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