[SJRA-Members] Wanted: CW Elmer

[Burton Sampley via SJRA-Members]

Greetings SJRA,

For the last few years I have been trying to teach myself CW with limited success.  If given a specific letter by itself or in a small group of characters, I can usually figure it out, but when it's a longer word or group of characters, I get lost quickly.  I've tried Farnsworth method, Koch method and listening to the ARRL cd's in my car on the way to work.

I have connected a Bencher BY-1 paddles to my Yeasu FT-897d and enabled the keyer as well as the training mode, then sent CQ and my call sign and decoded using an apt on my cellphone.  My spacing and timing leaves alot to be desired.  Most of the time, the individual characters are recognized, but not grouped together as they should be.  I have not tried to record my own code and play it back a week or 2 later, to see if I can copy my own code.  I might do that soon.

This is where I need a Elmer to help me.  I want to make sure I can recognize each character (or whole words) by ear and be able to send code without the person receiving needing several strong drinks after a QSO with me.  I also would like practice with the structure of a typical code QSO - something that can be scripted and practiced so I can focus on sending proper code and to minimize the chance of getting nervous and making too many mistakes.  Eventually, I would like to learn to use a straight key. I do not have a goal for speed, just something comfortable, maybe minimum of 5 and maximum of ??.

With my current work schedule as well as my 3 year old daughter, time is tight.

Given the challenges stated above, is anyone in SJRA up for the challenge?

73, NJ2IT, Burton Sampley

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