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K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

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tomb18

K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

Hi
Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
73's Tom
va2fsq.com
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k6dgw

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

Tom,

cwops.org and click on CW Academy.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 11/30/2014 3:32 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote:

> This was a
> new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the
> next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was
> a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com
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NK7Z

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

You will find that your DX increases a lot if you use CW! :)
--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:

> Hi
> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
> 73's Tom
> va2fsq.com
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Timothy Gordish-2

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

This also was my first contest with my new KX-3. I didn't use the decoder because I use mostly CW in my every day ops. The interface with my new logging program with its access to DX spots gave me the most DXCC contacts ever! I worked the world in couple of hour with only 5 watts.

Sent from my iPod

On Nov 30, 2014, at 16:32, Tom Blahovici <[hidden email]> wrote:

Leroy

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by NK7Z

If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:

1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it.
2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.

You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.

Leroy
AB7CE

On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:

> Hi
> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on
> the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW
> decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN
> TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were
> 'new'.
> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from
> around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I
> want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it
> that much more. Was a blast.
> 73's Tom
> va2fsq.com
>

tomb18

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

That sounds interesting. I tried calling CQ with the terminal but that was a disaster. Inevitably, the answering station was enough off frequency that the radio wouldn't decode.
Also one thing I noticed with the decode. 9 out of 10 times the station returned my call, the first letter was decoded incorrectly, and no, I did send a V.
73's Tom

On Nov 30, 2014 8:08 PM, lmarion <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
>
> 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
> Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it.
> 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
> like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
>
> You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
> No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
>
> Leroy
> AB7CE
>
>
>
> On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
> > Hi
> > Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on
> > the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW
> > decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN
> > TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were
> > 'new'.
> > Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from
> > around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I
> > want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it
> > that much more. Was a blast.
> > 73's Tom
> > va2fsq.com
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Jim Allen

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by Leroy

Even better than calling CQ, listen. Then, follow the advice of The Old
Timer:

"When you hear 'em, call 'em!"

It's just that simple.

Mastery of CW will pay rich dividends if you want to be a DXer. All the
top ones have mastered it.

73 de W6OGC Jim Allen

On Sun, Nov 30, 2014 at 7:08 PM, lmarion <[hidden email]> wrote:

> If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
>
> 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
> Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it.
> 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
> like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
>
> You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
> No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
>
> Leroy
> AB7CE
>
>
>
> On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
>
>> Hi
>> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on
>> the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW
>> decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU
>> and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were
>> 'new'.
>> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from
>> around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I
>> want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it
>> that much more. Was a blast.
>> 73's Tom
>> va2fsq.com
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Barry K3NDM

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

Tom,
I've used the Elecraft CW decoder; it's OK, but not great. I now use CWSkimmer. It appears to be heads and shoulder above what Elecraft coded. Some my buddies use CWget. They seem to really like that program.

However, there is technique that needs to be learned. As I stated, I use Skimmer. I set it up for the proper offset and CW tone I use, the same as that for my KX3. At this point the trick is to "zero beat" the station you want to work using the spot button on the KX3. This should align the other guy for proper decoding. You won't do runs this way, but you will work a lot of stations. It worked amazingly well this weekend on 40 where the QRM level was unreal. I use search and pounce for contesting and do pretty well. Try it, and good luck.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

----- Original Message -----

From: "Tom Blahovici" <[hidden email]>
To: "lmarion" <[hidden email]>
Cc: "elecraft" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 8:13:19 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

That sounds interesting. I tried calling CQ with the terminal but that was a disaster. Inevitably, the answering station was enough off frequency that the radio wouldn't decode.
Also one thing I noticed with the decode. 9 out of 10 times the station returned my call, the first letter was decoded incorrectly, and no, I did send a V.
73's Tom

On Nov 30, 2014 8:08 PM, lmarion <[hidden email]> wrote:

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tomb18

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

Raymond Sills

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by Leroy

And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even
if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX
operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH,
name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you
get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough
English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap.

73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211

On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote:

> If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
>
> 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
> Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing
> it.
> 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
> like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
>
> You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
> No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
>
>
> Leroy AB7CE
>
>
>
> On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
>> Hi
>> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've
>> been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the
>> K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only
>> know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been
>> on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
>> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs
>> from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me
>> to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes
>> around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
>> 73's Tom
>> va2fsq.com
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

tomb18

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

Ok
So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with?
With the k3 of course.

On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even
> if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX
> operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH,
> name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you
> get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough
> English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap.
>
> 73 de Ray
> K2ULR
> KX3 #211
>
>
> On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote:
>
> > If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
> >
> > 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
> > Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing
> > it.
> > 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
> > like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
> >
> > You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
> > No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
> >
> >
> > Leroy AB7CE
> >
> >
> >
> > On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
> >> Hi
> >> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've
> >> been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the
> >> K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only
> >> know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been
> >> on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
> >> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs
> >> from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me
> >> to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes
> >> around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
> >> 73's Tom
> >> va2fsq.com
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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]

k6dgw

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

Tom ... get a paddle and plug it into your K3! Many will tell you you
need to start with a straight key, and only when you're competent can
you actually try out a paddle. You will find they are universally old,
as am I, but get a paddle, plug it in and send!

I use the Bencher HexKey from Elecraft at home, my field radio uses a
little paddle from American Morse Equipment ... other than the checks
I've written, I have no financial interest, etc, etc. I have a couple
of standard Benchers too, one I use left handed on the Winkey.

I've used several of the "high end" paddles [not mine] and they are very
smooth and easy. That's probably not your goal right now, give it time
and practice and maybe it will be.

Welcome to the world of Morse!!

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 11/30/2014 7:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote:
> Ok
> So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with?
> With the k3 of course.

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to
paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2014-11-30 10:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote:

> Ok
> So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with?
> With the k3 of course.
>
> On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even
>> if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX
>> operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH,
>> name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you
>> get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough
>> English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap.
>>
>> 73 de Ray
>> K2ULR
>> KX3 #211
>>
>>
>> On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote:
>>
>>> If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
>>>
>>> 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
>>> Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing
>>> it.
>>> 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
>>> like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
>>>
>>> You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
>>> No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
>>>
>>>
>>> Leroy AB7CE
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
>>>> Hi
>>>> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've
>>>> been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the
>>>> K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only
>>>> know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been
>>>> on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
>>>> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs
>>>> from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me
>>>> to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes
>>>> around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
>>>> 73's Tom
>>>> va2fsq.com
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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]
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Eric Norris-2

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

I like the Vibroplex straight keY--it's smooth. For paddles, the Brass Racer paddle (also Vibroplex, both current production). If you get the Bug bug, buy an older Vibroplex bug with the "I" style damper, and a Vari-Eze (bar style) to slow it down. You can send perfect code from 11wpm up. The Champion and Lightning models had the old"I" damper. You can then extend the Vari-eze straight out the rear of the bug. You can't do that with newer-style dampers. The Viz Vertical is also a great bug that can be slowed down--just ask Tom to make you a double-length weight, and extend it up beyond the damper peg. Some will tell you to buy these brass weights sold for another use, or just use solder. These have never worked for me. If you add too much weight, it screws up your timing--you need the longer arm.

Just please do not become one of the many lids who send at 13wpm with their bugs making 30wpm dits. Ewww! And keep your contacts clean to avoid that awful scratchy sound

I'm happy to work a QRS sked on the air with you on CW anytime.

73

Eric WD6DBM

Tom Blahovici <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Ok
>So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with?
>With the k3 of course.
>
>On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even
>> if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX
>> operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH,
>> name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you
>> get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough
>> English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap.
>>
>> 73 de Ray
>> K2ULR
>> KX3 #211
>>
>>
>> On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote:
>>
>> > If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
>> >
>> > 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
>> > Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing
>> > it.
>> > 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
>> > like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
>> >
>> > You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
>> > No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
>> >
>> >
>> > Leroy AB7CE
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
>> >> Hi
>> >> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've
>> >> been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the
>> >> K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only
>> >> know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been
>> >> on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
>> >> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs
>> >> from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me
>> >> to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes
>> >> around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
>> >> 73's Tom
>> >> va2fsq.com
>> > ______________________________________________________________
>> > 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]
>______________________________________________________________
>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]

tomb18

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

Hi
I knew I shouldn't of asked.... I now have suggestions of probably about 40 or so keys...
I'll think I'll start pure.. Just a straight key. I had one, but the spring flew out and I never found it. So I guess the vibroflex?

On Nov 30, 2014 10:52 PM, Eric Norris <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> I like the Vibroplex straight keY--it's smooth. For paddles, the Brass Racer paddle (also Vibroplex, both current production). If you get the Bug bug, buy an older Vibroplex bug with the "I" style damper, and a Vari-Eze (bar style) to slow it down. You can send perfect code from 11wpm up. The Champion and Lightning models had the old"I" damper. You can then extend the Vari-eze straight out the rear of the bug. You can't do that with newer-style dampers. The Viz Vertical is also a great bug that can be slowed down--just ask Tom to make you a double-length weight, and extend it up beyond the damper peg. Some will tell you to buy these brass weights sold for another use, or just use solder. These have never worked for me. If you add too much weight, it screws up your timing--you need the longer arm.
>
> Just please do not become one of the many lids who send at 13wpm with their bugs making 30wpm dits. Ewww! And keep your contacts clean to avoid that awful scratchy sound
>
> I'm happy to work a QRS sked on the air with you on CW anytime.
>
> 73
>
> Eric WD6DBM
>
> Tom Blahovici <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> >Ok
> >So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with?
> >With the k3 of course.
> >
> >On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >>
> >> And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even
> >> if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX
> >> operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH,
> >> name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you
> >> get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough
> >> English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap.
> >>
> >> 73 de Ray
> >> K2ULR
> >> KX3 #211
> >>
> >>
> >> On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote:
> >>
> >> > If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
> >> >
> >> > 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges.
> >> > Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing
> >> > it.
> >> > 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW
> >> > like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
> >> >
> >> > You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
> >> > No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Leroy AB7CE
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
> >> >> Hi
> >> >> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've
> >> >> been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the
> >> >> K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only
> >> >> know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been
> >> >> on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
> >> >> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs
> >> >> from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me
> >> >> to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes
> >> >> around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
> >> >> 73's Tom
> >> >> va2fsq.com
> >> > ______________________________________________________________
> >> > 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
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> >______________________________________________________________
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> >
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Grant Youngman

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

>
> A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to
> paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing.
>

I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy.

Grant NQ5T

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Leroy

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

If I had to use a straight key, I would give up CW entirely. I went right to paddles and a keyer.
I have about 20 various CW capable radios, every one of them has a built in keyer
Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing?

Leroy AB7CE

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of GRANT YOUNGMAN
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 9:11 PM
To: Elecraft List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

>
> A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or
> a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing.
>

I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy.

Grant NQ5T

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Eric Norris-2

Re: K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

In reply to this post by tomb18

I agree, straight key first--unless you have tendon or other issues in your hand/wrist/arm--in which case go to paddles. I can't use a straight key any more for more than 20 minutes without a lot of pain.

Have fun! Oh, one more thing--there are fewer lids, asholes, and many more superb ops and just plain interesting people on CW :-)

73

Eric WD6DBM

GRANT YOUNGMAN <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
>>
>> A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to
>> paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing.
>>
>
>I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy.
>
>Grant NQ5T
>
>
>
>______________________________________________________________
>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]

Jim Brown-10

Getting Started With CW

In reply to this post by Leroy

On Sun,11/30/2014 8:25 PM, Leroy Marion wrote:
> Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing?

It's been nearly 60 years since I went through that. Paddles and keyers
did not exist -- we had "bugs," but did start on straight keys. But bugs
are inherently different from the paddle/keyer combo. Perhaps one of the
CWOps guys who are working with CW Academy can offer an opinion. Mine is
that sending good CW is mostly a matter of training our brain and
fingers to mimic the good CW that we hear. Unless you're a real straight
key "pro," they're far too slow for most on air CW, so if you're going
to learn what you're going to use, I don't see the value in going
through an intermediate step.

BTW -- if you want to get a great start on CW (or build your skills), by
all means take advantage of CW Academy. This is the brainchild of K6RB
and a few other CWOps members, and it's been quite successful.
http://www.cwops.org/ I'm a proud member of CWOps, but not very active.
It's a great group. Membership is by invitation. You don't need to be a
member to be in CW Academy or the many on-the-air events. Check out the
website.

73, Jim K9YC

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tomb18

Re: Getting Started With CW

I like the comment about going through an intermediate step... Maybe I'll look at a paddle instead.
So what's this about iambic? What are the types of paddles out there?

On Nov 30, 2014 11:42 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> On Sun,11/30/2014 8:25 PM, Leroy Marion wrote:
> > Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing?
>
> It's been nearly 60 years since I went through that. Paddles and keyers
> did not exist -- we had "bugs," but did start on straight keys. But bugs
> are inherently different from the paddle/keyer combo. Perhaps one of the
> CWOps guys who are working with CW Academy can offer an opinion. Mine is
> that sending good CW is mostly a matter of training our brain and
> fingers to mimic the good CW that we hear. Unless you're a real straight
> key "pro," they're far too slow for most on air CW, so if you're going
> to learn what you're going to use, I don't see the value in going
> through an intermediate step.
>
> BTW -- if you want to get a great start on CW (or build your skills), by
> all means take advantage of CW Academy. This is the brainchild of K6RB
> and a few other CWOps members, and it's been quite successful.
> http://www.cwops.org/ I'm a proud member of CWOps, but not very active.
> It's a great group. Membership is by invitation. You don't need to be a
> member to be in CW Academy or the many on-the-air events. Check out the
> website.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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