This morning, I got the following e-mail from Ruben, AC2RJ:
I am Ruben, AC2RJ, we just had a contact on 7.027 MHz. I just wanted to say thanks for the contact and let you know I saw one of your interviews on YouTube about CW months ago, and it was very important in my decision of getting in the air in CW even when I was not ready at all :) Everything turned okay, and now, it’s my favorite mode!! Who new!?!?
Thanks again for the contact, and hopefully we will contact again soon.
73, Ruben, AC2RJ
I was calling CQ about 25 wpm when Ruben called me. He didn’t send my call, but somewhat shakily and somewhat slowly only sent his callsign. From the tone of his call, I guessed that he’d been able to copy “CQ” but not my callsign. So, I cranked it down, and sent my call again several times. This time, he was able to copy my call and we had a nice conversation, until the band changed and we started getting some QRM. At any rate, I’m glad we made contact, and I’m looking forward to working Ruben again.
I had another experience with a new CW operator last night. Every once in a while, I get on the #redditnet IRC channel and chat with the guys there. One of them asked, “So, where is everyone hanging out tonight.”
I replied, “I’m on 40m CW, 7027 kHz.” He said, “I think I can do that. Give me a minute.”
A short time later, I heard him call. We had a short, somewhat disjointed QSO. After we signed, he texted me on #redditnet, “Sorry, but I’m not very good at ragchewing.” I replied, “No worries. It just takes practice.” I also said that next time we’ll have a smoother, longer contact.
Indeed, it does take practice. So, if you happen to make one of these contacts, don’t just blow off the other guy as being a poor operator. He or she may just be a newcomer getting used to ragchewing.
We should be encouraging these operators to become regulars on the CW bands. Be prepared to help them through a QSO by asking them some questions. Send slowly and cleanly. Follow the proper operating protocols. Follow up by sending a QSL card thanking them for the contact, noting that you look forward to the next one. All of these will help turn these newcomers into great CW ops.
Scott Dreher says
Great post, Dan. I appreciate all the CW on-air Elmers I’ve encountered. It always makes it easier to keep at it after having a positive experience in a QSO.