06/26/2006 | N6R The Ventura County (CA) Amateur Radio Society held Field Day at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. I operated mostly 40 meter CW and was determined to demystify Morse Code as much as possible for visitors to this very public location. A borrowed reader/keyboard did the trick.

Just as I was beginning to despair that anyone would see me, 12 y.o. Patrick and his older sister Katie came to ask about Morse. Patrick needed some assistance with his radio merit badge for Scouting and I was delighted to help. They and several other guests tried the keyboard, paddles and even "pump handle". All were pleased to hear/see their names in Morse. I had a blast! Next time I'll bring my sounder, too.

Who woulda thunk it? For these young people, Morse was cool...because it's "retro" and exotic! 73 from Tom -- W0UFC