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.
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