[Elecraft] Learning CW

Wed Feb 20 11:35:00 2002

I was going to stay out of this one -- I've seen this thread come around=20
here and there for the last 50 years.  But I felt it important to add a=20
strong negative reaction to any method that "associates a character with a=20
phrase, for example, D -.., "Dog did it."  Such methods may indeed produce=20
quick returns to getting to 5 wpm.  But they become a real liability when=20
trying to pick the speed up.  The only thing you should be associating -..=20
with is the letter D!  And it should become a direct association.  Anything =

else adds another step in the process -.. -> phrase -> letter D, and has=20
got to slow things up.  For the same reason, you should not count dashes or =

dots, as some are prone to do, particularly with numbers.  Let the pattern=20
become the character in your mind -- a direct association.

  Also, start early learning to copy in your head.  This is one of those=20
elements that is essential for fast copy, and it is one that is learned=20
only with practice.  But it really comes fairly quickly if you work at it.=20
Unfortunately, you also have to learn to copy on paper to pass the exam.

best wishes,

dave belsley

--On Wednesday, February 20, 2002 11:05 AM -0500 Nicholas Garner=20
<[email protected]> wrote:

> I used Code Quick and loved it.=A0 It makes you look somewhat ridiculous,
> waving your hands in the air and drawing imaginary characters
> on tables but it works great.=A0 The system associates a character with a
> phrase, for example, D -.., would be "Dog did it".=A0 I tried
> the ARRL tapes and would find my mind wandering while listening to
> letters  repeatedly.=A0 It is somewhat expensive but I would say that
> it is worth it.=A0 The system promises 20 wpm in 30 days with 12 days
> dedicated to getting you to 5 wpm.=A0 I started 12 days before a
> local General upgrade exam and hit 5 wpm the day of the exam.=A0 My K2 =
came
> in the mail the day before the test and I opened the package
> after I passed.=A0 The next wednesday, 4 days later, I made my first
> contact.=A0 I love this rig.
>
> 73 and hope this helps,
> Nick
> KG4KFY
>
> On Wed, 20 Feb 2002, Jeff Stout wrote:
>
>>
>> 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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>
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----------------------------
David A. Belsley
Professor of Economics