In deference to those who say CW is an intelligence filter...

[K1MVP]

I work a little CW around 3845-50, using a 78 years old bug.  Run into a lot of bug operators in that part of the band.

But very few CW ops run homebrew or vintage equipment.  Mostly riceboxes, although many say they run them on CW only and never operate SSB.

I don't know if the code readers can copy my sending with the bug or not, but if not, no great loss.  What's the point of working CW with a keyboard and code reader?  RTTY  (Baudot or ASCII) or PSK do a much better job.

Don,
Funny you should mention using a bug on cw,--after 46yrs+ I  came
across a bug and was playing with it for practice,--am getting the "knack"
of it after using a hand key all these years.

As far as cw ops using homebrew equipment,--you are right very few do, I do, and when I mention I am using a homebrew rig or an old DX-40,--
the OT`s really perk up and usually will tell me what memories the old rig
brings back, and what they started with, etc.

As far as a keyboard and code reader,--I used an MFJ interface for about
a month,--and the "novelty" wore off real quick.
I went back to the "old fashion" method, of copying and sending and that`s
when the "fun" came back.
                                   73,s  K1MVP   

[W2JBL]

   what's going to happen now that the code is gone? i got my first taste of it a few days ago. a friend of mine called me up at work all excited. said he was going to get a receiver, start studying and get his ticket, that's what. the guy is in his mid 30's, a consumate hot rodder, NRA shooter, home machinist, and police Lt. for work. he said he has stayed clear of getting his ticket because of the code.

   what does he want to do with radio? he's got an S-40B on the way from Epay, and wants to work tube radios on AM. needless to say i'm going to deliver him a small truckload of boatanchor stuff to play with and make sure he gets started right.  he's one of many i have known over the years that stayed away because of the code requirement. yeah, we are going to get all kinds, but i have met so many quality people wishing to join the hobby but for the CW test over the years i think it's going to work, and work well for us.