[CW] CW problem

[N2EY@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/18/02 2:09:24 PM Eastern Standard Time, wa0goz@arrl.net 
writes:

> I'm trying to learn to head copy CW.  I can copy with pencil at about 15
>  wpm now.  My problem with head copy is that I don't hear the words, I
>  hear the "melody".  That is, if I hear  dit dah  dah dit  dah dit dit,
>  I don't hear A-N-D, or AND, I hear dit dah  dah dit  dah dit dit.  I can
>  go along with a whole tape and "sing" right along with the sounds.  I
>  really have to concentrate to hear the letters, but since I'm apparently
>  doing some translation process, by the time the third letter gets to me,
>  I've forgotten the first one or two.  This has been driving me crazy for
>  a year or so.  I know that until I can start hearing words, I'll never
>  be able to head copy fast.
>  
>  I've corresponded with a number of hams, including Bill Pierpoint (who
>  wrote a great book on CW), about this problem, and the only solution
>  anyone has is for me to stop trying so hard and relax and just let it
>  come.  If I do that, I can really get into the "music" of the tones.
>  
>  Anyone have any experience with this type of problem or any suggestions
>  as to how to overcome it?  All help is appreciated.

Henry,

I don't know your background or experience with code, but here's what worked 
for me.

The key (pun intended) for me was to try everything CW related. Had the 
receiver on and tuned to a CW station any time I was near the shack. Copied 
W1AW at every opportunity, particularly at speeds way over my head. I might 
get one letter in three but after five minutes of sweating 35 wpm, 20 per 
sounded dead slow. Did traffic handling, contesting and ragchewing. Didn't 
even own a mike or a rig capable of 'phone the first ten years I was a ham 
(1967-1977)

One thing I found interesting was that after hours at the rig during a 
contest I'd actually begin to "think" in Morse. That is, I was no longer 
translating the code into letters and assembling the letters into words. 
Rather the code itself became the concept. This first happens with one's own 
callsign - I'd hear "didahdah didah didididahdah didi dahdidahdah 
dahdidahdit" and think "me".  Sounds strange but it happens with languages so 
why not Morse?

My advice is to expose yourself to as many different kinds of Morse operating 
as possible. Fast, slow, ragchews, DX, contests, traffic, W1AW, whatever. 
Have code going whenever possible, even if you don't understand it. Try 
speeds way over your head and see if you can pick out even one or two 
letters. Work on sending as well as receiving - I think there is a connection 
between learning how to send well and learning how to receive. 

Most of all, have fun with it. A solid 15 wpm op gets more done than a 30 wpm 
op who needs everything repeated. 

73 de Jim, N2EY