CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder

[Hisashi T Fujinaka]

I view contests as "an easy way to work DX" for me. I'm on a city lot
that's getting noisier and noisier and CQWW is a good time to find a lot
of DX stations all on the air and willing to make a contact with this
guy with 100W into a vertical.

Not that I got on this year for either contest. :)

On Mon, 27 Nov 2017, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:

> I have refrained from working ANY and ALL contests for several years.
> For that and other reasons.   I view contests today in the same class as
> "road rage".
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> On 11/27/2017 2:39 PM, Fred Moore wrote:
>> This is exactly why I do not work CW contests anymore.  CW contests have
>> become a machine contest not a Ham contest... But some people will go to
>> any expense to make sure they are number one.  Not interested in even
>> giving them a 1 point..
>>
>> Fred Moore
>> email: [hidden email]
>>         [hidden email]
>> phone: [phone]
>>
>> On 11/27/17 8:54 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>> There's a lot of automation.
>>>
>>> Here's one of the best in the world at ZF2MJ, running 20 and 15 meters
> simultaneously. It's kind of mind-boggling.
>>>
>>> Dan (N6MJ) and Chris (K9LA) won WRTC in Boston, after placing quite high
> in earlier WRTC efforts.
>>>
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3ncFJZqkTA
>>>
>>> 73 de Dick, K6KR
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill Frantz
>>> Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2017 22:42
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder
>>>
>>> Under the rules, in the assisted categories, using decoders is legal. It
> is also legal, but perhaps unwise, to use the spotting network to "read" the
> call signs. Wiser is to verify a spotted call sign, which is a lot easier
> than to copy it cold. In the unassisted categories, all these techniques are
> illegal.
>>>
>>> I think most stations were using a macro to send their report.
>>> Since the report in CQ WW DX is constant, setting up a macro is easy.
> Copying the report is a different matter, but I found the reports easier to
> copy than the calls, since the reports were all numbers (with some Ts, As,
> and Ns tossed in for brevity).
>>>
>>> 73 Bill AE6JV
>>>
>>> On 11/26/17 at 9:21 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>>
>>>> I personally don't depend on the rig decoding but listening this
>>>> weekend let me know that either the big boys are using something to
>>>> decode station callsigns and are definite using an automated system to
> send their report.
>>>> Using the K3S cw speed option I saw several that read over 60 wpm. I
>>>> realize there are those that can copy that fast but not this old boy.
>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>> Bill Frantz        |"Insofar as the propositions of mathematics
>>> refer to
>>> 408-356-8506       | reality, they are not certain; and insofar
>>> they are
>>> www.pwpconsult.com | certain, they do not refer to reality.?
>>> -- Einstein
>>>
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--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
BSEE + BSChem + BAEnglish + MSCS + $2.50 = coffee
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[Jim Cassidy]

Just when did the totally incorrect fact that the high speed contest operators are using CW decoders get started??  NO truth to that at all.  And pretty well proven by the original question of this thread.  CW decoders need good steady on frequency signals to work reliably.  That almost never happens in contest pile up calling.



----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Sheldon" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 3:04:34 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder

In order to keep the robots from getting perfect copy on me either rag chewing or the very few contests I enter, I've stopped using a keyer and have reverted to sending with a bug.  Not very many robots can copy even a good bug fist.  

I'm of the opinion that robot copying and power over 500 watts output should be outlawed in contests.  That would help level the playing field immensely.  (flame suit on)

> On Nov 27, 2017, at 4:33 PM, EUGENE GABRY <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
>> On November 27, 2017 at 12:44 PM Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> And another FWIW -- putting a lot of hours into a CW contest will
>> improve your code speed significantly!
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> Totally agree with this statement. I don't do much CW rag chew now as I used to. So I'm losing some of my edge. But even from the beginning of a CW contest to the end, the 36WPM sending speed at the end seems the same as the 26WPM speed I started with. And I'm able to rag chew a bit at the higher speed rather than only copy the call and report. SS is the best for honing in accuracy with speed throughout just the contest period ass the exchange is long and mostly unpredictable.
>
> 73 Gene, N9TF
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Jim Cassidy  

KI7Y
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[Fred Moore-2]

CW skimmer can copy almost anything.  I will not play in their sand box... 

I think we need a good contest where each ham sends an actual RST he
copes, and a personally designed 3 alpha numeric check sum.  The check
sum get published when he/she turns in their log.  The logs get computer
compared any call where RST and Checksum that is copied correctly during
the exchange gets 5 points anyone that is incorrect looses 100 points
for that QSO.  The contest sponsor should be putting out false calls and
frequencies on the frequency spotter list, if any of those calls show up
on any list the whole log gets tossed and their name published as a
cheat..  There should also be people who only call CQTEST and never
answer a call, if there call shows that log is also tossed.

I have not use for CW decoded qso's as a learning tool or otherwise..  
off my soapbox    

Fred Moore
email: [hidden email]
       [hidden email]
phone: [phone]

On 11/27/17 5:53 PM, EUGENE GABRY wrote:

>> On November 27, 2017 at 2:39 PM Fred Moore wrote:
>>
>>      CW contests have
>>     become a machine contest not a Ham contest...
>>
>
> This is something I fight personally when I decide to enter a CW contest. Technology is great, it has allowed those who are either not proficient at CW or can't even copy CW, to be able to communicate.
>
> I've always thought the focus of a "conTEST", whether CW or SSB was to test the capabilities of the "operator" to accurately receive the information sent, making as many contacts in the time period of the contest as possible. Scores determined in part, by busted calls or other information copied incorrectly, and then scoring against their peers.
>
>
> Today there are a lot of (Robots) that can decode CW. It is true that all robots are not the same, and errors could occur. Just wonder when we draw the line as to who/what is being judged for accuracy.  
>
>
> I love the technology. It's great for communications. (I think you know where I stand on robotic modes like FT8 :) )
>
> But in a contest, "these days" it seems to come down to who has the best robotics (machines) to eliminate the human element for the sake of driving up the score to new levels.
>
>
> 73 Gene
>
> N9TF  
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[ng7m]

Maybe the following link will be a good way to end this 'never ending
thread' that has now gone off the 'I know what is best for CW and amateur
radio' rails. :)  I hope everyone gets a chuckle out of this meme
<http://www.nc7j.com/downloads/memes/hamradio/mostinterestingcwop.jpg>.

www.nc7j.com/downloads/memes/hamradio/mostinterestingcwop.jpg

8-) Max NG7M

On Mon, Nov 27, 2017 at 8:30 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I certainly sympathize with your feelings Fred. I too quit contesting when
> all RSTs were 5NN and rude behavior became acceptable. That was a long,
> long time ago.
>
> I just segue to 30 meters or QRT until the mayhem is over and I can have a
> real QSO with someone.
>
> Operating is, for me, a form of meditation that reduces stress. The hand
> that reaches for my key has gotten a lot older over the past 65 years of
> pounding brass but the effect on me is still the same.  I choose to keep it
> that way.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-bounces@
> mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Fred Moore
> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 5:09 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder
>
> CW skimmer can copy almost anything.  I will not play in their sand box...
>
> I think we need a good contest where each ham sends an actual RST he
> copes, and a personally designed 3 alpha numeric check sum.  The check sum
> get published when he/she turns in their log.  The logs get computer
> compared any call where RST and Checksum that is copied correctly during
> the exchange gets 5 points anyone that is incorrect looses 100 points for
> that QSO.  The contest sponsor should be putting out false calls and
> frequencies on the frequency spotter list, if any of those calls show up on
> any list the whole log gets tossed and their name published as a cheat..
> There should also be people who only call CQTEST and never answer a call,
> if there call shows that log is also tossed.
>
> I have not use for CW decoded qso's as a learning tool or otherwise.. off
> my soapbox
>
> Fred Moore
> email: [hidden email]
>        [hidden email]
> phone: [phone]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

--
M. George
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[Jim Brown-10]

On 11/27/2017 4:52 PM, Jim Cassidy wrote:
> Just when did the totally incorrect fact that the high speed contest operators are using CW decoders get started??  NO truth to that at all

You're absolutely right, Jim. It's those beginning CW ops who don't know
CW, or haven't developed their copying ability to contesting speeds, or
who don't feel confident about their copying ability, who are using code
readers.

Most serious contesters, including me, let their logging program SEND
repetitive things. Some great contest operators still send a lot with a
paddle, but let the computer call CQ. And some ops send a lot more with
the paddle than they should. :) I used to have a pretty good fist, but
it's declined with age. So when we let the computer send for us, we're
doing others a favor by producing cleaner, well-spaced, error-free CW
that makes easier copy for both their brains and their readers.

As a founding member of CWOPS, I'm proud of our members who have done
such a great job developing and executing a mentoring program for hams
who want to learn CW and build their skills.

73,Jim K9YC


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[Jim Cassidy]

Absolutely correct.  Successful contest operators rely almost entirely on their CW ability other than the use of the programmed messages.

I just saw another post about not sending over 30 wpm to have better rate,  TI7W was sending much faster had a rate of about 210 per hour for the entire 48 hour contest.  I did hear him slower as well but mostly was a lot faster.  ZF2MJ was in the same mode as well.
73

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 11:00:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder

On 11/27/2017 4:52 PM, Jim Cassidy wrote:
> Just when did the totally incorrect fact that the high speed contest operators are using CW decoders get started??  NO truth to that at all

You're absolutely right, Jim. It's those beginning CW ops who don't know
CW, or haven't developed their copying ability to contesting speeds, or
who don't feel confident about their copying ability, who are using code
readers.

Most serious contesters, including me, let their logging program SEND
repetitive things. Some great contest operators still send a lot with a
paddle, but let the computer call CQ. And some ops send a lot more with
the paddle than they should. :) I used to have a pretty good fist, but
it's declined with age. So when we let the computer send for us, we're
doing others a favor by producing cleaner, well-spaced, error-free CW
that makes easier copy for both their brains and their readers.

As a founding member of CWOPS, I'm proud of our members who have done
such a great job developing and executing a mentoring program for hams
who want to learn CW and build their skills.

73,Jim K9YC


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Jim Cassidy  

KI7Y
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[Doug Turnbull]

Gentlemen and Ladies,
     Calm down we enjoy a wonderful technological hobby.    I am a CW rag
chewer but like the F1 button to send CQ in a contest and F2 to send the
report.   It saves my wrist.   Copy is by my ears though the K3 decoder is
there it will not cope with pileups so you use your ears.    

     My new car has adaptive cruise control, lane assist and blind spot
monitoring - great the car is a bit safer!    Technology is what our hobby
is about; FT8 and all.    There are many rooms in the masters house.

     Enjoy and keep pounding the brass.

                      73 Doug EI2CN

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of EUGENE GABRY
Sent: 27 November 2017 22:54
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder


> On November 27, 2017 at 2:39 PM Fred Moore wrote:
>
>      CW contests have
>     become a machine contest not a Ham contest...
>


This is something I fight personally when I decide to enter a CW contest.
Technology is great, it has allowed those who are either not proficient at
CW or can't even copy CW, to be able to communicate.

I've always thought the focus of a "conTEST", whether CW or SSB was to test
the capabilities of the "operator" to accurately receive the information
sent, making as many contacts in the time period of the contest as possible.
Scores determined in part, by busted calls or other information copied
incorrectly, and then scoring against their peers.


Today there are a lot of (Robots) that can decode CW. It is true that all
robots are not the same, and errors could occur. Just wonder when we draw
the line as to who/what is being judged for accuracy.  


I love the technology. It's great for communications. (I think you know
where I stand on robotic modes like FT8 :) )

But in a contest, "these days" it seems to come down to who has the best
robotics (machines) to eliminate the human element for the sake of driving
up the score to new levels.


73 Gene

N9TF  
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[Charlie T, K3ICH]

"In order to keep the robots from getting perfect copy on me either rag
chewing or the very few contests I enter, I've stopped using a keyer and
have reverted to sending with a bug.  Not very many robots can copy even a
good bug fist. "

Is "bug sending" different from the Morse standard of 3:1 dot/dash ratio?
It would seem to me that properly sent Morse would sound the same regardless
if it was sent touching two wires together or by keyboard.

I must be missing something here.

Charlie k3ICH



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[Elecraft mailing list]

A good CW contest op will adjust speed to the conditions. It’s a bit like tennis, with the point being to keep a rally going, not to demolish the other guy. The other guy hits me a hard one, it’s a lot more satisfying to hit a hard one back. A less skilled player hits me a soft one, I’m not going to try to prove to him how hard I can hit it back. Rather I’ll hit it back at a pace appropriate for his skill level.

If I’m tuning and hear a high speed guy (I’m one myself) I’ll make a point to work him. For if I don’t get through immediately, I won’t have to wait long for a second chance.

TI7W and ZF2MJ weren’t running those awesome rates just because they were sending faster than the others. They were using (effectively) two radios at a time, interleaving QSOs on two different bands. That’s a skill beyond my pay grade.


73  -  Jim   K8MR

> On Nov 28, 2017, at 2:38 AM, Jim Cassidy <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Absolutely correct.  Successful contest operators rely almost entirely on their CW ability other than the use of the programmed messages.
>
> I just saw another post about not sending over 30 wpm to have better rate,  TI7W was sending much faster had a rate of about 210 per hour for the entire 48 hour contest.  I did hear him slower as well but mostly was a lot faster.  ZF2MJ was in the same mode as well.
> 73
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 11:00:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder
>
> On 11/27/2017 4:52 PM, Jim Cassidy wrote:
>> Just when did the totally incorrect fact that the high speed contest operators are using CW decoders get started??  NO truth to that at all
>
> You're absolutely right, Jim. It's those beginning CW ops who don't know
> CW, or haven't developed their copying ability to contesting speeds, or
> who don't feel confident about their copying ability, who are using code
> readers.
>
> Most serious contesters, including me, let their logging program SEND
> repetitive things. Some great contest operators still send a lot with a
> paddle, but let the computer call CQ. And some ops send a lot more with
> the paddle than they should. :) I used to have a pretty good fist, but
> it's declined with age. So when we let the computer send for us, we're
> doing others a favor by producing cleaner, well-spaced, error-free CW
> that makes easier copy for both their brains and their readers.
>
> As a founding member of CWOPS, I'm proud of our members who have done
> such a great job developing and executing a mentoring program for hams
> who want to learn CW and build their skills.
>
> 73,Jim K9YC
>

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[Fred Moore-2]

I quit contesting when about 5 years ago, when I walked into the 20
meter CW station at field day to relieve someone, I found 5 guys who
could not copy any CW at all, averaging 140-150/hour one was watching CW
skimmer and clicking on the calls, one was sending call/599 with
keyboard and one was logging with another keyboard.  The other two were
there just in case someone got tired of typing..  All at the same time
they were telling jokes and drinking coffee.

I'm out of here says I, I still work FD, but refuse to work a CW
contest, yes 30 meters is your friend on contest weekends

Fred Moore
email: [hidden email]
       [hidden email]
phone: [phone]

On 11/27/17 10:30 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> I certainly sympathize with your feelings Fred. I too quit contesting when all RSTs were 5NN and rude behavior became acceptable. That was a long, long time ago.
>
> I just segue to 30 meters or QRT until the mayhem is over and I can have a real QSO with someone.
>
> Operating is, for me, a form of meditation that reduces stress. The hand that reaches for my key has gotten a lot older over the past 65 years of pounding brass but the effect on me is still the same.  I choose to keep it that way.  
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Fred Moore
> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 5:09 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder
>
> CW skimmer can copy almost anything.  I will not play in their sand box...
>
> I think we need a good contest where each ham sends an actual RST he copes, and a personally designed 3 alpha numeric check sum.  The check sum get published when he/she turns in their log.  The logs get computer compared any call where RST and Checksum that is copied correctly during the exchange gets 5 points anyone that is incorrect looses 100 points for that QSO.  The contest sponsor should be putting out false calls and frequencies on the frequency spotter list, if any of those calls show up on any list the whole log gets tossed and their name published as a cheat..  There should also be people who only call CQTEST and never answer a call, if there call shows that log is also tossed.
>
> I have not use for CW decoded qso's as a learning tool or otherwise.. off my soapbox    
>
> Fred Moore
> email: [hidden email]
>        [hidden email]
> phone: [phone]
>

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[Elecraft mailing list]

Would you quit contesting if you walked into the 20 meter RTTY tent at Field Day and saw the same thing?  And BTW, 140/hr on Field Day CW ain’t going to happen even running a great pileup. FD ops just aren’t as fast as European QRQ ops in CQWW or the like, and tuning around (however it is done) is never going to be as fast as having guys lined up to work you.

When I describe contesting to non-ham friends I invoke a relatively recent ad campaign: It’s like finding a guy to say “Do you hear me now?” to which he responds “Yes, I hear you, do you hear me?” to which I respond “Yes, now is there anybody else out there who hears me?”

No, it’s not exchanging non-trivial information, and it’s not person to person chatting. It may not be one’s preferred cup of tea. But it’s not crazy.


73  -  Jim  K8MR

> On Nov 28, 2017, at 9:48 AM, Fred Moore <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I quit contesting when about 5 years ago, when I walked into the 20
> meter CW station at field day to relieve someone, I found 5 guys who
> could not copy any CW at all, averaging 140-150/hour one was watching CW
> skimmer and clicking on the calls, one was sending call/599 with
> keyboard and one was logging with another keyboard.  The other two were
> there just in case someone got tired of typing..  All at the same time
> they were telling jokes and drinking coffee.
>
> I'm out of here says I, I still work FD, but refuse to work a CW
> contest, yes 30 meters is your friend on contest weekends
>
> Fred Moore
> email: [hidden email]
>       [hidden email]
> phone: [phone]
>
> On 11/27/17 10:30 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>> I certainly sympathize with your feelings Fred. I too quit contesting when all RSTs were 5NN and rude behavior became acceptable. That was a long, long time ago.
>>
>> I just segue to 30 meters or QRT until the mayhem is over and I can have a real QSO with someone.
>>
>> Operating is, for me, a form of meditation that reduces stress. The hand that reaches for my key has gotten a lot older over the past 65 years of pounding brass but the effect on me is still the same.  I choose to keep it that way.  
>>
>> 73, Ron AC7AC
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Fred Moore
>> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 5:09 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder
>>
>> CW skimmer can copy almost anything.  I will not play in their sand box...
>>
>> I think we need a good contest where each ham sends an actual RST he copes, and a personally designed 3 alpha numeric check sum.  The check sum get published when he/she turns in their log.  The logs get computer compared any call where RST and Checksum that is copied correctly during the exchange gets 5 points anyone that is incorrect looses 100 points for that QSO.  The contest sponsor should be putting out false calls and frequencies on the frequency spotter list, if any of those calls show up on any list the whole log gets tossed and their name published as a cheat..  There should also be people who only call CQTEST and never answer a call, if there call shows that log is also tossed.
>>
>> I have not use for CW decoded qso's as a learning tool or otherwise.. off my soapbox    
>>
>> Fred Moore
>> email: [hidden email]
>>       [hidden email]
>> phone: [phone]
>>
>
>
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[K9MA]

On 11/28/2017 07:16, Jim Stahl via Elecraft wrote:
> A good CW contest op will adjust speed to the conditions. It’s a bit like tennis, with the point being to keep a rally going, not to demolish the other guy.

One big difference between contesting and other competitive events is
that the competitors have to cooperate with each other, so demolishing
the other guy is completely counterproductive.

73,

Scott K9MA

--
Scott  K9MA

[hidden email]

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[Jim Brown-10]

You're the loser on that one, Fred. While there may be guys like that,
the vast majority of contesters are not in that category.  All the great
contesters I know (and I know a lot of them) can pick fly specs out of
cow dung.

73, Jim K9YC

On 11/28/2017 6:48 AM, Fred Moore wrote:
> I quit contesting when about 5 years ago, when I walked into the 20
> meter CW station at field day to relieve someone, I found 5 guys who
> could not copy any CW at all, averaging 140-150/hour one was watching CW
> skimmer and clicking on the calls, one was sending call/599 with
> keyboard and one was logging with another keyboard.  The other two were
> there just in case someone got tired of typing..  All at the same time
> they were telling jokes and drinking coffee.


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[Gary Smith-2]

Another thing about hearing and knowing
the code is the errors you get if you use
the calls posted to log. I usually don't
go "assisted" but did this contest because
I wasn't in it to compete but to give Q's
to those in competition and I was on a
time constraint.

One call, I don't remember which it was
was spotted in N1MM with a final suffix as
"T" but whoever posted it was incorrect,
it was a "N". The guy was sending pretty
quickly, about 40 WPM and it was easy to
miss but if I hadn't been listening to
every letter and relied on the spot or the
K3s reader, I wouldn't have gotten it &
they were too faint (I think) for the CW
reader to pick up well. Don't know, wasn't
using it.

That said, I'd rather have someone wanting
to know CW use the reader than not
participate in the contest because they
still haven't become truly skilled at
copying overly fast CW in a contest. As
long as they're stressed enough to be in
it, they will get better to where they
don't need it. It's a crutch but sometimes
we need to use crutches in life.

My 2 pence.

73,

Gary
KA1J

> Absolutely correct.  Successful contest operators rely almost entirely
> on their CW ability other than the use of the programmed messages.
>
> I just saw another post about not sending over 30 wpm to have better
> rate,  TI7W was sending much faster had a rate of about 210 per hour
> for the entire 48 hour contest.  I did hear him slower as well but
> mostly was a lot faster.  ZF2MJ was in the same mode as well. 73
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 11:00:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Contest and Elecraft K3s decoder
>
> On 11/27/2017 4:52 PM, Jim Cassidy wrote:
> > Just when did the totally incorrect fact that the high speed contest
> > operators are using CW decoders get started??  NO truth to that at
> > all
>
> You're absolutely right, Jim. It's those beginning CW ops who don't
> know CW, or haven't developed their copying ability to contesting
> speeds, or who don't feel confident about their copying ability, who
> are using code readers.
>
> Most serious contesters, including me, let their logging program SEND
> repetitive things. Some great contest operators still send a lot with
> a paddle, but let the computer call CQ. And some ops send a lot more
> with the paddle than they should. :) I used to have a pretty good
> fist, but it's declined with age. So when we let the computer send for
> us, we're doing others a favor by producing cleaner, well-spaced,
> error-free CW that makes easier copy for both their brains and their
> readers.
>
> As a founding member of CWOPS, I'm proud of our members who have done
> such a great job developing and executing a mentoring program for hams
> who want to learn CW and build their skills.
>
> 73,Jim K9YC
>
>
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> --
> Jim Cassidy  
>
> KI7Y
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[Fred Moore-2]

Not a looser at all..   I'm quite happy to not play in the robot CW
pool.  Most of the time these roboCW guys leave their rig off, except
during the contest, so life is very good for the rest of us. 

BTW sorry I didn't consult you before I posted my comments..   I'll try
to do better in the future... I bow to your cow dung, and those who you
know, who most likely sit in the dung you fling. 

My last comment on the subject.. 

  Regards.. Fred

Fred Moore
email: [hidden email]
       [hidden email]
phone: [phone]

On 11/28/17 1:48 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> You're the loser on that one, Fred. While there may be guys like that,
> the vast majority of contesters are not in that category.  All the
> great contesters I know (and I know a lot of them) can pick fly specs
> out of cow dung.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> On 11/28/2017 6:48 AM, Fred Moore wrote:
>> I quit contesting when about 5 years ago, when I walked into the 20
>> meter CW station at field day to relieve someone, I found 5 guys who
>> could not copy any CW at all, averaging 140-150/hour one was watching CW
>> skimmer and clicking on the calls, one was sending call/599 with
>> keyboard and one was logging with another keyboard.  The other two were
>> there just in case someone got tired of typing..  All at the same time
>> they were telling jokes and drinking coffee.
>
>
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[Bill Frantz]

I get "reasonable" results. What I find is that the faster the
sender, the better the decode. The ways I have found to improve
decode are:

   Use CWT to exactly tune the signal.
   Use narrow bandwidth -- 250 Hz or less on the DSP filter
   Adjust the RF gain to minimize noise while still having signal.

I use CW 5--40 as my usual decoder setting.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 11/27/17 at 3:46 AM, [hidden email] (John
Stengrevics) wrote:

>I too have never been able to get the CW decoder to work well.  
>It only works if signals are super strong - precisely when I
>don’t need it.
>
>Anybody have any suggestions?

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[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

Yes, I find this to be true as well.   I also suggest one tweak the TEXT
DEC value to something other than AUTO.  In my experience a value of 3
or 4 works well.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/30/2017 3:45 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:

> I get "reasonable" results. What I find is that the faster the sender,
> the better the decode. The ways I have found to improve decode are:
>
>   Use CWT to exactly tune the signal.
>   Use narrow bandwidth -- 250 Hz or less on the DSP filter
>   Adjust the RF gain to minimize noise while still having signal.
>
> I use CW 5--40 as my usual decoder setting.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV

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