Category: News / Stories

Amateur radio first attracted me because it felt different from modern communication.

There was no feed, no algorithm, and no endless stream of noise. Just signals, skill, patience, and the possibility of reaching someone far away with simple equipment and focused attention.

That curiosity gradually became a real part of my life.
And over time, CW became the part of amateur radio that mattered most to me.

Discovering Amateur Radio

Like many people, I did not enter the hobby with a perfect plan.

At first, I was simply fascinated by a basic question:
How can people still communicate across distance using radio, especially in a world dominated by smartphones, apps, and high-speed networks?

The deeper I looked, the more amateur radio appealed to me. It combines technology, discipline, experimentation, and human connection in a way that few hobbies do.

You can study antennas, propagation, operating practice, portable setups, and radio equipment. But beyond all of that, amateur radio teaches a slower and more deliberate way of communicating.

That is one reason I was drawn to CW.

What CW Means to Me

CW is often described as an old mode, but that description misses the point.

CW is not interesting because it is old.
CW is interesting because it is efficient, elegant, and skill-based.

With relatively simple equipment and weak signals, CW can still make contacts that would be difficult in other modes. It rewards good operating habits, careful listening, and steady practice. It turns communication into something more intentional.

In a fast world, CW gives me a reason to slow down and concentrate.

Becoming a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator in China

For readers outside China, it may be helpful to explain how amateur radio licensing works here.

To legally operate amateur radio in China, an applicant generally needs to pass the relevant operator qualification exam, obtain the appropriate operator certificate, and then complete the process for station licensing and a call sign.

China’s amateur radio operator qualification system is commonly divided into three levels:

• Class A — the beginner or entry-level qualification
• Class B — the intermediate level
• Class C — the more advanced level

The exam typically includes regulations, operating procedures, technical basics, and safety knowledge. Morse code is no longer required for basic qualification, but CW continues to be highly respected by many operators. The current regulatory framework recognizes A, B, and C classes, and publicly available explanations in China generally describe A as the starting level, B as the next step, and C as the advanced level.

After passing the qualification process and receiving authorization, an operator can obtain a call sign. My call sign is BA7MTH, and it represents an important part of my identity on the air.

For global readers, the exact structure of licensing varies by country, but the underlying idea is familiar everywhere: amateur radio is built on responsibility, technical understanding, and respect for operating standards.

Practice in Everyday Life

One thing I enjoy about amateur radio is that it does not have to be separated from everyday life.

Sometimes practice happens in a quiet moment after work. Sometimes it happens with a simple portable setup, limited time, and whatever conditions are available. Those moments may seem small, but they are often the ones that make the hobby feel real.

Amateur radio is not only about ideal stations or perfect equipment. It is also about building skill gradually, learning from experience, and enjoying the process.

That applies especially to CW.

Why CW Still Matters in 2026

Some people see CW as outdated because newer digital modes exist. I see it differently.

CW still matters because it offers something modern communication often lacks:

• Efficiency under weak-signal conditions
• Simplicity in equipment and operating style
• Discipline in listening and sending
• Satisfaction that comes from skill, not convenience

CW is not just a backup mode or a historical curiosity. It is still one of the purest expressions of amateur radio.

It reminds us that communication does not always need to be faster to be better.

Why I Created CW599

As I spent more time around keys, radios, and operator habits, I started to notice a gap.

Some products were too generic. Some were impractical. Some looked acceptable in photos but did not feel like they were designed by someone who actually uses them.

That is one of the reasons I created CW599.

CW599 is my way of building and sharing things shaped by real operating experience: Morse keys, radio accessories, and practical ideas for people who genuinely enjoy the craft of radio communication.

I want CW599 to be more than a store.
I want it to reflect a real operator’s perspective.

Final Thoughts

Amateur radio has given me more than technical knowledge.

It has taught me patience, focus, and appreciation for simple but meaningful communication. CW, in particular, continues to remind me that skill and intention still matter.

Whether you are already licensed, just getting started, or simply curious about Morse code, I hope this journey encourages you to explore amateur radio for yourself.

There is still something special about building a signal, listening carefully, and making a connection that feels earned.

Short author bio for “About Me” or post footer

I’m the creator of CW599 and a licensed amateur radio operator with the call sign BA7MTH. I’m passionate about CW, practical radio gear, and the everyday craft of amateur radio. Through CW599, I share products, ideas, and stories shaped by real operating experience.

In a world dominated by instant communication, satellite networks, and fiber optics, I chose a different path—one that relies on skill, patience, and a deep understanding of signals.

My callsign is BA7MTH, and this is my journey into amateur radio.

The First Signal

Like many others, my journey didn’t begin with equipment—it began with curiosity.

There is something fascinating about sending a signal into the air and having it received by someone miles—or even continents—away. No internet. No infrastructure. Just physics, antennas, and human skill.

That idea alone was enough to pull me into the world of amateur radio.

Why Amateur Radio Still Matters

At first glance, amateur radio might seem outdated. After all, we already have smartphones, messaging apps, and global connectivity.

But amateur radio is not about convenience.

It’s about:

• Resilience – communication when everything else fails
• Skill – understanding propagation, electronics, and signal theory
• Independence – building and operating your own communication system

In many ways, it’s one of the few remaining technologies where you are part of the system.

Discovering CW (Morse Code)

Among all modes, one stood out to me: CW (Continuous Wave).

CW is minimalistic, yet incredibly powerful. With very low power and simple equipment, you can reach across the world.

More importantly, CW forces you to slow down and think.

It becomes less about talking—and more about listening, timing, and precision.

Building, Modifying, Experimenting

As my interest grew, I naturally moved beyond just operating.

I started exploring:

• Customizing Morse keys
• Modifying hardware
• Testing portable setups
• Improving ergonomics and usability

This hands-on process changed everything.

Amateur radio stopped being just a hobby—it became a craft.

Sharing the Journey

I also began documenting my journey and experiments on Bilibili.

Instead of just consuming knowledge, I wanted to:

• Share real-world setups
• Show practical modifications
• Connect with others who think the same way

Because in amateur radio, the community is just as important as the technology.

What I Believe

Through this journey, I’ve come to believe something simple:

The future may be digital—but the skills of radio will always matter.

When systems fail, when networks go down, when simplicity becomes critical—radio remains.

And CW?
That might be one of the last true communication skills worth mastering.

What’s Next

This is just the beginning.

I’m currently working on:

• Better CW tools and accessories
• Practical gear improvements
• Exploring training methods for beginners
• Building something bigger around the CW community

If you’re on a similar path—or just getting started—you’re in the right place.

Final Words

Amateur radio is not just about making contacts.

It’s about:

• Understanding the invisible
• Building something with your own hands
• Connecting across distance in the most fundamental way

And for me, it all started with a simple question:

What happens if I send a signal into the air?

Most people think CW is outdated.

Too slow.
Too manual.
Too… unnecessary.

They’re wrong.

CW Was Never About Speed

CW is about signal over noise.

It’s about doing more with less.
It’s about skill, not shortcuts.
It’s about a kind of communication that still works when everything else fails.

And somehow — in a world obsessed with automation —
that makes it more relevant than ever.

So Why Are We Here?

Because this space deserves better.

Better tools.
Better design.
Better experiences.

For too long, CW gear and resources have lived in a world of “good enough.”
Functional, but uninspired.
Available, but not refined.

We’re here to change that.

What We’re Building

We’re not just listing products.

We’re building a modern ecosystem for CW operators:

• Tools that actually improve your operating experience
• Gear designed with intention, not just convenience
• Resources that respect your time and intelligence
• And ideas that push this hobby forward

Some of it exists today.
A lot of it doesn’t — yet.

Who This Is For

If you’re already deep into CW,
you’ll understand what we’re trying to fix.

If you’re just getting started,
you’re exactly who we’re building this for.

Because the future of this space doesn’t come from gatekeeping —
it comes from making it irresistible to enter.

Yes, We Sell Things

But that’s not the point.

We don’t believe in flooding the catalog.
We don’t believe in chasing the lowest price.
We don’t believe in selling things we wouldn’t use ourselves.

Everything here has a reason to exist.

The Bigger Picture

This starts as a website.

But it doesn’t end there.

We see:

• Smarter training tools
• Purpose-built accessories
• Software that actually understands operators
• A tighter, more connected community

Not someday.

Step by step.

If You Get It, You Get It

CW doesn’t need everyone.

But it does need the right people.

If you’ve ever felt that a simple signal could carry more meaning than a thousand words—

you’re one of us.