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CW with my K3s and KX3

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Elecraft mailing list

CW with my K3s and KX3

A bit off topic but I think many Elecraft users are CW people. My station is completely set up for good CW (K3s, KPA500, KAT500, KX3 with paddle, Vibroplex Code Warrior) and I can send and copy relatively well up to about 20 WPM but I seem to lack the interest to grab the horns and actually engage in a CW contact. I have several very good code readers and CW keyboard applications but I believe they actually prevent me from really getting into it.

Any suggestions in how to actually create some interest or thrill that will entice me to engage in more CW operations?

If you wish to reply off line please use k9jri at Mac dot com.

Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI

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k6dgw

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

1. Call CQ at "your speed".
2. QRS is a perfectly acceptable Q-signal in mixed company
3. 86 the keyboard and send with paddle/bug/J-38
4. Listen around the QRP frequencies ~.050 - .060
5. www.sotawatch.com & call summit activators. short exchanges
6. Join SKCC
7. Don't join SKCC but look for them
8. Check into your local NTS section/state net [usually 80 m evenings]
9. Monitor around .028 and call those at your speed [CWops hangout]
10. Ask for a sked with another Elecrafter here. I'm available]

That should get you started.

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 10/5/2018 8:29 AM, Michael Blake via Elecraft wrote:
> A bit off topic but I think many Elecraft users are CW people. My station is completely set up for good CW (K3s, KPA500, KAT500, KX3 with paddle, Vibroplex Code Warrior) and I can send and copy relatively well up to about 20 WPM but I seem to lack the interest to grab the horns and actually engage in a CW contact. I have several very good code readers and CW keyboard applications but I believe they actually prevent me from really getting into it.
>
> Any suggestions in how to actually create some interest or thrill that will entice me to engage in more CW operations?
>
> If you wish to reply off line please use k9jri at Mac dot com.
>
> Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
>

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Grady Harper

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Stop using readers and the keyboard. Find a conversation (qso) and listen/copy. Practice. When you are comfortable copying answer a call. Most cw operators will try to send at your speed. I was where you are now. I still get “stage fright” now and then. The more you do it the better you get, about like everything else. Just remember to help the new guys. That’s how our hobby works.

AJ4YA
Grady
Wendell, NC

Sent from my iPad

> On Oct 5, 2018, at 11:29, Michael Blake via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> A bit off topic but I think many Elecraft users are CW people. My station is completely set up for good CW (K3s, KPA500, KAT500, KX3 with paddle, Vibroplex Code Warrior) and I can send and copy relatively well up to about 20 WPM but I seem to lack the interest to grab the horns and actually engage in a CW contact. I have several very good code readers and CW keyboard applications but I believe they actually prevent me from really getting into it.
>
> Any suggestions in how to actually create some interest or thrill that will entice me to engage in more CW operations?
>
> If you wish to reply off line please use k9jri at Mac dot com.
>
> Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Gio

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Hi Mike,

A couple of thoughts about activities that have kept me ditting and dawing.

You might consider hanging out with the SKCC (Straight Key Century Club)
ops. As the name suggests, straight key bug, or cootie key only. Lots of
activities and awards to chase. Also the group has a very active reflector.

Check out WWFF (World Wide Flora and Fauna), POTA (Parks on the Air) and
SOTA (Summits on the Air). You can be an activator or chaser/hunter.

Another activity I've never seen mentioned is CW nets. I check in most
mornings at 8:30 with HBN--Hit and Bounce Net (east coast).

Finally, sign up for a level 2 or 3 online course with the CW Academy.

Over time, I've used all of the above to keep me motivated.

GL es 73,

John K4ARQ

On Fri, Oct 5, 2018, 11:31 Michael Blake via Elecraft <
[hidden email]> wrote:

> A bit off topic but I think many Elecraft users are CW people. My station
> is completely set up for good CW (K3s, KPA500, KAT500, KX3 with paddle,
> Vibroplex Code Warrior) and I can send and copy relatively well up to about
> 20 WPM but I seem to lack the interest to grab the horns and actually
> engage in a CW contact. I have several very good code readers and CW
> keyboard applications but I believe they actually prevent me from really
> getting into it.
>
> Any suggestions in how to actually create some interest or thrill that
> will entice me to engage in more CW operations?
>
> If you wish to reply off line please use k9jri at Mac dot com.
>
> Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Gwen Patton

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

I'm re-learning code that I haven't significantly used since I passed my
General (my Extra was BARELY past the time when they removed the
requirement). I'm right on that edge where I can ALMOST get it, but not
quite. I can get bits, but not enough to make sense. I don't think in it
yet. I'm signed up for a CWops course -- I was tempted to do level 2, but
figured I'm SO rusty, I decided to let them retrain me completely in their
method, since my method resulted in it not really sticking all that well.
The course I'm signed up for starts in January, just after the new year
begins.

My biggest hurdle has been "mike shyness", or the equivalent with a key or
paddle. I've got keys. I've got paddles. I can even use them to a degree.
But I still can't COPY worth a damn. I'm trying to immerse myself in code
at least a bit. I have a program that'll convert a text file into a CW MP3
file. So I got a favorite short story from Project Gutenberg and converted
it (H. Beam Piper's "Omnilingual". It seemed appropriate.), and I can sit
and listen and try to make sense out of it. I'm getting words here and
there, but it's still something I have to CONCENTRATE on. It's not
reflexive yet.

I'll sometimes fire up a websdr and CWGet (I know, lose the readers) and
let it play in the background while I do things. I can sometimes pick out
call signs and simple stuff without having to peek at the reader.

Eventually, I'll get there. And I'm sure, once I start USING it and making
contacts, and nobody laughs me off the band, I'll get to like it and it'll
become natural as breathing.

73,
Gwen NG3P

On Fri, Oct 5, 2018 at 1:25 PM John Flynn <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Mike,
>
> A couple of thoughts about activities that have kept me ditting and dawing.
>
> You might consider hanging out with the SKCC (Straight Key Century Club)
> ops. As the name suggests, straight key bug, or cootie key only. Lots of
> activities and awards to chase. Also the group has a very active reflector.
>
> Check out WWFF (World Wide Flora and Fauna), POTA (Parks on the Air) and
> SOTA (Summits on the Air). You can be an activator or chaser/hunter.
>
> Another activity I've never seen mentioned is CW nets. I check in most
> mornings at 8:30 with HBN--Hit and Bounce Net (east coast).
>
> Finally, sign up for a level 2 or 3 online course with the CW Academy.
>
> Over time, I've used all of the above to keep me motivated.
>
> GL es 73,
>
> John K4ARQ
>
> On Fri, Oct 5, 2018, 11:31 Michael Blake via Elecraft <
> [hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > A bit off topic but I think many Elecraft users are CW people. My
> station
> > is completely set up for good CW (K3s, KPA500, KAT500, KX3 with paddle,
> > Vibroplex Code Warrior) and I can send and copy relatively well up to
> about
> > 20 WPM but I seem to lack the interest to grab the horns and actually
> > engage in a CW contact. I have several very good code readers and CW
> > keyboard applications but I believe they actually prevent me from really
> > getting into it.
> >
> > Any suggestions in how to actually create some interest or thrill that
> > will entice me to engage in more CW operations?
> >
> > If you wish to reply off line please use k9jri at Mac dot com.
> >
> > Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

--

-+-+-+-+-
Jenny Everywhere's Infinite: Quark Time
http://quarktime.net
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Mike Morrow-3

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

That's a very good and comprehensive list of suggestions, Fred. I've only one nit to pick in this statement:

> 3. 86 the keyboard and send with paddle/bug/J-38

Avoid the J-38 military straight key. The common J-38 was used in military service ONLY for Morse training. The equally-common J-37 is the Signal Corps key most often used with real front-line sets that might be exposed to combat environments. However, the Navy Type 26003 key is the finest of common military straight keys. It's what I use if forced to use an Asian-origin commercial ham rig. They seem not to know how to make a transceiver capable of Mode A iambic keying. I'd rub two wires together before I'd ever try using the horrific Mode B that almost all Asian ham rigs force on buyers. I really appreciate how every Elecraft rig ever made allows great Mode A iambic keying, so I don't often need to break out my 26003 straight key.

Mike / KK5F
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

I have received many very good suggestions which I will give a try. I think the term “key shyness” is what I need to get over.

All were very good suggestions! Thanks.

Several questions (2) about readers. I find the Elecraft K3s, and KX3 readers along with the K42, CWGet and fldigi readers to all be equal over time. My favorite reader is “CW Morse” which runs on Mac OS and iOS. They all seem to detract from the fun of the hunt in some way.

Again, thanks for the nudges and pushes which I will try. Time to close the thread I suppose.

Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI

> On Oct 5, 2018, at 11:29 AM, Michael Blake <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> A bit off topic but I think many Elecraft users are CW people. My station is completely set up for good CW (K3s, KPA500, KAT500, KX3 with paddle, Vibroplex Code Warrior) and I can send and copy relatively well up to about 20 WPM but I seem to lack the interest to grab the horns and actually engage in a CW contact. I have several very good code readers and CW keyboard applications but I believe they actually prevent me from really getting into it.
>
> Any suggestions in how to actually create some interest or thrill that will entice me to engage in more CW operations?
>
> If you wish to reply off line please use k9jri at Mac dot com.
>
> Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
>
>
>
>
>
>

Gwen Patton

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by Mike Morrow-3

I got a nice little mini key that seems based on the 26003, if abbreviated.
It's 3d printed by http://www.cwmorse.us and has a very smooth and balanced
feel. I made the error of not getting one with a base. But it's a very nice
key that I'll certainly use for straight key cw. I have a nice Bencher
paddle, and a Whiterook mini paddle. I built a tiny paddle from a kit at
QRPGuys.com that I haven't yet tested. But I just got a little capacitive
touch "paddle" that works nicely with the KX3 internal keyer that I found
on Ebay for about $10. I got the Bencher many years ago at a hamfest, with
a plexiglas dust cover that houses one of the old CMOS Super Keyer III's.
It works like a total champ, and has six memory buttons, and can be used as
a practice oscillator.

I have a ridiculous number of keys and paddles for someone who doesn't do
much CW.

On Fri, Oct 5, 2018 at 2:58 PM Mike Morrow <[hidden email]> wrote:

> That's a very good and comprehensive list of suggestions, Fred. I've only
> one nit to pick in this statement:
>
> > 3. 86 the keyboard and send with paddle/bug/J-38
>
> Avoid the J-38 military straight key. The common J-38 was used in
> military service ONLY for Morse training. The equally-common J-37 is the
> Signal Corps key most often used with real front-line sets that might be
> exposed to combat environments. However, the Navy Type 26003 key is the
> finest of common military straight keys. It's what I use if forced to use
> an Asian-origin commercial ham rig. They seem not to know how to make a
> transceiver capable of Mode A iambic keying. I'd rub two wires together
> before I'd ever try using the horrific Mode B that almost all Asian ham
> rigs force on buyers. I really appreciate how every Elecraft rig ever made
> allows great Mode A iambic keying, so I don't often need to break out my
> 26003 straight key.
>
> Mike / KK5F
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

k6dgw

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by Mike Morrow-3

Everyone is soooo very literal these days! [:-) I used "J-38" to mean
any straight key that suits your fancy ... i.e. keyer+paddle, bug,
straight key. "J-38" is just well known and shorter than "straight
key," which I've now typed three times, with and without quotes and a
comma. Just need to ditch the keyboard until comfortable with your
manual keying device, keyboards introduce a separate skill ... typing
... into the mix.

Regarding Mode A/B: Mode B was a misteak in the programming of an early
Curtis keyer chip. Or maybe Mode A was the mistake. Might have been
some chip other than a Curtis. Every transceiver with a keyer I've
owned would do both [1 FT, 2 TS, K2, K3]. Can't remember if the KX1
would but I think it did.

Thus endeth Morse factoids for 5 Oct.

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 10/5/2018 11:58 AM, Mike Morrow wrote:
> That's a very good and comprehensive list of suggestions, Fred. I've only one nit to pick in this statement:
>
>> 3. 86 the keyboard and send with paddle/bug/J-38
> Avoid the J-38 military straight key. The common J-38 was used in military service ONLY for Morse training. The equally-common J-37 is the Signal Corps key most often used with real front-line sets that might be exposed to combat environments. However, the Navy Type 26003 key is the finest of common military straight keys. It's what I use if forced to use an Asian-origin commercial ham rig. They seem not to know how to make a transceiver capable of Mode A iambic keying. I'd rub two wires together before I'd ever try using the horrific Mode B that almost all Asian ham rigs force on buyers. I really appreciate how every Elecraft rig ever made allows great Mode A iambic keying, so I don't often need to break out my 26003 straight key.
>
> Mike / KK5F
>

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Dan Presley

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

I’ll throw one more activity in the mix-NAQCC (North American QRP Cw club) does a variety of CW/slow speed events throughout the year. In fact next week (Sunday 10/7 to 10/14 -0000 10/8 UTC) is the ‘NA’ Sprint where a number of stations will be using special callsigns like N1A,N2A,etc. I’ll be taking a stint as N7A at some point during the week. Check the NAQCC website for details and a nice newsletter. A fun challenge is to try to work all of the N#A areas. We’ll be around the usual QRP/SKCC frequencies.
Another idea is to try checking in to the many slow speed cw nets. I teach CW (locally-Oregon) and have a couple of recent graduates regularly checking in to these nets- a nice low pressure way to get experience. The NAQCC website lists a number of nets.

Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com
[hidden email]

> On Oct 5, 2018, at 13:52, Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Everyone is soooo very literal these days! [:-) I used "J-38" to mean any straight key that suits your fancy ... i.e. keyer+paddle, bug, straight key. "J-38" is just well known and shorter than "straight key," which I've now typed three times, with and without quotes and a comma. Just need to ditch the keyboard until comfortable with your manual keying device, keyboards introduce a separate skill ... typing ... into the mix.
>
> Regarding Mode A/B: Mode B was a misteak in the programming of an early Curtis keyer chip. Or maybe Mode A was the mistake. Might have been some chip other than a Curtis. Every transceiver with a keyer I've owned would do both [1 FT, 2 TS, K2, K3]. Can't remember if the KX1 would but I think it did.
>
> Thus endeth Morse factoids for 5 Oct.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
>> On 10/5/2018 11:58 AM, Mike Morrow wrote:
>> That's a very good and comprehensive list of suggestions, Fred. I've only one nit to pick in this statement:
>>
>>> 3. 86 the keyboard and send with paddle/bug/J-38
>> Avoid the J-38 military straight key. The common J-38 was used in military service ONLY for Morse training. The equally-common J-37 is the Signal Corps key most often used with real front-line sets that might be exposed to combat environments. However, the Navy Type 26003 key is the finest of common military straight keys. It's what I use if forced to use an Asian-origin commercial ham rig. They seem not to know how to make a transceiver capable of Mode A iambic keying. I'd rub two wires together before I'd ever try using the horrific Mode B that almost all Asian ham rigs force on buyers. I really appreciate how every Elecraft rig ever made allows great Mode A iambic keying, so I don't often need to break out my 26003 straight key.
>>
>> Mike / KK5F
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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KEN-3

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by k6dgw

On 10/5/18 12:33 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> 1. Call CQ at "your speed".
Absolutely. At your **receiving** speed, of course.
> 3. 86 the keyboard and send with paddle/bug/J-38
I agree although I would suggest a bug as the last challenge to face.
I'm currently exclusively using a bug as a challenge for a decent fist.
I've been operating CW for 55 years now.
> ...
> 8. Check into your local NTS section/state net [usually 80 m evenings]
Look for the slow speed or training nets to get started. Many sections
have them. Of course, traffic nets require the ability for hardcopy on
paper, not in your head. When I operated the high level nets (8RN/EAN)
I learned to print each letter at 28 wpm.

Enjoy developing your skills.

73, Ken WA8JXM
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: CW with my K3s and KX3

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

A suggestion I didn't see suggested - mine is ditch the cw readers. If you use a reader, cw is going to be purely digital and its not meant to be that.Its not ft8! Yes get over the shy thing too. You won't get a report card on your Qso ability. You know what they say - the more you do it - - -.It will get to be fun, or it should. Thats the way its supposed to work anyway, hi.

CW is a special thing but when you can get your head to read it instead of a reader it might surprise you. You're missing a lot with a reader I think.
Just my opinion. GL Mike.
BillK3WJV

On Friday, October 5, 2018, 3:19:13 PM EDT, Michael Blake via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:

I have received many very good suggestions which I will give a try. I think the term “key shyness” is what I need to get over.

All were very good suggestions! Thanks.

Several questions (2) about readers. I find the Elecraft K3s, and KX3 readers along with the K42, CWGet and fldigi readers to all be equal over time. My favorite reader is “CW Morse” which runs on Mac OS and iOS. They all seem to detract from the fun of the hunt in some way.

Again, thanks for the nudges and pushes which I will try. Time to close the thread I suppose.

Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI

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