Radio Question

[jim]

My apologies if this has already been covered, but I'm too busy to look.

Is there a morris-code type radio that can send and receive that is reliable and affordable? Any suggestions?

jim

[wb0wao]

If you mean MORSE code ;D then yes there is - kits are available from around $40 to $600 - with the median around $100. Of course you get more features and functions with the higher priced units.

Dennis

[jim]

That's what I meant. Can't spell worth a hoot. Do you have any suggestions?
jim

[wb0wao]

There are three basic levels of kits out there - the bare-bones type "fun" kits, the middle range "average" kits and the high range "advanced" kits. I would suggest one of the mid-range kits like the SW-xx+ series rig from

www.smallwonderlabs.com

The fun kits are usually <$30, but they are limited in frequency range and power. The high end kits are the KX1, K1 and K2 by Elecraft and range from around $400 to around $1000 for a fully loaded K2.

I have a SW-30+, as SW-40+, DSW II-20 and a Elecraft K2 as well as a couple of the "fun" kits. I would suggest getting one of the SW-xx+ kits - they make them in 20m, 40, 30m and 80m - and they run around $55 each. They used to have an enclosure kit, but they have been discontinued, so you will need to make your own enclosure for it.

This is a good "starter" rig to give you the basics of kit building as well as experience with CW on the bands. You can then build up a more advanced rig later on if you so desire.

Dennis

[jim]

Thanks!

[DavidOH]

Look through: http://www.eham.net/

Read the reviews on small radios.

The one listed above is good. Check out other models and kit builds. Happy hunting. ;)

[ChoochCharlie]

When would one have a reason for Morse Code?

[CarolAnn]

CoochCharlie,

I grew up in a house full of brothers who were radio-crazy! They all got their ham licenses, and the requirement was to be able to tap out so many words per minute in Morse code, so I also grew up hearing "dit dah dit dah, dah dah dit dah" for interminable hours at a time.

The reason is that in a true emergency type SHTF situation, Morse can still be sent long distances with the most rudimental equipment.

You can tap it out with a transmitter, bang it on pipes or toot it out on a horn. (And drive little sisters nuts in the process!)

[wy0mn]

Thats not the only benefit.
I once helped a stranded trucker, also a ham, we could'nt copy each other well enough on sideband, so we switched to cw (Morse); I took his dispatchers 1-800 number and let them know where he was & the problems he had.
Morse will sometimes make the journey where voice will not.
We're at a low point in the propagation (solar) cycle. If someone wants to learn, or simply listen to Morse, I recommend a 30 Meter rig. It has less overseas shortwave interference & a good antenna can be fashioned in less space than some of the other bands/frequencies.
www.qrz.com and eham have numerous links and forums, google those and pursue your interest.
Lex