[HCARC] CW Question

Tue Jun 4 08:43:32 EDT 2013

I have a bunch of the ARRL EXAM test tapes with 5, 13 and 20 WPM texts.  Let
me know and I will let anyone have them.
Harvey
K5HV

-----Original Message-----
From: hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Dale Gaudier
Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 10:00 PM
To: 'John Luttrell'; hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [HCARC] CW Question

John:

G4FON is a fairly popular CW trainer. Click on the "About" tab to learn how
to set up and use the program.

I'm sure the other members of this reflector will have other suggestions for
CW training and practice software.

Just a couple of points on CW and how to learn it.

First, there is no longer any FCC requirement that you pass a Morse code
receiving or sending test to get your amateur radio license. Many old-timers
lament this, but that is rule today. However, despite the elimination of the
code test, Morse code (we call it "CW" for "continuous wave") is still very
popular as a mode of communication. So popular, in fact, that significant
portions of the shortwave (high frequency) ham bands are reserved for CW and
digital modes. So there is good reason to learn Morse code.

Second, start out learning Morse code the right way. That is what the G4FON
and similar Morse code trainers attempt to do. They use a technique where
the dits and dahs that stand for a letter, number or symbol are sent at a
relative fast speed, say 15-20 words per minute, but where the spacing
between letters is lengthened so that the effective speed is slower, e.g.
between 5 and 10 wpm when you first start out. That way you learn the sound
or rhythm of the letter, number or symbol as a whole, rather than trying to
count dits and dahs and then translate these into the letter, number or
symbol that was sent. Learning the sounds of letters, numbers and symbols
this way will make it easier to increase your speed. Also try learn to copy
in your head: listen to the sound and try to mentally think of the letter,
number or symbol, rather than writing it down. At first this may be awkward,
but it will also help your speed as you won't be limited by how fast you can
copy with pencil and paper. 

Of course, once you get your license you can practice with on-the-air
contacts. The entry level technician license gives you several segments in
the shortwave bands where you can use Morse code to make contacts with other
hams around the world. You'll find your proficiency will increase
dramatically with just a little on-the-air operation. 

We have lots of good CW operators in our club. I'm sure they would be happy
to give you some tips and help you and your son learn the code.

73,

Dale Gaudier - K4DG

-----Original Message-----
From: hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of John Luttrell
Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 11:10 AM
To: hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [HCARC] CW Question

I purchased a  "Code Practice Oscillator" - Key for  my Son for his birthday
(he does not know about  it yet).

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/morse/0555.html

Also a book from ARRL for CW / Morse Code.

Now for the sake of both of us, is there a program out there for the PC
(Windows 7 to be exact) that will help us learn and practice CW?

I don't want him to just hammer away at the key and not know if he is doing
well or not.

What would be even better if there was a way to plug the above key into a pc
and work it that way.

I downloaded and tried to figure out 2 programs (failure on both) - "Just
Learn Morse Code" & "G4FON Koch Trainer", neither seem very user friendly
for a newcomer.

I imagine there are quite a few videos on youtube that I can grab, but I
really don't know where to start.

I have to say though we are very open to learning and we are trying to
absorb everything sent our way. I tell Josh every time you guys mention him
that you have done so and he gets so excited!

Thanks

John Luttrell
Harper, TX
830-864-4212

--
One Universe for ALL Mankind!
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