CW Tips Compilation

[Richard Dowling]

Hi All,

Below is a compilation of the tips that Ed, KE7HGA, received to date
in response to his post.  I found they provided information that was
very valuable.  I've copied and pasted them into a single document
for my own reference and decided the group, especially those of us
new to CW could benefit from having it all in one place.  There
aren't any attributions to the senders, I hope you'll forgive
that.  Thanks to the many of you who contributed so supportively.

73,
Richard
KL0DR

***************************************
To your actual question, on 40m, I often find code I can copy from 7045 -
7060, and again from 7105 to 7115 (which is as high as my K1 will tune with
my VFO range).  7047.5 is where W1AW does their daily code practice (very
helpful) and 7058 is the FISTS calling frequency.  The 40m QRP frequency is
7030 and sometimes there is slow code from 7030 to 7035, too, but usually
that low on the band people are mid-20's and up.

On 20m, 14045 - 14065 usually has something.  14047.5 is W1AW again, and
14060 is the 20m QRP calling frequency, which is where I have had success.
The same range, roughly, on 15m often has code I can copy as well.
************************
I'll second what KI6NUL said -- I find a lot of "relaxed speed" CW at
7.040-7.060.  Here in southwestern CT, I think there's more in that range than
up above 7.100.
**************************
QRP on 40 tends to run from about 7040-7060.  There will be some
activity above 7100, but not a lot, I think that used to be the Novice
band.  Lately, it seems some digital modes have moved into the 7030-7035
range.  Most DX operations are below 7030. 7047.5 is the W1AW scheduled
frequency.  7058 is the FISTS calling frequency.  A number of CW ops
cluster "on the 8's" [7038, 7048, 7058].  Nearly all good CW ops will
QRS for you, those that won't just don't get your call in their logs :-)

Sort of the same on 20, 14040-14065, W1AW at 14047.5.  PSK31 starts at
14070 and RTTY above it.  You'll find a little CW above 14110 but not
much except during major contests.  Lots of automated digital stuff
between 14100 and 14110.  Again, you may find activity on the 8's, and I
think 14058 is a FISTS hangout.

If you have the module for your KX1, 30m is a great place for QRP CW.
In the Colonies and westward, we're limited to 200W on the band, CW and
RTTY only, so the chances are higher that if you can hear them well,
they will probably hear you.  CW congregates at the lower end
[10100-10125, RTTY above].  The band is sort of a hybrid between 40 and
20, it opens during the day for shorter skip [CO is strong in CA midday
on 30m], and stays open at night.  Code speeds are very flexible on 30m.
*********************************
Try 7114 for slow CW at any power level.
*********************************
Yes 7114 is "guarded" as you will by many members of
the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC).  The SKCC suggests their members
mentor new CW operators on that frequency and particularly all day Fridays.
You will find many CW ops there who will work at your speed and are very
patient.  The SKCC general calling frequency on 20 meters is 14.050 MHz.
Although not designated as an "Elder" frequency, I feel confident any of our
SKCC members will be happy to accommodate you.

For more information on SKCC go to http://www.skccgroup.com/ and peruse the
website.  You are hereby invited to join and begin your journey.
*******************************************
The CW DX lives almost entirely between 10,100 - 10,115 kHz. (15 kHz doesn't
sound like much, but that much band space goes a long way on CW!) 10,115 -
10,125 kHz is mostly domestic QSOs -- more rag-chew type Qs to be had here.
As Fred said, 10,125 up is mostly digital -- RTTY, PSK31, and a plethora of
other modes.

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html