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

[Barry LaZar]

Joshua,
     I'm no expert on learning code, but I have discovered a few things. 
Most folk who want to learn code try and memorize the code and then try 
and translate to readable text. I found out, the hard way, that you work 
against yourself by doing this, It took me a very long time to figure 
this out.

     I found that if you train your ear to hear a certain sound and then 
react, like writing down what your hear, you can learn code with a whole 
lot less pain. For instance, the best way I have found is to use the 
Farnesworth method. That starts out at a speed of around 10-15 WPM with 
spacing equal to about 5 WPM. Overtime, the spacing is shortened, but 
the characters are still sent at the same speed that you started. What 
is happening is that you will continue to hear the same sound up to the 
speed that the characters were originally sent. You just learn to react 
faster, and that is much better than trying to react faster at the same 
time you are trying to figure out what the new sound is.

     I found this when I borrowed an Instructograph. That was a paper 
tape device Army CW ops once used. I had no idea what was going on 
initially. What I discovered was that the chracters were coming at me 
faster and faster over a session because the reel sizes changed over 
time making things faster. It worked for me, and now I can work CQ WPX 
CW at 25+ WPM. I can't QSO that fast, but contests work. CW IS fun and 
really gets through with almost no power. Best of luck.

73,
Barry
K3NDM





On 5/27/2014 8:25 AM, Joshua Gould wrote:
> 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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