[CW] Learning Morse code, one perspective

[Karl, KB1DSB]

About seven years ago I decided to finally work to get my license.  I got
the theory manuals and tried various computer driven programs offered by
friends to help me learn Morse Code.  I am not a touch typist, so was
spending more time hunting the correct key than concentrating on learning.
I tried the word association tapes, for about 10 seconds.  I, wrongly,
settled on a set of audio tapes that focused on counting the "dit's" and
"dah's" that made up a character.  I made my 5 wpm for my Tech Plus.  And,
then slowly got on the air.  Was having a devil of a time trying to increase
my copying speed.  My wall was at about 10 wpm.  My slow brain just could
not count fast enough, translate the count into the character and then have
my brain tell my fingers to write it down.  I was frustrated, especially
when listening to faster operators, but I did not give up.  I decided that I
needed to relearn Morse Code.  So, purchased one of the Radio Shack's CAT
Morse Code Pocket Trainers (no longer available through them).  I started
back at square one and started concentrating on the sound of the whole
character that was being sent.  I got a 90% copy on one speed and kicked it
up.  I had to stop myself each time I tried to count.  I worked at not
trying to figure out something I might have missed.  I put a dash there and
kept going.  Those dashes got fewer and fewer each session.  I then switched
the trainer over to words.  Could start to hear the sound of entire words
and CW abbreviations we use.  The wall fell away. Some 1,300 CW QSO's in 6
years, I am having a great time with and love CW. Its my 99% operating mode.
And, yes, still use my trainer.

My suggestion for anyone working on learning Morse Code is to learn by the
entire character sound, no counting, not computer programs.  Find a source
that sends perfect CW, a trainer or on the air.  Initially you might have to
go to that cheat sheet to understand what that sound stood for, but not for
long. Practice for only 30 minutes a session.  And, stop early if your
concentration fades.   If you find one of the Pocket Trainers at a Hamfest,
grab it.  Maybe not for yourself, but for a future CW operator.  MFJ also
sells one, I believe.

Those hams that loaned me the programs, well, they never got to discover the
fun of CW. They hit the wall and gave up.

VRY 73 de Karl, KB1DSB