[Elecraft] Learning CW

Wed Feb 20 22:24:05 2002

I have a question along the same lines but maybe further down the line then
the original.
I am looking for tips to learn how to copy in ones head. I am to the point
that my hand will not keep up, not to say I get tired of having piles of
paper laying around.(I already know answer: practice practice)

73/Jerry K7YVZ
www.qsl.net/k7yvz
----- Original Message -----
From: "David A. Belsley" <[email protected]>
To: "Nicholas Garner" <[email protected]>; "Jeff Stout" <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2002 9:32 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Learning CW

> I was going to stay out of this one -- I've seen this thread come around
> here and there for the last 50 years.  But I felt it important to add a
> strong negative reaction to any method that "associates a character with a
> phrase, for example, D -.., "Dog did it."  Such methods may indeed produce
> quick returns to getting to 5 wpm.  But they become a real liability when
> trying to pick the speed up.  The only thing you should be associating -..
> 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
> 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
> become the character in your mind -- a direct association.
>
>   Also, start early learning to copy in your head.  This is one of those
> elements that is essential for fast copy, and it is one that is learned
> only with practice.  But it really comes fairly quickly if you work at it.
> 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
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > I used Code Quick and loved it. It makes you look somewhat ridiculous,
> > waving your hands in the air and drawing imaginary characters
> > on tables but it works great. The system associates a character with a
> > phrase, for example, D -.., would be "Dog did it". I tried
> > the ARRL tapes and would find my mind wandering while listening to
> > letters  repeatedly. It is somewhat expensive but I would say that
> > it is worth it. The system promises 20 wpm in 30 days with 12 days
> > dedicated to getting you to 5 wpm. I started 12 days before a
> > local General upgrade exam and hit 5 wpm the day of the exam. My K2 came
> > in the mail the day before the test and I opened the package
> > after I passed. The next wednesday, 4 days later, I made my first
> > contact. 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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>
>
> ----------------------------
> David A. Belsley
> Professor of Economics
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