[Fists] CW Manual

[Steve w0oow]

I agree!!!

Perhaps it would be appropriate to include a section on speed for those that
are not fluent in CW.  Also, I would include somthing about power level.  If
the propagation is with you, it matters little how much power you are
running.  I  have a hard copy of the Art and Skill of Radio Telegraphy.  It
is an excellent book!  Ownership should be a requirement for CW - it might
attract someone.  Also, there are several very good CW sites out on the
internet.  However, it is alway nice to have a book.  A book can go places
rarely inhabited by a computer.
73.oow

> Message: 1
> To: "Fists North America" <Fists@mailman.qth.net>
> From: Robert Block <w2sr@trackdata.com>
> Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 11:27:18 -0500
> Subject: [Fists] Towards a FISTS Operations Manual
>
> In 1956, W6DTY wrote a classic article in QST, " Your Novice Accent And
> What To Do About It!".
>
> By now, many of the suggestions are inappropriate for current usage and
> conditions.  Nevertheless, beginners need an authoritative guide on what
> constitutes "good CW operating practice".  The ARRL Operating Manual could
> have been a good source but treatment of CW is largely superficial.
>
> What I'd like to see is an operating manual devoted exclusively to CW.
> Herewith, a proposed organization of topics:
>
> Learning CW
>         Learning to copy code
>         Learning to send code
>         Adjusting your key
>         Choosing a first rig
>         Your first QSO
> CW Procedures
>         Prosigns and Procedures
>         Calling another station
>         Soliciting calls
>         The idiom of CW
>         QSO's long and short
>         Courtesy on the air
>         Deprecated procedures
>         Dealing with common problems
>         Logging and QSLing
> The FISTS Club
>         History
>         Organization
>         Activities
>         QSL Bureau
> Field Guide to the HF Bands
>         Propagation Basics
>         Band characteristics
>         Inhabitants and customs
>         Where to look for a contact
>         Suggestions on setting up a station
> Special Activities
>         DX
>         Nets
>         Contesting
>         QRP
>         VHF
>         Mobile and portable operation
>         Awards
>         CW in many languages
>         Teaching others
>
> Is there a need for such a manual?  Are there any volunteers?   There has
> been a lot of criticism of the ARRL in this forum.  I think it's time to
> get past that and produce the educational material we want and need.
>
> 73,
> W2SR
>