[CW] Morse proficiency

Wed, 28 May 2003 23:26:32 -0400

> I consider myself lucky that I can walk and chew gum at the same time! 
> Copying CW and doing something unrelated is like "magic" in my eyes!
> I admire you guys for your abilities ! 

   I am trying to learn head copy, it isn't going to come to me, so I have a 
FT-757GX on my dash and a 10 meter Slim-Jim antenna on the root of my Saturn.
   I listen to W1AW (bulletins) on my way home from work, 5-5:45 or so; EST. I 
am progressing nicely, I also keep the AM radio on and up, in case of weather or 
road blockage that I must bypass, I also keep my clubs repeater on my HT, mostly 
because I am social, I care about my radio friends.
   I am slowly copying longer words, I occasionally put two of the shorter ones 
together, I copy some numerals, my weak point, copy several then I get lost, 
most frequently in what ever is between them.

   If I catch code practice I frequently catch most or all of "page 137 and 138" 
and "1999 to 2002" or what ever, with the am radio blasting at a comfortable 
level, the same level I would have it if I didn't have the HF radio on.
(all while I am driving the country back roads to get home)
   I'm not bragging, I am trying to develop the skills discussed in this thread, 
I can drive, miss road hazards including critters while copying Morse somewhat, 
I am not ready to transmit, I've only been doing it 5 or 6 years, but I am 
developing these skills.  Morse has been very hard for me!  But I love it!
   My short term memory skills are pitiful, but I can remember when I was in the 
perambulator, (1 year old) so it really is an up hill battle.

   At first, we (most of us) can only copy code when we concentrate and exclude 
distractions from our minds, then we slowly develop skills and we can look to 
see who just came in (the door) without loosing it all, we need to push our 
skills farther, it isn't going to come to us.  I'm just trying to help.
-- 
        73 (= Best Regards) de: Ron [email protected]
     100% Slack. since July, 1997 (still free!) SENT D&T are UTC
        Visit my HAM Web SITE at: http://www.qsl.net/ka4inm