[Elecraft] CW

[Jack Brindle]

On Sep 25, 2004, at 9:26 AM, Paul Bartlett wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I've mumbled on about this on a couple of occasions on several lists.
>
> I'm trying to bring my Morse up to an acceptable standard.
>
> I've tried a number of approaches but so far nothing seems to work for  
> me.
> Oddly, I can send at modest speeds but seem to be almost completely  
> unable
> to read incoming.

Gosh, I'm surprised no one has mentioned this. The ARRL sends code  
practice many times a day on multiple frequencies. I tend to tune that  
in from time to time while I'm in my workshop as background "noise."   
While I still have to concentrate on what I am hearing to get much  
above 15WPM, I can tell my CW copy is getting at least slightly better.  
Now I realize that you are on the other side of the "pond" and the  
times might be inconvenient, plus the League beams their transmissions  
west, so you might want to inquire at the RSGB or any of th eother  
European radio clubs to see what they have available.

> My nice K2 is sitting forlornly at the back of the bench.

The best way to improve your CW copy skills is to move the K2 to the  
front of your bench, connect it to a suitable antenna and power supply,  
power it up and start listening. That way you will be able to take  
advantage of the suggestion above and maybe have a few QSOs with  
others. The only way to build and maintain the CW skill is to use it.  
So make that K2 less lonely!

- Jack Brindle, WA4FIB
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