Well, it was inevitable that Tom, KB5RF, and I would get around to talking about CW. I found Tom’s takes—as a relative newcomer—to be very insightful, and I hope that he found mine useful as well. Here are some links to internet resources that we talked about during the show:
- CWOps. CWOps run CW Academy, a training course for those serious about learning and operating CW.
- CW Geek’s Guide for Having Fun with Morse Code. My book on learning and operating Morse Code.
- Head copy. I’ve written several blog posts about learning how to copy in your head:
The No Nonsense Amateur Radio Podcast is available on iHeartRadio, iTunes and Stitcher. You can also listen to it on any Android device by downloading the app Ham Radio Podcasts Free, or you can also subscribe directly using the RSS feed.
Tom KE8HUM says
I really enjoyed this podcast! As a relatively new CW operator, and Ham, I was able to relate to just about every topic discussed, but I still can’t fathom copying or sending at 25+ wpm. That said, this time last year I was struggling with 7 1/2 wpm on W1AW, and now I’m pretty comfortable at 13 to 15 wpm so I guess practice does work. Actually the best CW advice I got was from Dan KB6NU, and he repeated those words during the podcast…”just get on the air”! My first few QSO’s were really shaky, but I found almost every CW operator I contacted on 40M/20M to be patient, and encouraging. I think that supportive behavior is key (no pun intended) to keeping CW alive. After all, what newbie to any activity wouldn’t want to feel welcomed by others with a shared interest?
Dan KB6NU says
“Get on the air” and “keep at it” are the two best things that you can do to become a proficient CW operator. Unless you’re incredibly gifted, that’s just the way CW works.
Dave WA8OLD says
Regarding ARRL: This has been a love hate relationship since 1965 ..
I’d be happy to spend the next several hours typing, but the ARRL has seen some very odd choices in the last 50 years, it started with their whole hearted endorsement of incentive licensing in the mid 60’s never mind the stories the FCC was “demanding” change .
The changes in QST I believe are a reflection of the course that the League has set for the hobby, and let’s not forget its a hobby, read the radio amateurs code if you can find it.
That is, a highly technical publication, geared toward electrical and computer engineering aspects, with a deemphasis on operating and procedure. (Anybody remember the letter to QST a while back that said as a minimum, to get a license, you must have at least 3 semesters of calculus ? )
But with all my complaints, that’s all “we got” . Congress, and the FCC , do not respond well to individual opinion, they are looking for consensus from a representative organization, like it or not. So, for the time bring, I’ll keep my membership. And I will urge my friends to do likewise.
73