[Hallicrafters] Fw: CW training?

Fri Aug 23 20:22:17 EDT 2013

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: A Lawrence Fibich <lfibich at sbcglobal.net>
To: Waldo Magnuson <magnuson at mac.com> 
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 5:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] CW training?

Actually I think anyone can learn CW but it may take the 'right way for you'... But I think there are wrong ways to 'learn'.  I say this from experience. Let me share -- I sat down and learned the CW characters on paper (wrong way I now understand - later explain); then I listen to tapes (found I quickly memorized the QSO's); then I tried computer programs and QSO's (same quickly memorized them); then I took the entire CW course the Military uses to train operators (did it while in the car driving - but later I found I didn't have/develop the hear - write it connection) Also they do it at characters sent fast but spaces between the individual characters started slow but then were increased.  Goods - I learned numbers as well as Characters - but then no punctuation and not the typical 'QSO format' -- so when I took my test/s - did better on the Extra 21 WPM than the 13 WPM General (the 13 WPM spacing was too slow and confusing to me copying characters
 at 21 WPM).  FINALLY - simply just listened on the air for about 15 minutes several times a week - benefit/s -  (1)you have no idea what is going to be sent;  (2) ALL different kinds of 'fists' so you get good on that and copying at whatever speed you tune that is 'making sense'.  For that 15 minutes of 'casual copying' a week I didn't think it would do much good -- BUT THAT WORKED -- for ME (maybe not someone else??)!!! Got like almost 100% on the General - screwed up when I thought I was doing too well - then had to 'settle down' to more relaxed like hearing the 15 minutes several times a day.  Since I have gotten to like CW and able to copy beyond - like almost ??? 21 WPM - but need to 'relearn to do better'.

BUT -- here is my main point -- I LEARNED IT WRONG !!!  

K7QO has a FREE download program via internet -- It is SIMPLY GREAT!!! Have to read his story and you will know more.  BUT 3 SUPER POINTS/Teaching he does.
1. turn the volume the lowest you can barely hear... actually I think we generally do the opposite -- it does work much better....
2. Most of us - like me and I found several friends - did it like above - memorized from paper the characters.  What this does is when you hear the tone/character - your mind has to look up the table/chart in your mind  - find the character - and then send it to your hand to write. Takes too much time and if you think you didn't translate it right from the 'table/chart you 'play it again' in your mind and now you have lost that character and several more afterwards..
What THIS K7QO program does is 'train you' - by presenting a couple of Characters a 'lesson' and then gradually builds a couple more characters at a time until you have it all and then does QSO's.
What I mean by 'train you' is you hear the character/tone and without thinking immediately write down what occurs to you... That simple.
YOU DON'T THINK ABOUT IT !!!!
If you have to 'think' about it like the way I first learned - you have 'barriers' and wont' go beyond a certain speed -- he tells you about that and I find it is/was true. You also 'question yourself in the old way' if you heard it right. With K7QO's system you don't worry about that or try to 2nd guess yourself.

SO BOTTOM LINE -- download the K7QO (free) program and give it a go... I would almost say in 3 or 4 weeks you will be beyond 13 WPM.  This way ALSO makes it enjoyable... and perhaps like playing a musical instrument you struggle at the early learning stages - and then suddenly you find you are actually doing it for fun and look forward to 'relaxing' with it for fun...

Do give it a try... and do it relaxed.  After many years of trying to 'get by CW' for my licenses - now I want to get back into it for fun - and kind of feel bad they have discontinued its level of proficiency for licenses - kind of like a 'rite of passage' or 'honor' we share amongst ourselves..

Hope this helps.. Actually I am extremely confident it will..

http://kkn.net/~k7qo/manual.pdf

http://kkn.net/~k7qo/

73's 

Larry F.
AF6LF
Sacramento area

Skip...W7WGM  Let me know how you make out... 

________________________________
 From: Waldo Magnuson <magnuson at mac.com>
To: hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net 
Cc: Skip Magnuson <magnuson at mac.com> 
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 4:17 PM
Subject: [Hallicrafters] CW training?

Hi,  A recent comment to the forum from a younger member stated "he couldn't learn CW."  I'm older (80) and my speed receiving can't seem to get above 5 or 7 wpm.  I was wondering for those older CWers, how many of you got your training in the service.  Just wondering.  I guess I just need to practice more often - that's what I'm told.
73, Skip. W7WGM
______________________________________________________________
Hallicrafters mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hallicrafters
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net

List Administrator: Duane Fischer, W8DBF
** For Assistance: dfischer at usol.com **

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list:
 http://www.qsl.net/donate.html