There are multiple ways to communicate using the airwaves. I will address the three major ways (There are others) of communicating with others across the airwaves. I will also stay away from AM, FM, and SSB 'Carriers' as this starts to get into the weeds for a none ham radio operator.
CW = (Morse Code) CW stands for Carrier Wave which is interrupted to produce the dots and dashes
Phone = Is voice communication using a mic or microphone to transmit on the airwaves.
Digital = Using a selected program or software that allows someone to type out messages using a keyboard to send (TX) and receive (RX) the typed message.
CW is very useful in that you can TX/RX messages with minimal power (5 to 10-watts) over long distances around the world. The drawback is learning morse code. IMO, to be proficient at CW, you have to be able to TX/RX in excess of 15-WPM.
Most communication is done today using a mic and your voice. Although you can use low power, e.g. 5-watts most hams use 100-watts or more. In essence, it takes more power to drive a voice across the airwaves then the dot and dash of CW. Now with that written, I have made a bunch of contacts using QRP (Low Power) over long distances. I made a QSO (Contact) on 5-watts with a station in Great Brittan during last years 13 Colonies contest. The challenge is; people using 100-watts or more may step on your transmission and you can't break through.
Digital communication started out as
Radio
Tele
TYpe which was an earlier form of digital. You need a modem to operate this mode and all others like it. It was an early form of TXing text messages across the airwaves not unlike using CW. Digital like CW needs less power to TX/RX. Depending on the day and distance I use 10 to 35-watts to TX. RTTY is dying out as it is slow and being replaced by more robust modes like PSK31, Contestia, Olivia, FT8, along with about a dozen other modes. Within each mode there is about a dozen sub modes to pick from too. For the ERIN net, we use the Contestia mode with a sub mode of 4/250. It is a good middle of the road mode that allows you to type and TX at the same time as you TX at a moderate pace. Some modes allow this too BUT the pace is a lot quicker and requires a high rate of typing speed skills.
I hope that answers some of your questions Nemo. I took the time to explain it as others out there may have similar questions. Thank you for asking it Brother.
