[Fists] Frustrated

Wed Sep 7 14:14:38 EDT 2011

Matt,

I probably made the most progress with the Koch method, but I would 
hardly recommend that you use it to the exclusion of other methods. I am 
using it again to try and move my speed up from about 18 wpm to 25 or 
more, but I mix it with other methods such as:
  - listening to samples QSOs (you can find these in text form or mp3 
form on the 'net)
  - listening to QSOs on my rig or using a WebSDR site to use their 
radio (easier to spot CW)
  - listening to just words.
  - The ARRL code practice sessions are good, also.

I think G4FON has the best software for learning as you can use Koch and 
also listen to word files or sample QSOs (you have to bump the letter 
count to 40 to turn on these latter methods in the program).

Next runner-up would be CW Trainer, both free programs.

73,

Casey, TI2/NA7U
cloud-warmer.blogspot.com

On 9/7/2011 7:43 AM, Matt Maguire wrote:
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>
>
> I learnt morse the traditional way, counting dits and dahs, and passed the 5wpm sending and receiving test required for the Novice licence many years ago. I wonder now, if I went back in time and learned the code using Koch method with its 20wpm character speeds, would I have still been able to pass that 5wpm test ok? Has anyone here learned CW by Koch method only? How hard is it to send and receive at 5wpm? (Actually, for the sending test, I don't think there was a limit to how fast you could send. You just had to complete within the time given, which meant you had to send at least 5wpm. I think you had to do it on a straight key though).
>
> 73,
> Matt VK2ACL.
>
> On 07/09/2011, at 9:59 PM, Ian Fulton wrote:
>
>> Sending CC's may delay your post. If you feel that your post needs to go to more than one destination please send them separately.
>>
>>
>>
>> As the UK National Hamfest gets closer, my frustration peaks about slow
>> Morse and the 5wpm Morse test. To preserve Morse code, as a society
>> should FISTS not concentrate on the ethics of learning Morse code and
>> speak out against bad practices, especially to national societies who
>> promote them.
>>
>> In 1965 at the tender age of 18 I joined the RAF and was trained as a
>> Wireless Operator Special and after 10 months passed out of the training
>> school able to receive Morse at 20wpm and later upgrading to a Special
>> Operator Telegraphy at 30wpm. /Please note the "receive" as I never
>> touched a key till I was taking the Morse part of my amateur licence./
>>
>> I have not taught Morse for years but when I did, I always taught the
>> Koch Method, as this was the way I had been trained in the RAF and I had
>> found it fairly easy. Today with computers when asked for advice I
>> recommend Ray G4FON's Morse Trainer as it covers the Koch Method and I
>> recommend a daily intake using it.
>>
>> I have talked to a few M5's who took the 5wpm Morse test in the late
>> 80's who would really like to progress but have found it difficult to
>> get away from counting dots and dashes so have not really progressed. My
>> advice to them is to re-learn Morse Code using the Koch Method. /(I was
>> a Morse examiner then and objected when they brought out the 5wpm test
>> also David Finley agrees with my views)/
>>
>> The extract below from the website of David Finley N1IRZ at
>> http://www.qsl.net/n1irz/finley.morse.html"So You Want To Learn Morse"
>> (/which is well worth a visit) /confirms my views.
>>
>> /"I fell in love with radio in grade school, but was kept off the air
>> for 30 years because I found traditional code training just too
>> frustrating. During those decades, I tried several times to learn Morse,
>> but every time gave up in frustration and disgust -- my progress was
>> just too slow./
>>
>> /In 1991, I became one of the first 500 people to enter ham radio by way
>> of the no-code Technician license. After becoming bored with repeaters
>> and HTs, I decided to make one last attempt to master the code.
>> Fortunately, I stumbled on information about Koch's method, and found
>> that it was the only thing that would work for me. In 1993, after
>> diligent work at my computer, I took my first code test and passed the
>> 20 wpm exam on the first try."/
>>
>> Although not an active member on air, I am always promoting Morse as it
>> is my main mode of operation and I operate GB 2CWP and other special
>> event stations and will also be taking my part in operating GB11NH at
>> the National Hamfest as well as conducting Morse Assessmentsthere.
>>
>> 73's
>>
>> Ian G4XFC
>> Webmaster www.g5fz.co.uk
>> Member of Fists #13276, CTC, RAOTA&  RSGB
>> RSGB Registered Morse Code Assessor
>>
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