Morse Code Question

[TheBoatman]

Can anyone tell me if Morse has definately been confined to the dustbin and can this be backed up with site addresses i.e. Gov, RYA etc. I'm basically looking for proof that it's a system generally no longer used. From memory the RYA have dropped it from their courses and most Gov depts no longer use it but that some radio courses may still do?

Any help would be appreciated!

Peter. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[longjohnsadler]

_....__ _,__..._._.
...__. __ __......__._.....!

 

[powerskipper]

Pardon, could you put that in english /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[snowleopard]

it has finally been dropped from the RYA exams after being whittled away gradually over many years. the ham exams no longer require it.

i can't speak for DTI deck officer or RN qualifications but i'm sure someone will fill in the gaps.

p.s. longjohn - don't know what that is but morse it ain't -. --- .-- .- -.--

 

[Sgeir]

.-- .... .. - ..--..

 

[snowleopard]

WHIT?

 

[powerskipper]

no way /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[powerskipper]

who to mi?

 

[powerskipper]

.. .... ._ _.. .._ _ _ _ _. _ _ _ .._. .. _. _.. ._ _... _ _ _ _ _ _ _._ ._ _ .. _ .... .. _ .. _. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cgw]

I'm not 100% certain but I think it was the advent of GMDSS via the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) which did not include morse code, using instead automated comms via VHF, MF, and satellite. Hence the introduction of DSC and EPRIBs, etc., etc. in recent years but since it takes many years to introduce new global arrangements, some national administrations may still have some legacy use for morse. Thus it may be difficult to identify a hard date when morse ceased for formal maritime use.

Links include http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/default.htm. Also possibly some historical info on www.itu.ch.


Regards,

 

[DrBob]

I am not up to date with current Ham requirements re morse but I had not heard that it has been deleted from the Class A license. I had assumed that there would have been a huge outcry from the A licencees if it had been removed. I stand to be corrected.

Similarly I havent heard that it has been taken out of other countries HAM requirements - particularly in the US. If morse is still part of the Advanced or Extra classes in the US then a UK class A without morse will not be allowed to have a reciprocal license - ie you will not be able to transmit in US waters.

Morse is still a big part of Ham activities being the best method of communicating on the ham band when signals are very weak

Dr Bob
www.gm0eco.com

 

[Ships_Cat]

Amateur General and Extra Class in the USA now only require 5 wpm. Many countries, including here in NZ, have dropped the morse requirement entirely as it is no longer an international ITU requirement.

As you say, it is still a very popular amateur mode with a lot of activity.

John

 

[kliever]

As mentioned on a liveaboard link some months ago I rec'd a full ham lic. last year on the strength of a prev. passed theory exam and no morse code.
rgds
John R

 

[John_N]

As a general means of communicating text, Morse has long outlived its usefulness. However for single letter signals, especially in the safety field it can still be very useful.
For instance, at night, in the absence of any radio communication (breakdown or not available by one of the parties) what would you do if someone flashed ... --- ..., or alternatively worse still, ..- to you??

 

[machurley22]

Only two bits of Morse I know:

SOS=Mayday
U=You are standing into danger

Dave

 

[longjohnsadler]

Ah, sure now Chris, thats the Gaelic Morse Code thats after being practised on several of the remoter islands off the Donegal coast, so it is.
Would ye be wanting a translation at all?

 

[John_N]

Good for you. Might be useful one day!

 

[DrBob]

Just shows how much attention I pay to the regulations! Morse dumped from the RAE exam! Probably a good thing. After years of radio contesting on the ham bands, you really get to know how good cw is on weak signals in crowded bands.

Once I get my ssb set up on the boat (this summer hopefully) I will always have a key with me.

Dr Bob

 

[Sgeir]

Like the website. Just one wee ensie weensie wee thing - see that brig at Killin - you sure aboot the spellin' an'at?

Also, you seem too sensible furris forum. We're a' daft here.





Enjoy!

 

[DrBob]

Hi Sgeir,

I had a feeling my turning up may double the IQ of this list but spelling was never my strong point!

Dr Bob
www.gm0eco.com