[CW] Morse Training

[Michael Josefsson]

On 19 Jul 2010, at 19:50, John Westerlage wrote:

> 
> I'm curious about some of the advice about learning Morse.
> 
> I no longer remember exactly how I learned Morse, or how long it took, since I've been using it daily since 1956.  But I do remember that it was a kind of hit or miss type thing - no formal training.  And one day I just realized that I was head copying.
> 
> Nowadays, some of the newer online or pc-based trainers have help files advising not to practice for more than 5-15 minutes at a time.  To me, that sounds like WAY too little.  They also advise not to practice when too tired, too frustrated, too sick, or too whatever.

I can make a comment on this. When I had a class (ham radio) we did sessions of abt 10 minutes when learning the code. Then a few minute(s) break and then another 10 minutes. This went on for about 1 hour 20 minutes. After that a longer coffee break when we also got up on our feet for a while. And after that perhaps abt 1 hour of excercise with 10 minutes blocks. We went according to the Koch-method at strictly 15 WPM. Two new chars each week at the meeting as per above and then practice at home till next week. All went very smoothly. This was to know the code at 15 WPM and pass the test. The bulk of the training was then later on air with the ticket in hand. Some advance in speed, some don't.

I think a problem with a computer as tutor is that one has too high expectations on progress and then bale out after a few weeks. "It is modern, it is a COMPUTOR!" Unfortunately the brain has not advanced as the MIPS do... Learning the code still takes time, sweat and perseverance.

When it comes to military training the code is taught to a selected bunch of recruits tested suitably for the job. It is also not necessary that everyone pass the higher speeds. Not all of them will be interceptors anyway. With hams one can not reasonably put the same stress within the hobby. Many of us also have a social life that will take a burden should we attend code school for too many hours a day:)

/Micke