[Elecraft] Re: CW recognition (speed increase)

[N2EY at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/22/06 1:11:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, mm at UDel.Edu 
writes:


> I'm interested in methods other ops successfully use. 
> 
> 

(to increase Morse Code speed).

One thing I have found that works well once you have the basics down pat is 
to practice copying code that you know is too fast for you.

The following speeds are for illustrating the principle only! Adjust to your 
own level of skill.

For example, if you can do 15 solid and are pretty good at 20, try listening 
to 35 wpm at the start of a session, then 30, then 25, then 20. (W1AW code 
practice does this). You may only get 10-20% copy of 35 wpm at the beginning, but 
that's OK. The point is that by trying to get even that much, you will 
increase your reaction speed. You'll find you get more of the 30 wpm, even more of 
25 wpm, and 20 will sound almost poky by the time you get there.

A mistake I see too many hams making is that they will practice at one speed 
until they are 100% at that speed before trying anything faster. Then they 
move up a few wpm and work at the new speed until they are 100%, etc. That method 
works but is painfully slow.

It's like trying to run faster without doing any speedwork. 

Of course the practice I described above should not be tried during QSOs! 

---

For many folks, the "total immersion" effects of a long contest can increase 
code speed and skill dramatically. 

73 es ZUT de Jim, N2EY