When I was learning to fly helicopters, as part of my ground schooling, I had to learn Morse code in order to identify navigational beacons.  To be fair, at the time, I was more excited about the hands on flying than I was about the ground school of aviation law, flight planning, yawn, yawn, yawn.  So, at the time, I only paid enough attention to Morse in order to identify the navigational beacons around where I was flying, usually in the North West of England, and scrape by in my ground schooling exams.

This was a big mistake on my part, as now many years later, I wish I had studied Morse in more depth, and kept it up because I feel lost when I tune into a station transmitting in the oldest digital mode of our hobby.

New Years Resolution

So, my New Years resolution for 2026, is to re-study Morse code, and to get to a level and be able to hold a QSO at approximately 8 words per minute (beginners level) by the end of the year.

I already have a Kent straight key, similar to this stock photo from the Internet, that I intended to use on my ICOM725, and now I have an ICOM726, it simply plugs in the rear.

Universal Morse Keyer

I also have a universal straight Keyer kit, that I got in the raffle at the West Manchester Radio Clubs Christmas party, so in the New Year, I plan to assemble the kit as part of a Morse project.  I think this was sourced by the club secretary Dennis Anderson, so a big thank you.

Anyway, it is New Years Eve, the whisky bottle needs opening, and I need to go and learn the alphabet.

Happy New Year everyone, and lets hope the bands are kind in 2026.