[Elecraft] Learning CW

[Alva Anderson W5VCJ]

It would be difficult to say there is a "right" or "preferred" way, because
everyone learns in their own way. I also heard the call, and tried several
methods. Here is what has worked for me.

You need to learn the basic characters. There are several programs to help
you do this, two stand out as best: Code Master V (www.morsex.com) and
NuMorse (you'll have to use www.google.com or something to find this one).
CM-V is runs under DOS or Windows, but runs in a "DOS box" under windows.
NuMorse is Windows based and can use your sound card. I never could get CM-V
to use it, but that was probably due to my computer config, not a problem
with CM-V. As a plus, CM-V guarantees that you will go from 0-20 WPM in 90
days or your money back, and all you need is 15-20 per day.

Something I found VERY helpful is the MFJ-418, since I could take it to work
and listen over lunch. It is very versatile, and one of the best tools you
can have for learning/brushing up/increasing your code speed....to a point.

Here is the caveat I found to all these methods: They are not the "real
thing". What I mean be this is that they send perfect code (which, of
course, you want to learn with) -- and there is no background noise, etc.
After learning the code, I started listening to W1AW (see QST magazine for
times), and found that I could hardly read the code the first few times.
This was due to fading, background noise, etc. IOW, "the real
world"...almost.

As you listen around the bands, you suddenly realize that some code that is
sent is pretty much unreadable; the characters are not even, the
inter-character and inter-word timing is atrocious, etc. But, that is the
real world, and one we have to work with, so try spending as much time
listening to actual conversations as possible.

Finally, don't do what I did. I got to a point where I could consistently
read 20 WPM, sometimes a bit faster, but I had never learned to SEND. This
was a BIG mistake on several levels. First, when I finally started
practicing the sending part, I realized that it is the "other half" of the
equation. It is like learning to listen without learning to speak: You don't
really know the language until you converse, and you cannot converse unless
you can send and receive. So, once you get to 5 WPM -- which you will find
out is painfully slow -- start practicing the sending. When you can send
with any confidence at all, get on the air and talk to people! I did not do
this, and it has set me back 3 or 4 times.

A final note: learning the code was painful for me. They say that it is easy
if you have musical ability, so I must have none. Whatever you do, do not
become discouraged, and do not buy a "short cut" program that guarantees you
will pass the CW test in 12 days. The gimmicks used will get you there, but
if you want to USE the code, they will haunt you like a bad reputation! I am
STILL trying to get over the gimmicks used for the letters Z, L, and F, and
it really hurts your enjoyment of the code.

Andy W5VCJ