[CW] Learning Morse code, one perspective

[Tony Martin W4FOA]

Hi Karl,
You have "rediscovered" the way many of us learned the code.  We didn't even 
begin to try to "copy" words, etc. until we has "learned" the entire 
alphabet.  The key word is learned.  The next step was mixing up the 
alphabet.  Then came words, etc.

I realize there are some who for one reason or the other just can't get the 
code.  However, there are a lot of prospective hams out there making this 
code stuff a lot harder than it really is.  My recommendation is, and has 
always been, learn all of the letters first. When you have accomplished 
that, then go after the numbers and the basic punctuation (.?,/).  Then you 
have something to work with...proficiency will come along with practice.

Just my 2 cents....and don't give up.

Tony, W4FOA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karl, KB1DSB" <kb1dsb at sover.net>
To: "CW Reflector" <cw at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 5:49 PM
Subject: [CW] Learning Morse code, one perspective


> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> CW mailing list
> CW at mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/cw