[Boatanchors] cw
Ron Bussiere via Boatanchors
boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Sat Aug 15 13:06:22 EDT 2015
Hi David. All great suggestions. I was never a great CW operator and probably never will be. My right wrist joint has been destroyed by too many big bore handguns.
The MFJ works great as does the companion 'reader'. The reader takes a little 'tweaking' to get it working to the correct pitch.
No, it's not a dedicate computer, but it's not a lot of $ either.
One other suggestion... A Heathkit SA-5010. These are wonderful as both a keyer and for code practice. I have a bunch.
Most bought off of ePay as 'not working'. Easy to fix. There are always a bunch on there.
73
ron
N4UE
-----Original Message-----
From: boatanchors-request <boatanchors-request at mailman.qth.net>
To: boatanchors <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sat, Aug 15, 2015 12:16 pm
Subject: Boatanchors Digest, Vol 139, Issue 9
Send Boatanchors mailing list submissions to
boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
To
subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web,
visit
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
or, via email, send
a message with subject or body 'help'
to
boatanchors-request at mailman.qth.net
You can reach the person managing
the list at
boatanchors-owner at mailman.qth.net
When replying, please edit
your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Boatanchors
digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Relearning Code (David C. Hallam)
2. Re: Relearning Code (Jim Wiley)
3. Re: Relearning Code (Glen Zook via
Boatanchors)
4. Meter wanted (David Knepper)
5. Re: Relearning Code (Rob
Atkinson)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message:
1
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2015 08:37:05 -0400
From: "David C. Hallam"
<dhallam at knology.net>
To: "boatanchors at mailman.qth.net"
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Boatanchors] Relearning
Code
Message-ID: <55CF3271.4060401 at knology.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset=utf-8; format=flowed
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
--
There are two possible
outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a
measurement.
If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a
discovery.
Enrico Fermi
------------------------------
Message:
2
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2015 05:37:20 -0800
From: Jim Wiley <jwiley at gci.net>
To:
"David C. Hallam" <dhallam at knology.net>,
"boatanchors at mailman.qth.net"
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Relearning
Code
Message-ID: <55CF4090.10408 at gci.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
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
>
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 15 Aug
2015 14:10:30 +0000 (UTC)
From: Glen Zook via Boatanchors
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
To: "David C. Hallam"
<dhallam at knology.net>,
"boatanchors at mailman.qth.net"
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Relearning
Code
Message-ID:
<78825182.5012912.1439647830786.JavaMail.yahoo at mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type:
text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Having taught classes in learning the International
Morse code for over 55-years, I do have some methods that have proved extremely
successful.
First of all, definitely do NOT "count" the dits and dahs!
Think
of the International Morse code as a foreign language with around 50-words total
(each letter, number, etc., consider to be a "word" in the language).
?Visualizing the code as a foreign language helps, at least in my experience,
with getting one into the mindset to actually learn the code.
Use the
Farnsworth, etc., method where each letter is sent at a speed between 15 wpm and
20 wpm. ?The spacing between the letters sets the total speed. ?Sending the
letters, this fast, forces one to actually "listen" to the "sound" of each
letter and NOT to count the dits and dahs.
I definitely do NOT use the E, I, S,
H, 5 and T, M, O, 0 method of learning the code. ?That method definitely
encourages "counting" the dits and dahs. ?Instead, I start with the letter "A",
then the letter "B", then "C", and so forth. ?After the letters are learned,
then the numbers. ?Next, the punctuation marks, and, finally, the pro-signs.
?Again, since the more complex letters are introduced, basically, from "the
start", one is again forced to actually listen to the "sound" of the letter and
not to "count" the dits and dahs.
Send a new letter a number of times to learn
the sequence. ?Then, go back and send, in a random manner, all the letters
learned so far to reinforce retaining those letters in the subconscious mind.
?Of course, early on, there are just a handful of letters which increases in
number as the alphabet is learned.
After a suitable number of letters have been
learned to create simple sentences, I start including such in the material
presented for practice. ?However, I still use random strings of letters to
reinforce retention.
It has been my experience that most students learn the
code in about 6-weeks of twice a week formal sessions (for about 90-minutes) and
practice at home. ?Some students learn the code in 4-weeks, or less, and some
take up to around 6-weeks to learn the code. ?Learning sessions should not
exceed around 10-minutes to 15-minutes at a time. ?In my formal classes, I send
code for around 10-minutes and then take a 5-minute break. ?It should be the
same at home.?Glen, K9STH?
?Website: http://k9sth.net
From: David C.
Hallam <dhallam at knology.net>
To: "boatanchors at mailman.qth.net"
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2015 7:37 AM
Subject: [Boatanchors] Relearning Code
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.
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2015
10:43:06 -0400
From: "David Knepper" <collinsradio at comcast.net>
To:
<collins_radios at yahoogroups.com>, "boatanchors"
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>, <Amateur-repairs at yahoogroups.com>
Subject:
[Boatanchors] Meter wanted
Message-ID:
<3C824070374E43829355F4EF7FABF485 at DavidPC>
Content-Type:
text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Need working meter for the 75S-1.
I
have a good meter case so it is not important nor the meter face.
Thank
you
David Knepper - W3CRA/W3ST
Collins Radio
Association
www.collinsradio.us
Join the CRA
today
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2015
11:14:57 -0500
From: Rob Atkinson <ranchorobbo at gmail.com>
To: "David C.
Hallam" <dhallam at knology.net>
Cc: "boatanchors at mailman.qth.net"
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Relearning
Code
Message-ID:
<CALWD7Z5OJ5rqaDoT3eX6yfDR2xsAE-1gkTuhg0YvCu-pQZSOLg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type:
text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Congratulations on taking an interest in CW, which
is a fine and
honorable undertaking. I taught myself the code around 1971
using a
straight key (hand key) and a hallicrafters practice oscillator and
a
tape recorder. I had the ARRL book Learning the Radiotelegraph Code,
which
I recommend if you can find a copy. I worked on a group of
characters every
day or two. I'd spend about an hour every night
sending and sending into the
tape recorder. You don't have to worry
about making words. Words are okay but
random characters are okay too
because at first you don't have many characters
to use to make words.
A day later I'd play back the tape to copy having
forgotten what I
sent by then. I continued in this way with review of previous
lessons
for a month or so and by then I knew the alphabet and did the
numbers
and some punctuation. then it was keeping with it and getting
better
and increasing speed.
I quickly grew tired of the straight key and
got a bug. That was way
better. I was starting high school and had no money
for fancy gear so
I only operated CW for the first 5 years or so. to get
better at CW
just do a lot of operating.
I have not really practiced what I
preach. As I have aged, I have
found the energy needed to operate CW
(concentration) and hand muscles
have departed to some extent. It is a lot
easier to yack into a
microphone. It also takes longer to have a nice QSO so
when I have
free time to operate which hasn't been much, I often slack off
and
operate phone. But CW is great in the dog days of summer when condx
are
poor. Another skill I let lapse was the ability to spell and
think about what
I am saying and send all at the same time. It seems
funny but knowing how to
spell is obviously necessary but I don't give
it much thought until I am trying
to send some word I can't spell, hi.
So you exercise your brain in different
ways.
At some point, maybe not at first but later, you can make CW
operating
much more fun in my opinion, by getting vintage gear. An old class
C
novice rig, VFO and a vintage but decent receiver and bug or TO Keyer
and
vibrokey paddle make it a lot of fun. Most hams nowadays run
plastic radios
which to me make CW kind of dull. Of course if you
already have a rig like a
DX100 or 32V you are already set up.
re bugs: I used to think a bug was a
bug. If you want to use one,
you should visit a ham with several and try them
if he will let you.
Some have slop, others are crisp and solid. Some are slow
and others
fast with the weight all the way out. You can have two
vibroplexes,
same model but different times of manufacture and they'll
feel
different.
73
Rob
K5UJ
On Sat, Aug 15, 2015 at 7:37 AM, David C.
Hallam <dhallam at knology.net> 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
>
> --
> There
are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then
> you've
made a measurement.
> If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've
made a discovery.
> Enrico Fermi
>
>
______________________________________________________________
> Boatanchors
mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
>
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post:
mailto:Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
>
> List Administrator: Duane Fischer,
W8DBF
> ** For Assistance: dfischer at usol.com **
>
>
> This list hosted
by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list:
http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to
ranchorobbo at gmail.com
------------------------------
Subject: Digest
Footer
______________________________________________________________
Boatanchors
mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Help:
http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post:
mailto:Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
List Administrator: Duane Fischer,
W8DBF
** For Assistance: dfischer at usol.com **
This list hosted by:
http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list:
http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
------------------------------
End of
Boatanchors Digest, Vol 139, Issue
9
*******************************************
More information about the Boatanchors
mailing list