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Learning The Code

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Dick, K2ZR

Learning The Code

Cookie,
I can only add to your note::

Start with a hand key and copying by
ear.

is to find a quality CW operator to help the new operator to get the
rhythm of the character correct.

Dick, K2ZR/4
Pounding Brass for 46 Years!
Key West , "The End Of The Road"
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Dan Romanchik KB6NU

Re: Learning The Code

I agree with copying by ear, but not with starting with a hand key.
Get a paddle and use a keyer (either internal or external). You'll
send better code and it will be a lot less strain on your wrist and arm.

73!

Dan KB6NU
----------------------------------------------------------
CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator
Read my ham radio blog at http://www.kb6nu.com
LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO!

On Mar 22, 2008, at Mar 22, 5:23 PM, K2ZR wrote:

> Cookie,
> I can only add to your note::
>
> Start with a hand key and copying by
> ear.
>
> is to find a quality CW operator to help the new operator to get
> the rhythm of the character correct.
>
> Dick, K2ZR/4
> Pounding Brass for 46 Years!
> Key West , "The End Of The Road"

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dave.wilburn

Re: Learning The Code

And because you will be sending better code, it will be easier for
folks to stay in a qso with you. A straight key was great advice when
elmers were at hand to have initial qso's across town on home built
rigs. If not, the paddles and a keyer (built into Elecraft rigs)
helps you get the rhythm, and makes it easier to have a better qso.
Once you know what the code is _supposed_ to sound like, picking up a
straight key is a useful skill, and you will be better for it.
Personally, it gives me too much trouble with my hands and wrists, and
I do so enjoy my HexKey. The better I get at code, the more I enjoy
it. But still have a long ways to go.

Dave Wilburn
K4DGW
K2/100 - S/N 5982

"For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will
never know."

Romanchik Dan wrote:

> I agree with copying by ear, but not with starting with a hand key. Get
> a paddle and use a keyer (either internal or external). You'll send
> better code and it will be a lot less strain on your wrist and arm.
>
> 73!
>
> Dan KB6NU
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator
> Read my ham radio blog at http://www.kb6nu.com
> LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO!
>
>
>
> On Mar 22, 2008, at Mar 22, 5:23 PM, K2ZR wrote:
>> Cookie,
>> I can only add to your note::
>>
>> Start with a hand key and copying by
>> ear.
>>
>> is to find a quality CW operator to help the new operator to get the
>> rhythm of the character correct.
>>
>> Dick, K2ZR/4
>> Pounding Brass for 46 Years!
>> Key West , "The End Of The Road"
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

N5GE

Re: Learning The Code

On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:19:26 -0400, Dave wrote:

[snip]

>Once you know what the code is _supposed_ to sound like, picking up a
>straight key is a useful skill, and you will be better for it.

The best place to find out what good CW sounds like is the W1AW code practice
transmissions. Don't just listen to one speed though, and pay attention of the
flow of the code at different speeds. There is a rhythm to it no matter what
the speed. The length of character and word spacing changes at each speed which
keeps the rhythm the same at all speeds.

Don't get pulled in by someone who suggests learning code with the Farnsworth
method. It doesn't teach the rhythm. It's not a pleasure to work someone who
sends perfect characters at 15 or 20 WPM with slow speed character and word
spacing. Listen for these guys on the bands and then compare the code sent by
W1AW and you'll see what I mean. When you become proficient at the code with
the correct rhythm you will find it very easy to put the tablet away and copy in
your head, recognizing words rather than characters. It's hard to make words
from code in your head if it is sent without the proper rhythm.

When you learn to recognize words in CW you will have learned a new language
that you can use to carry on good CW rag chews, rather than just sending your
call in pile ups and copying your signal report.

[snip]

73,

Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq

"They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety."

--Benjamin Franklin 1775

Support the entire Constitution, not
just the parts you like.

http://www.n5ge.com
http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE

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Amateur Radio Operator N5GE