Well Lou, there is not a thing wrong with using a board.  I start falling 
apart using the paddel at around 35 or 40 wpm so when winding up a bit 
faster I go to the board because my fingers won't crank the paddel any 
faster.  tnx
Ed  K7UC
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lou Kolb" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 7:17 PM
Subject: Re: The Original Digital Mode


> Thanks for the kind words, Ed but I must confess, I use a keyboard. <grin>
> But since I started using it several years ago, my CW activity has risen
> dramatically.  Great for rag chewing.  It was a delight to work you today.
> Lou
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ed Malmgren" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 9:13 PM
> Subject: Re: The Original Digital Mode
>
>
>> Yes, if you want a treat, just get on C W and have a q s o with Lou,
>> WA3MIX,
>> A great operator.  73
>> Ed  K7UC
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Lou Kolb" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 5:14 PM
>> Subject: Re: The Original Digital Mode
>>
>>
>>> Phil,
>>>
>>> First, while studying for the extra these past few weeks I came across a
>>> question about a digital mode that employs pulses of varying length. 
>>> The
>>> correct answer, of course, was Morse code.  After reading some of the
>>> other
>>> comments on CW on this list I went down to the shack and called cQ on 20
>>> CW
>>> and there was Ed, K7UC.  Small and often wonderful world.  Lou
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "Phil Scovell" <[log in to unmask]>
>>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>>> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 7:11 PM
>>> Subject: The Original Digital Mode
>>>
>>>
>>>> Lou,
>>>>
>>>> I've been a ham for 45 years and CW, or the Original Digital Mode, as 
>>>> in
>>>> ODM
>>>> for short, has always been my favorite.  I like sideband when talking
>>>> with
>>>> friends but I've always love CW and, in fact, I think it was CW that
>>>> attracted me the most in getting a license in the first place.  CW is
>>>> also
>>>> far from being dead.  With the band not so hot right now, it doesn't
>>>> look
>>>> like CW is very much but you let a contest, or Field Day, pop on to the
>>>> bands, and you can't even find a place to have a normal CW contact; the
>>>> CW
>>>> bands are so crowded.  Now is also the time to learn CW because, with
>>>> your
>>>> general class, a guy can get on the air on any band and run any speed
>>>> and
>>>> he
>>>> will find someone to talk to him at that speed.  I do it all the time.
>>>> DX
>>>> is easier to work and if you aren't running an amplifier, CW is where
>>>> you'll
>>>> make the most contacts.  I'd give up the hobby, I do believe, if they
>>>> band
>>>> CW operation on the ham bands.  It just wouldn't be as fun any longer
>>>> under
>>>> those conditions.  Come to think of it, maybe even with a Technician
>>>> license
>>>> you can operate CW on the CW bands.  I don't remember the rules any
>>>> longer
>>>> about that.
>>>>
>>>> Phil.
>>>> K0NX
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>>> From: "Lou Kolb" <[log in to unmask]>
>>>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>>>> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 4:28 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: Dumbing down, was Re: Selling Gear Online
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Some clubs have actually reported an increased interest in CW now that
>>>>> it's
>>>>> not manditory.  Speaking as some one who operates it a lot and for 
>>>>> whom
>>>>> it's
>>>>> my favorite mode, I hope that's not just wishful thinking.  Sure it's
>>>>> outmoded by other digital modes but it sure is a fun and relaxing 
>>>>> skill
>>>>> to
>>>>> exercise.  Lou WA3MIX