Advantages of Morse Code In the modern age, the Morse code is still as relevant as it was in the days of old. Here are the advantages of Morse code. Cheap

#2 – Morse Requires Less Power to Transmit

Morse code operates off of a lot less power than voice signal, and as a result, you’re able to send your message further distances than you otherwise could. This means that in bug out operations, you can actually carry a significantly lighter radio than you would need to otherwise to have the necessary power to transmit via voice.
I started getting interested in the Summits On The Air (SOTA) contests, and the great majority of those involved in such seem to utilize CW (continuous wave) transmissions exclusively. The radios they use are incredibly tiny, light, and don’t take up a lot of backpack space.
I don’t have to sacrifice as much space within my backpack for a radio. Instead, I can carry more food, a better survival tarp, or maybe a camp pillow as well. I’m freed up to not only carry different gear, but am able to lighten my load as well. This in turn means that I’ll burn less calories while on the move, have more energy for necessary tasks, and be able to move more quickly.

#3 – A Better “Read Value”

A Morse code message is more easily deciphered when static is present than a voice message. So, even if conditions aren’t ideal for radio transmissions, you’ll still be able to get your message across relatively clearly.
Hypothetical scenario: Let’s say a storm causes your vehicle to hydroplane and you get stuck in a ditch in the middle of nowhere. Your cell phone was destroyed in the accident, but your ham radio managed to survive. You’re not sure whether or not your antenna is going to transmit as far or well due to the background noise from the wind and being out in the boondocks.
BUT – if you opt to use Morse code to send that message, you are ensuring that somebody will be able to get your full message.

#4 – Improved Message Security

Not a lot of people are willing to sit down and take the time to learn Morse code. One of the things I don’t like about the ARRL is that they publicly list your address with your call sign. This means that literally anybody can type in your call sign and find out where you live. If you’re making voice transmissions on a mobile radio while on the move, this very well could indicate to others listening that you’re not at your house. If you were utilizing Morse however, there’s less risk of listeners being able to interpret who is making the transmission, what the transmission is, and whether or not you’re at your home.
In a grid-down TEOTWAWKI type environment, this could prove beneficial. Perchance the area bad guys are using radios to listen in on local transmissions, there’s a small chance they’d actually be able to gather any useful intel if you’re making all of your transmissions in Morse.
Did they learn Morse code? Maybe. Maybe not. It’s just something to think about.
A U.S. Navy signalman sends Morse code signals in 2005.