[Elecraft] CW with my K3s and KX3

[Gwen Patton]

I'm re-learning code that I haven't significantly used since I passed my
General (my Extra was BARELY past the time when they removed the
requirement). I'm right on that edge where I can ALMOST get it, but not
quite. I can get bits, but not enough to make sense. I don't think in it
yet. I'm signed up for a CWops course -- I was tempted to do level 2, but
figured I'm SO rusty, I decided to let them retrain me completely in their
method, since my method resulted in it not really sticking all that well.
The course I'm signed up for starts in January, just after the new year
begins.

My biggest hurdle has been "mike shyness", or the equivalent with a key or
paddle. I've got keys. I've got paddles. I can even use them to a degree.
But I still can't COPY worth a damn. I'm trying to immerse myself in code
at least a bit. I have a program that'll convert a text file into a CW MP3
file. So I got a favorite short story from Project Gutenberg and converted
it (H. Beam Piper's "Omnilingual". It seemed appropriate.), and I can sit
and listen and try to make sense out of it. I'm getting words here and
there, but it's still something I have to CONCENTRATE on. It's not
reflexive yet.

I'll sometimes fire up a websdr and CWGet (I know, lose the readers) and
let it play in the background while I do things. I can sometimes pick out
call signs and simple stuff without having to peek at the reader.

Eventually, I'll get there. And I'm sure, once I start USING it and making
contacts, and nobody laughs me off the band, I'll get to like it and it'll
become natural as breathing.

73,
Gwen NG3P

On Fri, Oct 5, 2018 at 1:25 PM John Flynn <gio.flynn at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Mike,
>
> A couple of thoughts about activities that have kept me ditting and dawing.
>
> You might consider hanging out with the SKCC (Straight Key Century Club)
> ops. As the name suggests, straight key bug, or cootie key only. Lots of
> activities and awards to chase. Also the group has a very active reflector.
>
> Check out WWFF (World Wide Flora and Fauna), POTA (Parks on the Air) and
> SOTA (Summits on the Air). You can be an activator or chaser/hunter.
>
> Another activity I've never seen mentioned is CW nets. I check in most
> mornings at 8:30 with HBN--Hit and Bounce Net (east coast).
>
> Finally, sign up for a level 2 or 3 online course with the CW Academy.
>
> Over time, I've used all of the above to keep me motivated.
>
> GL es 73,
>
> John K4ARQ
>
> On Fri, Oct 5, 2018, 11:31 Michael Blake via Elecraft <
> elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>
> > A bit off topic but I think many Elecraft users are CW people.  My
> station
> > is completely set up for good CW (K3s, KPA500, KAT500, KX3 with paddle,
> > Vibroplex Code Warrior) and I can send and copy relatively well up to
> about
> > 20 WPM but I seem to lack the interest to grab the horns and actually
> > engage in a CW contact.  I have several very good code readers and CW
> > keyboard applications but I believe they actually prevent me from really
> > getting into it.
> >
> > Any suggestions in how to actually create some interest or thrill that
> > will entice me to engage in more CW operations?
> >
> > If you wish to reply off line please use k9jri at Mac dot com.
> >
> > Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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