[Hallicrafters] CW training

[Mike Everette]

One good computer based training aid was a DOS-based program called Supermorse.  Or maybe it was a very old Windows 3.1 program, I forget.  There might be a later version of this available.

LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN on the air.  W1AW code practice is still available.

Back in the day, I started out copying "V-wheels" from coastal stations in the maritime service, and traffic lists (strings of call sighs) directed to ships at sea in the 4, 8 and 12 MHz marine bands.  All gone now, sadly.  


Two qualities are needed to learn CW:  Practice, and PATIENCE.  If you don't have these, get them.  And they don't come on a computer software disc.  Such things as discs are only learning aids.


This is where SKILL comes in.  SKILL is LEARNED.  And by the way... a computer HAS NO SKILL.

73

Mike
W4DSE



________________________________
 From: Howie K3HW <k3hw at yahoo.com>
To: Waldo Magnuson <magnuson at mac.com> 
Cc: hallicrafters <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net> 
Sent: Saturday, August 24, 2013 2:54 AM
Subject: [Hallicrafters] CW training
 

Hi Skip,

Initially learned the code from my Elmer Jerry W3YVZ (SK) back in '68 - '69. 


Got my Novice license (WN3MCK) in April of '69 when I was 14.

Fast Forward 6 years. 

Enlisted in the USN and then volunteered for Submarine Service. Was on the boats (nuclear and diesel) from '75 - '82. Went to Radio school and it took me 6 weeks to get to 35 wpm but I had an advantage as I could copy 20 wpm before I went in the Navy.


Practice - practice - practice. That's all I can say. 

Copied W1AW code practice on 40 Meters whenever I could.

Used a cheap Lafayette Radio oscillator and sent code to myself with a "J-38 knockoff" and recorded my practice on a cassette recorder.
 
Listened to old 33 RPM AMECO code practice records.
 
When I saw a street sign or read something I repeated it in "didah" language. Still do that to this day out of habit.


I can still copy 30 wpm (with errors). There is no secret - practice - at least 30 - 40 minutes per day.

73 de Howie K3HW


________________________________
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 7:17 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
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