[Elecraft] Activity in ancient 15-meter novice band (21.1 MHz)

[Joshua Gould]

I keep throwing around the idea of trying to learn code again.  When I got
licensed as a no code tech, I stayed there for the first ten years because
every time that I would try to learn code to upgrade, my brain was having
none of it.  Now that I've upgraded to General and I have access to more
bands (where CW is still used) the idea is growing on me again.  I am
planning to purchase a KX3 in early July, and would love to know code so
that I can play around on CW while QRP.  Between attending college and
other work related responsibilities, I'm not sure that is going to happen
before I get my KX3.  I would hope that if I learn the code, someone will
slow down and have a QSO with a newbie...

Joshua Gould
K8WXA


On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 8:17 AM, Lee Trout <troutcm at gmail.com> wrote:

> Those running QRS need our encouragement.  It must be very lonely for them
> since most of the CW ops are highly experienced and running QRQ.  If we
> don't go out of our way to work them, they will -- and many probably
> already have -- go back to phone or just give up after endless unanswered
> CQs or endless searches for a QRS CQ.
>
> I operate about 50% QRQ with an iambic paddle and about 50% QRS with a
> straight key, usually seeking QRS CQs or sending a QRS CQ at 7050 to 7065
> or 7100-7125.
>
> Operating QRS has advantages.  With the decline of CW, it is often
> difficult to find a QSO.  By being willing to work QRS stations you greatly
> increase your chances of a QSO.  I often put out a CQ with the paddle and,
> if no cigar, switch to the hand pump.
>
> You meet some interesting people!  Last year I worked a new ham on his
> FIRST CW QSO: yes, he actually took the time to learn the code on his own.
> I work many who have been QRT for years and finally got bitten by the CW
> bug again.  The record so far is a gent that had been QRT for 54 years!
>
> It is fun!  Pounding away on my ole J-38 again is just downright enjoyable
> and who cares if a QSO takes longer.
>
> If you care about CW, the best boost you can give it, is to work the QRS
> guys.  So either slow down your keyer (I have found I can't do that -- if I
> try to slow the keyer down below 15 wpm, I make mistakes galore) or, better
> yet, drag out ye ole pump handle and pound away.  It takes some practice to
> get your pump fist back, but when you do, I'll bet your will find yourself
> having a ball!
>
> (I would encourage non-selective CQs -- if you do have the good fortune to
> run into a new guy, he is probably not a member of one of the clubs.)
>
> Viva CW!  Lee K9CM
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