I've got an old copy practice machine that uses paper tapes with long and short holes in the paper that is pulled through a set of contacts that you connect to an oscillator, then just set the tape speed. It's a pretty fun little gadget.
I saw a presentation at a virtual hamfest which discussed Morse Code Ninja. Free as I recall and strikes me as a great approach and tool. When work slows to under 10 to 12 hrs per day I'll give it a go.. that tool and the Long Island club look to be excellent.
LCWO is what I've been using personally. They have a 40-character set: letters, numbers, symbols. What I've done with that is doing five 1-minute lessons per day. I've found that I can learn a new character about every 2-4 days. So far it's been around two months and I'm on character 24. Right around lesson 20, the new lessons will include the new character for that lesson sparsely enough so that I would only move on if I could get three 90+% lessons in a day. It may not be the best method or whatever, but if you're consistent and don't miss a day then you'll be able to see your progress increase nice and steadily. I know I have!
Thanks Dave, I've been a Ham for 30 years, even though I had to sit a morse test to get my licence back in the day, I've had to relearn Morse code, as I had only been using voice or data modes. This has been a struggle to be fair, without time to sit down and relearn what the characters sound like, this G4FON software might just be the ticket, thanks for sharing this. I like the idea that you can send CW with very little bandwidth or power (QRP) to effect a QSO that would not be possible with voice on a radio that could be solely powered by batteries. Morse is hard, I was taught under the old dots and dashes system that is NOT conducive to learning an audible thing at all. Dave, If I don't contact you before Christmas, may I please wish yourself and your family a happy and safe festive season. 73, Mike, ZL3XD.
G4fon is one of the tools I am using to learn. I think Dave may have set the program to word spacing. There is an option for letter spacing for new learners like me.
I'm a relatively new General and was never able to learn morse code, so I never got my license. until now. The CW code bug has bitten me so I've been looking for a good method to learn it. Dave to the rescue, I'll give it a try, and let's see what happens.
Back in the early 70's, I learned with a set of long-playing vinyl records. You'd start at 16 RPM, then move up to 33 1/3 RPM, then 45 RPM. I never did get to 78 RPM, but I did pass the test. ;)
Great video Dave. I think here on the youtube a Man (silent key W1GV) Stan Gibilisco who was also a writer for the ARRL has lessons here on the tube he published before he passed away, He was strictly a CW operator. Stans work is still available to watch, and may be of help.
There are vastly MORE and vastly BETTER methods of learning morse code today than when I was learning in 1962. My main aid was a set of Ameco 45 rpm records. Ugh! No excuse today. Go for it. ...jim...WA7VVV
I would love to try G4FON, but there doesn't appear to be a version available for Linux. Does anyone know of anything with comparable functionality for Linux?
I’m a straight key dude. I found the mechanical reinforcement of sending the letters with a straight key helped my copy. Thing is, you’re limited to around 20WPM tops for clean code, unless you’re really good, (or drink a gulp cup of espresso) Paddles are almost a must when you’re punching out 25+ WPM I still use a straight key...even when driving and operating mobile :-)
Paddles produce code that is far more consistent and is much more easily machine readable/decoded than anything but the most experienced hand on a straight key.
@@lieutenantcolonelnicholson9228 It's good to hear that you had good luck with CW Academy. I got an advisor that admits that he cannot copy or send... He uses his computer to send and a decoder to copy. It was a waste of time for me. They probably have good advisors and bad advisors like any organization. CWA does not verify their advisors so it's whether you feel lucky. They require 1 hour of practice per day. Long Island CW Club is wayyy better than CW Academy... Go at your own pace. I'm at 25wpm now. CW only. Have fun with CW.
I've got an old copy practice machine that uses paper tapes with long and short holes in the paper that is pulled through a set of contacts that you connect to an oscillator, then just set the tape speed. It's a pretty fun little gadget.
I saw a presentation at a virtual hamfest which discussed Morse Code Ninja. Free as I recall and strikes me as a great approach and tool. When work slows to under 10 to 12 hrs per day I'll give it a go.. that tool and the Long Island club look to be excellent.
My daughter found some CW vinyl records that were produced sometime in the 50's or 60's in an antique store. I have them in my collection.
Imagine busting them records out during a party!
LCWO is what I've been using personally. They have a 40-character set: letters, numbers, symbols.
What I've done with that is doing five 1-minute lessons per day. I've found that I can learn a new character about every 2-4 days. So far it's been around two months and I'm on character 24.
Right around lesson 20, the new lessons will include the new character for that lesson sparsely enough so that I would only move on if I could get three 90+% lessons in a day. It may not be the best method or whatever, but if you're consistent and don't miss a day then you'll be able to see your progress increase nice and steadily. I know I have!
The program "Just Learn Morse Code" is wonderful! You can set character speed as well as WPM Very recommended.
Thanks Dave,
I've been a Ham for 30 years, even though I had to sit a morse test to get my licence back in the day, I've had to relearn Morse code, as I had only been using voice or data modes.
This has been a struggle to be fair, without time to sit down and relearn what the characters sound like, this G4FON software might just be the ticket, thanks for sharing this.
I like the idea that you can send CW with very little bandwidth or power (QRP) to effect a QSO that would not be possible with voice on a radio that could be solely powered by batteries.
Morse is hard, I was taught under the old dots and dashes system that is NOT conducive to learning an audible thing at all.
Dave, If I don't contact you before Christmas, may I please wish yourself and your family a happy and safe festive season.
73,
Mike,
ZL3XD.
Very good content Dave!!! Your channel was a blessing to me starting in ham radio. Hope one day I find you on the air! 73 from PY2VTR!
G4fon is one of the tools I am using to learn. I think Dave may have set the program to word spacing. There is an option for letter spacing for new learners like me.
I was listening to audio from g4fon during my workout when your video arrived. Thanks!
Hvala na informacijama
Appreciate the information for CW thank You
Very good informative video. Thanks for putting it on UA-cam.
I'm a relatively new General and was never able to learn morse code, so I never got my license. until now. The CW code bug has bitten me so I've been looking for a good method to learn it. Dave to the rescue, I'll give it a try, and let's see what happens.
Back in the early 70's, I learned with a set of long-playing vinyl records. You'd start at 16 RPM, then move up to 33 1/3 RPM, then 45 RPM. I never did get to 78 RPM, but I did pass the test. ;)
G3HSC MORSE RECORDS
Great video Dave. I think here on the youtube a Man (silent key W1GV) Stan Gibilisco who was also a writer for the ARRL has lessons here on the tube he published before he passed away, He was strictly a CW operator. Stans work is still available to watch, and may be of help.
I miss Stan's daily ramblings...
@@Randomwesternredneckguy when did Stan _fall off his perch_ ?? I learned quite a bit from Mr Good Vibes
@@MidlifeRenaissanceMan He passed May 2020.
@@Randomwesternredneckguy so sad. Love and light.
A great loss
There are vastly MORE and vastly BETTER methods of learning morse code today than when I was learning in 1962. My main aid was a set of Ameco 45 rpm records. Ugh! No excuse today. Go for it. ...jim...WA7VVV
Focus!
Thanks Dave
I would love to try G4FON, but there doesn't appear to be a version available for Linux. Does anyone know of anything with comparable functionality for Linux?
W5YI CW trainer is the best.
Attempted to download this, and the AV detected a virus. Not sure if he published his source code?
Do I really see a mechanical typewriter?
Would you recommend a straight key or a paddle for a beginner? K4GDJ
I’m a straight key dude. I found the mechanical reinforcement of sending the letters with a straight key helped my copy.
Thing is, you’re limited to around 20WPM tops for clean code, unless you’re really good, (or drink a gulp cup of espresso)
Paddles are almost a must when you’re punching out 25+ WPM
I still use a straight key...even when driving and operating mobile :-)
Paddles produce code that is far more consistent and is much more easily machine readable/decoded than anything but the most experienced hand on a straight key.
@@G7VFY and straight keys can be fun to collect :-)
Definitely paddles, In my opinion
@@lieutenantcolonelnicholson9228 It's good to hear that you had good luck with CW Academy. I got an advisor that admits that he cannot copy or send... He uses his computer to send and a decoder to copy. It was a waste of time for me. They probably have good advisors and bad advisors like any organization. CWA does not verify their advisors so it's whether you feel lucky. They require 1 hour of practice per day. Long Island CW Club is wayyy better than CW Academy... Go at your own pace. I'm at 25wpm now. CW only. Have fun with CW.
FYI: Does not work on a MAC!! So I am out of luck...