[CW] CW Tips?

[Artmouton]

Jeramy - I was a retread also.  First licensed in 1960, I got back on about 
1975 (after Army and college).  My one rule was to learn and use CW.
It was slow - but I listened on the bands until I could follow slow CW 
Qso's, then made some contacts, also did some listening to ARRL CW messages, 
but mostly listen and operating.  When I would be up for the next test 
(General, then Extra) I would even tape CW QSO's or ARRL and listen in the 
car while driving back and forth to work.  The final way to get to the 20 
WPM was to work as many Russian hams as possible.
Late at night on 20 meters they would come booming in over the pole, good 
signals and, very good CW operators.  That was still in the dark times so it 
would be a 2 by 2 qso then a GL and 73. But if you do it enough times you 
get the skill level.
The incentive (I hated that word when ARRL came out with it for the 
licensing) did work - I wanted an Extra so bad I hit CW enough to do it, you 
can too.
Art K5FNQ
P.S. my next goal is CW DXCC Honor Roll.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeramy A. Ross" <jeramy at w5xtl.net>
To: <cw at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 2:58 PM
Subject: [CW] CW Tips?


> Hello to all on the list.
>
> First, a bit of an introduction:  My name is Jeramy and my call is
> W5XTL.  I'm a Technician class ham (with 5 WPM CW).  I got my first
> ticket as a novice in 1992.  I've been inactive for quite some time,
> but am getting back into the ball game slowly but surely.  I'm in the
> process of building a 80 meter doublet antenna with homebrew ladder line
> (will use on 40 - 10 with tuner).  I'm also in the process of upgrading
> up to extra class.
>
> Now for my plea for help.  Though I passed my 5 WPM test in 92, I have
> never used CW (please refrain from throwing sharp objects at me till I
> finish).  I have always been interested in CW operation, but my skill
> never amounted to much.  I am currently working on re-learning CW, and
> have the goal of eventually obtaining 20 WPM (or beyond if I can.. but
> I have to reach the 20WPM goal).  My request is for tips, techniques,
> advice, etc.  Not just for learning the code, but for every day
> operation.  My biggest fear (the one that kept me from using CW in the
> beginning) was being labeled a lid.  So could you all help me avoid
> falling into lid-dom?
>
> Best wishes,
> Jeramy W5XTL
> _______________________________________________
> CW mailing list
> CW at mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/cw
>