[Elecraft] [OT] Suggested techniques for teaching CW?

[David Wilburn]

I'm experienced in this, mainly as a result of going about it the 
wrong way initially, and then having to "re-learn" it once I wanted to 
do morse code.

Initially I bought the 5 wpm CD when I was first licensed in 2001.  I 
then went to take the test, and found out that the letters were sent 
much faster, due to farnsworth compression.  An idea that makes sense, 
send the letters at 18 wpm, but space them out so they words are sent 
at 5 wpm.  Then once you learn it at 18wpm, then just change the 
spacing to speed up.  But no one told me about it before the test.

G4FON's software, was how I started re-learning the code.  The 
software is handy, but I think there are some better tools out now for 
the initial learning and practice.  Though once you have the hang of 
the basic code, G4FON is great tool.  You can dump text into it, and 
send it to yourself.  I used to edit the quotes out of webpages (like 
news) and have the software send it to me.
http://www.g4fon.net/

A program to help learn the letters is Morse Machine. It sends the 
letter at the speed of your choice, then you have to type it in.
http://downloads.tech-pro.net/morse-machine_tpmm01.html

A good program for daily practice is RUFZ-XP
http://www.rufzxp.net/
This sends a call sign, at a speed setting of your choice.  If you get 
it correct, it speeds up.  You get it incorrect, it slows down.  Great 
for short practice.  Two 15 minute sets at different times throughout 
the day, is good.

Morse runner is a good program practice also.  It simulates a contest 
and exchange.  It can be run for a 15m interval.
http://www.dxatlas.com/MorseRunner/

That and the other fine links that have already been posted and the 
great advice others have sent should go well for you.

The software will only get you so far.  Get out there with someone, 
and get on the air, or just practice in a room with code oscillators.

One suggestion.  I am not trying to start a huge debate, but merely 
comment on what I have experienced, and what I have heard.

Many will state that code should first be sent with a straight key. 
This is fine if you have someone to work with.  A lot of the bad 
straight key code heard on the air will back me up on this.

What worked well for me, was learning to send good code with paddles 
and a keyer.  I did not have an elmer to work with, I was on my own. 
Using a keyer and paddles taught me what good code sounds like.  Then 
when I picked up a straight key, I knew what good well spaced code 
sounded like, and I just had to replicate it.  That is no simple task.

Once you know what good code sounds like, the straight key is a great 
tool.  You really get a feel for the weighting and spacing.

There is plenty of code out there sent with improper spacing, or no 
spacing at all.  When I was re-learning code the last few years it 
made me nuts to get in QSO's with these folks, and not be able to sort 
out what they were sending.  Folks that have been doing it for many a 
years, can sort this out just fine.  I was not able to, though I am 
getting better with practice.

Many fine operators (and there are a lot of them on here) learned on 
straight keys, and many of them had fine elmers (or instructors) 
teaching them, helping them, and correcting their mistakes.  This 
makes all the difference in the world.

Many folks have MP3 players now days.  They are cheap and everywhere. 
  I have one on my cell phone, and I download a bunch of the MP3's 
from the ARRL archive and play them when I have some time.  I mix them 
up with stuff that is too fast for me, some that is a little fast, and 
some that is easy.  Once I listen to the "too fast" the others sound 
slower.  When listening to the "too fast", I just try to pick out a 
few letters or short words.

When I listen to the "little fast" and the "easy", I work on memory 
retention.  Something that is getting harder at 48.  I especially like 
listening to the MP3's at night while I am sleeping.  I don't know 
why, it helps me sleep, and I admit to having some weird dreams as a 
result.  I never said I was normal, just happy.
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/morse/Archive/

Best of luck to you, and I hope to catch you and your students on the 
air.  73

Dave Wilburn
NM4M

TF3KX wrote:
> Hi - I know this is very remotely related to Elecraft, but good advice is
> never in short supply in this group...
> 
> Here in Iceland the requirement for knowledge of CW is no longer required
> for amateur HF licenses - a trend that we see in most countries nowadays.
> 
> Still, I am interested in establishing CW courses for those new amateurs who
> may want to learn CW, and I am seeking advice from those of you who have
> experience.  For example...
> 
> - General suggestions for methods (Koch, etc.)
> - Software and other tools for class teaching and individual practice
> between classes
> - Teaching methodologies and approaches (frequency of classes, length,
> character groups,...)
> - Other activities to support and encourage (kit building, on-air
> sessions,..)
> 
> 73 - Kristinn, TF3KX
>