[Elecraft] Learning CW

[George, W5YR]

When I taught code for the Air Force in 1951-52, I used a character speed of
around 15-18 wpm with spacing inserted to achieve a running rate of 5 wpm
which was required to pass the course. I found that the students simply
couldn't "get" the rhythm of the characters at 5 wpm and rhythm is what I
taught them.

I had 40 hours to graduate each class at 5 wpm aural and visual, sending and
receiving. Most classes averaged 20 hours and my best group did it in 11
hours. Classes were about 30 cadets and student officers.

Unfortunately, the tape machines provided by the AF for "practice" ran with
equal character  speed and spacing so I ended up doing a lot of the practice
sending with my own handkey - didn't care for the J-38's the AF provided. I
would occasionally demonstrate my bug sending to give them an idea of what
it sounded like. Of course, back then, I could use both and be proud of what
came out - no more!   <:}

So, I guess my point is that exaggerated spacing is acceptable if not
overdone and in the interests of emphasizing the rhythm of the characters.
Of course, in those days, I had never heard of "Farnsworth" code . . .

73/72, George
Amateur Radio W5YR -  the Yellow Rose of Texas
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE of Dallas in Collin county EM13QE
"Starting the 58th year and it just keeps getting better!"
w5yr@att.net





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <rondec@easystreet.com>
To: "'Stuart Rohre'" <rohre@arlut.utexas.edu>; "'Sander Wissing'"
<zr6sw@icon.co.za>; <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 3:59 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Learning CW


> I did a quick look up myself, Stuart, and didn't find anything about the
> history of the Farnsworth system under that name. I have a sort of a
> recollection that Farnsworth is post WWII, but I also know the name as the
> finally-recognized inventor of electronic television <G>.
>
> Over the years I have read that some of the old commercial circuits - wire
> circuits I believe - did teach code with the letters at high speed and
> opened up the spacing at first. Basically the same approach.
>
> I'm working from memory (which is why I didn't name names <G>) but I one
of
> them was the old Western Union company who also welded the weights on the
> bugs.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stuart Rohre [mailto:rohre@arlut.utexas.edu]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 1:50 PM
> To: Ron D'Eau Claire; 'Sander Wissing'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Learning CW
>
>
> Ron,
> I was under the impression the Farnsworth code training method is of
recent
> origin, like post WW2?
>
> Certainly, in Germany, the Koch method did not hit its stride until
> computers became numerous and cheap. 73, Stuart K5KVH