[Elecraft] Learning CW

[Paul Ermisch]

>So, please comment on the following:
>Speed - Starting at 20wpm

I found 10 to 15 plenty fast when learning.  Most conversations I hear or
participate in are between 15 and 20.  You should always be listening at
speeds faster than you can fully comprehend.  One technique is to listen to
a set text at 20 (or whatever higher speed) for a few rounds, then cut it
back to 15 WPM, then 10 WPM, etc.

>Paddles - as opposed to straight key to start out on

Whatever you're comfortable with.  Ultimately, paddles are essential if you
want to get into contesting.

>What software would you guys suggest?

I, too, highly recommend the MFJ pocket morse tutor (MFJ-418?)  I've also
used NuMorse but have a hard time translating what I hear into a keystroke.
I recommend not writing anything down once you get comfortable over 10 WPM.
You may need to write when you're just starting out to confirm accuracty
with tutoring software.  But writing will become a crutch that will make it
harder to start copying in your head (for me, at least).  Just like I have
difficulty typing each letter that NuMorse requires you to do - it's an
extra step that just gets in the way in the 'real world'.  Of course, you
need to be able to translate/type if you use contesting software but, as
someone else mentioned in relation to the Koch method, the rhythm of a
contest QSO is much different than the relentless stream spewed out by morse
code software (IMO)

Regarding Koch, I tried it for awhile, but found I got real good at copying
random strings but easily got lost when copying a real conversation.  I
needed extra time to figure out the meaning of the words - with Koch, there
is no meaning.

I've come to the conclusion that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to
learning code.  The only consistency is practice and you'll need to figure
out the best tools with which to practice.

What worked best for me was having a mobile HF rig in my vehicle.  Listening
to real QSO's while driving drilled me on copying in my head, understanding
different sending styles, etc.  It took several months of listening for me
before I felt I'd 'graduated'.  My preferred CW conversation speed (mobile
or stationary) is now between 15 and 20 WPM.  Contest speed up to 30 (faster
if I listen 5 or 6 times :)  I still practice - listening especially to
higher speed ops.

I still get lost occasionally during a QSO and miss out on what the other
person said or asked.  But I no longer freak out about it.

It's great that you have a partner to work with - I imagine that'll be an
advantage for both of you.

>And lastly, maybe stupid question, iambic mode A or B?

Whatever the default is in any recent rig - B?  I believe it's the mode that
completes the character for you rather than having you hold on longer to the
paddle.