[Elecraft] Farnsworth CW

[Stuart Rohre]

I am afraid I was in the class of learners who started at 5 wpm, and then
reached the
"wall" or "plateau" trying to get to 13.   I finally did it but no thanks to
the instruction and instructors that started me at 5 and equal spacing.  I
tried some Farnsworth later on using ARRL and found that MUCH easier.

However, now I am also convinced there are some musically inclined people
and code inclined people.   There are some people whose rhythm and tonal
hearing is such they cannot carry a tune in a bucket!   And, I have met a
number of new but older hams, who also cannot carry on CW learning at 5 wpm
or especially above.  They are using the current tapes, Farnsworth, or equal
spaced; off air practice by groups, ARRL, etc. and nothing works for them.
I think some have tried Koch, and they look for good solutions on the web.

There are some people who can "head Copy" and then there is the vast
majority who have to write it down.   I wonder if learning to head copy
should be the only way you are allowed to learn up to 5?  Might remove the
added barrier of translating the code to the pencil and paper.   I was hard
pressed to print at 13 wpm and thus never enjoyed code work with paper and
pencil for that reason.  I never could get the knack of writing script at
13, so finally said, "it is only a hobby, if something is that painful, it
is not of importance to do it."  Many with joint deformities and joint
disease probably have found the same.  There are many modes in amateur
radio, that is what makes it so interesting.  If you cannot handle one, pick
another.  The Elecraft K2 works well for PSK 31 as well as CW and SSB.
73,
Stuart
K5KVH
K5KVH