[Elecraft] Code Buddy

[Dave Sublette]

Jeff,

I wish I were close to you so that I could help, but KY to the West 
Coast is a bit far. I would, however, like to commend and encourage you 
to work on your code speed. On the air experience is great, but there 
are alternatives. Some keyers have an option to send random code groups. 
Also, there are computer programs to help you train for increased speed. 
Just a couple of hints from an old guy who has been at it over 50 years 
now:

1) There is no magice formula, no tricky technique that will get you 
there quicker, regardless of what some advertisements say. Regular 
practice, daily if possible, is the method to do it. Steady and sure 
progress, sometimes frustrating, will get you there. The catch here is 
that, as adults, we have other responsibilities tht demand our time. It 
will take a disiplined approach to keep a schedule of practice. Some 
folks listen to code tapes (or CDs) in the car during a long commute to 
work.

2) You may have to take a break after a bit. Perhaps you will have to 
limit your practice sessions to 15 minutes or so. This is tiring stuff 
and the mind gets saturated easily.

3) If you use a computer, set the character speed at 18 to 20 wpm, even 
if the code speed is lower. Learning to hear and recognize the 
characters at speed will help the ability to copy when the space between 
characters shortens as the overall spped of transmisson increases.

4) Spend a little time working contests. You don't have to enter. Most 
contest exchanges are simple and repetitive and everyone sends fast. It 
will help contition your ear and brain to comprehend faster code, but 
only a few characters at a time.

5) Are you a musician or do you like to listen to music? Try listening 
to some Bach or Motzart for a few minutes before your code sessions. I 
believe that will help.

Good luck Jeff. Learning the code is its own reward. It /IS/ like riding 
a bicycle. I go away for weeks at a time, on occasion, and when I get 
back to it, I am back to full speed within minutes.

73,

Dave, K4TO
j s wrote:

>I've been copying/sending at about 9 wpm for too long.
> I very much want to increase my speed, but I need
>someone who is patient to help me do that.  If you are
>interested and in the western U.S., especially
>California, please email me.
>  -Jeff
>
>
>
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