[Hallicrafters] CW training?

[Howard Holden]

Hi Skip et al,

I went through Navy RM "A" school in the mid 60s. Graduation required 18 
WPM, sending and receiving, plain text and coded groups, 95% accuracy. I had 
that before I went in, been licensed since I was 14, all CW and lots of it. 
Got out going 28 WPM. Today I can do 40+ on a good day, but I have NO 
problem going 5 WPM for a slower guy.

In the 16 weeks I spent at Bainbridge, I know of NO ONE who flunked out for 
not being able to learn code. And the Navy at that time didn’t put a whole 
lot of thought into who they picked for the job, no special focus on 
musicians, or whizzes at math, none of that. I firmly believe there are some 
who simply don't want to, but VERY FEW who cannot learn code. But, it's far 
easier to improve ones'  speed at a younger age. That said, there is no 
substitute for operating, frequently, especially doing conversational CW. 
Like have a nice chat with someone. Concentrate on getting the gist of the 
conversation, rather than worrying if you miss a letter here or there. No 
matter what speed you plateau at, just keep with it. And methods, 
schmethods. Just do it, whatever is most comfortable for you. Asked a kid 
once how he pitched a stone so far, he said "I throw it".

Howie WB2AWQ ex Navy CW op NAW and NGR

-----Original Message----- 
From: Waldo Magnuson
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 4:17 PM
To: hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net
Cc: Skip Magnuson
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
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