[Elecraft] Learning CW

[Jeff Stout]

My New Year's Resolution:

After having been subscribed to the list almost since it's inception, I finally have the time and inclination to upgrade from TECH to GENERAL and maybe even EXTRA!   I have been reading and learning about the great Elecraft products, and I intend to purchase and build one this year.  However, I'm using my upgrade in license class as my incentive, and the K1 as my reward...

Knowing the reponse from the list, I'll probably get about 25 different avenues to pursue, but I can narrow down which is best for me...so here goes:  Is there a good/better/best/preferred/proven way to learn CW accurately and quickly?   Tapes?   CD? Online Study Practice Sessions?   Or even a local (to DFW) class or tutor?  Also, is a Code practice oscillator/generator worth purchasing?  And should I practice sending and receiving to pass the test...does sending help receiving?  Obviously I need to learn both, but what is most important to learn first?  I have always heard it is assumed you can probably send accurately if you can receive reliably.

Based on my current schedule and obligations, I could safely dedicate about 1 hour a day to practice, maybe split between 1/2 hour in the morning and 1/2 hour at night...The written examinations I can handle without much problem, but HF is calling my name, and I want to answer in CW...

I should also add that I'd not be opposed to learning at a higher speed than 5 WPM, as I'm sure there are many more QSO's available to someone with better skills.  Is it better to learn at 5, then enhance your speed.....or just learn it at say 13 WPM?

Thanks,

Jeff Stout/W5JFS

Dallas/Fort Worth



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