[Boatanchors] Relearning Code

[John Saxon via Boatanchors]

1. I got my novice in 1956, and CW is really about all I have done.  Originally it was because I couldn't afford the rigs that included AM.  I am not all that fast, but I still enjoy it.

2. For practice I would suggest an iPhone app called "AA9PW Ham Morse."  You get a variety of text, speeds, tone, etc...  I use the bluetooth interface to my car audio and have it running on my work commute (obviously, no passengers in the car :-).  From 5 to 50 wpm.
3. Finally, I especially like this quote from you, Rob:
"... you can make CW operatingmuch 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."
AMEN to that!
73,JohnK5ENQ


    <snip>
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