CW Learning Techniques
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Hi to all, sorry this is a bit off topic but I know there are a lot of good CW ops on this list. I am currently working on CW head copy at around 20wpm. I get most of the smaller words (say up to 5 letters) with no problem but miss many of the longer ones, I forget the first few letters by the time I get to the last few. However, the real question is should I "visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes shut) or just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way leaving the brain to piece them together in the background so to speak (hard to describe this bit). I am aware of both methods happening but not sure whether to force the "visualising" method in case it will slow me down later on. The "visualising" does help me to get some of the longer words but maybe it's not good in the long term. The "art and skill of radio telegraphy" book doesn't seem to offer any pointers here. Maybe it doesn't matter much either way but your expert opinions would be appreciated. Thanks Martin M0KWV K1 #1534 Why not take a look at our Web site? http://www.simoncarves.com ************************************************************************* The information in this email and any attachments may contain privileged and/or confidential information intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me by telephone or email and delete all copies immediately. ************************************************************************* _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Martin & others,
Copying CW mentally is of course the way to go for increasing copying speed. Early on I had this window in my brain where I visualized letters scrolling across from right to left. Listening and visualizing at the same time, I eventually began copying whole words rather than individual letters. I recognize syllables in long words and fit them together much like in early learning where I would fit individual letters into a word. My scrolling window somewhere along the way simply disappeared. 73, Joe, aa4nn >However, the real question is should I >"visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes shut) or >just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Martin.Evans
Martin:
After a while, you will just learn to keep the first part in mind. Something that may help, is to make use of your current ability to get shorter words. Often you will get several shorter words in a row. When this happens, get the first one and then, while the second one is coming, try to keep tucked in your mind what the first word was as well. Gang this up for several short words, and that is the equivalent of keeping several syllables of a long word. I'm not sure what's going on in my head when I'm doing head copy at 35-40 wpm, but somehow it sticks. I guess now its almost like the letters accumulating on a computer screen as you type: the image just sits there. I don't know if it grows letter by letter or small grouping by small grouping: it just grows. Something will happen to work for you just as long as you keep trying. And dealing with longer words is actually easier at speeds much faster than 20 wpm because you get 'hit' with and can process more in a shorter period of time. Another thing: keep your head wrapped around the code sound. If I can say something that may make no sense at all: keep your head wrapped on the code sound from "on top", i.e., where your head is hearing the sound while still alive for the sounds yet to come. Do not try to process the sound with your head "from below", i.e., where you are trying to push or burn the code translation of the current letter into your head. It is this processing that distracts from the code coming up. You will also hear the advice never to stop to try to figure something out, just keep going ahead. This is good advice, and is just another way of saying what I just said above; keep your head on top of the code, hearing what you just heard but alive for what's coming up. Don't get under it to analyze it; you'll then be dead for what's coming up. Interestingly, once you are able to keep your mind "on top of the code" you will find that you can simultaneously keep hearing and processing the new code while integrating it (and even further processing) the old without blowing your concentration. As always when it comes to such matters: YMMV. best wishes, and good luck -- keep it up and don't give up -- it may take a long time, but its well worth it -- good head copy is the real break through for truly fun and satisfying cw. dave belsley, w1euy On Jun 16, 2004, at 6:39 AM, [hidden email] wrote: > > > > > Hi to all, sorry this is a bit off topic but I know there are a lot of > good > CW ops on this list. I am currently working on CW head copy at around > 20wpm. I get most of the smaller words (say up to 5 letters) with no > problem but miss many of the longer ones, I forget the first few > letters by > the time I get to the last few. However, the real question is should I > "visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes > shut) or > just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way leaving > the > brain to piece them together in the background so to speak (hard to > describe this bit). I am aware of both methods happening but not sure > whether to force the "visualising" method in case it will slow me down > later on. The "visualising" does help me to get some of the longer > words > but maybe it's not good in the long term. The "art and skill of radio > telegraphy" book doesn't seem to offer any pointers here. Maybe it > doesn't > matter much either way but your expert opinions would be appreciated. > > Thanks > Martin > M0KWV > K1 #1534 > > > > > Why not take a look at our Web site? > http://www.simoncarves.com > > *********************************************************************** > ** > The information in this email and any attachments may contain > privileged and/or confidential information intended solely for > the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. > If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, or the > employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the addressee, > you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or > copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. > If you have received this communication in error, please notify > me by telephone or email and delete all copies immediately. > *********************************************************************** > ** > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > You must subscribe to post. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): > http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Martin.Evans
On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:39:57 +0100, [hidden email] wrote:
>However, the real question is should I >"visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes shut) or >just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way leaving the >brain to piece them together in the background so to speak (hard to >describe this bit). It's pretty much the same answer as the old line, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!" Once you have a license, that boils down to active, on the air operating. Contesting is great -- it will force you to copy calls. So is rag chewing. Don't worry if you miss stuff, just keep at it. Writing it down doesn't hurt either, and neither does simply keeping a receiver on and listening to other folks rag chewing. Pick out good fists that are a bit above your comfortable speed. Don't waste your energy on sloppy fists -- they will drive you nuts. Jim K9YC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: CW Learning Techniques
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In reply to this post by Martin.Evans
Like most Hams, I started out writing down each character. I quickly moved
to a typewriter (a.k.a. "mill" - particularly the ones with only capital letters that were used in commercial/military service) where I learned to automatically punch keys in response to hearing letters almost without thinking about it. Except for the occasional test for a new/upgraded commercial or Ham CW license in which I was required to write down at least one minute of solid copy for an FCC examiner, I fairly quickly moved to "head copy". Doing that, I'm quite aware that I 'see' each character in my head as I hear it, just as if I were pounding on a mill. I am most aware of that when sometimes a long word will require me to "look back" that the recent characters to read the whole thing to understand what I "heard". Clearly, that ability to remember for a short while at least individual, disconnected characters until they become a word is a learned ability. I've been doing that for over half a century, so I can't begin to tell you how long it takes, but it isn't an unusual ability nor should it take a terribly long time. One thing that gets in the way of learning is stress. I suggest "reading the mail" (copying random QSO's in which you are not involved or listening to broadcasts like the ARRL code practice sessions) to practice copying in your head. Sit back, close your eyes and just pound out those characters on your mental "mill" or write them on your mental notepad, whichever is the "right" thing for you. I often listen to CW while working around the shack, and it seems like I'm just hearing a person slowly speaking - until he/she says something I don't understand and I catch myself reviewing the last few letters sent to create a printed "word". In a QSO, I still write down the op's name, QTH, etc., because that short term memory isn't *that* good! I'll hear a name FB, but five minutes later be completely unable to recall it if I didn't jot it down somewhere. Of course, that goes double for calls. Similarly, in a rag-chew I'll jot down a short note while listening about questions the other op asked or things I want to comment on so I don't forget them when I'm transmitting. For example, "HB rig?" might serve to remind me to ask more about the homebrew rig he mentioned using. Now, I'm just a routine Ham/Commercial operator "graybeard". I haven't ever worked at CW speeds above 35 wpm or so, and that only out of an interest to get a 35 WPM certificate from the ARRL some years ago for the fun of it. I always match the speed of the station I'm calling, so most of my operating is in the 20-25 wpm range, frequently slower. There are Hams whose main interest is in high-speed CW; working at 40 or 50 wpm or even faster. From what I read, doing that takes learning special techniques in which you do hear whole words as single entities; even big ones. People actually develop vocabularies in which the assemblage of CW elements for a word becomes a form of the word itself, just like hearing a foreign language. If that's your ultimate goal, those ops may have some suggestions that will help you get there most quickly. It seems that really high-speed CW usually involves having to "unlearn" some techniques that most of us pick up naturally at low speeds but which get in the way of really high-speed operating. One of those things they tell me must be "unlearned" is the idea of hearing or visualizing individual letters. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- Hi to all, sorry this is a bit off topic but I know there are a lot of good CW ops on this list. I am currently working on CW head copy at around 20wpm. I get most of the smaller words (say up to 5 letters) with no problem but miss many of the longer ones, I forget the first few letters by the time I get to the last few. However, the real question is should I "visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes shut) or just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way leaving the brain to piece them together in the background so to speak (hard to describe this bit). I am aware of both methods happening but not sure whether to force the "visualising" method in case it will slow me down later on. The "visualising" does help me to get some of the longer words but maybe it's not good in the long term. The "art and skill of radio telegraphy" book doesn't seem to offer any pointers here. Maybe it doesn't matter much either way but your expert opinions would be appreciated. Thanks Martin M0KWV K1 #1534 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by David A. Belsley
Dave:
>keep your head wrapped on the code sound from "on top" > keep your head on top of the code, >Don't get under it to analyze it; you'll then be dead for what's coming up. > Being from Santa Cruz, I really appreciate this: it is CODE SURFING! I'm at the same point Martin is, so am enjoying reading this advice. Watch that undertow. -- Ward / KG6HAF _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: CW Learning Techniques
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In reply to this post by Martin.Evans
I don't remember where I read this and I have not tried the technique but it
sounds reasonable. Have someone else read to you a letter at a time. Start out at one letter per second then increase the speed. I'm working on copying CW in my head too, but more enjoying the hobby now than actively working on the technique. Hopefully it will magically happen someday hi! Rick WA3TUU >From: [hidden email] >To: [hidden email] >Subject: [Elecraft] CW Learning Techniques >Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:39:57 +0100 > > > > > >Hi to all, sorry this is a bit off topic but I know there are a lot of good >CW ops on this list. I am currently working on CW head copy at around >20wpm. I get most of the smaller words (say up to 5 letters) with no >problem but miss many of the longer ones, I forget the first few letters by >the time I get to the last few. However, the real question is should I >"visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes shut) or >just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way leaving the >brain to piece them together in the background so to speak (hard to >describe this bit). I am aware of both methods happening but not sure >whether to force the "visualising" method in case it will slow me down >later on. The "visualising" does help me to get some of the longer words >but maybe it's not good in the long term. The "art and skill of radio >telegraphy" book doesn't seem to offer any pointers here. Maybe it doesn't >matter much either way but your expert opinions would be appreciated. > >Thanks >Martin >M0KWV >K1 #1534 > > > > >Why not take a look at our Web site? >http://www.simoncarves.com > >************************************************************************* >The information in this email and any attachments may contain >privileged and/or confidential information intended solely for >the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. >If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, or the >employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the addressee, >you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or >copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. >If you have received this communication in error, please notify >me by telephone or email and delete all copies immediately. >************************************************************************* > >_______________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Post to: [hidden email] >http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >You must subscribe to post. >Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): >http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm >Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Martin.Evans
My $.02 ...
A technique that worked for me was to read text (from a book) and "play" CW in my head as I was reading. I'd actually do this driving, reading street signs and listening to the code in my head. YMMV, but I've related this method to many people trying to get out of the single-digit speeds with great results. de John W1RT On Wed, 2004-06-16 at 06:39, [hidden email] wrote: > > > Hi to all, sorry this is a bit off topic but I know there are a lot of good > CW ops on this list. I am currently working on CW head copy at around > 20wpm. I get most of the smaller words (say up to 5 letters) with no > problem but miss many of the longer ones, I forget the first few letters by > the time I get to the last few. However, the real question is should I > "visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes shut) or > just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way leaving the > brain to piece them together in the background so to speak (hard to > describe this bit). I am aware of both methods happening but not sure > whether to force the "visualising" method in case it will slow me down > later on. The "visualising" does help me to get some of the longer words > but maybe it's not good in the long term. The "art and skill of radio > telegraphy" book doesn't seem to offer any pointers here. Maybe it doesn't > matter much either way but your expert opinions would be appreciated. > > Thanks > Martin > M0KWV > K1 #1534 > > > > > Why not take a look at our Web site? > http://www.simoncarves.com > > ************************************************************************* > The information in this email and any attachments may contain > privileged and/or confidential information intended solely for > the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. > If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, or the > employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the addressee, > you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or > copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. > If you have received this communication in error, please notify > me by telephone or email and delete all copies immediately. > ************************************************************************* > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > You must subscribe to post. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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There is a good book (The Art and Skill of Telegraphy) and includes techniques for high speed copy and can be downloaded here: http://www.qsl.net/n9bor/n0hff.htm -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John D Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 12:35 PM To: Elecraft list Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Learning Techniques My $.02 ... A technique that worked for me was to read text (from a book) and "play" CW in my head as I was reading. I'd actually do this driving, reading street signs and listening to the code in my head. YMMV, but I've related this method to many people trying to get out of the single-digit speeds with great results. de John W1RT On Wed, 2004-06-16 at 06:39, [hidden email] wrote: > > > Hi to all, sorry this is a bit off topic but I know there are a lot of good > CW ops on this list. I am currently working on CW head copy at around > 20wpm. I get most of the smaller words (say up to 5 letters) with no > problem but miss many of the longer ones, I forget the first few letters by > the time I get to the last few. However, the real question is should I > "visualise" the letters (like imagining a typewriter with my eyes shut) or > just sort of recognise the letters in an abstract sort of way leaving the > brain to piece them together in the background so to speak (hard to > describe this bit). I am aware of both methods happening but not sure > whether to force the "visualising" method in case it will slow me down > later on. The "visualising" does help me to get some of the longer words > but maybe it's not good in the long term. The "art and skill of radio > telegraphy" book doesn't seem to offer any pointers here. Maybe it doesn't > matter much either way but your expert opinions would be appreciated. > > Thanks > Martin > M0KWV > K1 #1534 > > > > > Why not take a look at our Web site? > http://www.simoncarves.com > > ************************************************************************* > The information in this email and any attachments may contain > privileged and/or confidential information intended solely for > the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. > If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, or the > employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the addressee, > you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or > copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. > If you have received this communication in error, please notify > me by telephone or email and delete all copies immediately. > ************************************************************************* > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > You must subscribe to post. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): > Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by zeke7237-2
Hello Martin and all, great thread, enjoying reading the responses.
I found having been stuck at 20 WPM head copy for some time that if I increased the sending speed above what I considered my normal reliable receive speed I could actually read longer words much easier and with less stress than before. What a pleasant surprise! I could actually copy code much faster than I thought. I think you will start hearing the longer more difficult words in larger chunks and eventually hearing and decoding long whole words and wondering how did I do that", very cool. So don't impose an artificial lower limit on yourself but regularly listen to short code sessions at higher speed than you consider normal for yourself I now do this at speeds up to 40WPM for practice, you may find a sweet spot speed that suits you and it begins to click. Above 20WPM code actually sounds better to me and I find I can headcopy conversational CW easier. Good luck, Deni F5VJC GM3SKN _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Radio shack BNC antenna mount $1.97
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In reply to this post by KI7V (John)
I just bought 20-023 BNC window clip-on miunt with 6ft of RG-174 for
$1.97 on clearance. They had another one in a grab bag. Maybe just the thing for KX1 (parked) mobile with a Maldol whip, if you use your existing ground ground onto the body. 73, WA5ZNU Leigh _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: Radio shack BNC antenna mount $1.97
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Oh, yeah, way cool. I carry one in my briefcase when I travel, along with a VHF/UHF
"super-talkie" antenna that has a BNC mount. With that and my talkie, I'm in good shape with local repeaters when I travel. I figure that the combination is good for extending the range of my talkie by at least 10 dB (3x the distance), and extending the life of my battery by letting me run QRP to work shorter distances. Jim Brown K9YC On Fri, 18 Jun 2004 15:51:05 -0700, Leigh L. Klotz, Jr. wrote: >I just bought 20-023 BNC window clip-on miunt with 6ft of RG-174 for >$1.97 on clearance. They had another one in a grab bag. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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