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Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

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Bob K6UJ

Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

Bill,

We are not discussing entry level code learning. We are discussing
increasing your code speed on receive. And speed is vitally important !
K7QQ is not the only one that can copy high speed CW, there are many of
us out here. Transitioning to higher speed copy can be done through
systematic and regular exercise. I have been a CW operator for over
40 years and it wasn't until fairly late in the game that I accepted the
advice from several high speed ops on how to progress past mediocre copy
speed. ( I will share this below)
First we need to realize there are two distinct types of training for
CW. The first is developing your rote memorization skills for learning
the characters. I recommend the Farnsworth method for this. With
Farnsworth the characters are sent faster than the words. For instance
at 10 wpm each character is sent at 20 wpm but enough time is added to
slow down the rate to 10 wpm. The ARRL adopted this method years ago
for their morse code training materials and the W1AW morse
transmissions. For example when W1AW is sending at 18 wpm the
characters are sent at 20 wpm.

Now to increase your speed you need to approach your training
differently. (which is the subject of Roberts
original post) There are different variations of the training used to
increase your speed but they all have a
common denominator. They all in some form or another introduce copying
at a faster speed (go figure)

Here is what I found to be most effective method for me I learned from
other ops.
Its great to spend time in the saddle copying QSO's in which your
current copying speed will allow, but to really increase your copying
speed you need to spend some time exercising your copying abilities each
day by practice copying ONLY at speeds faster than you can comfortably
copy. You wont increase your copying speed by always copying at the
same comfortable speeds. Practice at a speed where you are only able to
copy one or two characters in each word. Concentrate !! Do this for
only 10 minutes each day. If you are really concentrating you will find
10 minutes is about when you are ready to throw in the towel for the day
anyway Later on after you find you are able to copy about half of the
overall text then increase the speed back to where you can only copy one
or two characters in each word. (This isn't supposed to be easy this is
a training exercise.)
Try this only ten minutes a day and see what happens ! Also this needs
to be practiced regularly, every day and if you miss a day, no worries,
jump back in. Many hams never improve their speed and are content when
they reach around 20 wpm max. In many chasing DX and contest operating
CW activities it gives you an big advantage to be able to operate at
higher speeds. We have all heard the high speed ops during a contest
and marvel at how fast their contacts go by. It is great to be able to
match their speed and grab a contact ! Its not that difficult folks,
just 10 minutes a day of concentrated practice. As you are gaining your
speed don't get frustrated over losing a word or words when you are in a
CW QSO and losing the intelligibility of the conversation, that happens
to all of us and will be remedied when you copying speed is increased.
Lastly, you will with practice, increase your "comfortable" copy speed
to upwards of 30 to 35 wpm and more.
You will be able to really enjoy morse as a language. You will sit
there and listen to sentences and
paragraphs go by in your head with complete understanding. It is very
enjoyable !

73,
Bob
K6UJ

On 12/5/15 11:54 AM, Bill Rowlett wrote:

> The best way to learn CW is the same as learning any language, by the sound of the letters or charters. The speed you use to practice is not important, it is writing down the letter when heard, over and over again. K7QO has a CW program on his site which does just that. Also, it is finding the time and dedication to put in the time needed. K7QO by the way has won copy contest at over 100wpm, he knows what he speaks.
>
> Just my two cents. Now, back to the practice.
>
> 73 and good DX
>
> Bill KC4ATU
>
>
> On Dec 5, 2015, at 2:37 PM, Kevin Stover<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I've always thought the Farnsworth method was directly responsible for the "10 wpm wall" newcomers were running into. Reading "The Art and Skill of Radio Telegraphy" Pierpont says the same thing. By stretching the time between words you give people more time to translate. if your going to copy Morse faster than about 10wpm you don't have time to translate. You have to know the character as soon as you hear it without using the look up table in your head. The Koch method has no exaggerated spacing between words or elements. You want to be proficient at 35 wpm, you practice with dit/dah and word speed set for 35 wpm.
>>
>> Building speed on the air is great as long as the code you are copying is "good" code meaning close to properly spaced and timed code. The nice thing about the computer programs is they send perfect code. With G4FON you can make it more realistic by adding QRM, QRN and QSB in varying levels. The only thing your missing is an old timer on his bug sending with the "Lake Erie Swing".
>>
>> --
>> R. Kevin Stover
>> AC0H
>> ARRL
>> FISTS #11993
>> SKCC #215
>> NAQCC #3441
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Post:mailto:[hidden email]
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Stephen Shearer

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

Sounds great. It should work. I know I need to practice...

I have another problem....
How do I put this... Sloppy sending?

I notice (particularly in contests) that many ops run the characters
together. I can't copy and my KX3 can't copy. Good keyers add the
proper spacing between characters and words. Bugs, straight keys, and
simple keyers don't (can't) add the spacing automatically.
I tried the zombie shuffle, all I or my KX3 got was cqtest, others were
were copying fine.
comments?

steve WB3LGC

On 06-Dec-15 3:00 AM, Robert Harmon wrote:

>
> Bill,
>
> We are not discussing entry level code learning. We are discussing
> increasing your code speed on receive. And speed is vitally important !
> K7QQ is not the only one that can copy high speed CW, there are many of
> us out here. Transitioning to higher speed copy can be done through
> systematic and regular exercise. I have been a CW operator for over
> 40 years and it wasn't until fairly late in the game that I accepted the
> advice from several high speed ops on how to progress past mediocre copy
> speed. ( I will share this below)
> First we need to realize there are two distinct types of training for
> CW. The first is developing your rote memorization skills for learning
> the characters. I recommend the Farnsworth method for this. With
> Farnsworth the characters are sent faster than the words. For instance
> at 10 wpm each character is sent at 20 wpm but enough time is added to
> slow down the rate to 10 wpm. The ARRL adopted this method years ago
> for their morse code training materials and the W1AW morse
> transmissions. For example when W1AW is sending at 18 wpm the
> characters are sent at 20 wpm.
>
> Now to increase your speed you need to approach your training
> differently. (which is the subject of Roberts
> original post) There are different variations of the training used to
> increase your speed but they all have a
> common denominator. They all in some form or another introduce copying
> at a faster speed (go figure)
>
> Here is what I found to be most effective method for me I learned from
> other ops.
> Its great to spend time in the saddle copying QSO's in which your
> current copying speed will allow, but to really increase your copying
> speed you need to spend some time exercising your copying abilities each
> day by practice copying ONLY at speeds faster than you can comfortably
> copy. You wont increase your copying speed by always copying at the
> same comfortable speeds. Practice at a speed where you are only able to
> copy one or two characters in each word. Concentrate !! Do this for
> only 10 minutes each day. If you are really concentrating you will find
> 10 minutes is about when you are ready to throw in the towel for the day
> anyway Later on after you find you are able to copy about half of the
> overall text then increase the speed back to where you can only copy one
> or two characters in each word. (This isn't supposed to be easy this is
> a training exercise.)
> Try this only ten minutes a day and see what happens ! Also this needs
> to be practiced regularly, every day and if you miss a day, no worries,
> jump back in. Many hams never improve their speed and are content when
> they reach around 20 wpm max. In many chasing DX and contest operating
> CW activities it gives you an big advantage to be able to operate at
> higher speeds. We have all heard the high speed ops during a contest
> and marvel at how fast their contacts go by. It is great to be able to
> match their speed and grab a contact ! Its not that difficult folks,
> just 10 minutes a day of concentrated practice. As you are gaining your
> speed don't get frustrated over losing a word or words when you are in a
> CW QSO and losing the intelligibility of the conversation, that happens
> to all of us and will be remedied when you copying speed is increased.
> Lastly, you will with practice, increase your "comfortable" copy speed
> to upwards of 30 to 35 wpm and more.
> You will be able to really enjoy morse as a language. You will sit
> there and listen to sentences and
> paragraphs go by in your head with complete understanding. It is very
> enjoyable !
>
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 12/5/15 11:54 AM, Bill Rowlett wrote:
>> The best way to learn CW is the same as learning any language, by the
>> sound of the letters or charters. The speed you use to practice is not
>> important, it is writing down the letter when heard, over and over
>> again. K7QO has a CW program on his site which does just that. Also,
>> it is finding the time and dedication to put in the time needed. K7QO
>> by the way has won copy contest at over 100wpm, he knows what he speaks.
>>
>> Just my two cents. Now, back to the practice.
>>
>> 73 and good DX
>>
>> Bill KC4ATU
>>
>>
>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 2:37 PM, Kevin Stover<[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I've always thought the Farnsworth method was directly responsible
>>> for the "10 wpm wall" newcomers were running into. Reading "The Art
>>> and Skill of Radio Telegraphy" Pierpont says the same thing. By
>>> stretching the time between words you give people more time to
>>> translate. if your going to copy Morse faster than about 10wpm you
>>> don't have time to translate. You have to know the character as soon
>>> as you hear it without using the look up table in your head. The Koch
>>> method has no exaggerated spacing between words or elements. You want
>>> to be proficient at 35 wpm, you practice with dit/dah and word speed
>>> set for 35 wpm.
>>>
>>> Building speed on the air is great as long as the code you are
>>> copying is "good" code meaning close to properly spaced and timed
>>> code. The nice thing about the computer programs is they send perfect
>>> code. With G4FON you can make it more realistic by adding QRM, QRN
>>> and QSB in varying levels. The only thing your missing is an old
>>> timer on his bug sending with the "Lake Erie Swing".
>>>
>>> --
>>> R. Kevin Stover
>>> AC0H
>>> ARRL
>>> FISTS #11993
>>> SKCC #215
>>> NAQCC #3441
>>>
>>>
>>> ---
>>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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 [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 [hidden email]
>>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Peter Chamalian W1RM

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

Practice is very important but so is having a good coach. To that end may I
suggest you check out the CW Academy -- http://www.cwops.org/cwacademy.html

There is also a CWops HF On the Air Advisors program open to all:
http://www.cwops.org/cwa-aota.html

CWops also has a weekly one-hour sprint like contest called CWT that runs on
every Wednesday at 13z, 19z and Thursday 03z. The exchange is easy -- name
and state or country if you are not a member. Members send their name and
membership number.

Pete, W1RM

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
Stephen Shearer
Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2015 8:31 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice
slow -v- practice fast

Sounds great. It should work. I know I need to practice...

I have another problem....
How do I put this... Sloppy sending?

I notice (particularly in contests) that many ops run the characters
together. I can't copy and my KX3 can't copy. Good keyers add the proper
spacing between characters and words. Bugs, straight keys, and simple
keyers don't (can't) add the spacing automatically.
I tried the zombie shuffle, all I or my KX3 got was cqtest, others were were
copying fine.
comments?

steve WB3LGC

On 06-Dec-15 3:00 AM, Robert Harmon wrote:

only able to

> copy one or two characters in each word. Concentrate !! Do this for
> only 10 minutes each day. If you are really concentrating you will
> find
> 10 minutes is about when you are ready to throw in the towel for the
> day anyway Later on after you find you are able to copy about half of
> the overall text then increase the speed back to where you can only
> copy one or two characters in each word. (This isn't supposed to be
> easy this is a training exercise.) Try this only ten minutes a day and
> see what happens ! Also this needs to be practiced regularly, every
> day and if you miss a day, no worries,
> jump back in. Many hams never improve their speed and are content when
> they reach around 20 wpm max. In many chasing DX and contest
> operating CW activities it gives you an big advantage to be able to
> operate at higher speeds. We have all heard the high speed ops during
> a contest and marvel at how fast their contacts go by. It is great to
> be able to match their speed and grab a contact ! Its not that
> difficult folks, just 10 minutes a day of concentrated practice. As
> you are gaining your speed don't get frustrated over losing a word or
> words when you are in a CW QSO and losing the intelligibility of the
> conversation, that happens to all of us and will be remedied when you

copying speed is increased.

> Lastly, you will with practice, increase your "comfortable" copy speed
> to upwards of 30 to 35 wpm and more.
> You will be able to really enjoy morse as a language. You will sit
> there and listen to sentences and paragraphs go by in your head with
> complete understanding. It is very enjoyable !
>
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 12/5/15 11:54 AM, Bill Rowlett wrote:
>> The best way to learn CW is the same as learning any language, by the
>> sound of the letters or charters. The speed you use to practice is
>> not important, it is writing down the letter when heard, over and
>> over again. K7QO has a CW program on his site which does just that.
>> Also, it is finding the time and dedication to put in the time
>> needed. K7QO by the way has won copy contest at over 100wpm, he knows

what he speaks.

>>
>> Just my two cents. Now, back to the practice.
>>
>> 73 and good DX
>>
>> Bill KC4ATU
>>
>>
>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 2:37 PM, Kevin Stover<[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I've always thought the Farnsworth method was directly responsible
>>> for the "10 wpm wall" newcomers were running into. Reading "The Art
>>> and Skill of Radio Telegraphy" Pierpont says the same thing. By
>>> stretching the time between words you give people more time to
>>> translate. if your going to copy Morse faster than about 10wpm you
>>> don't have time to translate. You have to know the character as soon
>>> as you hear it without using the look up table in your head. The
>>> Koch method has no exaggerated spacing between words or elements.
>>> You want to be proficient at 35 wpm, you practice with dit/dah and
>>> word speed set for 35 wpm.
>>>
>>> Building speed on the air is great as long as the code you are
>>> copying is "good" code meaning close to properly spaced and timed
>>> code. The nice thing about the computer programs is they send
>>> perfect code. With G4FON you can make it more realistic by adding
>>> QRM, QRN and QSB in varying levels. The only thing your missing is
>>> an old timer on his bug sending with the "Lake Erie Swing".
>>>
>>> --
>>> R. Kevin Stover
>>> AC0H
>>> ARRL
>>> FISTS #11993
>>> SKCC #215
>>> NAQCC #3441
>>>
>>>
>>> ---
>>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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 [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 [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]
>

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KEN-3

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by Bob K6UJ

I agree with you there Bob. I know my CW speed jumped when I worked
the high level CW nets (EAN) and suddenly HAD to copy fast and
accurate! I think in a few weeks I went from 20 to 29 wpm, my limit
for printing each character. There was no way I was going to keep
asking for fills.

It was, however, many years later until I finally broke away from
printing and started copying in my head. IMO, when you get at the
35-40 wpm level, CW totally changes and starts to become more like a
normal person to person conversation.

Unfortunately, I was off the air for a dozen years and have not regained
that speed.

On a different topic you mentioned, I HATE Farnsworth. Yes, maybe it's
a good way for people to learn but they fail to transistion to sending
proper code. There are too many people sending Farnsworth on the air
and it is improper and sloppy code. It's a shortcut to doing things
right and it has a high penalty.

Ken WA8JXM

On 12/6/15 3:00 AM, Robert Harmon wrote:
> but to really increase your copying
> speed you need to spend some time exercising your copying abilities each
> day by practice copying ONLY at speeds faster than you can comfortably
> copy. You wont increase your copying speed by always copying at the
> same comfortable speeds. Practice at a speed where you are only able to
> copy one or two characters in each word. Concentrate !!

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RobertG

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by Bob K6UJ

Bob's approach to increasing speed once a basic level of cw proficiency
has been achieved speak directly to my original thoughts on the subject.
Using a 5-letter group of random letters as the practice message, then
my question, in terms of Bob's approach, could be stated as follows.
Which is the quickest way to achieve some target speed: to start the
group at a speed where only one/two character are correct, or to start
where three/four are correct? I have no doubt that with the regular and
intense "concentration" that Bob advocates, any method [within common
sense limits] will result in higher copying speed. That said, which
starting point is going to get the operator to the target speed the
quickest? I don't know. Most of the folks who can comfortably copy at
speeds in excess of 30wpm seem to be from the "old school" in that many
learned in the military and have been at it a very long time. I have to
believe that their speed developed over time with continuous
usage/practice. Nothing beats time in the saddle. An interesting
"experiment" would be to take a bunch of hams who can copy at 20wpm,
divide them into the two approaches being discussed and "measure" how
long it takes each group to be comfortable at 30/35wpm. A human factors
issue is a person's task motivation and tolerance for frustration.
Starting with only one character correct out of five may be pretty
daunting for some and a piece of cake for others. But, that's a separate
issue.

Enjoying and learning from the discussion. Thanks Elecraft!

...robert

On 12/6/2015 08:00, Robert Harmon wrote:

--
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
[hidden email]
Syracuse, New York, USA
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

Robert,

What is missing is that each person learns at a different level and
pace. Each of us has our brains "wired differently".
In other words, what will work well for one person does not mean that it
will work well for all.
The quickest way to increasing CW speed is to get on the air and start
copying stations that stretch your current copying speed. In other
words, push yourself to higher speeds even if you cannot copy everything.
ARRL Code Practice is good up to 35 WPM, so try that, but on the air
conversations may drop you back to 25 WPM because of CW being sent
imperfectly.
When you can copy imperfect code (from a bug or keyer without perfect
spacing), then you have 'arrived'.

There is no substitute for practice - I advocate the 10 minutes a day at
trying to copy above your comfortable speed limit. More time than that
leads to frustration.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/7/2015 8:27 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote:

RobertG

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

Don...

For sure, individual differences make for a big difference, both in the
rate of learning and the appropriateness of any one approach. I think we
all agree that "stretching your current copying speed" is the only way
to get faster. That's certainly my experience. I think my curiosity
comes down to how much "stretch" is the sweet spot [individual
difference aside]. Lots of stretch - few characters/words copied, versus
some stretch - most characters/words copied.

Speaking of individual factors... I was just practicing with Rufz and
noticed how long I "hang" on the first character which inevitably leads
to subsequent errors. So, I pushed myself to almost "ignore" the first
character and move right along. Overall error rate dropped
significantly. So, yes, lots going on. Nothing beats practicing, for
sure. Have a good day.

...robert

On 12/8/2015 01:46, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Robert,
>
> What is missing is that each person learns at a different level and
> pace. Each of us has our brains "wired differently".
> In other words, what will work well for one person does not mean that it
> will work well for all.
> The quickest way to increasing CW speed is to get on the air and start
> copying stations that stretch your current copying speed. In other
> words, push yourself to higher speeds even if you cannot copy everything.
> ARRL Code Practice is good up to 35 WPM, so try that, but on the air
> conversations may drop you back to 25 WPM because of CW being sent
> imperfectly.
> When you can copy imperfect code (from a bug or keyer without perfect
> spacing), then you have 'arrived'.
>
> There is no substitute for practice - I advocate the 10 minutes a day at
> trying to copy above your comfortable speed limit. More time than that
> leads to frustration.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 12/7/2015 8:27 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote:
>> Bob's approach to increasing speed once a basic level of cw
>> proficiency has been achieved speak directly to my original thoughts
>> on the subject. Using a 5-letter group of random letters as the
>> practice message, then my question, in terms of Bob's approach, could
>> be stated as follows. Which is the quickest way to achieve some target
>> speed: to start the group at a speed where only one/two character are
>> correct, or to start where three/four are correct? I have no doubt
>> that with the regular and intense "concentration" that Bob advocates,
>> any method [within common sense limits] will result in higher copying
>> speed. That said, which starting point is going to get the operator to
>> the target speed the quickest? I don't know. Most of the folks who can
>> comfortably copy at speeds in excess of 30wpm seem to be from the "old
>> school" in that many learned in the military and have been at it a
>> very long time. I have to believe that their speed developed over time
>> with continuous usage/practice. Nothing beats time in the saddle. An
>> interesting "experiment" would be to take a bunch of hams who can copy
>> at 20wpm, divide them into the two approaches being discussed and
>> "measure" how long it takes each group to be comfortable at 30/35wpm.
>> A human factors issue is a person's task motivation and tolerance for
>> frustration. Starting with only one character correct out of five may
>> be pretty daunting for some and a piece of cake for others. But,
>> that's a separate issue.
>
>

Kevin Stover

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

Absolutely there are differences in how peoples brains are wired.

My brother got his license 15 years ago.

He was a music major and is a band director, all of the rigs in his
shack have the side tone set to 440 Hz, A above middle C. It's been a
musical tuning standard for ages. Once he got the tone of the cw being
received and sent set to a standard he knows quite well his CW abilities
just exploded. He moved past me like white lightning in his copy
ability. He's doing 40 wpm without breaking a sweat, is net control for
the Iowa 80m CW net and mastered the Vibroplex bug inside of a month.

I'm coming up on my 25th year licensed.
I'm an IT guy, network engineer.
I've always been math/logic and mechanically inclined.
I can sub-net IPV4 networks in my head.
I struggled learning code. I bought both the ARRL and 73 magazine tapes.
My first try on a morse exam was a flaming failure. 5 wpm test set up in
a huge auditorium at the local hospital.
We all sat at the front listening to a boom box...and the echo off the
back wall 60' away. I locked up.
I did finally learn enough to pass the 13wpm test and later the 20 but
it took a lot of work.
I found the Koch method and the G4FON software 10 years ago. I can now
do 30 wpm comfortably, 40 in a contest.

The Vibroplex bug my wife bought me still taunts and insults me. I'm
much more comfortable with the single lever paddle I have and my Winkey USB.

On 12/7/2015 8:12 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote:

> Don...
>
> For sure, individual differences make for a big difference, both in
> the rate of learning and the appropriateness of any one approach. I
> think we all agree that "stretching your current copying speed" is the
> only way to get faster. That's certainly my experience. I think my
> curiosity comes down to how much "stretch" is the sweet spot
> [individual difference aside]. Lots of stretch - few characters/words
> copied, versus some stretch - most characters/words copied.
>
> Speaking of individual factors... I was just practicing with Rufz and
> noticed how long I "hang" on the first character which inevitably
> leads to subsequent errors. So, I pushed myself to almost "ignore" the
> first character and move right along. Overall error rate dropped
> significantly. So, yes, lots going on. Nothing beats practicing, for
> sure. Have a good day.
>
> ...robert

--
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
ARRL
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441

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Bob K6UJ

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by RobertG

Robert,

Human nature being what it is all of us put what we think is beneficial
"time in the saddle"
on the air but we become complacent and migrate back to easier copy and
we are kidding
ourselves and not really exercising our copying speed abilities. Ask me
how I know this :-)
Time in the saddle is not the nirvana for higher speed CW.
Try the exercise Robert then report back. It is only 10 minutes a day.
As a sideline to being a ARRL VEC, I teach morse code to new hams and
hams that want to improve their CW skills. I cant take credit for this
exercise. I finally took
the advice from other high speed ops and found it to be the most
efficient and fastest
method for me in advancing my copy speed. It is necessary to spend ten
minutes
in quality training time a day for a few weeks. (I wouldnt call that
intense, hihi)
Then enjoy "time in the saddle" but do your 10 minutes regularly for
awhile and see what happens. !

73,
Bob
K6UJ

On 12/7/15 5:27 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote:

> Bob's approach to increasing speed once a basic level of cw
> proficiency has been achieved speak directly to my original thoughts
> on the subject. Using a 5-letter group of random letters as the
> practice message, then my question, in terms of Bob's approach, could
> be stated as follows. Which is the quickest way to achieve some target
> speed: to start the group at a speed where only one/two character are
> correct, or to start where three/four are correct? I have no doubt
> that with the regular and intense "concentration" that Bob advocates,
> any method [within common sense limits] will result in higher copying
> speed. That said, which starting point is going to get the operator to
> the target speed the quickest? I don't know. Most of the folks who can
> comfortably copy at speeds in excess of 30wpm seem to be from the "old
> school" in that many learned in the military and have been at it a
> very long time. I have to believe that their speed developed over time
> with continuous usage/practice. Nothing beats time in the saddle. An
> interesting "experiment" would be to take a bunch of hams who can copy
> at 20wpm, divide them into the two approaches being discussed and
> "measure" how long it takes each group to be comfortable at 30/35wpm.
> A human factors issue is a person's task motivation and tolerance for
> frustration. Starting with only one character correct out of five may
> be pretty daunting for some and a piece of cake for others. But,
> that's a separate issue.
>
> Enjoying and learning from the discussion. Thanks Elecraft!
>
> ...robert
>
> On 12/6/2015 08:00, Robert Harmon wrote:
>>
>> Bill,
>>
>> We are not discussing entry level code learning. We are discussing
>> increasing your code speed on receive. And speed is vitally important !
>> K7QQ is not the only one that can copy high speed CW, there are many of
>> us out here. Transitioning to higher speed copy can be done through
>> systematic and regular exercise. I have been a CW operator for over
>> 40 years and it wasn't until fairly late in the game that I accepted the
>> advice from several high speed ops on how to progress past mediocre copy
>> speed. ( I will share this below)
>> First we need to realize there are two distinct types of training for
>> CW. The first is developing your rote memorization skills for learning
>> the characters. I recommend the Farnsworth method for this. With
>> Farnsworth the characters are sent faster than the words. For instance
>> at 10 wpm each character is sent at 20 wpm but enough time is added to
>> slow down the rate to 10 wpm. The ARRL adopted this method years ago
>> for their morse code training materials and the W1AW morse
>> transmissions. For example when W1AW is sending at 18 wpm the
>> characters are sent at 20 wpm.
>>
>> Now to increase your speed you need to approach your training
>> differently. (which is the subject of Roberts
>> original post) There are different variations of the training used to
>> increase your speed but they all have a
>> common denominator. They all in some form or another introduce copying
>> at a faster speed (go figure)
>>
>> Here is what I found to be most effective method for me I learned from
>> other ops.
>> Its great to spend time in the saddle copying QSO's in which your
>> current copying speed will allow, but to really increase your copying
>> speed you need to spend some time exercising your copying abilities each
>> day by practice copying ONLY at speeds faster than you can comfortably
>> copy. You wont increase your copying speed by always copying at the
>> same comfortable speeds. Practice at a speed where you are only able to
>> copy one or two characters in each word. Concentrate !! Do this for
>> only 10 minutes each day. If you are really concentrating you will find
>> 10 minutes is about when you are ready to throw in the towel for the day
>> anyway Later on after you find you are able to copy about half of the
>> overall text then increase the speed back to where you can only copy one
>> or two characters in each word. (This isn't supposed to be easy this is
>> a training exercise.)
>> Try this only ten minutes a day and see what happens ! Also this needs
>> to be practiced regularly, every day and if you miss a day, no worries,
>> jump back in. Many hams never improve their speed and are content when
>> they reach around 20 wpm max. In many chasing DX and contest operating
>> CW activities it gives you an big advantage to be able to operate at
>> higher speeds. We have all heard the high speed ops during a contest
>> and marvel at how fast their contacts go by. It is great to be able to
>> match their speed and grab a contact ! Its not that difficult folks,
>> just 10 minutes a day of concentrated practice. As you are gaining your
>> speed don't get frustrated over losing a word or words when you are in a
>> CW QSO and losing the intelligibility of the conversation, that happens
>> to all of us and will be remedied when you copying speed is increased.
>> Lastly, you will with practice, increase your "comfortable" copy speed
>> to upwards of 30 to 35 wpm and more.
>> You will be able to really enjoy morse as a language. You will sit
>> there and listen to sentences and
>> paragraphs go by in your head with complete understanding. It is very
>> enjoyable !
>>
>>
>> 73,
>> Bob
>> K6UJ
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 12/5/15 11:54 AM, Bill Rowlett wrote:
>>> The best way to learn CW is the same as learning any language, by the
>>> sound of the letters or charters. The speed you use to practice is not
>>> important, it is writing down the letter when heard, over and over
>>> again. K7QO has a CW program on his site which does just that. Also,
>>> it is finding the time and dedication to put in the time needed. K7QO
>>> by the way has won copy contest at over 100wpm, he knows what he
>>> speaks.
>>>
>>> Just my two cents. Now, back to the practice.
>>>
>>> 73 and good DX
>>>
>>> Bill KC4ATU
>>>
>>>
>>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 2:37 PM, Kevin Stover<[hidden email]>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've always thought the Farnsworth method was directly responsible
>>>> for the "10 wpm wall" newcomers were running into. Reading "The Art
>>>> and Skill of Radio Telegraphy" Pierpont says the same thing. By
>>>> stretching the time between words you give people more time to
>>>> translate. if your going to copy Morse faster than about 10wpm you
>>>> don't have time to translate. You have to know the character as soon
>>>> as you hear it without using the look up table in your head. The Koch
>>>> method has no exaggerated spacing between words or elements. You want
>>>> to be proficient at 35 wpm, you practice with dit/dah and word speed
>>>> set for 35 wpm.
>>>>
>>>> Building speed on the air is great as long as the code you are
>>>> copying is "good" code meaning close to properly spaced and timed
>>>> code. The nice thing about the computer programs is they send perfect
>>>> code. With G4FON you can make it more realistic by adding QRM, QRN
>>>> and QSB in varying levels. The only thing your missing is an old
>>>> timer on his bug sending with the "Lake Erie Swing".
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> R. Kevin Stover
>>>> AC0H
>>>> ARRL
>>>> FISTS #11993
>>>> SKCC #215
>>>> NAQCC #3441
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ---
>>>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>>>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>>
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>>> Message delivered [hidden email]
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>
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>

Bob K6UJ

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by Kevin Stover

I noticed that musically inclined folks seem to learn morse quicker.
I wonder why that is ?
BTW I hope we havent been on this non elecraft topic too long on the forum !

73,
Bob
K6UJ

On 12/7/15 8:44 PM, Kevin Stover wrote:

> Absolutely there are differences in how peoples brains are wired.
>
> My brother got his license 15 years ago.
>
> He was a music major and is a band director, all of the rigs in his
> shack have the side tone set to 440 Hz, A above middle C. It's been a
> musical tuning standard for ages. Once he got the tone of the cw being
> received and sent set to a standard he knows quite well his CW
> abilities just exploded. He moved past me like white lightning in his
> copy ability. He's doing 40 wpm without breaking a sweat, is net
> control for the Iowa 80m CW net and mastered the Vibroplex bug inside
> of a month.
>
> I'm coming up on my 25th year licensed.
> I'm an IT guy, network engineer.
> I've always been math/logic and mechanically inclined.
> I can sub-net IPV4 networks in my head.
> I struggled learning code. I bought both the ARRL and 73 magazine tapes.
> My first try on a morse exam was a flaming failure. 5 wpm test set up
> in a huge auditorium at the local hospital.
> We all sat at the front listening to a boom box...and the echo off the
> back wall 60' away. I locked up.
> I did finally learn enough to pass the 13wpm test and later the 20 but
> it took a lot of work.
> I found the Koch method and the G4FON software 10 years ago. I can now
> do 30 wpm comfortably, 40 in a contest.
>
> The Vibroplex bug my wife bought me still taunts and insults me. I'm
> much more comfortable with the single lever paddle I have and my
> Winkey USB.
>
>
> On 12/7/2015 8:12 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote:
>> Don...
>>
>> For sure, individual differences make for a big difference, both in
>> the rate of learning and the appropriateness of any one approach. I
>> think we all agree that "stretching your current copying speed" is
>> the only way to get faster. That's certainly my experience. I think
>> my curiosity comes down to how much "stretch" is the sweet spot
>> [individual difference aside]. Lots of stretch - few characters/words
>> copied, versus some stretch - most characters/words copied.
>>
>> Speaking of individual factors... I was just practicing with Rufz and
>> noticed how long I "hang" on the first character which inevitably
>> leads to subsequent errors. So, I pushed myself to almost "ignore"
>> the first character and move right along. Overall error rate dropped
>> significantly. So, yes, lots going on. Nothing beats practicing, for
>> sure. Have a good day.
>>
>> ...robert
>

Rick M0LEP-2

Re: increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

I think there's a selection effect; when someone learns Morse quickly
and it becomes known that they're musically inclined then folk make a
correlation. However, when musically inclined folk struggle to learn
Morse their musical inclination is either dis-regarded, or they hear
things like "You're musically inclined; you shouldn't have any trouble
learning Morse." About half the musically inclined folk I know who have
tried to learn Morse have struggled to make progress.

For increasing my speed I've found working with systems that increase
speed as an exercise proceeds to be helpful. The W1AW "Fast Morse"
exercise that starts at 35wpm and gets slower is no use to me.

On Tue 08 Dec Robert Harmon wrote:
> I noticed that musically inclined folks seem to learn morse quicker.
> I wonder why that is ?

--
73, Rick, M0LEP (KX3 #3281)

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Bob-270

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by Bob K6UJ

I believe that to be true. Years ago would ask if people played any instruments
when teaching for the Novice ticket and if they did they seemed to pick it up
faster.

I attributed it to recognition or rhythm patterns. Two examples are Q is "here
comes the bride" and V as from Beethoven's 5th symphony. No proof but that was
a theory. And I do not claim credit for that either, may have been told to me
back them.

73,
Bob
K2TK ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR

On 12/8/2015 12:11 AM, Robert Harmon wrote:
> I noticed that musically inclined folks seem to learn morse quicker.
> I wonder why that is ?
> BTW I hope we havent been on this non elecraft topic too long on the forum !
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ

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Josh Fiden

Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by Bob K6UJ

Some very useful info in this thread!

I can do fine running contest exchanges at 30-35wpm, but my
conversational CW is very poor. Here's my approach to work on this:

From the various links provided, I put together a list of some Q-codes,
common CW abbreviations, and the CW academy list of 100 most common
words. Then loaded them as "callsigns" in RufzXP. Works great! Now to
keep up 10+ minutes per day of practice with the goal of recognizing
these as words rather than individual characters.

The list below can be cut and pasted into a text file if you want to try it!

73,
Josh W6XU

the
they
when
come
on
their
your
well
be
we
make
its
with
what
good
way
to
say
can
over
he
so
some
even
of
her
like
think
as
up
could
new
and
she
time
also
you
out
them
want
a
or
no
back
do
if
see
because
in
an
just
after
at
about
other
any
that
will
him
use
this
who
than
these
have
my
know
two
but
get
then
give
I
one
take
how
his
which
now
day
it
all
person
our
by
go
look
most
for
would
into
work
from
me
only
us
not
there
year
first
QRL
QRM
QRN
QRS
QRT
QRZ
QSL
QSO
QSY
QTH
QRX
ABT
AGE
ANT
BEAM
BK
C
CL
CPY
CQ
CUL
DE
DX
ES
EL
FB
HI
HW
HR
K
LID
LOOP
NAME
OM
OP
PSE
R
RPT
RST
RIG
TEST
TU
VERT
WATT
WX
YAGI
YRS
73

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Hajo Dezelski

Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

Very Well Done indeed Josh,

am I allowed to post this list and the tip to train it with RufzXP in the
German QRP-Forum http://www.qrpforum.de/. We had this discussion before and
I was too lazy to compile that list ;-(((

73 de

Hajo
DL1SDZ

---
Cela est bien dit, mais il faut cultiver notre jardin.
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RobertG

Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by Josh Fiden

Clever, Josh. I have never thought of doing that with Rufz. I'll
incorporate them tonight.

...robert

On 12/9/2015 22:18, Josh Fiden wrote:

> Some very useful info in this thread!
>
> I can do fine running contest exchanges at 30-35wpm, but my
> conversational CW is very poor. Here's my approach to work on this:
>
> From the various links provided, I put together a list of some Q-codes,
> common CW abbreviations, and the CW academy list of 100 most common
> words. Then loaded them as "callsigns" in RufzXP. Works great! Now to
> keep up 10+ minutes per day of practice with the goal of recognizing
> these as words rather than individual characters.
>
> The list below can be cut and pasted into a text file if you want to try
> it!
>
> 73,
> Josh W6XU
>
> the
> they
> when
> come
> on
> their
> your
> well
> be
> we
> make
> its
> with
> what
> good
> way
> to
> say
> can
> over
> he
> so
> some
> even
> of
> her
> like
> think
> as
> up
> could
> new
> and
> she
> time
> also
> you
> out
> them
> want
> a
> or
> no
> back
> do
> if
> see
> because
> in
> an
> just
> after
> at
> about
> other
> any
> that
> will
> him
> use
> this
> who
> than
> these
> have
> my
> know
> two
> but
> get
> then
> give
> I
> one
> take
> how
> his
> which
> now
> day
> it
> all
> person
> our
> by
> go
> look
> most
> for
> would
> into
> work
> from
> me
> only
> us
> not
> there
> year
> first
> QRL
> QRM
> QRN
> QRS
> QRT
> QRZ
> QSL
> QSO
> QSY
> QTH
> QRX
> ABT
> AGE
> ANT
> BEAM
> BK
> C
> CL
> CPY
> CQ
> CUL
> DE
> DX
> ES
> EL
> FB
> HI
> HW
> HR
> K
> LID
> LOOP
> NAME
> OM
> OP
> PSE
> R
> RPT
> RST
> RIG
> TEST
> TU
> VERT
> WATT
> WX
> YAGI
> YRS
> 73
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

RobertG

Re: Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast

In reply to this post by Bob K6UJ

Bob...

Yes, I have used your comments to infuse a new energy into the business
of "speeding up." At the moment, still using 5-letter groups and Rufz, I
start with the "dot" letters, e/h/i/s with U & V, at around 20wpm and
spends several trial at that task. Then, the full alphabet at 30wpm with
the previously mentioned "ignoring the first letter." As you no doubt
expect, the 5-ltr groups at 30wpm are going better. I increase the speed
one ltr/min per trial up to around 35wpm at which point there are more
mistakes. Then, I drop back to 30wpm and start the process over again. I
do as many sequences as can comfortably fit into your 10min window. It's
fun, and I imagine that speed is picking up. Thanks for your
contributions to the discussion.

Again, thanks to Elecraft for making space for this thread.

...robert

On 12/8/2015 05:06, Robert Harmon wrote:

> Robert,
>
> Human nature being what it is all of us put what we think is beneficial
> "time in the saddle"
> on the air but we become complacent and migrate back to easier copy and
> we are kidding
> ourselves and not really exercising our copying speed abilities. Ask me
> how I know this :-)
> Time in the saddle is not the nirvana for higher speed CW.
> Try the exercise Robert then report back. It is only 10 minutes a day.
> As a sideline to being a ARRL VEC, I teach morse code to new hams and
> hams that want to improve their CW skills. I cant take credit for this
> exercise. I finally took
> the advice from other high speed ops and found it to be the most
> efficient and fastest
> method for me in advancing my copy speed. It is necessary to spend ten
> minutes
> in quality training time a day for a few weeks. (I wouldnt call that
> intense, hihi)
> Then enjoy "time in the saddle" but do your 10 minutes regularly for
> awhile and see what happens. !
>
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
>
>
> On 12/7/15 5:27 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote:
>> Bob's approach to increasing speed once a basic level of cw
>> proficiency has been achieved speak directly to my original thoughts
>> on the subject. Using a 5-letter group of random letters as the
>> practice message, then my question, in terms of Bob's approach, could
>> be stated as follows. Which is the quickest way to achieve some target
>> speed: to start the group at a speed where only one/two character are
>> correct, or to start where three/four are correct? I have no doubt
>> that with the regular and intense "concentration" that Bob advocates,
>> any method [within common sense limits] will result in higher copying
>> speed. That said, which starting point is going to get the operator to
>> the target speed the quickest? I don't know. Most of the folks who can
>> comfortably copy at speeds in excess of 30wpm seem to be from the "old
>> school" in that many learned in the military and have been at it a
>> very long time. I have to believe that their speed developed over time
>> with continuous usage/practice. Nothing beats time in the saddle. An
>> interesting "experiment" would be to take a bunch of hams who can copy
>> at 20wpm, divide them into the two approaches being discussed and
>> "measure" how long it takes each group to be comfortable at 30/35wpm.
>> A human factors issue is a person's task motivation and tolerance for
>> frustration. Starting with only one character correct out of five may
>> be pretty daunting for some and a piece of cake for others. But,
>> that's a separate issue.
>>
>> Enjoying and learning from the discussion. Thanks Elecraft!
>>
>> ...robert
>>
>> On 12/6/2015 08:00, Robert Harmon wrote:
>>>
>>> Bill,
>>>
>>> We are not discussing entry level code learning. We are discussing
>>> increasing your code speed on receive. And speed is vitally important !
>>> K7QQ is not the only one that can copy high speed CW, there are many of
>>> us out here. Transitioning to higher speed copy can be done through
>>> systematic and regular exercise. I have been a CW operator for over
>>> 40 years and it wasn't until fairly late in the game that I accepted the
>>> advice from several high speed ops on how to progress past mediocre copy
>>> speed. ( I will share this below)
>>> First we need to realize there are two distinct types of training for
>>> CW. The first is developing your rote memorization skills for learning
>>> the characters. I recommend the Farnsworth method for this. With
>>> Farnsworth the characters are sent faster than the words. For instance
>>> at 10 wpm each character is sent at 20 wpm but enough time is added to
>>> slow down the rate to 10 wpm. The ARRL adopted this method years ago
>>> for their morse code training materials and the W1AW morse
>>> transmissions. For example when W1AW is sending at 18 wpm the
>>> characters are sent at 20 wpm.
>>>
>>> Now to increase your speed you need to approach your training
>>> differently. (which is the subject of Roberts
>>> original post) There are different variations of the training used to
>>> increase your speed but they all have a
>>> common denominator. They all in some form or another introduce copying
>>> at a faster speed (go figure)
>>>
>>> Here is what I found to be most effective method for me I learned from
>>> other ops.
>>> Its great to spend time in the saddle copying QSO's in which your
>>> current copying speed will allow, but to really increase your copying
>>> speed you need to spend some time exercising your copying abilities each
>>> day by practice copying ONLY at speeds faster than you can comfortably
>>> copy. You wont increase your copying speed by always copying at the
>>> same comfortable speeds. Practice at a speed where you are only able to
>>> copy one or two characters in each word. Concentrate !! Do this for
>>> only 10 minutes each day. If you are really concentrating you will find
>>> 10 minutes is about when you are ready to throw in the towel for the day
>>> anyway Later on after you find you are able to copy about half of the
>>> overall text then increase the speed back to where you can only copy one
>>> or two characters in each word. (This isn't supposed to be easy this is
>>> a training exercise.)
>>> Try this only ten minutes a day and see what happens ! Also this needs
>>> to be practiced regularly, every day and if you miss a day, no worries,
>>> jump back in. Many hams never improve their speed and are content when
>>> they reach around 20 wpm max. In many chasing DX and contest operating
>>> CW activities it gives you an big advantage to be able to operate at
>>> higher speeds. We have all heard the high speed ops during a contest
>>> and marvel at how fast their contacts go by. It is great to be able to
>>> match their speed and grab a contact ! Its not that difficult folks,
>>> just 10 minutes a day of concentrated practice. As you are gaining your
>>> speed don't get frustrated over losing a word or words when you are in a
>>> CW QSO and losing the intelligibility of the conversation, that happens
>>> to all of us and will be remedied when you copying speed is increased.
>>> Lastly, you will with practice, increase your "comfortable" copy speed
>>> to upwards of 30 to 35 wpm and more.
>>> You will be able to really enjoy morse as a language. You will sit
>>> there and listen to sentences and
>>> paragraphs go by in your head with complete understanding. It is very
>>> enjoyable !
>>>
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Bob
>>> K6UJ
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 12/5/15 11:54 AM, Bill Rowlett wrote:
>>>> The best way to learn CW is the same as learning any language, by the
>>>> sound of the letters or charters. The speed you use to practice is not
>>>> important, it is writing down the letter when heard, over and over
>>>> again. K7QO has a CW program on his site which does just that. Also,
>>>> it is finding the time and dedication to put in the time needed. K7QO
>>>> by the way has won copy contest at over 100wpm, he knows what he
>>>> speaks.
>>>>
>>>> Just my two cents. Now, back to the practice.
>>>>
>>>> 73 and good DX
>>>>
>>>> Bill KC4ATU
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 2:37 PM, Kevin Stover<[hidden email]>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I've always thought the Farnsworth method was directly responsible
>>>>> for the "10 wpm wall" newcomers were running into. Reading "The Art
>>>>> and Skill of Radio Telegraphy" Pierpont says the same thing. By
>>>>> stretching the time between words you give people more time to
>>>>> translate. if your going to copy Morse faster than about 10wpm you
>>>>> don't have time to translate. You have to know the character as soon
>>>>> as you hear it without using the look up table in your head. The Koch
>>>>> method has no exaggerated spacing between words or elements. You want
>>>>> to be proficient at 35 wpm, you practice with dit/dah and word speed
>>>>> set for 35 wpm.
>>>>>
>>>>> Building speed on the air is great as long as the code you are
>>>>> copying is "good" code meaning close to properly spaced and timed
>>>>> code. The nice thing about the computer programs is they send perfect
>>>>> code. With G4FON you can make it more realistic by adding QRM, QRN
>>>>> and QSB in varying levels. The only thing your missing is an old
>>>>> timer on his bug sending with the "Lake Erie Swing".
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> R. Kevin Stover
>>>>> AC0H
>>>>> ARRL
>>>>> FISTS #11993
>>>>> SKCC #215
>>>>> NAQCC #3441
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ---
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>>>>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>>>>>
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>>>
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