[Boatanchors] Boatanchors Digest, Vol 139, Issue 9
Bob via Boatanchors
boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Sat Aug 15 13:12:07 EDT 2015
David
I am also relearning the code. One resource is the SKCC web site. Another is the CWOPS site and you can sign up for their course which a couple of my club me members have done and they are at 25 wpm and increasing.
I have the MFJ code tutor and do use and enjoy it, but it does not had a sequence with JUST the common words used in fast exchanges. So I made recordings of the common words and saved them on my cellphone. I also bought a picokeyer real cheap and use that for practice. I did discover that my radios fave a feature that let you practice CW without sending. I also have a broken 10 meter rig I use for practice.
Finally, and you will hear this a lot, nothing works like listening. I just have the radio on in the background and don't mind if it is fast, because I am listening for common CW exchange words as well as letters that 'stumble' me. I have made a list of those letters and practice them every few nights.
Finally, finally if you want someone to practice with, no matter how slow (and I promise I won't try to impress you by going faster than how we start) send me a message here or directly and we can set up a schedule, although best times for me are from 9:00 pm EST and the later the better.
NZ2Z
Bob Bennett
Sent from my iPhone
> On Aug 15, 2015, at 12:15 PM, boatanchors-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
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> 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
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>
>
> ------------------------------
>
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>
> End of Boatanchors Digest, Vol 139, Issue 9
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