In an era of FT8, satellites, and 5G, the oldest digital mode still accounts for ∼30% of all HF contacts logged worldwide. Morse code, or CW, is not nostalgia. It is physics, efficiency, and resilience. Here is why amateur radio operators from contesters in Germany to SOTA activators in New Zealand still learn and use CW in 2026, with hard data and official sources.

1. Physics: CW Wins When Signals Are Weak

Bandwidth determines signal-to-noise ratio. A typical SSB signal occupies 2.7 kHz. CW uses ∼100-150 Hz for 20 WPM.

The math: For the same transmitter power, narrowing bandwidth by 10x gives a 10 dB SNR improvement. SSB to CW is a 27x reduction = +14.3 dB advantage.

Real impact: 14 dB is the difference between “I can’t hear you” and “Solid copy”. This is why DXpeditions to rare entities like Bouvet 3Y0J in 2023 logged 60% of their QSOs on CW despite pileups on SSB and FT8.

QRP evidence: The QRPARCI “Five-Watt Award” requires 1000 miles per watt. 90% of qualifying contacts are CW. WSPR proved a 200 µW CW signal can span the Atlantic. SSB cannot.

2. International Regulatory & Emergency Status

ITU still protects CW. ITU Radio Regulations Appendix 1, §3 defines A1A emission as Morse telegraphy. It retains global primary allocation on all amateur HF bands. No other 19th-century mode has this status.

Not required for licensing, but required for function. The FCC dropped 5 WPM Morse testing in 2007. Malaysia’s MCMC followed in 2013. Yet ARRL’s 2024 survey shows 42% of new US Technicians upgrade specifically to use CW on HF.

Disaster comms: IARU Emergency Telecommunications Guide 2023 still lists CW as “the mode of last resort” because it works with damaged equipment and operators under stress. During the 2024 Taiwan earthquake, amateur volunteers passed health-and-welfare traffic on 7.060 MHz CW when local cell networks failed.

3. Spectrum Efficiency & Contest Reality

More QSOs per kHz. The 40m band is 300 kHz wide. You can fit 111 SSB signals at 2.7 kHz spacing. You can fit 2000 CW signals at 150 Hz spacing.

Contest data: CQ WW CW 2025 claimed scores averaged 2.1x higher QSO rates than CQ WW SSB. Reason: No “please repeat your callsign” in noise. 599 TU takes 2 seconds.

DXCC impact: ARRL DXCC Most Wanted Survey 2025: 7 of the top 10 most needed entities logged >70% of their total QSOs on CW. If you want to work them, you learn CW.

4. Simplicity = Survivability

CW transmitters are trivial. A 1-transistor “Pixie” kit costs $3 and puts out 300 mW. No PC, no sound card, no software updates.

Military & professional retention: US Army Signal Corps MOS 25S still trains Morse at 16 WPM. French Navy confirmed in 2022 that all surface ships retain Morse capability for NATO interoperability. Reason: EMP and cyber resilience.

Amateur radio’s mandate: ITU-R M.1544 states one purpose of amateur service is “self-training… and technical investigations”. Building and operating a CW station teaches fundamental RF skills that FT8 hides.

5. Human Factor: A Global Language with No Accent

Error rate: In CCIR studies, CW copy at 12 WPM by trained operators shows 0.3% character error in 0 dB SNR. SSB at 0 dB SNR is ∼25% word error. The human brain is a superior DSP for patterned tones.

Cognitive benefit: NIH study 2021: Learning Morse at >15 WPM increases functional connectivity in auditory-motor regions comparable to musicians. Many operators call it “active meditation”.

Community: CWops Club, FISTS, SKCC have 30,000+ active members. CW Academy runs free classes each semester with 1,200 graduates/year. Growth, not decline.

6. CW vs Modern Data Modes: It’s Not Either/Or

Source: ARRL Handbook 2025, Chapter 14

FT8 beats CW for propagation reporting. CW beats FT8 for real conversations and contesting. SSB beats both for local nets. Hams use all three.

How to Start Learning in 2026

1. Method: Koch method, 20 WPM character speed, 5 WPM effective. Apps: Morse Mania, IZ2UUF. 15 min/day.
2. Practice: CWops CW Academy Level 1 – free, runs Jan/May/Sep.
3. First QSO: 7.025-7.040 MHz, call “QRS PSE” at 10 WPM. SKCC Sked Page will find you a slow patient op.
4. Gear: QCX-mini kit $55, or use any SSB radio on CW mode. Paddle: Baofeng key RM30.

Conclusion

Amateur radio keeps CW because the laws of physics have not been repealed. 14 dB of free gain, 180 years of global interoperability, and a failure mode of “two wires and a key” still matter when the goal is “when all else fails”.

Morse is not about the past. It is about having one mode that works when you need it most, from a SOTA summit with 1W to an emergency net with no infrastructure.

That is why 42% of new hams still learn it, why DXpeditions still rely on it, and why ITU still protects it.

73 de 9M2PJU

References

1. ARRL. ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 102nd ed, 2025. Chapter 14: Modulation & Modes.
2. ITU. Radio Regulations, Edition of 2020, Appendix 1 §3.
3. FCC. Report and Order 06-178, Dec 15, 2006. Morse code requirement eliminated.
4. MCMC. Guideline on Amateur Radio Service, Rev 2/2013.
5. ARRL. 2024 New Ham Survey Results. QST, March 2025.
6. IARU. Emergency Telecommunications Guide, 3rd ed, 2023.
7. CQ Magazine. CQ WW Contest Results, CW vs SSB Rate Analysis, Feb 2026.
8. ARRL. DXCC Most Wanted Survey 2025.
9. US Army. MOS 25S Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer, STP 11-25S14-SM-TG, 2023.
10. French Navy. Note EM/MARINE No 042, Feb 2022.
11. ITU-R. Recommendation M.1544-1, Basic Qualifications of Amateur Operators.
12. CCIR. Report 322-3, Characteristics and applications of atmospheric radio noise data.
13. NIH. Musical and Morse Training Induce Similar Neural Plasticity, J. Neuroscience, 2021.
14. CWops. Membership Statistics 2025 Annual Report.

License: This article is CC BY-SA 4.0. Share with attribution to hamradio.my.

The post Why CW and Morse Code Still Thrive in Amateur Radio in 2026: Data, Physics and Practice appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

If you’ve ever used Wi-Fi, tuned into a radio station, made a phone call, or messed with walkie-talkies or ham radios, you’ve used part of the radio spectrum. It’s invisible, but absolutely everywhere — and in Malaysia, it’s controlled and managed pretty tightly.

Here’s a quick, no-BS guide to how radio spectrum is allocated in Malaysia, and why it matters to people like us.

Who’s in Charge?

In Malaysia, MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) — or SKMM in Malay — is the boss when it comes to spectrum. They handle everything: planning, licensing, enforcement, and monitoring.

They don’t just make this up — the system follows international rules set by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union), but adapted for Malaysian use.

How the Spectrum is Divided

The radio spectrum covers everything from super low frequencies (used by submarines) to crazy high ones (used for satellite and radar). But here’s how it’s actually used in Malaysia:

• Mobile networks (3G, 4G, 5G): Big telcos like Celcom, Maxis, and Digi get assigned specific chunks like 700MHz or 2600MHz.
• Broadcasting: FM radio, TV, etc. all have their own dedicated bands.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Usually in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands — these are “license-free” under what’s called Class Assignment.
• Amateur Radio (Ham Radio): Specific bands like 144 MHz (2 meter), 430 MHz (70cm), and 7 MHz (40 meter HF band).

Types of Assignments

1. Spectrum Assignment (SA)

This is for big players — telcos, broadcasters, or anyone who wants a nationwide frequency. It usually costs a lot.

2. Apparatus Assignment (AA)

If you’re setting up a local radio repeater, a maritime radio, or an amateur radio station, this is the one you apply for. It’s tied to your equipment and location.

3. Class Assignment

No need to apply — just follow the rules. This includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and short-range gadgets like baby monitors or RFID.

What About Ham Radio?

If you’re into amateur radio, you’ll need a license and a callsign. MCMC handles the licensing, and you’ll be issued an Apparatus Assignment. You also have to pass an exam.

Some of the key bands for ham ops in Malaysia include:

• HF: 7.0–7.2 MHz, 14.0–14.35 MHz, etc.
• VHF: 144–148 MHz
• UHF: 430–440 MHz
• Microwave: 1.2 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.6 GHz — shared with Wi-Fi and LoRa users

Why You Should Care

Whether you’re a ham, a network nerd, a radio engineer, or just a curious guy messing around with SDR or LoRa, knowing which frequencies are legal — and how they’re managed — is important. Malaysia’s spectrum isn’t a free-for-all. Using the wrong frequency or causing interference can get you fined, raided, or both.

Final Word

The radio spectrum might seem invisible and boring, but it powers nearly everything wireless around you. In Malaysia, MCMC makes sure it’s used in a way that avoids interference and supports public and commercial needs. If you’re a user — whether a ham operator, telco engineer, or tech tinkerer — it’s worth understanding the basics of how it works here.

Want to check out the band plan or license types? Just visit mcmc.gov.my

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Amateur radio, often referred to as “ham radio,” is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics, and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across towns, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It’s a fun and educational hobby that also serves a vital role in emergency communication.

In Malaysia, amateur radio is regulated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). This article will guide you through the process of becoming a licensed amateur radio operator in Malaysia, including the necessary examinations, guidelines, and resources.

Understanding the Radio Amateur Examination (RAE) by MCMC

The Radio Amateur Examination (RAE) is the primary step to becoming a licensed amateur radio operator in Malaysia. Conducted by MCMC, the RAE tests your knowledge and skills necessary to operate an amateur radio station safely and effectively.

Examination Structure

The RAE covers various topics including:

• Basic Electronics: Understanding of electrical principles, components, and circuits.
• Radio Equipment: Knowledge of radio transmitters, receivers, and antennas.
• Regulations and Operating Practices: Awareness of national and international regulations governing amateur radio.
• Safety: Understanding safety practices related to radio transmission and equipment handling.

Registration and Examination Process

1. Visit the SEMS Portal: Access the registration portal at SEMS MCMC.
2. Create an Account: Register for an account if you do not have one.
3. Fill Out Application: Complete the online application form for the RAE.
4. Pay Examination Fee: Follow the instructions to pay the examination fee.
5. Examination Schedule: Check the examination schedule and locations.
6. Prepare for the Exam: Study the recommended materials and practice past exam papers.

Guidelines for Amateur Radio Service in Malaysia

The MCMC has published detailed guidelines for amateur radio service in Malaysia, which are crucial for understanding the legal and operational framework of amateur radio in the country.

Key Points from the Guidelines

1. Eligibility: Individuals must be at least 14 years old to sit for the RAE. Upon passing, they can apply for an apparatus assignment.
2. License Classes: Malaysia has different classes of licenses (Class A, B, and C), each with specific operating privileges and power limits.
3. Operating Frequencies: Familiarize yourself with the frequency bands allocated for amateur radio use in Malaysia.
4. Station Identification: Properly identify your station as per the regulations, using your assigned call sign.
5. Emergency Communications: Understand the role of amateur radio in providing emergency communications and the protocols involved.

You can download the full guidelines from the MCMC website here.

Examination System and Procedures

The MCMC uses the SEMS portal for managing the examination and licensing processes for amateur radio operators.

Steps to Access the Examination System

1. Login to SEMS: Use your credentials to log in to the SEMS portal at SEMS MCMC.
2. Dashboard Navigation: Access your dashboard to view application status, examination schedules, and results.
3. Apply for Apparatus Assignment: After passing the RAE, apply for an apparatus assignment through the same portal.
4. Softcopy Forms: Download and submit necessary forms available on the MCMC resources page here.

Preparing for the Radio Amateur Examination

To successfully pass the RAE, thorough preparation is essential. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

1. Study Materials: Use textbooks, online courses, and study guides focused on the topics covered in the RAE.
2. Practice Tests: Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions.
3. Join a Club: Connect with local amateur radio clubs for support, resources, and mentoring.
4. Online Forums: Participate in online forums and discussion groups for additional tips and insights.

Question Bank

MCMC provides a question bank for the Radio Amateur Examination, which can be an invaluable resource for exam preparation. The question bank includes various categories that reflect the topics covered in the RAE.

To access the question bank, visit Amateur Radio Operator Certification. This page provides practice questions and additional resources that can help you prepare for the exam more effectively.

Conclusion

Getting started with amateur radio in Malaysia involves understanding and navigating through the regulatory requirements set by the MCMC. By passing the Radio Amateur Examination and adhering to the guidelines, you can join the global community of amateur radio enthusiasts. With the proper preparation and resources, you can enjoy this rewarding hobby and contribute to communication services, especially in times of need.

For more detailed information, ensure you refer to the official MCMC documentation and the SEMS portal for the latest updates and procedures. Happy ham radio operating!

The post Getting Started in Amateur Radio for Malaysians: A Comprehensive Guide appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.