Never been a Ham, Burt. Was a professional in Navy, Civil Aviation, Antarctic Division and a few other org that used CW. I learned in 1953 when it was still used in the Post Office where I worked. I used CW for the last time in 1977. I tuned into a UA-cam station yesterday and found I could still take down Morse at 25 WPM even after forty years! Nice listening to you.
Thanks for this vid. I am a rank beginner (68 years old). My grandfather was a very early HAM in Texas (built his rigs from scratch). Now my son and I are entering the HAM world together and need these type beginner lessons. Thanks loads! God Bless! - Jack
Thank you sir for taking the time to explain all this. Knew most of this as a new CW from my limited experience at CW but it's nice to hear to clearly spelled out.
I'm 77, putting my toes into CW. And yes, I still have a Simpson 260, and to make sure that the batteries it needs don't leak on the innards, I mounted battery receptacles to the outside rear of the case. 73 de N4ANO
I have an old Simpson 260 and love it, bought it about 10 years ago. Same type of meter that I learned how to use in basic electricity and electronics classes in the Marines in 1980. 73 W5DPV
Neat video. I'm pretty much uninterested with local 2m repeater stuff at the moment, so I decided to migrate towards 80m/40m CW stuff. Besides, I like the more hands on/DIY approach with QRP CW and I'm researching some transceivers and dipoles right now to build. Thanks for the video. 73
I love my analog Mura meter that I inherited. It's harder to grock a visceral understanding of reading a capacitor, for example, by reading numbers. The movement of the needle tells you more concisely.
As a ham thats returned after a 43 year absence from the hobby, let me say "great job"! You remind me of my dad, a ham since 1953--common sense still goes a long way! Jim W6NYA
When starting back in ham radio recently I was puzzled by all these guys running “tests” at weekends and was wondering at all this testing going on,until a local ham explained that it meant contest! Got my first license last month at age 64 Dave EI3IXB
Well Done video very good information for new guys and for us old timers too ...I am another slow CW guy been on 54 years and work mostly with the hand key a navy J-44,J38 or similar . I like old rigs ,Qrp,tubes, home brew, rag chewing and 6 meters . My Simpson 260 is at the center of the workbench you can do things with the 260 that digital meters won't do . I do however like those little 5 dollar digital meters if you fry one just get another . 73 keep up the good work Bob W9RAS
when I was in the guard on weather patrols the merchies always sent the weather obs in one long word because they only had limited time to squeeze in the report Also the Brits always ran the words together back in the 50s when I was in England on a joint operation I was an rm2 in the navy and coast guard used to copy 28 wpm now I do about 15
Great video,,,,I love the common sense, and as we know IT IS NOT COMMON. I also hate the short dits too. I've been a ham for over twenty years but had the urge to get back into CW recently, so relearning it hasn't always been a joy and I find myself having difficulty with numbers and having to think about what I heard which I know isn't the correct way. I can do ok up to about 8wpm but that's not going to cut it with me. Also finding contacts has proven to be difficult because of my location...in my apartment I have a doxytronics loop and should only run up to 15 watts...it's not the best but it is what I have. My rig is an old KWD TS-430s which has a learning curve of its own. TNX AGN DE N9MHD
very good advise. now I know why there were so many calling test this last weekend. LoL I have noticed people Sean to operate differently on different bands. it's a learning process.
I hope there are lots of old dudes like Burt up in Mass. I went right out and got me a Tripplet..that's what my dad had. No.... decided to go with the Simpson... K5HEC.
I got my novice license in 1980. Operated for three years then let it expire. I had to pass that 5 WPM code test back than and learned on a straight key. I know those can cause Carpal Tunnel but it just seemed more natural to me than a bug.
Great CW advice, esp. about pro-sign use efficiency and general etiquette. I've had some problems with a "KN" in my call, so I've learned to be very careful about spacing. Also I'm glad my suffix was "SU." I pity the guy who got an "FU" suffix, especially if he has a KN prefix...as "KN...FU" could be easily misinterpreted... Re etiquette, I totally agree with matching speed to accommodate contacts. I've been an Extra for more than 20 years, love CW, but I struggle at over 20wpm.
As an absolute raw beginner to amateur radio (no licenses or anything yet), what exactly do you need to get started in it besides going in for the license? I'd really like to do this, CW/Morse operation with maybe a little voice thrown in, perhaps a little DXing, but the last isn't a real requirement for me. What sort of equipment would I need (don't need anything with all the bells and whistles)? I have to admit I really like Morse, got turned on to it after looking into the history of things like the Titanic, as well as the old land-line telegraphs and undersea cables, still find it all very fascinating to this day, which is why I'd like to get into being a ham operator and using it myself. Best Regards, and Great Video! Brendan O.
Very good video, Burt... the one thing I wish you had talked about is why you use CW... I do, because it is FUN! I struggle getting over 14 wpm still... I don't have enough time to just do CW for a hour a day (since I have a full time job and a horse farm) - I'd lose my marriage if I did that. However, even if I only get on the air once in a while and have to go slow, it is still a hoot to communicate with CW - voice doesn't have that for me as much (unless DX).
Hey Burt, yep it's me again Ethel!!! ha I am so happy that you mentioned the KN business. To me, this is the absolute height of arrogance on the ham bands. In over 32 years of cw I can count on 2 fingers the number of "breaks' I have had during the 6,000 odd cw qso's I have had. I don't know who thought of this brainer, but talk about a waste of time. The only possible instance that I can think of that would make KN necessary would be passing of emergency traffic or something of this nature. Thanks, Bert, for this posting. 73 Mac W4OSD
Nice video Burt! I'm still learning CW, going to run out of my comfort zone and play in the CW Sweeps as W0EEE...that's a fun one...W0S? Nope...DIT...DIT...DIT. We know how much you love contests! Contests are great to practice highish speed CW. I love my friends suffix -- TFP, when it's all ran together it's the theme to Lone Ranger. Mine, SSC has a nice rhythm DXers can pull out. 73
Generally, this is a pretty fair set of recommendations for CW and I concur. However, I would niggle that it is probably NOT a good idea to omit the "C" or "F" appended to temps. Yes, 79ºC degrees is extraordinarily hot but something like 10-20ºC from Minnesota or Fairbanks can be ambiguous. I'd also argue, that while the 260 is a fine meter, it probably has MORE parts than a DMM -- who has a lot of it's functionality invested in a specialized IC. For the record, there certainly Fluke DMMs and those of similar quality whose capabilities outstrip the 260, 270, etc. Also, some fine vintage FET VOMs that would probably serve better in that they are megohms-per-volt, would not load the circuit down, and are available on eBay at a fraction of the cost of the 260. But again, that's preference. I own all three (including a number of old VTVMs) and value them all. FB ON UR 599 SIG OM. TNX ES GL FER TEST. SO HW? DE K6WHP DIT DIT
I was fortunate, I learned morse code in the Army and it was not hard to learn because I had a reason to learn it, no guard duty, no KP, just radio duty., I still only use a straight key. because I don't send high speed unless asked, I enjoy chatting with new people and will send any speed they want to copy. I had a CW chat with a fellow that was 80 years old and a ham for only a year, for back to you I use BTU AR K and never had any complaints. nice video.
Hi Burt - have come back to this 3 different times over the months to re-watch. Excellent advice. I always think of your comment about sending letters as taking discrete bites of a delicate morsel. Good stuff and tnx. 73
Burt Fisher Hi Burt - we just worked each other on 14.055. Excellent fist. Ur Flex very clean. I frequently think of this vid and how it has helped me over the past 2 yrs - many nuggets of wisdom here. This is destined to be a classic vid. Thx agn fer the FB QSO.
Great video, still watching but just wanted to say something real quick before I forgot. You said don't waste your time with the KN and up until recently I would have agreed completely with you. All of a sudden I've had I think three times now where some one called me on the break. Guess they heard the KA8MNP K and thought I'd called CQ. Twice not much of a problem, the station I was working much stronger than the "breaker'. The other the "breaker" was the stronger of the two. When I didn't answer he started calling CQ right on top of us. Had never happened before then three times in a month. Anyway enjoyed the video.
I grew up with a Simpson 260 multimeter and a few weeks ago purchased a new Simpson 260. I have several digital meters but they can misbehave around radio transmitters and how does anyone know the DVM is working? The analog meter pretty much ignores radio frequency energy and needs no battery or electronics to measure voltage. (yes, it has a battery to measure resistance, and there's some considerations for using any instrument to measure resistance in a circuit since all resistance measuring devices push a small current through the resistance to see what voltage develops).
I'm licensed since some time but still didn't get through learning the alphabet in cw. Wish I was told cw when I was a little kid :) Thanks for this little motivational video - I'll take another try.. Btw: 70.7 °C (159-160 °F) were measured via satellite in the desert 'Dasht-e Lut' in Iran :)
Burt - love your videos and sense of humor. One polite request: please figure out how to get a consistant audio level on your videos, and a stronger audio signal. Best to you from a guy who is not a ham, but likes to watch ham stuff. lol
It's a lot of fun, and you might have to change methods.. what works for me might not for you. I hate learning via computer, but loads of people only learned that way. I found the old Jerry Ziliak K6MT tapes converted to mp3 by some company online (these were made in the 70's) which worked for me finally (uses farnsworth). Now I'd say I'm 75% CW when I get on the air now.
By now you have either repaired it or replaced it or abandoned it. The Simpson 260 has a tiny fuse inside and it is somewhat common to have the probes plugged in for current reading and forget it and go for a voltage measurement. This will merely blow the fuse if you are lucky. Use the "off" unless your version doesn't have "off" in which case switch it to the highest voltage setting when not using it. "Off" is supposed to short the meter movement and that provides damping of the movement and reduces damage to the needle.
R Gimminez I learned code with the code sent at 13 WPM but enough space to make that 5 WPM But I had a hard time getting my general but when I did I bacame advanced the same day. N5AKD. I guess I have to up grade.
Nice video! I see you like using a straight key. All I have ever used are paddles. I couple probably copy you. I am decent with CW at 13-15 wpm right now. I sometimes have difficulty copying ops who use straight keys or bugs as they don't have their timing/spacing right. My hat's off to those who can use a key or bug and have a good fist.
Wow, are you feeling ok? This was an honest, straight forward helpful video. I have watched a few of your others and you are always so snippy and sort of vindictive towards other hams. I can understand your frustrations though as I feel the same way at times. I do not know CW (except for S.O.S.) but want to learn as I think it is an important and invaluable part of amateur radio. I've only been licensed 2 years, General class, but studying when I can for EXTRA class. Thanks for the videos.
Nice presentation, Burt. "Swing Fists" are another huge annoyance. Some hams, although knowing code, send it like it's a jazz piece. I can't figure out why. Also there's the final 'K'. Some send dah dit daaaaaaaah for 'K' as if it's the end of a Beethoven piece. JIM - k2JHV
The FCC has issued some interesting calls. I guess they issue them randomly. They probably make some effort to avoid obscene suffixes, but things like SOB, FAG, MF, FU, BS, FOS, POC, POS, etc. have been issued... And with the Vanity Call program, folks may be trying to get some interesting call signs...
I do have a license KD8GLK. I am just learning CW and I am not on the air yet. I am making a Homebrew transceiver with one frequency That is why I'm asking which CW frequency 7.025 - 7.125 of the 40m is most popular with Tech's for CW?
Speaking for the majority of HAMS I think I can safely say, WE ARE GLAD TOO!! Give me a call and tell me how that cellphone works out for you in a disaster. Oh wait, thats right, YOU CANT!.
Solid tips and good advice Burt. My pet peeve on CW is operators who run their letters together, and I am glad you addressed that issue. I may be guilty of leaving too much space between letters, but at least it can be copied. I always enjoy your videos. 73 OM!
Nice video, Burt. Yeah, my pet peeve is run-together letters and words. It's like talking fast without taking a breath. It really makes it difficult to copy for me. Speed at the expense of clarity is not useful. If I can't understand what the other station is saying, why bother?
It takes a very long time to learn these things.thanks for the education.
Never been a Ham, Burt. Was a professional in Navy, Civil Aviation, Antarctic Division and a few other org that used CW. I learned in 1953 when it was still used in the Post Office where I worked. I used CW for the last time in 1977. I tuned into a UA-cam station yesterday and found I could still take down Morse at 25 WPM even after forty years! Nice listening to you.
I am currently active, I can barely do 20 WPM now.
Thanks for this vid. I am a rank beginner (68 years old). My grandfather was a very early HAM in Texas (built his rigs from scratch). Now my son and I are entering the HAM world together and need these type beginner lessons. Thanks loads! God Bless! - Jack
Thank you sir for taking the time to explain all this. Knew most of this as a new CW from my limited experience at CW but it's nice to hear to clearly spelled out.
"If something is funny, I suggest you laugh". That's advice the entire world should follow. Good Video.
A tip : watch series on Flixzone. Been using it for watching loads of movies lately.
@Wilson Isaias yup, been watching on Flixzone} for months myself =)
@Wilson Isaias yea, I've been using Flixzone} for since december myself :D
Been a ham since 1976 earning my CW stripes while still asking for a QRS transmission. Excellent and helpful video. 73 ~ Steve (K1KTF)
Great straightforward advice. Nice delivery , thank you,
Thanks for posting. Totally new to me. Going for my technicians test in a couple weeks.
Vernon Campbell hope to work you. Qrs pls. Hi hi. N7NRE.
Nice to hear from an experienced ham......
Thank you for your tips. As a new cw beginner, I learned a few things. Cheers from OZ.
Thanks for the share. we learn new things everyday.
I'm 77, putting my toes into CW. And yes, I still have a Simpson 260, and to make sure that the batteries it needs don't leak on the innards, I mounted battery receptacles to the outside rear of the case. 73 de N4ANO
I have an old Simpson 260 and love it, bought it about 10 years ago. Same type of meter that I learned how to use in basic electricity and electronics classes in the Marines in 1980. 73 W5DPV
Neat video. I'm pretty much uninterested with local 2m repeater stuff at the moment, so I decided to migrate towards 80m/40m CW stuff. Besides, I like the more hands on/DIY approach with QRP CW and I'm researching some transceivers and dipoles right now to build. Thanks for the video. 73
Excellent tips for the beginner Burt! Thanks for posting and very 73 de Cliff KU4GW!
Saved for future reference and definitely worth watching again.
What radio would you recommend for a beginner on 40 meter cw?
Great video!
Good old Simpson. Used one every day in the Navy, over forty years ago. Let's you know how long they've been around.
GREAT ! THANKS !
Very good tips, TNX.
Now this is what he should be doing teaching Hams.
Many thanks for this video. 73.
Great points. Thank you.
I love my analog Mura meter that I inherited. It's harder to grock a visceral understanding of reading a capacitor, for example, by reading numbers. The movement of the needle tells you more concisely.
As a ham thats returned after a 43 year absence from the hobby, let me say "great job"! You remind me of my dad, a ham since 1953--common sense still goes a long way!
Jim W6NYA
When starting back in ham radio recently I was puzzled by all these guys running “tests” at weekends and was wondering at all this testing going on,until a local ham explained that it meant contest!
Got my first license last month at age 64
Dave EI3IXB
Nice video Burt. This information should be included in examinations.
Nice video, still learning CW right now. Thanx for posting..
My Elmer was K6IOK. Lenny from Atascadero, CA. SK
VERY CLEAR AND CONCISE THANKS!!!!
Appreciate the good advice.
Exellent video
I was able to learn a great deal from it
Well Done video very good information for new guys and for us old timers too ...I am another slow CW guy been on 54 years and work mostly with the hand key a navy J-44,J38 or similar . I like old rigs ,Qrp,tubes, home brew, rag chewing and 6 meters . My Simpson 260 is at the center of the workbench you can do things with the 260 that digital meters won't do . I do however like those little 5 dollar digital meters if you fry one just get another . 73 keep up the good work Bob W9RAS
Thank you!
Well done, Burt! Hope we hear you at K6KPH again soon!
when I was in the guard on weather patrols the merchies always sent the weather obs in one long word because they only had limited time to squeeze in the report Also the Brits always ran the words together back in the 50s when I was in England on a joint operation I was an rm2 in the navy and coast guard used to copy 28 wpm now I do about 15
Loved this video, great advise and great self-awareness and honesty! Max NG7M
Thanks Burt, good video. I didn't know that kn was no breakers.
Great video,,,,I love the common sense, and as we know IT IS NOT COMMON. I also hate the short dits too. I've been a ham for over twenty years but had the urge to get back into CW recently, so relearning it hasn't always been a joy and I find myself having difficulty with numbers and having to think about what I heard which I know isn't the correct way. I can do ok up to about 8wpm but that's not going to cut it with me. Also finding contacts has proven to be difficult because of my location...in my apartment I have a doxytronics loop and should only run up to 15 watts...it's not the best but it is what I have. My rig is an old KWD TS-430s which has a learning curve of its own. TNX AGN DE N9MHD
very good advise. now I know why there were so many calling test this last weekend. LoL I have noticed people Sean to operate differently on different bands. it's a learning process.
I hope there are lots of old dudes like Burt up in Mass. I went right out and got me a Tripplet..that's what my dad had. No.... decided to go with the Simpson... K5HEC.
I got my novice license in 1980. Operated for three years then let it expire. I had to pass that 5 WPM code test back than and learned on a straight key. I know those can cause Carpal Tunnel but it just seemed more natural to me than a bug.
Great CW advice, esp. about pro-sign use efficiency and general etiquette. I've had some problems with a "KN" in my call, so I've learned to be very careful about spacing. Also I'm glad my suffix was "SU." I pity the guy who got an "FU" suffix, especially if he has a KN prefix...as "KN...FU" could be easily misinterpreted...
Re etiquette, I totally agree with matching speed to accommodate contacts. I've been an Extra for more than 20 years, love CW, but I struggle at over 20wpm.
doc,,,, thanks
This is an excellent clip - I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
ZS6SVJ
As an absolute raw beginner to amateur radio (no licenses or anything yet), what exactly do you need to get started in it besides going in for the license? I'd really like to do this, CW/Morse operation with maybe a little voice thrown in, perhaps a little DXing, but the last isn't a real requirement for me. What sort of equipment would I need (don't need anything with all the bells and whistles)?
I have to admit I really like Morse, got turned on to it after looking into the history of things like the Titanic, as well as the old land-line telegraphs and undersea cables, still find it all very fascinating to this day, which is why I'd like to get into being a ham operator and using it myself.
Best Regards, and Great Video!
Brendan O.
Four years later.. did you end up getting licensed?
Very good video, Burt... the one thing I wish you had talked about is why you use CW... I do, because it is FUN! I struggle getting over 14 wpm still... I don't have enough time to just do CW for a hour a day (since I have a full time job and a horse farm) - I'd lose my marriage if I did that. However, even if I only get on the air once in a while and have to go slow, it is still a hoot to communicate with CW - voice doesn't have that for me as much (unless DX).
I hate bugs too. Those side whackers are perverts!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 de VK2AOE....Thanks fer the tips 73
I rarely hear bugs that have spacing right.
Hey Burt, yep it's me again Ethel!!! ha I am so happy that you mentioned the KN business. To me, this is the absolute height of arrogance on the ham bands. In over 32 years of cw I can count on 2 fingers the number of "breaks' I have had during the 6,000 odd cw qso's I have had. I don't know who thought of this brainer, but talk about a waste of time. The only possible instance that I can think of that would make KN necessary would be passing of emergency traffic or something of this nature. Thanks, Bert, for this posting. 73 Mac W4OSD
Nice video Burt! I'm still learning CW, going to run out of my comfort zone and play in the CW Sweeps as W0EEE...that's a fun one...W0S? Nope...DIT...DIT...DIT. We know how much you love contests! Contests are great to practice highish speed CW.
I love my friends suffix -- TFP, when it's all ran together it's the theme to Lone Ranger.
Mine, SSC has a nice rhythm DXers can pull out.
73
Generally, this is a pretty fair set of recommendations for CW and I concur. However, I would niggle that it is probably NOT a good idea to omit the "C" or "F" appended to temps. Yes, 79ºC degrees is extraordinarily hot but something like 10-20ºC from Minnesota or Fairbanks can be ambiguous. I'd also argue, that while the 260 is a fine meter, it probably has MORE parts than a DMM -- who has a lot of it's functionality invested in a specialized IC.
For the record, there certainly Fluke DMMs and those of similar quality whose capabilities outstrip the 260, 270, etc. Also, some fine vintage FET VOMs that would probably serve better in that they are megohms-per-volt, would not load the circuit down, and are available on eBay at a fraction of the cost of the 260.
But again, that's preference. I own all three (including a number of old VTVMs) and value them all.
FB ON UR 599 SIG OM. TNX ES GL FER TEST.
SO HW?
DE K6WHP
DIT DIT
Good stuff
I was surprised to see that Robert DeNiro was a Ham... lol.
His license was suspended for sending f__k trump on endless loop
I was fortunate, I learned morse code in the Army and it was not hard to learn because I had a reason to learn it, no guard duty, no KP, just radio duty., I still only use a straight key. because I don't send high speed unless asked, I enjoy chatting with new people and will send any speed they want to copy. I had a CW chat with a fellow that was 80 years old and a ham for only a year, for back to you I use BTU AR K and never had any complaints. nice video.
Hi Burt - have come back to this 3 different times over the months to re-watch. Excellent advice. I always think of your comment about sending letters as taking discrete bites of a delicate morsel. Good stuff and tnx. 73
Thank you for taking the time to reply
Burt Fisher Hi Burt - we just worked each other on 14.055. Excellent fist. Ur Flex very clean. I frequently think of this vid and how it has helped me over the past 2 yrs - many nuggets of wisdom here. This is destined to be a classic vid. Thx agn fer the FB QSO.
Thank you for your comments both here and on the air. Your fist was great. Far too many like to be cute and run their letters together.
great video Burt. 73, K9ASE
Great video, still watching but just wanted to say something real quick before I forgot. You said don't waste your time with the KN and up until recently I would have agreed completely with you. All of a sudden I've had I think three times now where some one called me on the break. Guess they heard the KA8MNP K and thought I'd called CQ. Twice not much of a problem, the station I was working much stronger than the "breaker'. The other the "breaker" was the stronger of the two. When I didn't answer he started calling CQ right on top of us. Had never happened before then three times in a month. Anyway enjoyed the video.
Beginner here: What's the Meter for-what's it do-why is it needed when sending Morse? John
It isn't needed for sending Morse code. The meter is in addition to the demonstration.
Thank you, you remind me of Andy Rooney! Very common sensical.
I bet you could do an awesome Christopher Walken impression.
Only the most epic of lids use "HI-HI" while on phone.
"Only the most epic of lids use "HI-HI" while on phone."
Yes, it is annoying but remarkably common particularly on VHF FM.
good stuff
"That's terrible." Burt's the man.
I grew up with a Simpson 260 multimeter and a few weeks ago purchased a new Simpson 260. I have several digital meters but they can misbehave around radio transmitters and how does anyone know the DVM is working? The analog meter pretty much ignores radio frequency energy and needs no battery or electronics to measure voltage. (yes, it has a battery to measure resistance, and there's some considerations for using any instrument to measure resistance in a circuit since all resistance measuring devices push a small current through the resistance to see what voltage develops).
I'm licensed since some time but still didn't get through learning the alphabet in cw. Wish I was told cw when I was a little kid :) Thanks for this little motivational video - I'll take another try..
Btw: 70.7 °C (159-160 °F) were measured via satellite in the desert 'Dasht-e Lut' in Iran :)
The use of the QRZ name is particularly rampant on PSK, where the Name is snatched directly from QRZ and embedded in a macro.
Burt - love your videos and sense of humor. One polite request: please figure out how to get a consistant audio level on your videos, and a stronger audio signal.
Best to you from a guy who is not a ham, but likes to watch ham stuff. lol
Yes 8 Oktas = Overcast. Pedantry always appreciated!
tnxs
спасибо
Добро пожаловать
It's a lot of fun, and you might have to change methods.. what works for me might not for you. I hate learning via computer, but loads of people only learned that way. I found the old Jerry Ziliak K6MT tapes converted to mp3 by some company online (these were made in the 70's) which worked for me finally (uses farnsworth). Now I'd say I'm 75% CW when I get on the air now.
CW IS A FORM OF TEXTING 73 DE K9IOU K
thanks burt.
Excellent, as usual!
DE SM0VPE
old guys rule :D
My daughter at age 8 took one month to learn code, one hour per day
I’ve got that voltmeter today coincidentally, the problem is that it isn’t reading, I need to repair it. Did you have to do that?
No
By now you have either repaired it or replaced it or abandoned it. The Simpson 260 has a tiny fuse inside and it is somewhat common to have the probes plugged in for current reading and forget it and go for a voltage measurement. This will merely blow the fuse if you are lucky. Use the "off" unless your version doesn't have "off" in which case switch it to the highest voltage setting when not using it. "Off" is supposed to short the meter movement and that provides damping of the movement and reduces damage to the needle.
Burt, I couldn't do this better! Great!
I have seen those Simpson meters at garage sales and thrift stores used for $25.00 to $50.00.
the only one I hear that is run together is SOS ... --- ...
Liked the video Burt, and picked up a few tips from it.
very usefull tutorial. welcome De vu2jva
Exactly me too dont like Hams that are using glue to glue the signals together with out any space , i keep them very short a direct 73 es gud dx
R Gimminez I learned code with the code sent at 13 WPM but enough space to make that 5 WPM But I had a hard time getting my general but when I did I bacame advanced the same day. N5AKD. I guess I have to up grade.
hi Sidney welcome in the CW Family keep the code alife brother
R Gimminez I am only on 2 meters FM I have to put my HF rig on the air to get back to CW. I am thinking of putting it on the air again.
Great job man Right now iam workin only 30/40 meters let me know when ur on the air
please Bro keep the morse Key warm
ur friend Rico
Using a bug seems to confuse all those decoders. Maybe that's a good thing to avoid non-cw ops using their computers at 60 wpm.
Lee, WA8QFE
Nice video! I see you like using a straight key. All I have ever used are paddles. I couple probably copy you. I am decent with CW at 13-15 wpm right now. I sometimes have difficulty copying ops who use straight keys or bugs as they don't have their timing/spacing right. My hat's off to those who can use a key or bug and have a good fist.
I've heard a couple guys doing some naughty cw to each other, I didn't even have to pay 3.99 a minute. Good thing cw leaves one hand free.
It takes some practice, but yes, you do eventually get to a point where communicating in Morse Code is just like conversing.
Wow, are you feeling ok? This was an honest, straight forward helpful video. I have watched a few of your others and you are always so snippy and sort of vindictive towards other hams. I can understand your frustrations though as I feel the same way at times. I do not know CW (except for S.O.S.) but want to learn as I think it is an important and invaluable part of amateur radio. I've only been licensed 2 years, General class, but studying when I can for EXTRA class. Thanks for the videos.
Nice presentation, Burt. "Swing Fists" are another huge annoyance. Some hams, although knowing code, send it like it's a jazz piece. I can't figure out why. Also there's the final 'K'. Some send dah dit daaaaaaaah for 'K' as if it's the end of a Beethoven piece. JIM - k2JHV
The curse of the musician ham, I'm afraid.
The FCC has issued some interesting calls. I guess they issue them randomly. They probably make some effort to avoid obscene suffixes, but things like SOB, FAG, MF, FU, BS, FOS, POC, POS, etc. have been issued... And with the Vanity Call program, folks may be trying to get some interesting call signs...
With a name like Harry Potter I am sure you are just too cool
What is the most popular frequency being used for the person who has a Tech License on 40m for CW?
When you get a license, you will know.
I do have a license KD8GLK.
I am just learning CW and I am not on the air yet.
I am making a Homebrew transceiver with one frequency
That is why I'm asking which CW frequency 7.025 - 7.125 of the 40m is most popular with Tech's for CW?
deltafour1212 7.125, send picture of your transceiver if you build it.
Thank you, I shall indeed
deltafour1212 TRY 7.030 KILO HZ 73 DE K9IOU
Speaking for the majority of HAMS I think I can safely say, WE ARE GLAD TOO!! Give me a call and tell me how that cellphone works out for you in a disaster. Oh wait, thats right, YOU CANT!.
I cannot email without an email address
Nice job Burt. 73, Rick WB4EJC
buy them
Robin Williams is that you?
Solid tips and good advice Burt. My pet peeve on CW is operators who run their letters together, and I am glad you addressed that issue. I may be guilty of leaving too much space between letters, but at least it can be copied. I always enjoy your videos. 73 OM!
Nice video, Burt. Yeah, my pet peeve is run-together letters and words. It's like talking fast without taking a breath. It really makes it difficult to copy for me. Speed at the expense of clarity is not useful. If I can't understand what the other station is saying, why bother?
Actually, it was your voice that changed levels a bit. Keep the videos coming--enjoy your sense of humor 156! (that's 78 X 2 lol)