[Elecraft] Re: CW recognition

[wd4lst at windstream.net]

This is a interesting thread, as I was recently volunteered to give a "CW presentation" at our local club. Also, I plan on taking my Extra next month, and as a personal goal, I want to complete a qualifying run at 20 wpm in concert with the exam. I got my novice as a kid in the late 70s and a general around 1980. Back then, I learned "the old way" by paper tape, Ameco cassettes, and listening on the air. 
After getting back into radio a few years ago, I realized that cw was still my favorite mode, and with a little practice, got back up to the 13wpm. 
My persuit of reliable 20+ copy Has taken some time, and it seems to have several parts to it. At the core is Listening to W1AW and on the air QSOs. IMHO, this is the most important part of the whole deal. I dont think the QSO speeds need to all be at the goal speed, as 'time in the saddle' is more important. Also, working with a slow speed op that may have less than perfect technique is good training as well. 
I am also using the G4FON software, and find the ability to taylor the character speed and actual speed, add qsb & noise  very helpful. I usually copy a newspaper article into a text file and try to copy it. 
I also found that it takes a while to get the writing muscles in shape so that my pencil can keep up.
Lastly, while I'm doing something else in the shop, I keep my radio on the cw portions and listen to cw in the background. The 'word recognition' that people speak of starts to take place for me while doing that.
Well, enough rambling. Now, if I can find away to master my set of vibroplex iambic paddles. I have to keep my straight key in parallel with my keyer as a bail out when I get too frustrated with the paddle thing.
-73s,
Pete
> 
> From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <rondec at easystreet.com>
> Date: 2006/09/21 Thu PM 06:11:56 CDT
> To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Re: CW recognition
> 
> There may be value in going back to the way many of us learned in the middle
> of the last century. Start at whatever speed allows you to hear the elements
> - 1 or 2 WPM if needed - and  learn A, B, C, and so on, 


Pete Axson
WD4LST
17901 NE 18th Ave
Citra, FL 32113