Re: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes
Greetings, Frank. Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks When starting down the road to learn morse, I would toss any sheet that shows the characters as a bunch of dots and dashes. You would be better off with a sheet that shows the characters as a bunch of dits and dahs. It will help you to learn the sound of characters rather than how many dots and dashes are in a character (ie. you won't be building a translation table in your head from sound to dots/dashes to the character. An A isn't .- it is didah. A C isn't -.-. but dahdidahdit. I learned about morse code long before I was interested in becoming a ham and still find I count the dots and dashes at times. At least I can copy code during contests in the 20 to 25 range (and 30 if I hear the exchange a few times). I'm more comfortable around 15wpm but I wish I could learn to get rid of the translation table in my head which still comes in to play at times. Getting on the air helps but I found that even casual listening to CW on air is useful. Tune around to find some code at a speed that you feel you can copy and just listen to it even if you aren't in a position to write it down. Casual copying of code (and head copy) can still improve ones speed. In my early ham days, at a time when I wasn't on the air for a while it had brought my code speed up from about 5wpm to around the 10wpm mark. Now, I have found working contests has once again helped me to copy code at higher speeds. There is some other useful information on CW operating at: http://www.ac6v.com/morseaids.htm -- Cheers! Kevin. http://www.ve3syb.ca/ |What are we going to do today, Borg? Owner of Elecraft K2 #2172 |Same thing we always do, Pinkutus: | Try to assimilate the world! #include disclaimer/favourite | -Pinkutus the Borg ___ 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] CW Mistakes
Kevin VE3SYB wrote: An A isn't .- it is didah. A C isn't -.-. but dahdidahdit. - Absolutely! It's the sound that's important. Similar cautions are found in the earliest handbooks I have dating back to the 1930's. I suspect that's been so since the beginning of telegraphy. And, as all of those books point out, the best of all is to HEAR the stuff sent. The ideal use of code practice oscillators was to have someone else send copy. But, even if working alone, hearing oneself send the characters is superior to the ditdah system, the ditdah sound system is far superior to the dot-dash which is far superior than looking at the dots and dashes on paper. Nowadays we have tapes and other media where we can listen to CW, as well as on-air practice. W1AW and others sending slow code practice have been very popular for decades for a very good reason. Now, that doesn't stop the dit counting altogether. At least it doesn't for me. Once in a while I'll stumble wondering, for example, if I heard a B or a 6 and quickly resolve it by replaying the tape in my head and noting whether it had three or four dits. I must have a few neurons dedicated to solving those puzzles because I can usually keep right on recoding the characters in my memory while I'm doing counting - at least for a few following characters - so I don't miss anything. That used to happen most often copying messages encrypted in five-letter code groups that include a mix of letters and numerals in any order. Of course, that's strictly character-by-character copy. There are no words to recognize, and any combination of code characters is possible. 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] CW Mistakes
I think the biggest mistake is to worry about making mistakes. Just get out there and do it! Get on between 14.050 and 14.058 (or 7.050 - 7.058) and call CQ or answer a call. There are many slow-speed ops out there who are happy to talk to you and who will probably be making some mistakes themselves. Good luck and 73, John, WA6L Frank MacDonell wrote: Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/CW-Mistakes-tp16906746p16942086.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] CW Mistakes
-Original Message- I think the biggest mistake is to worry about making mistakes. Just get out there and do it! Get on between 14.050 and 14.058 (or 7.050 - 7.058) and call CQ or answer a call. There are many slow-speed ops out there who are happy to talk to you and who will probably be making some mistakes themselves. --- Yep, I'm one of them. I've been QRT for a few months. Got the K3 and got back on the air. For my first QSO I answered on the bug. Boy, did I mess it up. My brain got all twisted around. I got the dots dashes reversed and was thinking it would auto complete dashes. I quickly switched to the straight key for that QSO (paddles weren't hooked up). And I've been doing morse off and on for 30+ years. LOL! So, the biggest mistake is not getting on the air. I'm going to say the 2nd biggest mistake would be poor spacing. I hear some OPs who don't leave enough space between words or letters. Insufficient spacing between words is not that big of a deal, but not enough spacing between letters leads to random dot-dash patterns. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711.500 - ___ 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] CW Mistakes
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one! I cannot easily switch between paddles/keyer and bug unless I take special precautions when using the keyer. I built an Accu-Keyer in the 1970s because it was new and interesting. But the day came, twenty years later, when I set it aside for 99% of my operating in favor of a bug, largely because the bug was more challenging and interesting for me to use. But it took me many hours of practice to learn to use the bug well again after two decades with my iambic keyer. On the rare occasions when I use a keyer nowadays I use it like a bug, operating the dash paddle just like I do when using the bug, so I don't forget how to make dashes properly, and I carefully avoid falling back into iambic mode or I'll be trying to squeeze my bug paddles again! I find practice important. Part of my operating time each week is spent practicing CW, usually sending some random text or a page out of the phone book, addresses, numbers and all. From time to time, I record my fist and listen to it again the *next* day to ensure it's a fist I'd like to copy on the air and to identify what I can focus on to improve. I don't think there's any skill humans pursue that doesn't deserve regular, on-going practice if it's worth keeping at all, and daily use doesn't entirely replace practice. Practice is where particular attention is paid to using the tool better, such as sending good CW on a key, rather than on doing a job with it, such as having a QSO on the air. After all, when practicing one can make all the mistakes that naturally happen when focusing on technique without having to apologize to the other person on the air ;-) Ron AC7AC -Original Message- -Original Message- I think the biggest mistake is to worry about making mistakes. Just get out there and do it! Get on between 14.050 and 14.058 (or 7.050 - 7.058) and call CQ or answer a call. There are many slow-speed ops out there who are happy to talk to you and who will probably be making some mistakes themselves. --- Yep, I'm one of them. I've been QRT for a few months. Got the K3 and got back on the air. For my first QSO I answered on the bug. Boy, did I mess it up. My brain got all twisted around. I got the dots dashes reversed and was thinking it would auto complete dashes. I quickly switched to the straight key for that QSO (paddles weren't hooked up). And I've been doing morse off and on for 30+ years. LOL! So, the biggest mistake is not getting on the air. I'm going to say the 2nd biggest mistake would be poor spacing. I hear some OPs who don't leave enough space between words or letters. Insufficient spacing between words is not that big of a deal, but not enough spacing between letters leads to random dot-dash patterns. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711.500 - ___ 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] CW Mistakes
I'd like to add to the list of big mistakes: Learning to translate dits and dahs into letters and other characters. Slow code encourages translation! ... Rich NU6T --- Is that a mistake for most Hams? It wasn't for me. I am aware of many ops who want to QRQ at 30 wpm, 40 wpm and up. I have no argument with them when they say that they must learn to hear words, not characters. That certainly sounds plausible, as does the idea of learning code as words from the very beginning. Such extreme QRQ is surely an interesting challenge for those who pursue it, but it's certainly not mainstream in Amateur CW operations from my experience on the bands. (Sometimes contest exchanges approach those speeds, but that's a different story. Every contact is very brief and predictable.) Learning to copy individual characters at very slow speed sure did not bother me. After over 50 years pounding brass my fastest comfortable copying speed is about 35 wpm. I can copy 40 but it wears me out pretty quickly. I don't try to send faster than 30 WPM but then I use a mechanical key, either a hand pump for QRS or a bug for QRQ. Across the range from less that 5 wpm up, I copy code in my head visualizing a string of letters scrolling by in my head as I hear it sent. It's kind of funny when I hear an odd fist on the air - someone who drags out their dashes way too long and then uses very short dits, or who varies their inter-character spaces a lot (like that link to maritime spark transmissions I sent earlier). At first such code is gibberish. I see nothing. Then, usually, after listening for a bit, suddenly my brain locks on and the letters start scrolling by in my head. Then it's fine copy. It's kinda of fun to sit back, let the code flow into my hearing and have that suddenly happen. I made transition to head copy slowly from copying letter-by-letter on paper, as we used to do to pass our FCC tests and when receiving messages. For me, the ability to send and receive very slow CW is an important skill; one I use far more than sending or receiving over 30 WPM. As more and more Hams explore the CW bands, I find it very common to run into operators running at 10 WPM or even less. I want to reply to them at whatever speed they are sending, as long as it's within my range. 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] CW Mistakes
In a message dated 4/26/08 11:43:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Learning to translate dits and dahs into letters and other characters. Slow code encourages translation! I think what you mean is counting - hearing H as four dits rather than a single sound-group. That's why Farnsworth-spacing is a good idea. Learning code from a book or other visual source. (Not including learning about code from a book such as Pierpont: The Art Skill of Radio Telegraphy). Agreed! Starting after age 50. Grin. Actually, research has shown that one of the ways to slow the aging process is to learn new things throughout life. Particularly things that are *very* different than what you've done before, not just extensions of existing stuff. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ 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] CW Mistakes
I began to learn code at 50 (now 56) and got my ticket about 5 years ago. It has been a LOT OF FUN! The longest transition was from writing everything down to copying in my head, but it was certainly worth the effort. I am typically operating at about 25 wpm but try to slow down to match a calling station's speed, primarily using Farnsworth spacing so I do not have to keep fiddling with the keyer speed control. This approach usually results in the other party sending comments like FB CPY ALL. But back to biggest mistake for a newbie: not sending PLS QRS if I am sending too fast! This may be because they are embarassed or whatever. Like Ron, I have no problem slowing down as much as necessary (below 10 wpm gets a little tedious though!) But I would sure appreciate being told to cool it rather than just having the rag chew cut short. Regardless -- PLS GET ON THE CW SUBBANDS AND CALL CQ -- I will be looking for you! 73 es God Bless de Ken - N4OI - K1 Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: [...snip...] I made transition to head copy slowly from copying letter-by-letter on paper, as we used to do to pass our FCC tests and when receiving messages. For me, the ability to send and receive very slow CW is an important skill; one I use far more than sending or receiving over 30 WPM. As more and more Hams explore the CW bands, I find it very common to run into operators running at 10 WPM or even less. I want to reply to them at whatever speed they are sending, as long as it's within my range. 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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/CW-Mistakes-tp16906746p16923470.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] CW Mistakes
An old friend, G4AYP, now SK used to listen to 40m cw just before going to sleep using his Norcal 40. He tried to follow French and Spanish stations and said it kept his brain alive and stimulated. He was UK Director of Forensic Science, so I don't think it was an idle statement. David G3UNA Starting after age 50. Grin. Actually, research has shown that one of the ways to slow the aging process is to learn new things throughout life. Particularly things that are *very* different than what you've done before, not just extensions of existing stuff. 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] CW Mistakes
Ron, as usual, you have succinctly put into words a real life experience that I can see, may parallel some of my limited experience. I have followed this thread closely as well as the comments about using the Farnsworth method and based on some of the comments, thought OMG - I've been doing it wrong! I've only been doing this ham thing for a couple of years, so I am certainly in the learning group as it pertains to cw. After writing everything down for the first few months, I quickly realized that in order to become proficient at rag chewing, I needed to learn code like regular vocal conversation. I began to head copy and just make notes of important info - and I did it at very slow speeds at the beginning and have now ramped up to about 10-13 wpm comfortably. I have also noticed that as I am starting to hear words, head copy is a little easier at faster speeds - I begin to lose track of the visual string of characters at slower speeds. It is like the buffer in my head is time constrained not character constrained. I think the Farnsworth method has worked for me in that I am able to recognize the characters at a faster speed, but I still need the longer inter-character spacing to form the word comprehension in my head. With that said, I can see how many who now have the rhythm down at higher speeds would hear that as a distraction based on a time constrained head buffer. I have found many who use the Farnsworth method on the air and I tend to work them more often than not. When I hear code where there is little inter-character spacing, it just sound like a long run on of code goop at this point. I'm hoping that will change as I become more proficient. I also realize that I should get on the air more often (at least once a day), but at this point it is just not doable with my current life schedule. When I only have a few minutes of down time, I do try to sit at the radio and just listen. This does keep my head into it and so far, I don't seem to lose any speed I've gained by not engaging in a QSO. Sometimes I've gone a month without a contact, but at least I've listened almost everyday. I am going to make a concentrated effort to get on the air more often this summer. So, with my limited experience and based on some of the comments I've read here, I think the method I'm using is slowly working. I can't wait until it all clicks and I hear regular word conversation that many of you have described. It was frustrating at first, but I can now see (I should say hear) that it can happen. Anyway, thanks Ron, for your words have acted as encouragement for me to continue down this path. It should also allow me to work others at any speed and help out someone in the future who is starting out like me. It is the least I could do after all of those who have done it for me. 73, Dave W8FGU Learning to translate dits and dahs into letters and other characters. Slow code encourages translation! ... Rich NU6T --- Is that a mistake for most Hams? It wasn't for me. I am aware of many ops who want to QRQ at 30 wpm, 40 wpm and up. I have no argument with them when they say that they must learn to hear words, not characters. That certainly sounds plausible, as does the idea of learning code as words from the very beginning. Such extreme QRQ is surely an interesting challenge for those who pursue it, but it's certainly not mainstream in Amateur CW operations from my experience on the bands. (Sometimes contest exchanges approach those speeds, but that's a different story. Every contact is very brief and predictable.) Learning to copy individual characters at very slow speed sure did not bother me. After over 50 years pounding brass my fastest comfortable copying speed is about 35 wpm. I can copy 40 but it wears me out pretty quickly. I don't try to send faster than 30 WPM but then I use a mechanical key, either a hand pump for QRS or a bug for QRQ. Across the range from less that 5 wpm up, I copy code in my head visualizing a string of letters scrolling by in my head as I hear it sent. It's kind of funny when I hear an odd fist on the air - someone who drags out their dashes way too long and then uses very short dits, or who varies their inter-character spaces a lot (like that link to maritime spark transmissions I sent earlier). At first such code is gibberish. I see nothing. Then, usually, after listening for a bit, suddenly my brain locks on and the letters start scrolling by in my head. Then it's fine copy. It's kinda of fun to sit back, let the code flow into my hearing and have that suddenly happen. I made transition to head copy slowly from copying letter-by-letter on paper, as we used to do to pass our FCC tests and when receiving messages. For me, the ability to send and receive very slow CW is an important skill; one I use far more than sending or receiving over 30 WPM. As more and more Hams
RE: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes
Ken wrote: I have no problem slowing down as much as necessary (below 10 wpm gets a little tedious though!) But I would sure appreciate being told to cool it rather than just having the rag chew cut short. - Oh, s--l--o--w CW sure gets tedious for me too, but it's normally only for a few minutes. I find that a five or ten minute exchange of basic contact info and a few words is about all most newbies working at such speeds want. That was certainly true of me when I was first on the air: after a few minutes I needed to QRT and relax so I could stop hyperventilating! 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] CW Mistakes
In a recent message, Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote ... Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks The biggest mistake, Frank, is not going on the air and having QSOs on the key. Once you have learnt the code alphabet go on the air and work someone (maybe a local friend) and practice in that way. Eventually, your speed build up and you will feel more and more confident. Without realising it, you will be having contacts at 20wpm. One of the misconceptions is that you have to get up to speed before daring to put your CW on the air. One reads so many times about people working on their Morse and continue working on SSB until they get up to speed. They will fail, and will be working on their Morse for many months (or even years) to come. Plug in your key, Frank, and have a QSO. 73 -- David G4DMP Leeds, England, UK -- ___ 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] CW Mistakes
Just one thing I can think of that hasn't already been mentioned:- ...Try to avoid the temptation of sending from a pre-written sheet of words; that way you send from your head just like speaking normally and inter-word spaces appear naturally. Sending from a sheet of words will probably cause you send everything in one long string with no gaps - and that, even after many years of cw still gives me loads of problems copying. Some have said listen to a few cw contacts on air to get the hang of things - I would say listen to loads, and loads and loads of contacts and you will learn lots. I still listen after 20+ years to improve my reading etc, you should never stop. .and no-one never makes mistakes.. 73 and have fun ofcourse, Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF Frank MacDonell wrote: Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/CW-Mistakes-tp16906746p16910551.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] CW Mistakes
In a message dated 4/25/08 8:08:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 2) Letting a self-important bad operator discourage you because he/she can't or won't QRS to your speed or tells you that you don't have the skills to get on CW, or to operate on a specific band. (I worked a guy who told me he never used 20 meter CW because he was told by some idiot that it was a expert operator's band and folks there didn't tolerate anything less!) It seems to me that a true expert is able to operate effectively at both low and high speeds, with both experienced and inexperienced operators at the other end. So if someone won't/can't QRS for a beginner, it says more about that person's skills than it does about the beginner. IMHO 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ 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] CW Mistakes
I'd like to add to the list of big mistakes: Learning to translate dits and dahs into letters and other characters. Slow code encourages translation! Learning code from a book or other visual source. (Not including learning about code from a book such as Pierpont: The Art Skill of Radio Telegraphy). Starting after age 50. Grin. Rich NU6T ___ 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] CW Mistakes
Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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] CW Mistakes
At 04:26 PM 25/04/08, you wrote: Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks Hi Frank, No such things as CW errorsthe biggest error is not getting on. I've been at it for 50 years and still have problems. Some day maybe I'll be error free, but I doubt it. Dive in! John k7up ___ 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] CW Mistakes
Hi Frank I agree with John, there is no bigger mistake than shying away because of fear or worries. I think there is a cycle to this as in life, you start out a bit rough, get refined then senility hits and then who cares! Really, there are more great operators that will be more than willing to work with you and before you know it you will be one of the guy's that help others. Get your feet wet and you will soon discover how fun cw is. Werner N8BB 41 years of cw only -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 6:33 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes At 04:26 PM 25/04/08, you wrote: Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks Hi Frank, No such things as CW errorsthe biggest error is not getting on. I've been at it for 50 years and still have problems. Some day maybe I'll be error free, but I doubt it. Dive in! John k7up ___ 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. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.4/1397 - Release Date: 4/25/2008 7:42 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] CW Mistakes
Failure to zero-beat when answering a call. This is one that many veteran's also fail on. Once you get the hang of it, you can easily and quickly get within 10 cycles of the other station. Eric N3EF --- On Fri, 4/25/08, Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Friday, April 25, 2008, 6:26 PM Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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 Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ 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] CW Mistakes
Don't worry about making mistakes, Frank, whether they be procedural or Morse. We've ALL been through those first few QSOs and made plenty of errors. Probably the most common beginner's mistake is to repeat unnecessarily. If someone tells you you're 579, you have a good signal and he's copying you perfectly. No need to send F-r-a-n-k more than once! Most of all, have fun and try to emulate those guys who sound good to you. 73, Norm, W1MO ___ 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] CW Mistakes
Frank Is you question related to errors am Elecraft rig in CW mode or CW in general? It seems like a rather vague question. Of course this is generating a lot of answers. Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 6:26 PM Subject: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.4/1397 - Release Date: 4/25/2008 7:42 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] CW Mistakes
Frank, One of the biggest mistakes I've seen over the years is new operators trying to send too fast, in other words much faster than you can comfortably copy. Most cw operators will try to answer a CQ at (or close to) the speed at which it is sent. If you try to send too fast the other op will most likely answer at that speed which, if it is faster than you can comfortably copy will make for an uneasy qso on your part and tend to make you want to cut it a short, thereby depriving yourself and the other op an opportunity to have a nice ragchew.. Just my 2 cents.. 73 and welcome to CW, I hope you find it enjoyable and make it a favorite mode of operation Tim NZ8J -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Frank MacDonell Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 6:27 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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
[Elecraft] CW mistakes
Well, the biggest mistake I made as a beginner was not knowing all of the usual cw abbreviations. I thought my copying ability was lousy...it wasn't, I just didn't recognize those cw shortcuts. The one that threw me most often was ES (back in Feb 1966) until my elmer stopped by to watch me copy. I apologized for doing a lousy job and he laughed and explained it all to me. I was good at cw, but lousy at comprehending what I was writing down. The other big mistake back then was starting to send before completely throwing the knife switch...but that's doesn't apply any more. LOL de Doug KR2Q And de mean from :-) ___ 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] CW Mistakes
That's not always possible, which is why I consider it the mark of a good operator to tune around the frequency after calling CQ. The numbers are not great compared to the other rigs, but there are a significant number of crystal controlled rigs out there: solid state and tube type. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Failure to zero-beat when answering a call. This is one that many veteran's also fail on. Once you get the hang of it, you can easily and quickly get within 10 cycles of the other station. Eric N3EF --- On Fri, 4/25/08, Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Friday, April 25, 2008, 6:26 PM Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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] CW Mistakes
Yep, there are no mistakes bigger than: 1) Being afraid to get on. 2) Letting a self-important bad operator discourage you because he/she can't or won't QRS to your speed or tells you that you don't have the skills to get on CW, or to operate on a specific band. (I worked a guy who told me he never used 20 meter CW because he was told by some idiot that it was a expert operator's band and folks there didn't tolerate anything less!) The rule is that the Amateur Bands were created for newbies. That's one reason why we call it Amateur: You don't have to pass a professional competency test to get on the air. Let's turn it around and point out good operating practices. These apply to newbies and OTs alike. (One of the advantages of having been pounding brass for well over half a century is that I have personal experience with both.) 2. Send at the speed at which you can copy well. 3. Within your range, always match the other station's speed. 4. Listen and listen. After CQ, listen all AROUND your frequency, especially if you're near one of the QRP watering holes (e.g. 7030, 7040, 14060, etc.). There are a significant number of crystal controlled rigs out there who can't zero beat you. Also some simple rigs don't compensate for their receive BFO offset, so they're several hundred Hz off their transmitting frequency. And there are those still trying to figure out the controls on their rig ;-) 5. If you missed something, don't be afraid to ask for a repeat. 6. Give HONEST signal reports. If the other guy doesn't like it, he's not worth your time anyway. I get my OT ire up when some guy says my sig is 589 but too weak to copy well! (That's often excused by saying he has a huge QRN level. That's fine, but then the R - readability - is NOT 5. The correct report might be 389 hvy QRN OM. 7. Remember that the T in RST refers to modulation on the station's carrier, not to chirp, clicks or any other aberrations. If present, they deserve separate comment. A station with chirp might have a signal report of 569C meaning a clean tone but chirp. If anything else is amiss please tell the guy in plain text (that's true for phone too). Did you notice that I skipped number 1? That's because it's too important to put anywhere but last: 1. Have fun! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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] CW Mistakes
In a message dated 4/25/08 6:27:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. WELCOME! In no particular order: 1) Not getting on the air. While it is a good idea to do some practice off-air and get some basic skills down, you don't need to be an expert to make lots of CW contacts and have lots of fun. 2) Sending too fast for the situation. 3) Expecting too much too soon. 4) Trying to use a rig that's not very good for CW (doesn't apply to Elecraft rigs!) 5) Not being familiar with abbreviations and procedures. Make a list of the common ones and have it handy. Listen to a few QSOs and get the general idea of how it's done. 6) Not asking questions or requesting help. (you've avoided this one!) 73 es GL de Jim, N2EY ** Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ 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] CW Mistakes
I think Ron has hit quite a few key things below. One of the things I find VERY lacking is, no one has taught some of the newbies to CW the proper protocol of procedures that used to be taught. Exchanges omit a lot of stuff no doubt copying procedures common in contests. A few examples are people calling CQ 5-10 times and DE their callsign once or twice, then repeat this procedure again 1-2 times! Another common thing is after I call a CQ thusly: CQ CQ CQ DE W5TVW W5TVW W5TVW K. I hear someone usually a little off frequency, delayed a bit and among other stations 1-2 khz. away just send: W1ABC. This can be VERY annoying. Is this station calling me? Why didn't he AT LEAST send: W5TVW DE W1ABC K? Stations sending a 3 X 3 CQ call ending in KN! Is this because ARRL saw fit to stop putting this information in the Handbook and make more money selling you another operating manual? They used to publish a concise small booklet with proper CW procedures, the Q code, abbreviations and other niceties for 10-25 cents. Most of the time they would send one to you free if you requested it. It was sort of a Manners etiquette book for the radio amateur. Some of the new band expanded Technician guys are trying their hand at really doing some CW operation. There isn't a plethora of old timers around these days who teach them what's polite and what's impolite. I agree wholeheartedly about people trying to send too fast, skimping on inter word spacing, garbled or badly timed sending and mistakes galore. If you slow these guys down a bit, most of them send very copyable CW without all the mistakes. There are a lot of newer hams out there really trying and I think they should be encouraged to preserve our now ancient art of Morse telegraphywhich is, by the waystill very useful in spite of it's antiquity! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Frank MacDonell' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 7:02 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes Yep, there are no mistakes bigger than: 1) Being afraid to get on. 2) Letting a self-important bad operator discourage you because he/she can't or won't QRS to your speed or tells you that you don't have the skills to get on CW, or to operate on a specific band. (I worked a guy who told me he never used 20 meter CW because he was told by some idiot that it was a expert operator's band and folks there didn't tolerate anything less!) The rule is that the Amateur Bands were created for newbies. That's one reason why we call it Amateur: You don't have to pass a professional competency test to get on the air. Let's turn it around and point out good operating practices. These apply to newbies and OTs alike. (One of the advantages of having been pounding brass for well over half a century is that I have personal experience with both.) 2. Send at the speed at which you can copy well. 3. Within your range, always match the other station's speed. 4. Listen and listen. After CQ, listen all AROUND your frequency, especially if you're near one of the QRP watering holes (e.g. 7030, 7040, 14060, etc.). There are a significant number of crystal controlled rigs out there who can't zero beat you. Also some simple rigs don't compensate for their receive BFO offset, so they're several hundred Hz off their transmitting frequency. And there are those still trying to figure out the controls on their rig ;-) 5. If you missed something, don't be afraid to ask for a repeat. 6. Give HONEST signal reports. If the other guy doesn't like it, he's not worth your time anyway. I get my OT ire up when some guy says my sig is 589 but too weak to copy well! (That's often excused by saying he has a huge QRN level. That's fine, but then the R - readability - is NOT 5. The correct report might be 389 hvy QRN OM. 7. Remember that the T in RST refers to modulation on the station's carrier, not to chirp, clicks or any other aberrations. If present, they deserve separate comment. A station with chirp might have a signal report of 569C meaning a clean tone but chirp. If anything else is amiss please tell the guy in plain text (that's true for phone too). Did you notice that I skipped number 1? That's because it's too important to put anywhere but last: 1. Have fun! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ 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. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.4/1397 - Release Date: 4
Re: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes
Practice a bit with a partner, or a recording device. It is very important to get the spacing between elements, letters, and words correct. A bad fist will not attract as many QSOs as a good one. Sloppy sending, or a fist with too much swing is a genuine pain to copy. A good fist is a thing of beauty that everyone will appreciate. Carl WA7CS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/CW-Mistakes-tp16906746p16908917.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
