[Elecraft] K3/100 or KX3 with all the options

[Matt Maguire]

Good work! Keep at it. The decoding program may give you some extra confidence, which is great, and it will give you a feel for how operators use CW in practice. However I'd recommend to ditch it as soon as you can, since it is just a distraction to learning the code.

Concerning the abbreviations, etc. it is good to be aware of some of the common ones so you don't get thrown too much when they come at you, but you'll pick them up pretty quickly. The following guide is good for beginners and goes through operating procedure and common abbreviations:
http://www.netwalk.com/~fsv/CWguide.htm

73, Matt VK2ACL

On 14/03/2012, at 11:30 AM, Gerald Manthey wrote:

> Great advice Matt. I had my first cw contact today. I was nervous but had a program to translate. I was proud when I was done, but had a patient op. What I learned was I need to learn the proper abbreviations to use. I find I want to try more now.
> 
> On Mar 13, 2012 6:36 PM, "Matt Maguire" <vk2acl at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi David,
> 
> No need to stress about CW contacts -- just realise that the only critical thing you need to copy is the callsign. Ideally you'll also get a signal report, name and QTH as well. Of course you can ask for repeats, but consider if it is a casual contact and you miss those, what's the worst thing that could happen? No-one will even know except for you. So, just relax, try and get the basic info if you can, if not, don't worry, and treat everything else as gravy. And remember, you're free to say "TNX FER QSO 73" at any time :-)
> 
> Another way to build confidence might be to use a computer program called "Morse Runner". It simulates contest-style QSOs for you. Contesting may not be what you ultimately want to do, but the program will get you used to copying callsigns and signal reports (well, numbers at least).
> 
> As for K3 vs KX3, both are good options. The TS-830S is a nice radio with plenty of grunt -- do you have any of the optional CW filters for the TS-830S? If so, you already have a pretty good radio for casual home operation, and the KX3 will offer you a portability that you don't have now, plus a chance to play with some fun new things like the I/Q outputs. On the the hand, if you want a nice modern home base station, the K3-line is pretty attractive too.
> 
> Good luck, let us know which way you finally decide to jump.
> 
> 73, Matt VK2ACL
> 
> 
> On 14/03/2012, at 9:44 AM, David Stratton wrote:
> 
> > My radio needs are very modest for I am not a contester,
> >
> > or DXer, or even one who makes a lot of contacts but I
> >
> > do listen quite a bit. I do like to have a fine radio and
> >
> > presently own one - the Kenwood TS-830S. I have no
> >
> > intention of parting with it. As far as modes go I operate
> >
> > HF primarily SSB and PSK31. I am trying to improve
> >
> > my CW ability however I have a problem with CW. Just
> >
> > like some people have mic fright I have CW contact fright.
> >
> > I like CW but I just can't do it and enjoy it. The final bit of
> >
> > information is the fact that my wife hates amateur radio,
> >
> > which causes me to occasionally put my radio in storage.
> >
> >
> >
> > I will digest all the thoughtful comments many of you made
> >
> > and make my decision. Although I do operate from home,
> >
> > you can see that for me perhaps getting away to the local
> >
> > state park or some other place away from home might provide
> >
> > me with the best operating enjoyment. Doing that would be
> >
> > best accomplished with the KX3.
> >
> >
> >
> > Dave - KO4KL
> >
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