[Elecraft] Learning Morse Code [OT]

[Kevin Cozens]

On 14-05-28 01:28 PM, Joseph Robertson wrote:
> I'm a new ham and hope to nail down basic code in the near future. I just
> want to thank you all for sharing a multitude of ways to learn and sharpen
> one's skills.

When I was first thinking of getting a licence I was up to copying 5wpm and 
about half of code at 10wpm. It was quite some years later before I really 
got around to getting it. In the intervening years I had spent some time 
tuning the hand bands and would listen a while to some morse code that felt 
comfortable to me or that was just on the upper edge of my ability to copy.

When it came time to work on the code to get my ticket I found I was able to 
copy code above 10wpm. The casual listening to code helped me get better 
even though I never once sat down and said "I'm going to practice listening 
to code".

Regular practice listening will help but don't underestimate the value of 
just listening at times. Tune in to some morse and listen to it will doing 
some other chores around the house. You will be more relaxed when you aren't 
forcing yourself to sit and actively practice.

Another way to get better at faster code is to listen to code during 
contests and try and pick out what you can of the call signs. Contest code 
is usually very fast and it really forces you to focus on the sound of code 
and not count dits and dahs.

-- 
Cheers!

Kevin.

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Owner of Elecraft K2 #2172      | the mouth-breathers, and that's why we're
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