[CW] Relearning / Koch / G4FON

[JT Croteau]

OM's

I am making a determined effort to finally master cw.  I haven't
touched cw since I barely passed my novice exam back in 1989.
However, I have always loved the history of the mode and would
frequently tune in stations and dream that I could understand what
they were saying but I would always take a negative attitude to
learning and would put up all kinds of mental blocks.  No more, I'm
only thinking positive and will be participating in QRP sprints real
soon.

I think I am going to learn using the Koch method and G4FON's
software.  I like the idea that I can simulate weak signals, various
noise levels, QRM, QSB, chirp, etc.  However, I'm wondering what
speeds for both actual character speed and effective code speed would
be best to start at?

My main interests in cw is QRP operating, fixed and field, and my
gear consists of a K1.  A good friend of mine, NV1B, is a good
motivator for me and shares similar operating interests and will be
assisting me on the air as well.

Thanks and 72
JT, W6FO