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CW
4 May 2015 | by 
Since Christmas I have been attempting (again) to learn CW. There are plenty of people to whom this comes naturally. I, on the other hand, had a promising career as a CW radio operator cut short by a tragic lack of talent (to steal someone else’s joke).
So, why bother? Well to be honest I quite like the simplicity, portability and cost of rigs that focus on CW. As the price and complexity of rigs increase it moves me to reduce my interest in this exotica. So to keep the hobby alive in my shack and to carry on learning about RF I thought it’d be nice to try some new stuff out. I can use what I have as a base (Icom IC-7000) and get out and about for UKAC VHF contests when I fancy it. But CW was always a bit of a step beyond me.
I’ve used a bunch of resources to help but by far the most useful was hooking up with a group on twitter called @lids_cw. Along with the plethora of software the encouragement from them has been excellent. What I have found out is that my sending has improved no end by getting on air but my receiving is stubbornly refusing to come together. Practice make perfect. The Goal for me is a Morse proficiency test at the Norbreck rally next year. Hopefully at 15wpm
6 Responses to “CW”
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Stick at it, Alex. It’s like going on a diet: you feel like you’re never going to lose weight for a long time, then it seems to disappear overnight. Your listening skills will seem to stick at one speed for ages, then all of a sudden you’ll find you’ve jumped up a few w.p.m. Listen as much as you can, and try to make sense of it in your head (don’t write it down). If you miss a letter or word, don’t worry, just keep on reading what comes next and try to retain it in your head as long as you can.
Good luck! 73 Colin
Cheers Colin. Every now and again I get close to being ‘fluent” throughout a whole qso and its surprising how often I get muddled as well.
Its nice to see just how tolerant everyone has been of all the mistakes.
I don’t plan on giving up. I just need to remember to practice more regularly.
Alex
Hello Alex,
It’s nice to hear you are interested in CW. Since computers took over I haven’t found many people interested in it anymore. How are you doing now? I see it’s been some time since you posted this. CW was always my “love” and I enjoyed that part of the hobby so much. At this point in time my Kenwood TS 820-s is just languishing in a box in the garage……never did I ever think I’d say that! hi hi My D104 is sitting on my book shelf looking like new even though it’s 38 years old!
Good Luck to you.
73 es 88,
Joanne WK6G
(formerly WD6FKY)
I passed a morse test by light on 1977 for the yachtmaster qualification (I think Admiral Nelson examined me). I later passed the Foundation in 2011. At that time my main interest was again morse, but ill health over took me culminating in open heart surgery. I am now 71years, and want to get back to it. I am working through online apps to build up my speed. Now a couple of questions of you don’t mind. I sold my rigs when things were tight and obviously things have moved on in technology.
I passed a morse test by light on 1977 for the yachtmaster qualification (I think Admiral Nelson examined me). I later passed the Foundation in 2011. At that time my main interest was again morse, but ill health over took me culminating in open heart surgery. I am now 71years, and want to get back to it. I am working through online apps to build up my speed. Now a couple of questions of you don’t mind. I sold my rigs when things were tight and obviously things have moved on in technology.
1/. What is the minimum radio that I require for CW?
2/. What key should I use and where could I get one (must be reasonably priced)?
Many thanks and Kind regards.
Neville
M6AZX
Hi Neville
The minimum might now be what you are after. I had a yaesu ft817 and a palm key when I started, they both work well for me but might not be what you are after. There are loads of older rigs that will perform better and be cheaper (some of which Lord Nelson may have used as anchors!). I still have both of those but have splashed out on a begali and a ic7300 now and use a lnr precision mountain topper on the fells. These all work for me but might not suit you at all its a very personal choice. Budget,space and enthusiasm all play a part. So its almost impossible to make a recommendation other than CW equipment need not be expensive or high powered. The Mk1 ear is far more important 😉
Alex