[Boatanchors] Relearning Code

[Jim Wiley]

Re:  Learning (or re-learning) code -


2 suggestions:  Consider obtaining a MFJ "Morse Tutor"  (about $70.00) , 
which is a small device that will send code in several forms.  Because 
it is a generator of random words, call signs, text, number groups and 
such, its output is unpredictable, which keeps you from memorizing the 
material.    One of the best investments a person seeking to improve 
their CW skills can make.

The next thing I would recommend is a computer program that will 
generate code from a text file.  You can cut and paste text from an 
on-line newspaper to the program's input to generate as much copy as you 
want.   Code generators are available on-line from several sources, many 
of them free of charge.   Do a Google search for "computer Morse code" 
generators.

When I was building up my speed in preparation for taking the 20-WPM 
Extra Class Exam, I used to listen to commercial station KPH out of the 
San Francisco area.  This was about 1965.  They sent the daily news each 
day at midnight, sending it as plain text at (I think) 24 WPM.  What 
made it such good practice was that it was sent by professionals, and 
therefore was perfectly formatted, and because it was from the day's 
news, checking copy was fairly easy and straightforward.  Unfortunately, 
those stations are gone now, and return to the air only for special 
events, but the Morse Tutor or a computer reading a text file are 
basically just as good.

I cannot speak to the effectiveness of the "Morse Fusion" system, as I 
never tried it.  I did, however,  become sufficiently proficient that I 
could carry on long CW contacts by copying in my head.  In fact, I still 
to this day operate CW while mobile, with the paddle sitting on the 
passenger seat alongside me.

I do use and strongly recommend the "Farnsworth" method for learning and 
practicing code.   That method sends characters at a fairly high rate 
while increasing the space between characters to make the actual rate 
significantly less.  For example, I send individual characters at 
perhaps 25 WPM, while increasing the spacing so the effective rate is 
about 15 WPM.

I am sure others will have their own anecdotes to add to this 
conversation, but I can guarantee that listening to text sent this way 
will sooner (rather than later) do the trick.

- Jim, KL7CC




On 8/15/2015 4:37 AM, David C. Hallam wrote:
> I have not used Morse code in about 45 years.  I never was really very 
> good at it because I learned the wrong way.  I got my speed up just to 
> the point where I could just pass the FCC test.    I operated 15M CW 
> for awhile in the mid 1960's but that was it.
>
> Has anyone had any experience with Morse Fusion as a method to learn 
> (relearn) code.  As I understand it,  it starts out buy reading a 
> novel one letter at a time.  You are not supposed to write down 
> anything, but learn to turn the letters into words in your head. Then 
> progress into hearing the story in code rather than spoken letters 
> again not writing down anything.
>
> I would like to use CW again, but don't want to repeat the bad habits 
> of trying to count dits and dahs and figure out the letter.
>
> David
> KW4DH
>