[K3PZN-List] CW Operation

[wa3mej at comcast.net]

There are several secrets to copying CW fast.  

1. First do NOT use a pencil (you will have a tendency to erase mistakes) A BIC heavy point works best for me.. but your mileage may vary 
2. When copying code use a MIL (a typewriter to you non military trained guys and gals) or a computer.  You can probably type faster than you can type so it will work pretty well. ( I had to learn to type and copy CW at the same time) 

3. Learn to copy several characters behind what you hear.  Meaning you should be writing on paper what you heard 4 or 5 characters ago. Then when you start to copy faster it will be easier to transition to copying in your head. If you can copy 5 characters behind you will not need a pen or a MIL anymore. 

4. Find a place to copy where there are no distractions, no TV, no music radio, no kids etc. 

5. Practice twice a day for no more than 10-15 minutes at a clip until you have mastered that speed. (if you are tired you will tend reinforce/develope  bad habits more easily) 

6. Vary the speed of the CW you are copying.  Copy some below your capabilities, some where you are just starting to have difficulty and some at a little higher rate of speed. This not only gives you confidence because you CAN copy some of the code but forces you to strive for higher speed and gets you used to hearing the higher speed CW being sent.  YOu will adjust more easily to changes in speed. 





Bill (N3WM) and I had an advantage that you guys dont.  We had at our disposal military stations that sent 5 letter coded groups.  Some say this is harder but I strongly disagree.  From my perspective it make the CW operators job somewhat easier because he learns NOT to anticipate the word being sent. Lets face it random 5 letter groups have no meaning to us as operators. 



I know Bill has offered to help you with your CW in the past I suspect that offer still holds, I am also available if you want help. 



Jim WA3MEJ\ 



P.S. Bill that was a nice article written in KB6NU's Ham Radio Blog 


----- Original Message -----


From: "Bill Mellema" <mellema at qis.net> 
To: "Ray Wright" <razor42 at hughes.net>, "CCARC Reflector" <k3pzn-list at mailman.qth.net> 
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 9:29:38 AM 
Subject: [K3PZN-List] CW Operation 

Hi Ray, 

All of the advice you have received concerning building your skills to 
operate CW is very good. The following is my take. If you know the 
alphabet you can then start copying CW qso's on the bands...there are 
many slower ops on the air you can start with..you will notice your 
speed increase as you continue.  You will at first miss characters but 
your skills will improve as you practice copying. To keep the continuity 
it is much better to practice at least a few minutes a day then once a 
week. There is no substitute for practice. WIAW -ARRL has practice files 
you can download onto your MP3 player.  There are files from 5 WPM to 40 
WPM. 

Here is the link: 
http://www.arrl.org/code-practice-files/   is the link. 

I have two MFJ code oscillators with hand keys you are welcome to borrow. 

I look forward to working you on the air. 

Best 73's 

Bill N3WM 
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