped in one place always uses Morse code to convey a message to get rescued! That and some type of flare or fire.visual signal. You never see people trying to yell through a steel bulkhead of a disabled or sunken ship to get help. Doesn't your eye-phone have a built-in Morse code system?

[@honeybadger6127]

is there a program you can put on your PC would be a CW coder/decoder so that I can effectively use a keyboard to communicate directly between two people radio-to-radio?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yep. It is called Fldigi. It does require a pretty strong signal to decode though. FYI.

[@EricHansenHaiTech]

I appreciate the video, but having a Linux computer built in to the X6100 gives me a lot of hope for digital in EmComm scenarios. Accessibility is going to be a huge factor in various scenarios.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Absolutely. I look forward to more integration into radios. But you also need to consider IO. You’re going to need keyboard or mouse or VNC into your 6100 and further, power will always be a consider for all these things.

[@W9HJBill]

As a ham and a prepper, when ANYONE asks "Is Morse code the best for ham radio prepping/SHTF?" the answer is ALWAYS NO! I used to know code, but the stone cold reality is that that OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of hams do not know code and the percentage of people in general is even less. When you NEED to communicate with people, wondering if they know code or not is something you don't want to be asking yourself.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I agree of your goal is to call for help or coordinate lots of people. Some people that prep aren’t looking for that though.

[@joshholtan6901]

I’m looking at using radio for communication on backpacking trips to check in with family. Would a Small Morse code radio be able to reach further than my 5w yaesu?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

A 5w Yaesu handheld? Like for vhf/uhf? Yes cw will reach further.

[@joshholtan6901]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse awesome, I’ll have to get one of the kits and setup an an automatic listening station at my families house for receive

[@chrisharrison2552]

Contact South Pole from Cambridge mass 100 watts dipole inside a house also hit Japan on kenwood TS140S , but 20 watts should be enough also Morse is good if jamming is around

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Well said.

[@kurt53641]

I would use it as part of my rig if the DMX-40 could be used on other bands. But, that’s a no :(

[@toml.8210]

The sales guy at the BigBuy electronics store will completely disagree with you regarding the usefulness of CW. He will definitely recommend that you buy the 100W base station or at least a 5W ham HT! $$$$

[@45auto]

"oh, washing machine" 🤣

[@scottgarvy]

How secure would digital such as DStar on HF with a sched be? Seems like it would be very secure.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Anyone with it can hear you or any software on an SDR that can decode it.

[@scottgarvy]

Sounds like no comms are secure.

[@kenhagler7166]

@@scottgarvy No amateur radio comms are secure, because they're _required by law_ to be insecure. There are options for secure radio comms such as getting a Part 90 license and using encrypted DMR radios. However, those are VHF/UHF. I don't know of any secure HF options that are legally available to us peasants.

[@nicolascharlery8323]

Quick thought: I wonder if creating CW/Winlink gateways would be possible and effective

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Oh like cw your message to the gateway? Interesting!

[@nicolascharlery8323]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Exactly! You'd get all the benefits of the small bandwidth, coupled with the async of winlink

[@kurt53641]

That would be sweet!

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Morse code is a great mode and I love it. The only issue I see here is finding people who can copy it. There are plenty of CW (morse code) operators out there but most tend to be old-timers who have been in the game a long time. It's no longer a requirement for getting a ham license and not many young operators are taking it up. Nevertheless, it will get through when most other modes can't.

[@MulligansDen]

One of these days, I’m going to mess with our club members and send my call sign using cw on the 2M call in roundtable LOL 😂 … let’s just see what the talking heads do with that 😃 …

[@KB2OXR]

Myself and MANY others have said over and over and over CW SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN REMOVED AS A REQUIREMENT FOR A LICENSE .

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I think you and those others are likely wrong. It's fine to encourage people learn CW and it seems to be doing well enough on its own for people passionate about it and not just paying lip service to pass.

[@kevinlowry3825]

Do we not think that Govt will jam airwaves and make it tough to get an comms across if SHTF?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Seems like a lot of bands to jam. And they can’t cover wide swaths of spaces.

[@steveschroder8782]

What goes around comes around. Twenty years ago QRP was a thing.

[@paulhastings3109]

Josh what did you think of Long Island cw club. Are you still in class.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I love it and yes, I am a member and attend classes.

[@paulhastings3109]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse outstanding

[@paulhastings3109]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse how long did it take to get able to copy. I want to join LICWC. I rusty KQ4CD Paul ⚓

[@arconreef]

I would like to see a proper real world comparison between js8call and Morse code to see which one is more robust. I would argue that js8call is probably superior to morse code watt for watt, but I've never seen a thorough field test where they were put head to head.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I believe you are right, as the computer has better ears than we do in that type of test. The inherit downside is of course the computer.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse spot on. That's the thing about digital modes: they're AMAZING at pulling information out of the ether. Flip side is they require more infrastructure and are inherently more complicated. CW is so simple and relies on the filter and processing power of the thing we have between our ears (mine requires food, coffee, and oatmeal porter). My take? Why not have both Digital and CW as options? I think that's one of the point you make in the video, Josh, and one people often overlook. It's not an either/or thing; we've a license that allows us to do both! Woo hoo!

[@pthithic]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse the upsides of digital far, far outweigh the need for a computer. There's also toughbooks which remediate the fragility of computers, and SSD gets rid of the spinning disk problem

[@arconreef]

​@@pthithic Forget about using a laptop. You can run js8call and winlink from a raspberry pi and control it from your phone. If someone were to step up and make an android app for js8call then you could cut the raspberry pi out of the equation as well.

[@pthithic]

@@arconreef yes but raspberry pis are weak sauce for field deployment. For a home shack I'm fine with it, but for field they make things much more complicated

[@jmpoulsen1]

Would a DMR radio on a slightly obscure frequency with enhanced encryption not be the way to go? Yes, perhaps not allowed in normal conditions, but in SHTF who cares?

[@timlewis2068]

How would you test it beforehand? Would you risk getting fined or would you risk going into shtf with untested comms?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

DMR encryption is pretty poor.

[@jmpoulsen1]

@@timlewis2068 indeed, you may want to go to a remote area with two handhelds and transmit on low power.

[@jmpoulsen1]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse even enhanced encryption?

[@jampskan5690]

7:23 hahaha

[@NonyaDamnbusiness]

Yes, but also no. For long-range recon units in remote/disaster areas that don't have to send back a lot of info to their respective command HQ? Yes, but only if the small netbook/tablet and SSB microphone they're also carrying is knocked out of commission. For remote command HQs to pass lots of data back and forth between each other? Nope. When all else fails? Sure, but by then I don't think there's going to be a lot of CW operators around to even ACK what you're sending out because they will probably all be dead by then - but hey, knock yourself out hammering away on that improvised straight key or paddle. Don't believe me? Try sending a 9-line report or MEDEVAC request via CW in less than 5 minutes then with near-perfect readability. Hurry up, folks are bleeding out and dying. Voice and data bursts are still going to rule the day far into the future. CW is a fun hobby and extreme last-resort backup measure but should never be considered for mainline comms.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don’t think I made an argument for mainline comms or on be behalf of a team or sending large volumes of data. Your argument is completely sound though and I agree with your premise.

[@peraperic535]

Morse is the best.🎉

[@toml.8210]

I suppose I could power that little pixie doohickey with my solar power bank? OOPS.. Those are only 5V.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol. They make small radios that take 9-15v

[@billandrews2772]

Josh is such a jerk ! His podcast have made me break out my mini QCX 40m kit and start building it and he has me trying to learn CW again 😃 thanks Josh , ps I think the people you will contact in a crisis thru CW will be the ones that can help or relay messages effectively

[@thetruthpost9693]

"Nice waterproof case" :/

[@Ronparks1378]

The only problem with CW is that a very small percentage of Ham operators know it today. I don't see that getting better either. I see it getting worse. Also, CW required a lot of practice to be effective. I know many old hams that say they used to be proficient at code but no longer are. If you're just talking about a small group willing to stay proficient, then I agree that CW is the best bet.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I think things like POTA is increasing interest in CW and obviously the good work of clubs like the Long Island CW Club.

[@itrstt66]

why would you care for encoding legislation when shtf?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

This is a good question. The answer is that encryption is often not work the effort particularly when it comes to drilling and training with people. Better operating is always a better solution in that type of environment.

[@itrstt66]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Quite interesting point of view, does that mean The fact it isnt in legal reach to public, and hence not worth it The risk before shtf, it wont BE that immediatly worthy after shtf because it is a procedure that relies on good and proeficient practice?

[@pthithic]

CW lol, what a waste of time

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol, nah

[@pthithic]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse fo sho' You could forego CW entirely and focus on digital modes instead, which accomplish the same thing (often better) and don't require such a time investment. CW QSOs were used when conditions did not permit phone contact. There was no alternative. Now there's digital modes. Js8call can exchange any communication CW can *and* supports leaving a message if the other station is not on the air operating. CW cannot do that. You can set up and configure js8call the first time in minutes. You will not be proficient in CW in minutes. Winlink supports entire messages exchanged (even attachments) and again, the receiving station does not even have to be online. Winlink is what the Red Cross uses in disaster areas for example. Not CW. Digital modes like js8call or winlink only require adding a cheap laptop to your station. With cheap used or refurbished laptops like toughbooks it does not increase the weight you need to carry very much if you ever want to operate mobile and toughbooks are hardened and refurbs are cheap. Lastly, modes like js8call can exchange in conditions that are beyond awful. Remember to cw you still have to be able to *hear* the other station transmitting CW. You can contact people on js8call that CW folks would not even know are there because conditions are so bad. I'd link a paper but YT is lame and blocks all posts with links because they hate us. JS8CALL can decode at -24dB below the noise floor, while only occupying 50 hz and sending about 13-20 wpm. CW tests have repeatedly shown a +13-16db requirement. Note the "+" sign. Being able to hear is critical. Further many of these CW tests that required 13db above N0 required either transmitting the same 12wpm *three times* or slow code where a dot lasts *three seconds* and could only be recorded from waterfall(!) not by ear. CW is just antiquarianism. Digital modes serve the purpose that CW serves only better in every single case.

[@chipjohnsonkdust5863]

@@pthithic ALL digital modes require a computer, suppose that either power is out through epic storm, Where, then, is infrastructure support for computer-linked comms?

[@pthithic]

@@chipjohnsonkdust5863 if you can power your radio....