CW COMMUNICATIONS, WHERE ARE WE, AND WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Right now I hope every one is practicing their mixed letters daily for 10
minutes. Do this every day, as this is very important. How long should you
practice? Practice until you know the letters of the code by impulse, a
trained reaction. When you are at this point you have over learned the
code. Your right brain will be programmed and accurate, there will be no
doubt what is heard.
The next learning objective is to train the left brain how to write down
the letters, groups, and words. This will take some practice, and I will
try and move slowly so you can learn this process.
To copy code is not of value unless you can write down the message.
You will learn to write “behind” by one letter, then two , three, and soon
you will write down a word behind what you have heard. This comes with practice,
and comes automatically. Just practice, keep calm, and don't let your self be
rushed. The average person can write about 3 to 5 words per minute.
How can you copy higher speed code? You do this by copying letters behind,
or words behind.
The normal method is to write in block letters (print). Some real good CW
operators write in Script. This is very smooth and easy copy, however you
will need to practice this. I personally write block letters (print).
If I am going to handle a lot of traffic, I use a typewriter, or my note book
computer. With the computer I use note pad in Windows. This program
is real easy to use, I set the keyboard for capitol letters, then type the
message. I save it to a disk, as my log, and then print for hard copy.
This should be done in a extended communications operation. I can
also copy the file to a floppy disc, and it can then be printed on another
computer.
Right now you should still be practicing the code, and
also be on the air if you are a licensed operator. I gave you a basic
script to make contacts and introduced you to working with the left brain by
writing three things down during the contact.
This week, to continue practice with the left brain, write down every
thing you hear, this will give you practice working between both hemispheres
(right and left) of your brain). Write down the total script as you hear
it. This is very important.
When I am working CW, I write every thing down on paper to keep in
practice, and the words flow on paper. If the speed is over 20 words per minute,
I will copy in my head unless I need to write down the information, then I use
my note book computer.
What would be a good goal for you? To be able to send and receive
CW, at 10 to 15 words per minute would be an achievable goal.
For EMCOMM or NTS you must also know NTS radiogram procedures. If you say
you could never do this, remember you should be learning the code letters at 10
to 15 words per minute, (this is the Farnsworth method letters sent at 13 to 15
words per minute) but increased time between characters. If you learned
the code correctly, you are already there, just move the spacing closer
together. However, your left brain may not be there, this is why you have
to practice by writing down the words.
I have not forgot the Kotch method of learning code. However we
want to be traffic handlers first, then we can be high speed operators later.
Now, about sending with the hand key. Last week I
mentioned using the dime to set the gap of the hand key. Now I will talk about a
nickel. (Yes, this is nickel and dime training!) You will want to practice
with the hand key 5 minutes a day. Send from the news paper, or a book.
Practice until
you develop the rhythm that I mentioned. Do not go fast. Practice
good code, and speed will come automatically. CW practice should be
regular, short, periods of practice.
Hand key practice should be on a code practice oscillator, or use your
radio into a dummy load, the side tone of your transceiver will give you
practice.
The most difficult thing to do is try and copy poor sending, it will wear
you down and is difficult to do for very long. Sending is very important, and
the hand key will do a very good job if you practice with it. My goal is for you
to be trained to handle traffic in CW, using minimum simple equipment, and be
able to provide reliable communications. TO BE ABLE TO SEND AND RECEIVE
RADIOGRAMS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE MUST BE ABLE TO DO IN EMCOMM. It is
easy and simple, but it must be practiced.
Next week a bit about equipment, and yes we will eventually get to SSB
and VHF communications. So “hang in there” and get on the air on 7111
(up) kHz at 1300 PST daily or 3711 (up) at 2000 PST and make a contact. I
will send a QSL card for all QSOs. C U ON AIR. Ed Ewell, K7DXV, 73 .