Jim, so excited for this video. Since the CaHR show the other night, my bucket list item "learn CW" has moved closer to the top. I specifically wanted a "novice" view to help me in the start of my journey. Thanks a ton!
Jim if you use the ICR (instant character recognition) feature of the LICW practice player page, the most important setting is "Time Before" (the voice speaks the character after it plays it.) The objective is to SAY the character before the computer does. You need to know each character in about .3 seconds at 12 WPM and about .2 seconds for 18 WPM copy speed. Once you can do that very consistently you really KNOW the code. The practice player also has a sending practice preset that allows you to hear a character (or group or word) and then resend it so you improve your timing. It really works. GL on your journey and maybe see you around the group.
Jim, I learned the letters as sounds sent at least 21 wpm. For me, anything slower and my brain starts counting dits / dahs. This was a breakthrough and made things much easier IMO. As for the key to use, I personally think you should use the key that you are happiest with because it will encourage you to do more CW than if you are forced to struggle with a key that you don't like/enjoy. Try to send with your eyes closed and really listen to the sound (cadence) of the letter. I'm no expert, just sharing what worked for me. LICW is an OUTSTANDING group to join. You got this! 73 OM
Try out LWCO.net - there is a rx practice there. it will start by sending just a few letters at a time (you can set the speed), you type in the letters, then it "grades" you. I do that at work when I get spare time.
Jim, you are absolutely right. For some of us, we are aware that different aspect like sending and decoding go on in different parts of our brain. Just keep going. All learning has rises and plateaus. Don't let the level off discourage you. It's different for everyone, but you deal with yours by not giving up. Just keep going and you will see advancement. If I can do it . . . See you out there. 73 de Bill
Thanks buddy! I'm really into it. I had the morserino for several years, and CW was always on the "to-do". Once I got started though...now the ball is rolling!
Settle into whatever training you are comfortable with and commit to 30 minutes of CW practice per day. Every day. I used software and focused on copying first. Everyone's learning style is different. Daily practice is the key (heh) though.
No better time than now. When and if you practice and are proficient. And if you enjoy cw mode, and definitely will when you can copy @ 25wpm, that will cause you to get your Extra. you'll want to have use of the lower 25khz of the CW portion of the band.
Get started now - 10M is wide open, and you can work the tech bands (if you're a tech), or most of the bands if you're a general. I wish I had done this when I got my ticket. (5 years ago)
Wow, you have spent a lot of money without being able to read morse - can I encourage anyone else to learn to read it before you touch a key, and I suggest learning to send on a straight key first. Under $50 will do to get you a usable key. Only once you have the rhythm on a straight key does it make sense to me to learn the different hand movements for a paddle, where your movements don't match the sound of the characters. Definitely learn the characters at 18-20 wpm, just increase the space between them and reduce the space as you progress. Learn to read it and then try to copy what you hear and look out for good examples. Then stop worrying about being perfect, just get on air and have a go, your first few QSOs might be messy, but CW is oddly addictive and breaks down language barriers and it opens up more of the bands more often.
Jim, so excited for this video. Since the CaHR show the other night, my bucket list item "learn CW" has moved closer to the top. I specifically wanted a "novice" view to help me in the start of my journey. Thanks a ton!
On that J38 key, the shorting bar is handy for sending a continuous signal for tuning purposes while leaving both hands free.
Thanks for all the good info Jim!!
Jim if you use the ICR (instant character recognition) feature of the LICW practice player page, the most important setting is "Time Before" (the voice speaks the character after it plays it.) The objective is to SAY the character before the computer does. You need to know each character in about .3 seconds at 12 WPM and about .2 seconds for 18 WPM copy speed. Once you can do that very consistently you really KNOW the code. The practice player also has a sending practice preset that allows you to hear a character (or group or word) and then resend it so you improve your timing. It really works. GL on your journey and maybe see you around the group.
Jim, I learned the letters as sounds sent at least 21 wpm. For me, anything slower and my brain starts counting dits / dahs. This was a breakthrough and made things much easier IMO. As for the key to use, I personally think you should use the key that you are happiest with because it will encourage you to do more CW than if you are forced to struggle with a key that you don't like/enjoy. Try to send with your eyes closed and really listen to the sound (cadence) of the letter. I'm no expert, just sharing what worked for me. LICW is an OUTSTANDING group to join. You got this! 73 OM
Thanks for the inspiration Jim.. I'm in the same boat.. I can wrap my head around sending.. but receiving..... that's another story..
Try out LWCO.net - there is a rx practice there. it will start by sending just a few letters at a time (you can set the speed), you type in the letters, then it "grades" you. I do that at work when I get spare time.
Jim, you are absolutely right. For some of us, we are aware that different aspect like sending and decoding go on in different parts of our brain. Just keep going. All learning has rises and plateaus. Don't let the level off discourage you. It's different for everyone, but you deal with yours by not giving up. Just keep going and you will see advancement. If I can do it . . . See you out there. 73 de Bill
Thanks buddy! I'm really into it. I had the morserino for several years, and CW was always on the "to-do". Once I got started though...now the ball is rolling!
Settle into whatever training you are comfortable with and commit to 30 minutes of CW practice per day. Every day. I used software and focused on copying first. Everyone's learning style is different. Daily practice is the key (heh) though.
I think Iambic a vs b involve clock cycle kind of timing...
I've heard a few people say to learn at higher speeds
The real questions is did you hit that * key. Once I get my Extra i will then focus on learning some CW
No better time than now. When and if you practice and are proficient. And if you enjoy cw mode, and definitely will when you can copy @ 25wpm, that will cause you to get your Extra. you'll want to have use of the lower 25khz of the CW portion of the band.
Get started now - 10M is wide open, and you can work the tech bands (if you're a tech), or most of the bands if you're a general. I wish I had done this when I got my ticket. (5 years ago)
I was going to say I haven't seen you in class!
Looks like the PuttiTang trainer comes with a nice USB cable 😮
Ape said PuttiTang🌮🌮🌮
Is that a famous stripper??
Nice keys, Jeem.
I dont think my old brain can commit to learn cw, though.😂
Hurry up and beat 'The Ape'!😅👍
Why am I being besmirched!
Jeem is the best.
Wow, you have spent a lot of money without being able to read morse - can I encourage anyone else to learn to read it before you touch a key, and I suggest learning to send on a straight key first. Under $50 will do to get you a usable key.
Only once you have the rhythm on a straight key does it make sense to me to learn the different hand movements for a paddle, where your movements don't match the sound of the characters.
Definitely learn the characters at 18-20 wpm, just increase the space between them and reduce the space as you progress.
Learn to read it and then try to copy what you hear and look out for good examples.
Then stop worrying about being perfect, just get on air and have a go, your first few QSOs might be messy, but CW is oddly addictive and breaks down language barriers and it opens up more of the bands more often.
I'm putting my money on neither of you. When you sell your keys, please let us know.
Thanks for watching. Get off my lawn.
Get off your behind, and make a contact before Ape does.
Hell yes!
With a straight key, you're playing a one key piano.
However someone can get on the air, just celebrate they are learning.