[FARC] Meeting Program Idea

[Bob Moroney]

Kirk,

If you're having success learning code with the "Just Learn Morse Code" 
program, keep it up.  The Koch and Farnsworth methods that the program 
is based on are far and away the best ways to get really proficient at 
CW, at least from what I've seen. 

Nevertheless, the Koch method of pattern recognition doesn't work for 
everyone.  For folks who find that the code simply kicks their {reset} 
... ahem, is more challenging than expected, I recommend something "Code 
Quick", an effective code learning method unto itself.

Either way, once you've learned to copy code, you're still stuck with 
learning how to send it if you want to get on the air in CW (unless, of 
course, you're using a keyboard program). 

I'm with Jim G. on keeping it simple to start. 

Here's what I would do:  Borrow or buy a decent straight key.  Plug it 
into the appropriate jack on your transceiver (they're all a bit 
different).  Set the transceiver mode to "CW" (they're all a bit 
different).  Make sure the transceiver's internal electronic keyer is 
Off (they're all a bit different).  Turn the transmitter power output 
down to zero (they're all a bit different).  Set the transmitter CW tone 
(sidetone) to a comfortable pitch (they're all a bit different). 

With that setup, practice sending code until you're confident that you'd 
be able to copy everything you're sending, with very few errors.  Once 
you've reached that point, you're ready to get on the air in CW.  (Don't 
forget to turn your output power back up!)

You can set up a few scheduled QSOs with someone you know who's also 
learning or is willing to act as your CW Elmer.
Or you can simply find random folks calling CQ at a speed you're 
comfortable with, and respond.  Or you can put out your own CQ at a 
speed you're able to copy.  Once you've established initial contact, you 
have a QSO, not hesitating to ask the other Ham to slow down or repeat 
as needed, and not hesitating to correct your own sending errors. 

Repeat as needed. 

Don't worry too much about all those other complexities (iambic paddles 
vs. bugs, full/semi yadda yadda yadda, etc.) until you feel pretty 
comfortable doing the basics.   (By that time, all the rest will 
probably make perfect sense  in any case.)

At that point, volunteer to do a program at a FARC meeting to pass along 
what you've learned.

73, Bob K9CMR
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kirk Talbott wrote:
> Just an idea for a meeting topic.  I've been running a program (works 
> fine on Vista) called "Just Learn Morse Code"  that KB3OMO Allen Garst 
> turned me onto.  Is a pretty neat Morse code learning tool and seems 
> better than listening to Morse code learning CD's.  Though I've just 
> started and can't really do much code, I've been wondering, how does 
> one hook up a Morse code key and set up a radio to do CW?  What's the 
> best type of CW key to use for rookies on CW?   What is the difference 
> between a "straight key" and a "paddle?"  On the Kenwood TS-2000 it is 
> not as straightforward as it sounds to set up and get running 
> correctly.  Stuff like CW semi break-in and full break-in, electronic 
> keyer, changing keying speed, auto weighting, reverse keying weight 
> ratio, manual tx/rx switching, et. al.. 
>  
> So, for some of us HF and CW rookies out there a good FARC meeting 
> topic might be to go over the steps for setting up CW on a radio and 
> possibly some operating guidelines for operating CW.   
>  
> 73
> KB3ONM
> Kirk