Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Christopher A. Kantarjiev wrote: After many months, this thread rears its ugly head again :-) At the time, I said that I would take a crack at updating Your Novice Accent and collecting resources for the new ham who is trying to get proficient at CW. I decided, after a while, that updating YNA was something I didn't want to try, but Dan KB6NU has done so at http://kb6nu.com/your-novice-accent/. By all means, take a look. Instead of trying to make a coherent article, I did the 21st century thing of collecting a bunch of links and stitching them together into a web page with stream-of-consciousness text. Tom N0SS and Fred K6DGW were a great help in this endeavour. Please take a look at http://www.dimebank.com/cak/k6dbg/k6dbg_cw.html and send me any comments and criticism you might have... Always learning, 73 de chris K6DBG Hi Chris, I teach the code and have gone through the Koch and several other things to the Chuck Adams CD-ROM. It happens that making the CD-Rom is a problem if your not a computer geek. I am one of those and so I had the Students buy their own MP3 players and I gave them the CD-Rom. It was not perfect but it was good. Out of 9 students 3 quit after the first day. One student was 6 years old and she was ALSO learning the Letters and Words at school. She had trouble, after hearing the CW for g figuring out how to write g :-) I set up a VE session right after the class which was 3 weeks, 5 days a week for 1 hour, and 4 passed the 5 WPM code AND the General written by taking the tests on the QRZ web site. I think the idea of starting to learn A at 15 WPM is a good idea. Only one person had trouble with the speed. The serious problem is the person who will not LEARN to get the CW from the same part of the brain we store how to write g :-) 73 Karl K5DI ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
After many months, this thread rears its ugly head again :-) At the time, I said that I would take a crack at updating Your Novice Accent and collecting resources for the new ham who is trying to get proficient at CW. I decided, after a while, that updating YNA was something I didn't want to try, but Dan KB6NU has done so at http://kb6nu.com/your-novice-accent/. By all means, take a look. Instead of trying to make a coherent article, I did the 21st century thing of collecting a bunch of links and stitching them together into a web page with stream-of-consciousness text. Tom N0SS and Fred K6DGW were a great help in this endeavour. Please take a look at http://www.dimebank.com/cak/k6dbg/k6dbg_cw.html and send me any comments and criticism you might have... Always learning, 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Apr 18, 2006, at 10:33 PM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: Why get sloppy and why some guys trying to run their keyers at 40 WPM? I never send that fast, because I can't copy that fast. But, I have been known to run CW as high as 32 wpm. I do know guys that can go a LOT faster. Why send your callsign just once on the initial call? Twice should be a matter of minimums, how does the sender know his signal is BOOMING in or in the clear? If you get through, he's going to send your callsign back. If he gets it wrong, then you can send it again until he gets it right. By and large, though, he'll get it right the first time. You just have to ask him to repeat, which RUINS the speed advantage, or wastes the time he's trying to save! With contesting judging done by computers these days, it is much better to get things right than to do them quickly. E-S-P-E-C-I-A-L-L-Y during a QRP contest! Won't people EVER learn? Not everyone runs QRP in contests. And not every QRP signal is down in the noise. Just how much time does sending a DE or a K take? Not much, but NOT sending them takes less time Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Apr 18, 2006, at 10:51 PM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: If you are a DXer, how many times have you succeeded with only a 'single' call in a big pileup? You may have to send your call a bunch of times,and/or be running a bunch of power. I NEVER do this. I send my call once and then listen. I may only listen for a second or so, but I do listen. Then I'll send my call again and listen. In a hugh pileup, I might send my call 2-3 times, but for most normal pileups its only once. The real LIDS are the guys who send their calls 3-4 times in a row, or continue to call and call and call and call, even when the DX has long since come back to someone else. Really poor operating practice. However, contests, by and large, do not resemble DX pileup operation. Contest pileups share some characteristics with DX pileups, but they aren't the same. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Just how much time does sending a DE or a K take? Not much, but NOT sending them takes less time Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 Bill and others: I am very much a traditionalist on CW operating procedure. However, in contesting I find that a standard formatted call (such as AA4LR DE AA4AK AR, or even worse, AA4LR DE AA4AK/QRP AR is ineffective in attracting replies. Typically, the rate conscious big gun contesters hearing several calls at once instinctively answer the call that finishes first. To test this notion, I've tried various combinations of standard and abbreviated call formats in contests. When I send a single unadorned AA4AK and nothing else, the rate at which I receive replies in contest goes up dramatically. 73, Steve AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Why even send the call of the station you are calling, especially if it is a contest? He knows his(her) call. And in contesting why send QRP, unless the contest requires it? It just slows things up. The person on the receiving end is going to pick out the loudest and shortest call first. Also there seems to be more than one definition of QRP. It would seem what one considers to be QRP is most important to the person who is running QRP. So therefore you don't need to send it. When you are on the side calling CQ you can't tell by signal strength if the station calling you is running full power, has big antennas, running mobile or QRP. The ionosphere is a big equalizer depending on the band, time of day, where the signals are coming from, etc. There is nothing wrong with being a traditionalist. It just may mean you don't get through the pileup as soon. And greater chance your call will be copied incorrectly. One thing that I can't figure out is when someone gives my call a few times when calling me and sends their call one time. I'm not sure what that is about. I do not consider myself a good CW op. I wish I were. But CW is my favorite mode. So when I operate off shore and several are calling at once I am just trying to get a few letters out of the mess if the signals aren't strong. Think how much more confusion is added when you are sending AA4LR DE AA4AK/QRP AR instead of AA4AK. Steve, it seems you have discovered the best way to get the quickest response. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Stephen W. Kercel Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2006 7:05 PM To: Bill Coleman; Sandy W5TVW Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT Just how much time does sending a DE or a K take? Not much, but NOT sending them takes less time Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 Bill and others: I am very much a traditionalist on CW operating procedure. However, in contesting I find that a standard formatted call (such as AA4LR DE AA4AK AR, or even worse, AA4LR DE AA4AK/QRP AR is ineffective in attracting replies. Typically, the rate conscious big gun contesters hearing several calls at once instinctively answer the call that finishes first. To test this notion, I've tried various combinations of standard and abbreviated call formats in contests. When I send a single unadorned AA4AK and nothing else, the rate at which I receive replies in contest goes up dramatically. 73, Steve AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
N2TK, Tony wrote: Why even send the call of the station you are calling, especially if it is a contest? He knows his(her) call. Months ago, I started the thread in the subject line, it got beat to death, and I'm surprised it got resurrected. I'm not surprised, however at how it has morphed. On the current and hopefully transient subject: A station who wants to win in a contest wants to make sure that A) he has your call right; B) that you have his right; C) you got his exchange right; and D) that you submit your log. He undoubtedly believes he can copy your exchange perfectly. He can't do anything about D, and if you QSL his exchange, he has to assume you got it right, or at least think you did. The ideal and most efficient contest exchange is then: When you call him, he replies yourcall exchange K If he wants to be polite, he replies yourcall TU exchange K. At this point, you reply hiscall R exchange K If you want to be polite, you reply hiscall R TU exchange K Note that your reply is the only time he gets to hear you send your rendition of his call. We all know he knows his call ... well if he's a charter member of SOC, maybe not, but he probably thinks he does anyway. What he really wants to know is that you got his call right, so you tell him by sending it. If you'd also like to win, it's important that he correct you if you got it wrong, and this is his and your one and only chance. Some contests assess higher penalties for busted calls vs busted exchanges. Note also that some contests (e.g. Sprints) REQUIRE that you send his call, whether or not you think he knows it, or, I guess, that you do too. Best Regards, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw SOC # something in the 600's ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Your Novice Accent was originally printed, in QST, in the mid 1950's. New Novices were frequently sent reprints, by the league, shortly after they received their Novice license. It was reprinted in the 1990's. Some of the information found therein is a little dated, due to changes in technology. One still couldn't go very far wrong if he or she followed it today. Contests are a different ballgame. 73, Steve Brandt N7VS On Wed, 19 Apr 2006, Chris Kantarjiev wrote: As a new CW operator trying to figure it out, I am quite sad that the various ARRL Handbooks don't cover CW operating practices in detail. I made this offer last time the topic came up, and will make it again: if an experienced operator would be willing to work with me, I'd love to write up a current version of Your Novice Accent - maybe it's Your 5WPM Accent now? The idea would be to cover much the same topics as Your Novice Accent, with modern updates, as well as covering common contest protocol. Since the original publication is on the web in many placesperhaps an addendum, rather than a re-write might work If you go that route, I'd be happy to give it some web exposure at as an addendum or link to the original article at www.zerobeat.net/novice_accent.html 73,Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page,Drake Web Ring, QRP IRC channel, Drake IRC Channel, Elecraft Owners Database www.tlchost.net/hosting/ *** Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
As a new CW operator trying to figure it out, I am quite sad that the various ARRL Handbooks don't cover CW operating practices in detail. I made this offer last time the topic came up, and will make it again: if an experienced operator would be willing to work with me, I'd love to write up a current version of Your Novice Accent - maybe it's Your 5WPM Accent now? The idea would be to cover much the same topics as Your Novice Accent, with modern updates, as well as covering common contest protocol. Please contact me off-list if you're interested. 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Wed, 19 Apr 2006, Chris Kantarjiev wrote: As a new CW operator trying to figure it out, I am quite sad that the various ARRL Handbooks don't cover CW operating practices in detail. I made this offer last time the topic came up, and will make it again: if an experienced operator would be willing to work with me, I'd love to write up a current version of Your Novice Accent - maybe it's Your 5WPM Accent now? The idea would be to cover much the same topics as Your Novice Accent, with modern updates, as well as covering common contest protocol. Since the original publication is on the web in many placesperhaps an addendum, rather than a re-write might work If you go that route, I'd be happy to give it some web exposure at as an addendum or link to the original article at www.zerobeat.net/novice_accent.html 73,Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page,Drake Web Ring, QRP IRC channel, Drake IRC Channel, Elecraft Owners Database www.tlchost.net/hosting/ *** Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
In a message dated 4/18/06 9:58:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On Feb 8, 2006, at 10:49 AM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: | However, these days, operating zero-beat on a single frequency, the | long call is just a waste of time. You call CQ DE W5TVW K. I'll | answer AA4LR on the same frequency. Where's the confusion? Perhaps no confusion to you, the sending operator, but a possible bit of confusion to the operator who called CQ! I and many others have THOUSANDS of successful CW QSOs using these techniques. Me too - running both QRP and 100 W Firstly, let's assume you have imperfect propagation conditions: fading, static, whatever. You might miss my call or get it confused if I sent it just once. On 160m and sometimes 80m, perhaps I'll double the call to AA4LR AA4LR. If you only get part of it, you'll send the part you got: 4LR. I'll respond with my full call again: AA4LR AA4LR. The more times we repeat this, the more times I'll repeat my call. Anything else might likely lead to asking you to repeat your callsign, which takes up even more time? The point is, especially in a contest, the vast majority of the time, the first call works. And this protocol works well when there are multiple callers, too. Yep. Just a one time sent callsign IS bad operating practice and operating manners. I disagree - and agree! See below. Some of the very best operators I know are contesters, and they ALL do this. It can't possibly be a bad practice. I think it really comes down to situational awareness - matching the operating practices to the conditions. Under contest conditions where the station holding the frequency is doing a run and the conditions are good, the single-call works wonders. At other times, long calls are what's needed. It all depends on the situation. The skilled operator matches the technique to the situation, rather than insisting on one size fits all. In CW traffic handling, 35 years ago, I was taught to use an even briefer procedure during QNI. Contest conditions are usually frantic, crowded and many times plain RUDE. Well, that's true. Maybe I'm missing something, because I really only do two contests seriously (FD and SS), but I find 99.9% of contest ops to be very disciplined and courteous. When VY1JA called for QRP ONLY in the CW SS Such things as sections/states and unique member numbers are exchanged. In the peak of the QRM/QSB I usually always send State and my number TWICE. This is kinda a QRP mentality -- I'm weak and in the noise, I better be redundant. That's not always so. Low power and QRP stations can have formidable and readable signals, given reasonable antennas and fair to good conditions. In some cases, such redundancy may be helpful, like on 160m. But, mostly, it just wastes time. Again - it all depends on the situation. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Feb 8, 2006, at 9:07 AM, Mike Morrow wrote: IMHO, this practice [dropping DE and K prosigns in contests] reflects badly on the contester (on his Morse professionalism, if you will). Unfortunately, it also becomes for many a bad habit carried over into routine operation. We're only talking about taking a *small* additional fraction of a second to send a complete and proper exchange. My point is that the extra prosigns aren't necessary in this case. The contesters are already sending exchanges that conform to known patterns -- the overhead isn't needed. In reality, most contest time and energy is utilized sending unanswered calls over and over and over and over. But during the time that there are responders to those CQs, working the callers quickly and efficiently can make a huge difference in score. If several callers are there at the same time, they may not stick around if the operator isn't super-efficient. It is unfortunate that contest and DX rules in general don't mandate complete call sign exchanges by both stations, each containing both station call signs along with the proper prosigns. There are some contests which dictate the sending of both callsigns -- the NA Sprint is one. That would certainly be more appropriate than the totally perfunctory 599 report usually sent with each exchange. Not all contests use a 599 report. Many have much more interesting exchanges. NAQP, for example, uses the Name and State, Province or Country. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Feb 8, 2006, at 10:49 AM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: | However, these days, operating zero-beat on a single frequency, the | long call is just a waste of time. You call CQ DE W5TVW K. I'll | answer AA4LR on the same frequency. Where's the confusion? Perhaps no confusion to you, the sending operator, but a possible bit of confusion to the operator who called CQ! I and many others have THOUSANDS of successful CW QSOs using these techniques. Firstly, let's assume you have imperfect propagation conditions: fading, static, whatever. You might miss my call or get it confused if I sent it just once. On 160m and sometimes 80m, perhaps I'll double the call to AA4LR AA4LR. If you only get part of it, you'll send the part you got: 4LR. I'll respond with my full call again: AA4LR AA4LR. The more times we repeat this, the more times I'll repeat my call. Anything else might likely lead to asking you to repeat your callsign, which takes up even more time? The point is, especially in a contest, the vast majority of the time, the first call works. And this protocol works well when there are multiple callers, too. Just a one time sent callsign IS bad operating practice and operating manners. Some of the very best operators I know are contesters, and they ALL do this. It can't possibly be a bad practice. Contest conditions are usually frantic, crowded and many times plain RUDE. Well, that's true. Such things as sections/states and unique member numbers are exchanged. In the peak of the QRM/QSB I usually always send State and my number TWICE. This is kinda a QRP mentality -- I'm weak and in the noise, I better be redundant. That's not always so. Low power and QRP stations can have formidable and readable signals, given reasonable antennas and fair to good conditions. In some cases, such redundancy may be helpful, like on 160m. But, mostly, it just wastes time. Otherwise, you have to ask for a repeat which wastes more time. Fills can be done quickly and efficiently, too. | The old Novice Accent advice was to do 3x3x3 - CQ CQ CQ DE W1ABC | W1ABC W1ABC repeated three times. Again, that was with a lot of guys | still rock-bound. These days, a single 3x3 with a few seconds of | listening seems more appropriate. | I agree LOONG CQ calls or doing a 3 X 3 format three times IS...repeat IS a waste of time and overkill. Do the 3 X 3 and wait 15-60 seconds and repeat the call. We do agree on this! We still have a few people who have vintage transmitters that are crystal controlled, but sadly very few people who tune around, even a couple of kHz. with the RIT control. Or open up the filter bandwidth, at least. Anyway, the sum of it is, nobody seems like they are teaching ANY really good operating practices anymore. And we agree here, too. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
AMEN! I can't agree more with Mike! Why get sloppy and why some guys trying to run their keyers at 40 WPM? Why send your callsign just once on the initial call? Twice should be a matter of minimums, how does the sender know his signal is BOOMING in or in the clear? You just have to ask him to repeat, which RUINS the speed advantage, or wastes the time he's trying to save! E-S-P-E-C-I-A-L-L-Y during a QRP contest! Won't people EVER learn? Just how much time does sending a DE or a K take? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Bill Coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 8:34 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT | | On Feb 8, 2006, at 9:07 AM, Mike Morrow wrote: | | IMHO, this practice [dropping DE and K prosigns in contests] | reflects badly on the contester (on his Morse | professionalism, if you will). Unfortunately, it also becomes | for many a | bad habit carried over into routine operation. We're only talking | about | taking a *small* additional fraction of a second to send a complete | and | proper exchange. | | My point is that the extra prosigns aren't necessary in this case. | The contesters are already sending exchanges that conform to known | patterns -- the overhead isn't needed. | |In reality, most contest time and energy is utilized | sending unanswered calls over and over and over and over. | | But during the time that there are responders to those CQs, working | the callers quickly and efficiently can make a huge difference in | score. If several callers are there at the same time, they may not | stick around if the operator isn't super-efficient. | | It is unfortunate that contest and DX rules in general don't mandate | complete call sign exchanges by both stations, each containing both | station | call signs along with the proper prosigns. | | There are some contests which dictate the sending of both callsigns | -- the NA Sprint is one. | |That would certainly be more | appropriate than the totally perfunctory 599 report usually sent | with each | exchange. | | Not all contests use a 599 report. Many have much more interesting | exchanges. NAQP, for example, uses the Name and State, Province or | Country. | | Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! | -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 | | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.4.1/309 - Release Date: 4/11/2006 | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
We've been thru this before gentlemen. In a VERY busy contest, there ain't no such thing as a single frequency There is signals every 20-50 Hz! The BIG 160 meter contests are examples of this. If you are a DXer, how many times have you succeeded with only a 'single' call in a big pileup? You may have to send your call a bunch of times,and/or be running a bunch of power. If someone calls me just a single time and I send QRZ, I expect the other chap to have enough sense to send his call at least 2-3 times. Usually because static is the culprit or two or more callers QRMing each other. Either way you gotta repeat the call. In a contest, the highly abbreviated procedures are commonplace, but I still say it is lazyness or stupidity to apply the same logic to an answer to an everyday CQ call. Whoever isn't familiar with the protocol, it would behoove him to certainly learn it. What's the problem with that? It's just simple manners, like for example; Like learning not to pass gas loudly in church or on a crowded bus. (to cite a rather crude, but typical situation) If ARRL no longer teaches good operating skills, find out from an old timer, what they are. Sorry for the tirade, but I feel very strongly about this and think it a VERY large mistake that ARRL saw fit to take this section out of the Handbook. Maybe its because there are more LIDS than A1 operators in Newington now? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Bill Coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Sandy W5TVW [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 8:56 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT | | On Feb 8, 2006, at 10:49 AM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: | | | However, these days, operating zero-beat on a single frequency, the | | long call is just a waste of time. You call CQ DE W5TVW K. I'll | | answer AA4LR on the same frequency. Where's the confusion? | | Perhaps no confusion to you, the sending operator, but a | possible bit | of confusion to the operator who called CQ! | | I and many others have THOUSANDS of successful CW QSOs using these | techniques. | | Firstly, let's assume you have imperfect propagation conditions: | fading, static, | whatever. You might miss my call or get it confused if I sent it | just once. | | On 160m and sometimes 80m, perhaps I'll double the call to AA4LR AA4LR. | | If you only get part of it, you'll send the part you got: 4LR. I'll | respond with my full call again: AA4LR AA4LR. The more times we | repeat this, the more times I'll repeat my call. | | Anything else might likely lead to asking | you to repeat your callsign, which takes up even more time? | | The point is, especially in a contest, the vast majority of the time, | the first call works. And this protocol works well when there are | multiple callers, too. | | Just a one time sent callsign IS bad operating practice and | operating manners. | | Some of the very best operators I know are contesters, and they ALL | do this. It can't possibly be a bad practice. | | Contest conditions are usually frantic, crowded and many times | plain RUDE. | | Well, that's true. | | Such things as sections/states and unique member | numbers are exchanged. In the peak of the QRM/QSB I usually always | send State and my number TWICE. | | This is kinda a QRP mentality -- I'm weak and in the noise, I | better be redundant. That's not always so. Low power and QRP | stations can have formidable and readable signals, given reasonable | antennas and fair to good conditions. | | In some cases, such redundancy may be helpful, like on 160m. But, | mostly, it just wastes time. | | Otherwise, you | have to ask for a repeat which wastes more time. | | Fills can be done quickly and efficiently, too. | | | The old Novice Accent advice was to do 3x3x3 - CQ CQ CQ DE W1ABC | | W1ABC W1ABC repeated three times. Again, that was with a lot of guys | | still rock-bound. These days, a single 3x3 with a few seconds of | | listening seems more appropriate. | | | I agree LOONG CQ calls or doing a 3 X 3 format three times | IS...repeat IS a waste of time and overkill. Do the 3 X 3 and wait | 15-60 seconds and repeat the call. | | We do agree on this! | |We still have a few people who | have vintage transmitters that are crystal controlled, but sadly | very few people who tune around, even a couple of kHz. with | the RIT control. | | Or open up the filter bandwidth, at least. | | Anyway, the sum of it is, nobody seems like they are teaching ANY | really good operating practices anymore. | | And we agree here, too. | | | Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! | -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote It is unfortunate that contest and DX rules in general don't mandate complete call sign exchanges by both stations, each containing both station call signs along with the proper prosigns. That would certainly be more Since the FCC has few monitors who can copy CW any more, they are pretty unconcerned how we ID. Thus our procedures change to meet our own needs. Is someone giving away Maserati's? I'll show upand shout my name too; why else would I be in the pileup? Properly, this requires a DE before the call, but I only need one of those after ten minutes -- and what the eye (ear) don't see (hear) the heart (Engineer) won't grieve (miss). FWIW, while the FCC may have given up on CW, the *FBI* had openings for CW ops two or three years ago. Cortland KA5S ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
In contest operation, we'll dispense with the DE and K altogether. IMHO, this practice reflects badly on the contester (on his Morse professionalism, if you will). Unfortunately, it also becomes for many a bad habit carried over into routine operation. We're only talking about taking a *small* additional fraction of a second to send a complete and proper exchange. In reality, most contest time and energy is utilized sending unanswered calls over and over and over and over. It is unfortunate that contest and DX rules in general don't mandate complete call sign exchanges by both stations, each containing both station call signs along with the proper prosigns. That would certainly be more appropriate than the totally perfunctory 599 report usually sent with each exchange. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
| | Back in the day when most hams used crystal controlled transmitters, | and would tune 10-25 kHz either side of their CQ looking for answers, | the practice of answering a CQ with W5TVW W5TVW W5TVW DE AA4LR AA4LR | AA4LR AR made sense. | | However, these days, operating zero-beat on a single frequency, the | long call is just a waste of time. You call CQ DE W5TVW K. I'll | answer AA4LR on the same frequency. Where's the confusion? | Perhaps no confusion to you, the sending operator, but a possible bit of confusion to the operator who called CQ! Firstly, let's assume you have imperfect propagation conditions: fading, static, whatever. You might miss my call or get it confused if I sent it just once. I am not privy to local man made noise, static generated by local storms, or other conditions at your location. Why not call at least a 2 X 2 format at least if you want to shorten things? Anything else might likely lead to asking you to repeat your callsign, which takes up even more time? Just a one time sent callsign IS bad operating practice and operating manners. I would compare it to saying your name once to a crowd of people standing on the corner! Who, sir are you addressing? If the people around me were talking to each other, I may have to hear it two or three times to get it right. I might have a slight case of deafness. All good reasons to AT LEAST send my callsign once and repeat your callsign twice. i.e.: W5TVW DE W4ABC W4ABC K. | In contest operation, we'll dispense with the DE and K altogether. | Millions of contest CW contacts are made this way each year, without | sending both calls. | Contest conditions are usually frantic, crowded and many times plain RUDE. It is kinda like a cat fight with thousands of cats involved. Even in contest conditions, there are times for repitition. A typical example is my kind of contest: a QRP event. Such things as sections/states and unique member numbers are exchanged. In the peak of the QRM/QSB I usually always send State and my number TWICE. This makes things perhaps run a few seconds longer, but it makes the exchange much smoother, especially if you are trying to operate a key and the rig with one hand and a logging program keyboard with the other hand. Otherwise, you have to ask for a repeat which wastes more time. Abbreviated operating techniques are the norm in a free-for-all,pushing, shoving contest. I am always amused by the guy who is sending everything at 50 WPM thinking he will get a higher QSO count by doing so! Not everyone can do that speed with consistant accuracy. | The old Novice Accent advice was to do 3x3x3 - CQ CQ CQ DE W1ABC | W1ABC W1ABC repeated three times. Again, that was with a lot of guys | still rock-bound. These days, a single 3x3 with a few seconds of | listening seems more appropriate. | I agree LOONG CQ calls or doing a 3 X 3 format three times IS...repeat IS a waste of time and overkill. Do the 3 X 3 and wait 15-60 seconds and repeat the call. We still have a few people who have vintage transmitters that are crystal controlled, but sadly very few people who tune around, even a couple of kHz. with the RIT control. Anyway, the sum of it is, nobody seems like they are teaching ANY really good operating practices anymore. ARRL has dropped the section from the Handbook. They either don't give a damn, or they want to sell you an additional book to cover that subject! Having not taught a ham class for many, many years, I don't know what is being skipped over these days. I do remember there were some Tech class operator prospects that wanted to rush out and buy a 2 meter HT to work their buddies on the local repeater and not be bothered with any protocols. Kinda like a budding journalist whose English grammar was terrible and he wanted to become the writer of a serious column, but didn't want to brushup on his English usage! 73, Sandy, W5TVW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
In a message dated 2/8/06 12:45:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: | | In contest operation, we'll dispense with the DE and K altogether. | Millions of contest CW contacts are made this way each year, without | sending both calls. And without any confusion. | Contest conditions are usually frantic, crowded and many times plain RUDE. It is kinda like a cat fight with thousands of cats involved. In the contests I've worked for the past 38 years, (mostly CW SS and CW on Field Day) I've encountered very low levels of rudeness - and very high levels of operator skill. Even in contest conditions, there are times for repitition. A typical example is my kind of contest: a QRP event. Such things as sections/states and unique member numbers are exchanged. In the peak of the QRM/QSB I usually always send State and my number TWICE. This makes things perhaps run a few seconds longer, but it makes the exchange much smoother, Perhaps the most important skill in contesting is adjusting to the situation - knowing when to repeat and when not to, when to speed up and when to slow down, etc. No one method suits all situations. especially if you are trying to operate a key and the rig with one hand and a logging program keyboard with the other hand. Otherwise, you have to ask for a repeat which wastes more time. Try doing it with a log sheet, dupe sheet, bug and manual TR! One trick I learned was how to send while holding a pencil because there's no time to put it down and pick it up. In CW SS, the exchange is quite long, too. You need to send and receive four pieces of information besides the callsign: Serial number, class, year first licensed, section. Band, time and date need to be recorded, but they're obvious, of course. Abbreviated operating techniques are the norm in a free-for-all,pushing, shoving contest. I find contests to be competitive but not pushing or shoving. I am always amazed at how stations sort themselves out to be about a good-crystal-filter-bandwidth apart. I am always amused by the guy who is sending everything at 50 WPM thinking he will get a higher QSO count by doing so! Not everyone can do that speed with consistant accuracy. The trick is to adjust to conditions. 20 wpm once is faster than 35 wpm repeated. But if you toss in a couple of unneeded extra characters per QSO, it adds up over the course of a contest to a considerable amount of time and a considerable number of contacts not made. For me, one of the glories of contest operation is paring down the exchange to the absolute bare minimum while still meeting all FCC requirements and getting the information across. Contesting is one way to build operator skills, by pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone. It's also one of the driving forces behind improvements in ham rigs and techniques, such as the replacement of separates with transceivers. Contesting shows up all weaknesses and strengths in both station and operator. It's one time when the qualities of a rig like the K2 stand out above the run-of-the-mill rigs. Anyway, the sum of it is, nobody seems like they are teaching ANY really good operating practices anymore. With all due respect, the first order of business is to define what 'really good operating practices' are. Good ragchewing practices aren't necessarily good contesting or traffic handling practices. ARRL has dropped the section from the Handbook. They either don't give a damn, or they want to sell you an additional book to cover that subject! Or maybe they don't want to deal with the arguments Having not taught a ham class for many, many years, I don't know what is being skipped over these days. There were no such classes in my area when I was a Novice in 1967. I learned procedure by listening to other hams, and by reading books like ABCs of Ham Radio, Operating An Amateur Radio Station and the ARRL Handbook. btw, back then there was variation of opinion on what was good practice, too. Particularly on 'phone. Some things don't change... 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Jim, N2EY wrote: Contesting is one way to build operator skills, by pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone. It's also one of the driving forces behind improvements in ham rigs and techniques, such as the replacement of separates with transceivers. Agreed absolutely and, as Jim went on to say, With all due respect, the first order of business is to define what 'really good operating practices' are. Good ragchewing practices aren't necessarily good contesting or traffic handling practices. I don't find it any more appropriate to transfer extremely abbreviated operating styles to routine contacts that it would be for me to work a station in the SS beginning, HOWDY OM. TNX FOR THE CALL. FB QSA5 SIG HR. GOOD TO WRK U...etc. etc... Traffic nets are an entirely different story from both Contests and routine QSOs. I don't see anything suggesting that when it comes to operating procedures that one size fits all. Indeed, as I mentioned earlier, I've had it backfire on me when I thought a station was giving me a short contest-type call after I sent a CQ only to find out later that he was actually in a QSO that I could hear only one side of. That's a very common situation on the HF bands. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Jan 13, 2006, at 9:44 PM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: Biggest violation of all is when someone calls CQ, another station just answers W1ABC W1ABC K. Who is he calling? I usually respond by sending: QRZ? QRZ? DE W5TVW K. Often the other station will simply send W1ABC W1ABC K If the band is crowded, which it often is, this had NOT told me he is calling me! We have not yet established communication so the DE W1ABC or W1ABC IS NOT proper or polite procedure. Back in the day when most hams used crystal controlled transmitters, and would tune 10-25 kHz either side of their CQ looking for answers, the practice of answering a CQ with W5TVW W5TVW W5TVW DE AA4LR AA4LR AA4LR AR made sense. However, these days, operating zero-beat on a single frequency, the long call is just a waste of time. You call CQ DE W5TVW K. I'll answer AA4LR on the same frequency. Where's the confusion? In contest operation, we'll dispense with the DE and K altogether. Millions of contest CW contacts are made this way each year, without sending both calls. Add to this the Novice accent heard STILL today NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ DE W1ABC W1ABC.. repeated several times. Then a 5 second pause for an answer, followed by the same long CQ call again! The old Novice Accent advice was to do 3x3x3 - CQ CQ CQ DE W1ABC W1ABC W1ABC repeated three times. Again, that was with a lot of guys still rock-bound. These days, a single 3x3 with a few seconds of listening seems more appropriate. One chap on 40 a few nights ago repeated this for maybe 5-6 times. I couldn't stand it any longer and fired up the 1/2 Kw and called him. He acted as if I was never there. Either deaf or has his receiver somewhere besides his frequency. I remember a moment from 30 years ago -- hearing a guy at 5 wpm send 57 CQs in a row before I got tired and moved on. Never knew if he ever signed Are ham license classes teaching proper procedures anymore? What we need is something like the Novice Accent brochure, but updated for modern procedures. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Jan 14, 2006, at 10:21 PM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: The Amateurs and airplane pilots seem the only ones who still use it. (Yes, airplane pilots STILL have to use Morse to decode the aural identification of DME/VOR/NDB transmitters/beacons.) Yeah, but for us pilots, we only have to decode a handful of letters repeated over and over. Plus, the morse is depicted on the chart and the speed is slow (like 5-8 WPM). My instructors were impressed when I would identify VORs without looking at the chart Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
I've had it happen. It's not all that uncommon to hear only one side of a QSO on a frequency, and I've answered a guy who simply gave his call after my CQ, then found him in the middle of a transmission to someone else who I couldn't hear when I stood by for his first transmission. So I generated unnecessary QRM on a frequency in use only because one of the stations there either didn't hear me or didn't bother to respond to my QRZ. It doesn't take much to sign both calls. I agree that long calls aren't necessary WHEN you are on the other station's frequency. I'll call someone W5TVW DE AC7AC AC7AC K So what's a few seconds for clarity? That's why I send my call twice. If his signal isn't so strong, I'll do a 2X2 call. After calling CQ, I ALWAYS tune up and down at least two or three kHz. Five kHz if the band is quiet. And I'll make about 5 CQ's (listening for a bk if someone is zero beat) then tune around for half a minute or so. Find lots of rockbound GB QRP stations that way, which makes for interesting QSOs. But those stations need to call me half a dozen times to make sure I'll tune 'em in before they stop. One of the nice differences between CW and other 'digital' modes is that CW uses the same error-correcting system speech does - redundancy. And it's an intelligent redundancy when the operator anticipates what the other station needs such as copying in noise, or tuning to find the other station off frequency. It's just like sending names and QTH's twice. The second send is not needed 99% of the time, but it makes things faster and easier overall if the other op is distracted or there's some QSB/QRN/QRM at the wrong moment. Now, I'll admit that my favorite CW rag chews go on while I'm puttering in the shop! So I'm working on something while copying the other guy's transmission and then sit down at the key for my turn. So I'm not looking for series of very fast repartee during the QSO G. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Coleman Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 8:08 PM To: Sandy W5TVW Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT On Jan 13, 2006, at 9:44 PM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: Biggest violation of all is when someone calls CQ, another station just answers W1ABC W1ABC K. Who is he calling? I usually respond by sending: QRZ? QRZ? DE W5TVW K. Often the other station will simply send W1ABC W1ABC K If the band is crowded, which it often is, this had NOT told me he is calling me! We have not yet established communication so the DE W1ABC or W1ABC IS NOT proper or polite procedure. Back in the day when most hams used crystal controlled transmitters, and would tune 10-25 kHz either side of their CQ looking for answers, the practice of answering a CQ with W5TVW W5TVW W5TVW DE AA4LR AA4LR AA4LR AR made sense. However, these days, operating zero-beat on a single frequency, the long call is just a waste of time. You call CQ DE W5TVW K. I'll answer AA4LR on the same frequency. Where's the confusion? In contest operation, we'll dispense with the DE and K altogether. Millions of contest CW contacts are made this way each year, without sending both calls. Add to this the Novice accent heard STILL today NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ DE W1ABC W1ABC.. repeated several times. Then a 5 second pause for an answer, followed by the same long CQ call again! The old Novice Accent advice was to do 3x3x3 - CQ CQ CQ DE W1ABC W1ABC W1ABC repeated three times. Again, that was with a lot of guys still rock-bound. These days, a single 3x3 with a few seconds of listening seems more appropriate. One chap on 40 a few nights ago repeated this for maybe 5-6 times. I couldn't stand it any longer and fired up the 1/2 Kw and called him. He acted as if I was never there. Either deaf or has his receiver somewhere besides his frequency. I remember a moment from 30 years ago -- hearing a guy at 5 wpm send 57 CQs in a row before I got tired and moved on. Never knew if he ever signed Are ham license classes teaching proper procedures anymore? What we need is something like the Novice Accent brochure, but updated for modern procedures. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Operating protocol today is absolutely atrocious at times! A lot of the newer hams know nothing about really proper procedure and many are very short on manners! Biggest violation of all is when someone calls CQ, another station just answers W1ABC W1ABC K. Who is he calling? I usually respond by sending: QRZ? QRZ? DE W5TVW K. Often the other station will simply send W1ABC W1ABC K If the band is crowded, which it often is, this had NOT told me he is calling me! We have not yet established communication so the DE W1ABC or W1ABC IS NOT proper or polite procedure. Whether a station uses OP, NAME, HANDLE (or whatever) that is his preference, whatever turns his crank. Add to this the Novice accent heard STILL today NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ DE W1ABC W1ABC.. repeated several times. Then a 5 second pause for an answer, followed by the same long CQ call again! One chap on 40 a few nights ago repeated this for maybe 5-6 times. I couldn't stand it any longer and fired up the 1/2 Kw and called him. He acted as if I was never there. Either deaf or has his receiver somewhere besides his frequency. Are ham license classes teaching proper procedures anymore? I KNOW the FCC doesn't give a damn. Perhaps a cell phone ringing, or someone passing gas loudly, or talking loudly in an office or church or theatre isn't considered RUDE anymore, so why try to have any manners in the ham bands? Sorry for the diatribe, but seems like too many of the newbies are not paying attention or don't care. More attention needs to be payed to the ARRL operating manual or have they rewritten it to reflect the times? This 2 cents worth on Rotten Radio from this Old Man. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 5:11 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT | In a message dated 1/13/06 3:35:43 AM Eastern Standard Time, | [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: | | | The use of CL, KN, BK, or the use of both AR and K at the end of the same | transmission is nonsense. | | | I disagree in part. | | CL means closing station, will not listen for any calls Equivalent to the | military use of AR. How the amateur and military uses of AR got so | different is a mystery to me. | | KN has a definite use in amateur radio if someone is rare DX. | | BK is different from K in that it is used in rapid-fire exchanges rather than | with full callsign exchanges. | | | I do agree about combining AR and K. | | | But BK is used in rapid-fire exchanges | *without* the formal callsign exchange: | .FB MOJO OM BT IS UR RIG A K2 or K1? BK | | Once again...a simple K serves even better. There is no usage rule that | states that K must only be used following a call sign. | | No, but it emphasizes the quick nature of the exchange. | | | | Couple of other points: | | Someone mentioned brevity. | | In my Novice days it was common to hear things like: | | R R R TNX FER CALL BT UR SIGS RST 599 599 BT QTH IS WAYNE, PA WAYNE, PA BT | NAME IS JIM JIM | | pounded out at 5-7 wpm. | | But the same thing can be sent as: | | R R R TNX CL UR 599 599 IN WAYNE PA WAYNE PA OP JIM JIM | | which still includes the repeats of the important stuff but is a bit | shorter | | ____ | On run together prosigns like AR and SK: | | I propose that since plaintext doesn't allow us to overline easily, we adopt | the online convention of enclosing such signals in brackets. [] | | So AR would mean didah didahdit | | and [AR] would mean didahdidahdit | | Agreed? | | -- | | On standardization: | | It's interesting to see the variations in different military and commercial | Morse operations vs. amateur, as well as ITU standards. | | But I think it's pretty clear that nobody else is going to set standards for | Morse | much any more. Indeed, at least here in the USA, the FCC has backed down from | many old standards. For example, it used to be required by law that hams give | their own call last - that's gone. So is logkeeping as a legal requirement, | indicating most portable or mobile operation, indicating the station called, | and much more. | | IOW, the standards for Morse in the future are going to be mostly what we | hams say they are. | | 73 de Jim, N2EY | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.17/228 - Release Date: 1/12/2006 | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Hi Joe. Morse turned out in practice not as useful as the Tap code. See http://www.miafacts.org/pages.htm Cortland KA5S [Original Message] Message: 20 Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 11:14:53 -0500 From: Joseph Trombino Jr [EMAIL PROTECTED] Might I suggest that dragging a rock along the prison wall for a second or so can be used to make a DASH.as compared to the short tap of the rock against the wall for a DOT. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
In a message dated 1/14/2006 8:13:59 AM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Are ham license classes teaching proper procedures anymore? Sandy, I have been a ham for one and one-half years. There were no ham classes when I got licensed. Since I only operate CW, I looked for an elmer and found none. I signed up for the FISTS code buddy program and received no-one. Perhaps I am the worst lid you have ever heard, but I am striving to become as proficient as you apparently are. I find cw operators to be the kindest and forgiving of the many groups I have encountered in my 62 years of life. I am still in the 15 to 20 word speed goup on a good day, but I absolutely love this hobby. I assume I will improve with time--I am on the air everyday and also work on my speed with an MP3 player. My point is that there are many of us like me making it on our own. Perhaps you got your training in some organized manner that simply is not very available any more. So please be tolerant of those of us who are striving to learn. Thank you, and I hope to meet you on the air...72/73, Ci Ci Jones, WU7R (k-2 #4615, K-1 #933, KX-1 #957) FISTS #10789 NAQCC #306 ARCI #12163 SKCC #22 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Sandy, I agree with much of what you have said but I would ask whom shall we blame? Unfortunately, I think we, you and I, are to blame for the lack of skills and know how of many of the newcomers. I don't know how long you have been in ham radio, but it wasn't too many years ago when most of us were in ham radio because of an elmer. Someone that introduced us to this wonderful hobby and nudged us along the way, encouraged us when we wanted to give up, and then tutored us as we got on the air. Even corrected us when we were not operating according to the standards of the day. Today it is too easy to buy a book off the shelf, spend a day studying it, spend 20 minutes taking an exam and wait 24 hours to receive your own callsign. The radio clubs are ever so eager to have new members that many really don't spend the time to insure that the new member will ever be more than a dues paying member and never realize there is more to ham radio than 2 meters. If there is a solution to the problem of poor operating habits by our newcomers, it will be for each of us to take them by the hand and teach them the correct procedures. BUT, please don't think for one minute that ALL of the bad operators are newcomers.not by any stretch of the imagination! My two cents worth.. Tony, W4FOA - Original Message - From: Sandy W5TVW [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 9:44 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT Operating protocol today is absolutely atrocious at times! A lot of the newer hams know nothing about really proper procedure and many are very short on manners! Biggest violation of all is when someone calls CQ, another station just answers W1ABC W1ABC K. Who is he calling? I usually respond by sending: QRZ? QRZ? DE W5TVW K. Often the other station will simply send W1ABC W1ABC K If the band is crowded, which it often is, this had NOT told me he is calling me! We have not yet established communication so the DE W1ABC or W1ABC IS NOT proper or polite procedure. Whether a station uses OP, NAME, HANDLE (or whatever) that is his preference, whatever turns his crank. Add to this the Novice accent heard STILL today NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ DE W1ABC W1ABC.. repeated several times. Then a 5 second pause for an answer, followed by the same long CQ call again! One chap on 40 a few nights ago repeated this for maybe 5-6 times. I couldn't stand it any longer and fired up the 1/2 Kw and called him. He acted as if I was never there. Either deaf or has his receiver somewhere besides his frequency. Are ham license classes teaching proper procedures anymore? I KNOW the FCC doesn't give a damn. Perhaps a cell phone ringing, or someone passing gas loudly, or talking loudly in an office or church or theatre isn't considered RUDE anymore, so why try to have any manners in the ham bands? Sorry for the diatribe, but seems like too many of the newbies are not paying attention or don't care. More attention needs to be payed to the ARRL operating manual or have they rewritten it to reflect the times? This 2 cents worth on Rotten Radio from this Old Man. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 5:11 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT | In a message dated 1/13/06 3:35:43 AM Eastern Standard Time, | [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: | | | The use of CL, KN, BK, or the use of both AR and K at the end of the same | transmission is nonsense. | | | I disagree in part. | | CL means closing station, will not listen for any calls Equivalent to the | military use of AR. How the amateur and military uses of AR got so | different is a mystery to me. | | KN has a definite use in amateur radio if someone is rare DX. | | BK is different from K in that it is used in rapid-fire exchanges rather than | with full callsign exchanges. | | | I do agree about combining AR and K. | | | But BK is used in rapid-fire exchanges | *without* the formal callsign exchange: | .FB MOJO OM BT IS UR RIG A K2 or K1? BK | | Once again...a simple K serves even better. There is no usage rule that | states that K must only be used following a call sign. | | No, but it emphasizes the quick nature of the exchange. | | | | Couple of other points: | | Someone mentioned brevity. | | In my Novice days it was common to hear things like: | | R R R TNX FER CALL BT UR SIGS RST 599 599 BT QTH IS WAYNE, PA WAYNE, PA BT | NAME IS JIM JIM | | pounded out at 5-7 wpm. | | But the same thing can be sent as: | | R R R TNX CL UR 599 599 IN WAYNE PA WAYNE PA OP JIM JIM | | which still includes the repeats of the important stuff but is a bit | shorter | | ____ | On run together prosigns like AR and SK: | | I propose that since plaintext doesn't allow us
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Of course it is!! 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Ci, For you and any others in your situation, may I suggest that you avail yourself of the ARRL Operating Manual. The ARRL Handbook used to briefly cover operating standards, prosign usage, proper calling technique, etc. in the Operating a Station chapter of the ARRL Handbook - it is present in my 1994 and earlier handbooks but was dropped sometime between 1994 and 1999 (I surmise they are trying to sell more copies of th eOperating Manual by dropping the info from the Handbook G). Perhaps you can find an older copy of the ARRL Handbook or the ARRL Operating Manual in a library or from a ham friend. IMHO, there is no good excuse for failing to know proper operating technique - the information is certainly available and should be a part of every ham's library - and that concept is one that should be presented in any ham license class. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Are ham license classes teaching proper procedures anymore? Sandy, I have been a ham for one and one-half years. There were no ham classes when I got licensed. Since I only operate CW, I looked for an elmer and found none. I signed up for the FISTS code buddy program and received no-one. Perhaps I am the worst lid you have ever heard, but I am striving to become as proficient as you apparently are. I find cw operators to be the kindest and forgiving of the many groups I have encountered in my 62 years of life. I am still in the 15 to 20 word speed goup on a good day, but I absolutely love this hobby. I assume I will improve with time--I am on the air everyday and also work on my speed with an MP3 player. My point is that there are many of us like me making it on our own. Perhaps you got your training in some organized manner that simply is not very available any more. So please be tolerant of those of us who are striving to learn. Thank you, and I hope to meet you on the air...72/73, Ci Ci Jones, WU7R (k-2 #4615, K-1 #933, KX-1 #957) FISTS #10789 NAQCC #306 ARCI #12163 SKCC #22 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Sandy W5TVW wrote: Operating protocol today is absolutely atrocious at times! A lot of the newer hams know nothing about really proper procedure If they are actually *using CW* I'm happy! -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
I have taught many CW procedures classes in the past. I was also frequently tapped to explain tube amplifier classes, oscillator circuits, etc. as most of the people wanted to know this in addition to solid state gear theory. I did this umtil there seemed to be no interest in doing this anymore. This was the era when it seemed everyone was unloading vacuum tube gear, even throwing it in the dumpster at hamfests! The days when you could buy all the Johnson Viking Rangers you wanted for $20-40 TOPS, some in mint condition! Wished I'd bought some of them then! (If I did, I knew my XYL would raise hell about storing all that junk!) Most hams then were more interested in getting the code to 13 WPM and then forgetting it and working SSB 'phone. Anyone at the time that liked CW was usually checking into an ARRL NTS net and learned traffic net procedures and proper protocol. Contesting was popular, but the contests were rather far apart and few between, so most CW contesters would ragchew at times to keep their code speed up. No computers and 'code readers, and computers in those days for most hams. I find most CW operators are QRPers or are fooling with boatanchor/glowbug rigs nowadays. There are a FEW newbies that take to code like ducks to water. I'm afraid the realm of the telegrapher is getting smaller and smaller. It's ashame as Morse is a VERY unique communication system and an 'art'. The Amateurs and airplane pilots seem the only ones who still use it. (Yes, airplane pilots STILL have to use Morse to decode the aural identification of DME/VOR/NDB transmitters/beacons.) 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Tony Martin W4FOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Sandy W5TVW [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2006 10:07 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT | Sandy, | I agree with much of what you have said but I would ask whom shall we | blame? | Unfortunately, I think we, you and I, are to blame for the lack of skills | and know how | of many of the newcomers. | | I don't know how long you have been in ham radio, but it wasn't too many | years | ago when most of us were in ham radio because of an elmer. Someone that | introduced us to this wonderful hobby and nudged us along the way, | encouraged us | when we wanted to give up, and then tutored us as we got on the air. Even | corrected | us when we were not operating according to the standards of the day. | | Today it is too easy to buy a book off the shelf, spend a day studying it, | spend 20 minutes | taking an exam and wait 24 hours to receive your own callsign. The radio | clubs are | ever so eager to have new members that many really don't spend the time to | insure that | the new member will ever be more than a dues paying member and never | realize there | is more to ham radio than 2 meters. | | If there is a solution to the problem of poor operating habits by our | newcomers, it will | be for each of us to take them by the hand and teach them the correct | procedures. BUT, | please don't think for one minute that ALL of the bad operators are | newcomers.not | by any stretch of the imagination! | | My two cents worth.. | | Tony, W4FOA | | | - Original Message - | From: Sandy W5TVW [EMAIL PROTECTED] | To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net | Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 9:44 PM | Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT | | | Operating protocol today is absolutely atrocious at times! | A lot of the newer hams know nothing about really proper procedure and | many are very short on manners! | Biggest violation of all is when someone calls CQ, another station just | answers W1ABC W1ABC K. Who is he calling? I usually respond by | sending: QRZ? QRZ? DE W5TVW K. | Often the other station will simply send | W1ABC W1ABC K If the band is crowded, which it often is, this had NOT | told me he is calling me! We have not yet established communication so | the DE W1ABC or W1ABC IS NOT proper or polite procedure. | | Whether a station uses OP, NAME, HANDLE (or whatever) that is his | preference, whatever turns his crank. | | Add to this the Novice accent heard STILL today NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ NNQ | DE W1ABC W1ABC.. repeated several times. Then a 5 second | pause for an answer, followed by the same long CQ call again! One chap on | 40 | a few nights ago repeated this for maybe 5-6 times. I couldn't stand it | any longer | and fired up the 1/2 Kw and called him. He acted as if I was never there. | Either deaf or has his receiver somewhere besides his frequency. | | Are ham license classes teaching proper procedures anymore? I KNOW the | FCC doesn't give a damn. Perhaps a cell phone ringing, or someone passing | gas loudly, or talking loudly in an office or church or theatre isn't | considered | RUDE anymore, so why try to have any manners in the ham bands
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Sandy wrote: Even prisoners used it in prison camps by tapping on walls or pipes. I don't think International Morse serves very effectively when the characters must be simple taps. How does the receiving operator tell if a tap is supposed to be a dash? In my experience, I'd say it can't be done. The tap code that was used by our POWs in N. Vietnam was not remotely related to any kind of Morse. It began with 25 of the 26 letters (c was used in place of k) arranged in a five by five array. It took a pair of up to five taps each to pick the intended letter from the array. For example, 2 taps (down array) followed by 5 taps (across array) found a H at that location in the array. This system has the distinct advantage of almost instant usability by untrained people, plus there's no need to know how long a tap is held. See history and detail at: http://www.airsoftgent.be/dbase/tapcode.htm . Don wrote: The 'prosigns' listed in 1994 are: QRL?, CQ, AR, K, KN, BK, R, AS, SK, and CL ... The source is wrong in considering any Q-signal as a prosign. I greatly prefer the simple, logical usage of military Morse over the idiosyncratic flourishes of which so many hams seem proud. That is what I have always used on the ham bands. The only prosigns used to end a transmission of military Morse are: K Over (used when a response is expected from the other station) AR Out (used when no response is expected from the other stations) These two are NEVER used together...it's always one OR the other. What more does one need? If it worked for military Morse, I doubt that ham hobbyist Morse requirements would demand something more elaborate. There is NO value in the ham hobbyist tendency to sprinkle other and often multiple pointless prosigns on the end of a transmission. The use of CL, KN, BK, or the use of both AR and K at the end of the same transmission is nonsense. Jim wrote: ES PSE QSL KK5F DE N2EY K meaning go ahead any station In my experience, there is almost no value in indicating that you want only the called station to respond, by using the KN prosign. In 38 years operating ham and MARS Morse (before MARS banned Morse ten years ago), I've always used K and I've never had chaos result there from. Besides, KN sent properly is actually a left parenthesis. But BK is used in rapid-fire exchanges *without* the formal callsign exchange: .FB MOJO OM BT IS UR RIG A K2 or K1? BK Once again...a simple K serves even better. There is no usage rule that states that K must only be used following a call sign. 73 all! Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
- Original Message - From: Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2006 7:35 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT Sandy wrote: Even prisoners used it in prison camps by tapping on walls or pipes. I don't think International Morse serves very effectively when the characters must be simple taps. How does the receiving operator tell if a tap is supposed to be a dash? In my experience, I'd say it can't be done. ---snip-- Howdy Mike: Might I suggest that dragging a rock along the prison wall for a second or so can be used to make a DASH.as compared to the short tap of the rock against the wall for a DOT. Seems reasonable.think about it. 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore, I am ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
In a message dated 1/13/06 3:35:43 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The use of CL, KN, BK, or the use of both AR and K at the end of the same transmission is nonsense. I disagree in part. CL means closing station, will not listen for any calls Equivalent to the military use of AR. How the amateur and military uses of AR got so different is a mystery to me. KN has a definite use in amateur radio if someone is rare DX. BK is different from K in that it is used in rapid-fire exchanges rather than with full callsign exchanges. I do agree about combining AR and K. But BK is used in rapid-fire exchanges *without* the formal callsign exchange: .FB MOJO OM BT IS UR RIG A K2 or K1? BK Once again...a simple K serves even better. There is no usage rule that states that K must only be used following a call sign. No, but it emphasizes the quick nature of the exchange. Couple of other points: Someone mentioned brevity. In my Novice days it was common to hear things like: R R R TNX FER CALL BT UR SIGS RST 599 599 BT QTH IS WAYNE, PA WAYNE, PA BT NAME IS JIM JIM pounded out at 5-7 wpm. But the same thing can be sent as: R R R TNX CL UR 599 599 IN WAYNE PA WAYNE PA OP JIM JIM which still includes the repeats of the important stuff but is a bit shorter ____ On run together prosigns like AR and SK: I propose that since plaintext doesn't allow us to overline easily, we adopt the online convention of enclosing such signals in brackets. [] So AR would mean didah didahdit and [AR] would mean didahdidahdit Agreed? -- On standardization: It's interesting to see the variations in different military and commercial Morse operations vs. amateur, as well as ITU standards. But I think it's pretty clear that nobody else is going to set standards for Morse much any more. Indeed, at least here in the USA, the FCC has backed down from many old standards. For example, it used to be required by law that hams give their own call last - that's gone. So is logkeeping as a legal requirement, indicating most portable or mobile operation, indicating the station called, and much more. IOW, the standards for Morse in the future are going to be mostly what we hams say they are. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
I agree K is more succinct, but dahdidididaddidah sounds great! Maybe I'll switch to just K, and maybe I won't. So there. Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 snip Once again...a simple K serves even better. There is no usage rule that states that K must only be used following a call sign. /snip ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Jan 13, 2006, at 10:01 PM, Dan Barker wrote: I agree K is more succinct, but dahdidididaddidah sounds great! Maybe I'll switch to just K, and maybe I won't. Well, hey, didahdidahdidahdit dahdidaddidah sounds great too! Why don't you use that. In fact, usually in my cw qso's I simply send a lot of neat sounding combinations of dit's and dah's. The meaning is really irrelevant as long as it sounds great. In all seriousness, however, has anyone ever heard someone try to break into a going qso by simply sending K? Clearly BK has meaning separate from K, but not when turning the exchange over to the other operator. Then the added B is redundant. I would suggest the following logic, however, behind those who like to use BK in some circumstances. Many operators, for some reason, feel compelled to send full calls both at the beginning and end of their round (every round): you know, W1EUY de K8xxx. Sometimes they even send it twice, even after the qso is underway: W1EUY W1EUY de K8xxx K8xxx. I guess they think you may not be sure what your call is or that you may have forgotten that the qso was underway. In any event, if these operators want to do a quick break, they may feel naked without giving the calls, and so fear the simple K will not be understood. The BK in this case is more substantive and makes the intent clearer; but it is still unnecessary. The BK can also be of use when you ask a question. Sometimes an operator asks a question and continues the conversation, clearly expecting the answer to be given when qso is eventually passed over to the other operator. Sometimes, however, one asks a question and wants an immediate answer. The BK in this instance provides better preparation than a simple K for the receiving station to recognize the intent. It is in this sense that code is a language and not simply an alphabet used to spell another language. Indeed, there are a number of cw languages: German, Dutch, Italian, French, etc. But, within each of these, there are aspects of the code that take on idiomatic meaning through usage that are thoroughly understood by those who speak the language, but have no counterparts in regular speech. These elements of the code play an informational role similar to those conveyed by inflections of the voice. They grow up naturally through usage in a context and are readily conveyed and mimicked and repeated by those who hear. Cw, then, is a language that grows on top of another language. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
