One of the consequences of publishing a study guide is that I get a lot of e-mail from readers. I love getting this e-mail, and I’m glad that my study guides are helping people get into the hobby. I’m always glad to field questions from newcomers, too. Below is the transcript of an e-mail exchange that I think might be of interest to other newcomers as well.
Hi, Dan:
Thank you so much for providing the No Nonsense study guide for the Technician test. Though I went to a prep class put on by our local ham club, I am certain if I hadn’t had your guide I would not have passed my Technician class test. 33 out of 35! I took the General test as well at the same time, but it was clear I had a lot to learn, which is why I purchased your General study guide.
I can hardly wait for my callsign! I’m also learning CW. I’d like to be involved with emergency services… as well as just have fun.
Thanks again.
Steve (callsign pending)
Congratulations, Steve, and thanks for purchasing the General Class study guide. If you have any questions about any off the material, please feel free to e-mail me. Make sure that you download the errata from kb6nu.com/study-guides.
And, once you get your ticket, please call me if you ever hear me on the air.
73!
Dan KB6NU
Can you recommend any techniques for someone learning CW who just spaces out during a one-minute exercise? I get maybe the first 45 minutes fairly down, but then my mind just goes winging off somewhere.
I’m using LCWO and trying to keep up there at 20 wpm… When I go down to 5 wpm to see what the test will be like, it drives me crazy!
Take care, Steve
LCWO uses the Koch method. That’s a great way to learn the code. Another method you might take a look at is the K7QO Code Course. It’s a series of .mp3 files,, and quite different than the Koch method. Some folks prefer K7QO’s method to the Koch method.
Whatever method you use, DON’T downshift to 5 wpm ever. There’s no code test anymore for any license classes, and even if there was, there’s no reason to learn code so slowly.
One thing I might suggest is to listen to CW on the ham bands, if you have a SW radio. That’s how I taught myself Morse Code.
73!
Dan KB6NU
I though there was a certification you had to pass to use CW… I’m new so I could be wrong.
Nope. No certification needed. As soon as your license hits the database, you’re good to go operating CW in the 80m, 40m, 15m, and 10m bands….Dan
Wow! Kinda scary to think all I have to do is believe I’m ready, huh? Thanks for the info.
Don’t be scared. Remember, this is just a hobby, after all. And, when the FCC gives you a license, that’s all you need.
What I tell people is that if they can copy all of the letters and numbers just get on the air. You’ll learn a lot faster if you get on the air than if you sit listening to code practice.
There’s a small space on 40m—7.110 to 7.125–where a lot of slower operators and newcomers hang out. If you make mistakes, so what? Everyone there is just trying to try out CW and get better.
You didn’t say where you are, but if you’re in the eastern half of the country, it might be possible for us to try and make a contact. I’d be happy to try anyway, if and when you get an HF radio and an antenna in the air.
73, Dan
I’m in the Seattle area. But you never know. Thanks again for all your help.
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