Amateur radio and Morse code have been around a long time and it is nice to know that we have been keeping up with technological advances. We are on the space station, we send television images, and now we even use the internet to talk to each other around the world. This can be done with a direct connection to an amateur radio, or it can even be done without any radio. This is one case where I am enthusiastic about an amateur radio activity and it doesn’t involve Morse code.
The computer program is called “ECHOLINK” and was developed by hams for the exclusive use of hams. In order to use the program you must be licensed by the FCC as an amateur radio operator. This must be verified and your call sign registered. Once this is completed you can download the free (all of this is free) software and get started. There could be some problems with some system firewalls but that can be overcome.
Some old timer hams say that this isn’t really radio, but I am an old timer ham and I say that it is a great program, a means of communication which is what hams do, and really a lot of fun to use. I sit there and talk to my computer and listen to stations worldwide. If you are interested, and already have your license, click on http://www.echolink.org to learn more.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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About Me
- Jack Stahl
- One of the wonderful aspects of using Morse code as a communications mode is that it is very indifferent as to the operator’s age. A good fist (one who sends well) can be ten years old or one hundred. I say this is wonderful because I am happily enjoying my sixty ninth year. I am new to the hobby of amateur radio, however, since I passed my technician test in September of 2006 and was awarded the license and call sign of KD8EJY by the FCC. I then passed my General exam in November and was granted my vanity call sign request of K8ASA by the FCC Although I am new to the amateur radio hobby, I am not new to Morse code. The ASA in my call sign refers to the Army Security Agency who sent me to a special school in 1956 to become efficient in Morse code. I was sent to Ethiopia for two years to give the army the benefit of my new skill. While back in those days my knowledge of Morse code was beneficial to our national security, 51 years later it now brings me pure pleasure. There has been a hiatus of fifty years between my army discharge and my becoming a ham and I do truly regret the fact that I missed out on all those years of enjoyment with the amateur radio hobby.
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