[CW] Learning Morse code, one perspective

[Brian Carling]

That is one of the best stories I have ever read about learning 
code.
Do you mind if I pass it along to some other guys?

Brian, AF4K

On 22 Feb 2005 at 17:49, Karl, KB1DSB wrote:

> 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
> 
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