Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
I recently had a QSO with a guy who kept sending his call with a 4S9 prefix. I didn't get it right until he told me his QTH, in Switzerland (complete call and QTH left out to protect the guilty). Oh well, time to get out my bug and call NN GT. Vic 4X6GP/K2VCO On Dec 2, 2014, at 7:28 AM, WILLIS COOKE via Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net wrote: I encountered an operator named DEAN who sent it as de an and I kept copying it as from An. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: d...@lightstream.net d...@lightstream.net To: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 1, 2014 3:29 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest Sorry - I wasn't clear. Of course it makes no sense to send DE prior to calling anyone if the only thing you're sending is your own call. I was referring mostly to folks who are calling CQ, especially those with a bad fist, and under poor conditions. I've heard stations with an unusual callsign who call CQ, send their call maybe three times with NO spacing between iterations. If you miss the start of the call, it takes a lot of work to sort out the longstringofpossibilitiesfromthemess. By simply sending CQ CQ CQ DE ... the DE acts as a heads-up that here is the start of my call, which gives one a fighting chance. Under good conditions, it's not a problem. I'm not a contester - ever - though I like chasing DX and actually enjoy trying to work out a strategy for pileups. And no, I never send DE under those conditions -- or even my callsign again -- unless I know the DX station has it wrong. 73, Dale WA8SRA On Mon,12/1/2014 5:52 AM, d...@lightstream.net wrote: But PLEASE DO develop the habit of using the characters DE to preface the sending of your callsign, whether calling CQ or in exchange with another station. NO, NO, NO! (CAPS added for emphasis). When a contester (or DXpedition) is running (calling CQ), we EXPECT to hear YOUR callsign, and we start typing that call in the entry window. Lots of calls begin with D, so when someone sends DE, we must backspace. DON'T send his call first -- he knows his call -- only send yours. Same problem with typing. Further, sending the old CW elements like DE, K, KN, and QSL during a contest are time-wasters equivalent to please copy on SSB. Most good contesters use TU or R and end a QSO by sending TU followed by their callsign. Another rule -- NEVER resend anything that the other station has copied correctly. If the other station sent your call correctly when he responded to you, don't send it again. Send it again ONLY if you think he got it wrong. Count me among those who HATE cut numbers other than for 5NN. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to wrco...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k2vco@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
HiHi...that's a good one. No mention in this thread about using a single lever paddle as a sideswiper. It may sound strange, but it's now my favorite form of sending CW. Like using a straight key on steroids. On the other hand, using a straight key still gives me warm fuzzies. Best 72/73 Steve - Steve Roberts-W1SFR Sudbury, VT http://www.kx3helper.com Stuff for portable ops and Keys too. Fists, CW OPS, QRP ARCI, SKCC, NEQRP, NAQCC, FP, ARRL, Green Mountain Wireless Society (802)779-7489 (cell) On Dec 2, 2014, at 4:55 AM, Vic Rosenthal wrote: I recently had a QSO with a guy who kept sending his call with a 4S9 prefix. I didn't get it right until he told me his QTH, in Switzerland (complete call and QTH left out to protect the guilty). Oh well, time to get out my bug and call NN GT. Vic 4X6GP/K2VCO __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
I'll second that. Propoer spacing is completely independent from the key used, it's a matter of OP skills! I had at least 2 guys calling me last weekend in CQ WW using a hand-key that I simply had to send elsewhere as their CW was not understandable at all, completely weired spacing! A friend of mine is just learning CW and started right away with a paddle. He feels much more comfortable with it after trying both, hand-key and paddle. Sure just a matter of personal preference. @Tom: Try both, hand-key and paddle and then decide for *youself* which one you like most. Or simply use both. ;-) 73, Olli - DH8BQA Contest, DX radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de Am 01.12.2014 08:08, schrieb Vic Rosenthal: I don't agree. How does a straight key help you achieve proper spacing? Some of the worst sending I've ever heard comes from straight keys. Just get a paddle and let the keyer do its job. Your job will be to pay attention to the letter and word spacing. Also, as others have said, don't get an expensive paddle until you have enough experience to know what you want. The old Bencher BY1 is cheap and good. Vic, 4X6GP/K2VCO On Dec 1, 2014, at 5:51 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-11-30 10:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@subich.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k2vco@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to dro...@necg.de
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Hi Tom, Also one thing I noticed with the decode. 9 out of 10 times the station returned my call, the first letter was decoded incorrectly, and no, I did send a V. 73's Tom certainly due to clipping the first letter on their side, i.e. not fast enough relays in PA stages, etc. It's a quite common problem ... :-( 73, Olli - DH8BQA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
I agree totally, skip the manual key, it's 2014, and you own a really hot radio, skip the 1890 technology, and get a paddle... Best is a Vibroplex... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 19:48 -0800, Fred Jensen wrote: Tom ... get a paddle and plug it into your K3! Many will tell you you need to start with a straight key, and only when you're competent can you actually try out a paddle. You will find they are universally old, as am I, but get a paddle, plug it in and send! I use the Bencher HexKey from Elecraft at home, my field radio uses a little paddle from American Morse Equipment ... other than the checks I've written, I have no financial interest, etc, etc. I have a couple of standard Benchers too, one I use left handed on the Winkey. I've used several of the high end paddles [not mine] and they are very smooth and easy. That's probably not your goal right now, give it time and practice and maybe it will be. Welcome to the world of Morse!! 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org On 11/30/2014 7:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Found in this thread: I can't use a straight key any more for more than 20 minutes without a lot of pain. Yes, get a straight key, there is a great reason for one Start out with a Paddle... I wish I had... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 20:36 -0800, Eric Norris wrote: GRANT YOUNGMAN n...@tx.rr.com wrote: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Tom, Congratulations on your discovery of CW, and on your desire to learn it and use it. I've been using CW for about 48 years now for about 90% my operating. Tons of fun! But PLEASE DO develop the habit of using the characters DE to preface the sending of your callsign, whether calling CQ or in exchange with another station. When conditions are poor, or your signal is weak, it has much value as a delimiter or announcement that you are about to send your call. This used to be standard practice for years, but unfortunately appears to have become optional. I have no idea why; it's so short, and easy to send... 73, and have fun! DE WA8SRA (Dale) Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@lightstream.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
On Mon,12/1/2014 5:52 AM, d...@lightstream.net wrote: But PLEASE DO develop the habit of using the characters DE to preface the sending of your callsign, whether calling CQ or in exchange with another station. NO, NO, NO! (CAPS added for emphasis). When a contester (or DXpedition) is running (calling CQ), we EXPECT to hear YOUR callsign, and we start typing that call in the entry window. Lots of calls begin with D, so when someone sends DE, we must backspace. DON'T send his call first -- he knows his call -- only send yours. Same problem with typing. Further, sending the old CW elements like DE, K, KN, and QSL during a contest are time-wasters equivalent to please copy on SSB. Most good contesters use TU or R and end a QSO by sending TU followed by their callsign. Another rule -- NEVER resend anything that the other station has copied correctly. If the other station sent your call correctly when he responded to you, don't send it again. Send it again ONLY if you think he got it wrong. Count me among those who HATE cut numbers other than for 5NN. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Sorry - I wasn't clear. Of course it makes no sense to send DE prior to calling anyone if the only thing you're sending is your own call. I was referring mostly to folks who are calling CQ, especially those with a bad fist, and under poor conditions. I've heard stations with an unusual callsign who call CQ, send their call maybe three times with NO spacing between iterations. If you miss the start of the call, it takes a lot of work to sort out the longstringofpossibilitiesfromthemess. By simply sending CQ CQ CQ DE ... the DE acts as a heads-up that here is the start of my call, which gives one a fighting chance. Under good conditions, it's not a problem. I'm not a contester - ever - though I like chasing DX and actually enjoy trying to work out a strategy for pileups. And no, I never send DE under those conditions -- or even my callsign again -- unless I know the DX station has it wrong. 73, Dale WA8SRA On Mon,12/1/2014 5:52 AM, d...@lightstream.net wrote: But PLEASE DO develop the habit of using the characters DE to preface the sending of your callsign, whether calling CQ or in exchange with another station. NO, NO, NO! (CAPS added for emphasis). When a contester (or DXpedition) is running (calling CQ), we EXPECT to hear YOUR callsign, and we start typing that call in the entry window. Lots of calls begin with D, so when someone sends DE, we must backspace. DON'T send his call first -- he knows his call -- only send yours. Same problem with typing. Further, sending the old CW elements like DE, K, KN, and QSL during a contest are time-wasters equivalent to please copy on SSB. Most good contesters use TU or R and end a QSO by sending TU followed by their callsign. Another rule -- NEVER resend anything that the other station has copied correctly. If the other station sent your call correctly when he responded to you, don't send it again. Send it again ONLY if you think he got it wrong. Count me among those who HATE cut numbers other than for 5NN. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
I encountered an operator named DEAN who sent it as de an and I kept copying it as from An. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: d...@lightstream.net d...@lightstream.net To: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 1, 2014 3:29 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest Sorry - I wasn't clear. Of course it makes no sense to send DE prior to calling anyone if the only thing you're sending is your own call. I was referring mostly to folks who are calling CQ, especially those with a bad fist, and under poor conditions. I've heard stations with an unusual callsign who call CQ, send their call maybe three times with NO spacing between iterations. If you miss the start of the call, it takes a lot of work to sort out the longstringofpossibilitiesfromthemess. By simply sending CQ CQ CQ DE ... the DE acts as a heads-up that here is the start of my call, which gives one a fighting chance. Under good conditions, it's not a problem. I'm not a contester - ever - though I like chasing DX and actually enjoy trying to work out a strategy for pileups. And no, I never send DE under those conditions -- or even my callsign again -- unless I know the DX station has it wrong. 73, Dale WA8SRA On Mon,12/1/2014 5:52 AM, d...@lightstream.net wrote: But PLEASE DO develop the habit of using the characters DE to preface the sending of your callsign, whether calling CQ or in exchange with another station. NO, NO, NO! (CAPS added for emphasis). When a contester (or DXpedition) is running (calling CQ), we EXPECT to hear YOUR callsign, and we start typing that call in the entry window. Lots of calls begin with D, so when someone sends DE, we must backspace. DON'T send his call first -- he knows his call -- only send yours. Same problem with typing. Further, sending the old CW elements like DE, K, KN, and QSL during a contest are time-wasters equivalent to please copy on SSB. Most good contesters use TU or R and end a QSO by sending TU followed by their callsign. Another rule -- NEVER resend anything that the other station has copied correctly. If the other station sent your call correctly when he responded to you, don't send it again. Send it again ONLY if you think he got it wrong. Count me among those who HATE cut numbers other than for 5NN. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to wrco...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Tom, cwops.org and click on CW Academy. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org On 11/30/2014 3:32 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
You will find that your DX increases a lot if you use CW! :) -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
This also was my first contest with my new KX-3. I didn't use the decoder because I use mostly CW in my every day ops. The interface with my new logging program with its access to DX spots gave me the most DXCC contacts ever! I worked the world in couple of hour with only 5 watts. Sent from my iPod On Nov 30, 2014, at 16:32, Tom Blahovici tom...@videotron.ca wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to gordi...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
That sounds interesting. I tried calling CQ with the terminal but that was a disaster. Inevitably, the answering station was enough off frequency that the radio wouldn't decode. Also one thing I noticed with the decode. 9 out of 10 times the station returned my call, the first letter was decoded incorrectly, and no, I did send a V. 73's Tom On Nov 30, 2014 8:08 PM, lmarion lmar...@mt.net wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Even better than calling CQ, listen. Then, follow the advice of The Old Timer: When you hear 'em, call 'em! It's just that simple. Mastery of CW will pay rich dividends if you want to be a DXer. All the top ones have mastered it. 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen On Sun, Nov 30, 2014 at 7:08 PM, lmarion lmar...@mt.net wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jalleninv...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Tom, I've used the Elecraft CW decoder; it's OK, but not great. I now use CWSkimmer. It appears to be heads and shoulder above what Elecraft coded. Some my buddies use CWget. They seem to really like that program. However, there is technique that needs to be learned. As I stated, I use Skimmer. I set it up for the proper offset and CW tone I use, the same as that for my KX3. At this point the trick is to zero beat the station you want to work using the spot button on the KX3. This should align the other guy for proper decoding. You won't do runs this way, but you will work a lot of stations. It worked amazingly well this weekend on 40 where the QRM level was unreal. I use search and pounce for contesting and do pretty well. Try it, and good luck. 73, Barry K3NDM - Original Message - From: Tom Blahovici tom...@videotron.ca To: lmarion lmar...@mt.net Cc: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 8:13:19 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest That sounds interesting. I tried calling CQ with the terminal but that was a disaster. Inevitably, the answering station was enough off frequency that the radio wouldn't decode. Also one thing I noticed with the decode. 9 out of 10 times the station returned my call, the first letter was decoded incorrectly, and no, I did send a V. 73's Tom On Nov 30, 2014 8:08 PM, lmarion lmar...@mt.net wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k3...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Tom ... get a paddle and plug it into your K3! Many will tell you you need to start with a straight key, and only when you're competent can you actually try out a paddle. You will find they are universally old, as am I, but get a paddle, plug it in and send! I use the Bencher HexKey from Elecraft at home, my field radio uses a little paddle from American Morse Equipment ... other than the checks I've written, I have no financial interest, etc, etc. I have a couple of standard Benchers too, one I use left handed on the Winkey. I've used several of the high end paddles [not mine] and they are very smooth and easy. That's probably not your goal right now, give it time and practice and maybe it will be. Welcome to the world of Morse!! 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org On 11/30/2014 7:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-11-30 10:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@subich.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
I like the Vibroplex straight keY--it's smooth. For paddles, the Brass Racer paddle (also Vibroplex, both current production). If you get the Bug bug, buy an older Vibroplex bug with the I style damper, and a Vari-Eze (bar style) to slow it down. You can send perfect code from 11wpm up. The Champion and Lightning models had the oldI damper. You can then extend the Vari-eze straight out the rear of the bug. You can't do that with newer-style dampers. The Viz Vertical is also a great bug that can be slowed down--just ask Tom to make you a double-length weight, and extend it up beyond the damper peg. Some will tell you to buy these brass weights sold for another use, or just use solder. These have never worked for me. If you add too much weight, it screws up your timing--you need the longer arm. Just please do not become one of the many lids who send at 13wpm with their bugs making 30wpm dits. Ewww! And keep your contacts clean to avoid that awful scratchy sound I'm happy to work a QRS sked on the air with you on CW anytime. 73 Eric WD6DBM Tom Blahovici tom...@videotron.ca wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to norrislawfi...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Hi I knew I shouldn't of asked I now have suggestions of probably about 40 or so keys... I'll think I'll start pure.. Just a straight key. I had one, but the spring flew out and I never found it. So I guess the vibroflex? On Nov 30, 2014 10:52 PM, Eric Norris norrislawfi...@gmail.com wrote: I like the Vibroplex straight keY--it's smooth. For paddles, the Brass Racer paddle (also Vibroplex, both current production). If you get the Bug bug, buy an older Vibroplex bug with the I style damper, and a Vari-Eze (bar style) to slow it down. You can send perfect code from 11wpm up. The Champion and Lightning models had the oldI damper. You can then extend the Vari-eze straight out the rear of the bug. You can't do that with newer-style dampers. The Viz Vertical is also a great bug that can be slowed down--just ask Tom to make you a double-length weight, and extend it up beyond the damper peg. Some will tell you to buy these brass weights sold for another use, or just use solder. These have never worked for me. If you add too much weight, it screws up your timing--you need the longer arm. Just please do not become one of the many lids who send at 13wpm with their bugs making 30wpm dits. Ewww! And keep your contacts clean to avoid that awful scratchy sound I'm happy to work a QRS sked on the air with you on CW anytime. 73 Eric WD6DBM Tom Blahovici tom...@videotron.ca wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to norrislawfi...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy. Grant NQ5T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
If I had to use a straight key, I would give up CW entirely. I went right to paddles and a keyer. I have about 20 various CW capable radios, every one of them has a built in keyer Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing? Leroy AB7CE -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of GRANT YOUNGMAN Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 9:11 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy. Grant NQ5T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
I agree, straight key first--unless you have tendon or other issues in your hand/wrist/arm--in which case go to paddles. I can't use a straight key any more for more than 20 minutes without a lot of pain. Have fun! Oh, one more thing--there are fewer lids, asholes, and many more superb ops and just plain interesting people on CW :-) 73 Eric WD6DBM GRANT YOUNGMAN n...@tx.rr.com wrote: A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy. Grant NQ5T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to norrislawfi...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing? Absolutely not! One need only listen to the number of *BAD* fists with paddles - maladjusted keyers, letters run together, short word spaces, missing dits, etc. are all quite common. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-11-30 11:25 PM, Leroy Marion wrote: If I had to use a straight key, I would give up CW entirely. I went right to paddles and a keyer. I have about 20 various CW capable radios, every one of them has a built in keyer Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing? Leroy AB7CE -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of GRANT YOUNGMAN Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 9:11 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy. Grant NQ5T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@subich.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
There is nothing inherent in a paddle that causes bad CW any more than a straight key causes bad CW. There is tons of horrible CW sent with straight keys. Just listen a bit. They are not hard to find. If you want to learn good timing with either a paddle or straight key then practice sending and let a computer decode what you send. It will spot most all errors regardless of the method of sending. Sloppy timing has nothing to do with the instrument used. It is 100% with the op and their failure to practice with whatever they are using. Poor timing is plentiful from both straight keys and paddles. 73 de dave ab9ca/4 On 11/30/14 11:09 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing? Absolutely not! One need only listen to the number of *BAD* fists with paddles - maladjusted keyers, letters run together, short word spaces, missing dits, etc. are all quite common. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-11-30 11:25 PM, Leroy Marion wrote: If I had to use a straight key, I would give up CW entirely. I went right to paddles and a keyer. I have about 20 various CW capable radios, every one of them has a built in keyer Does not a paddle and keyer give you perfect timing? Leroy AB7CE -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of GRANT YOUNGMAN Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 9:11 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. I have to agree. Straight key first, without question. VIbroplex, J-38, yada yada, just about anything that is a decent key. Many to choose from. Learn the code and most importantly GOOD timing. Get your speed up. Then worry about a bug or single/dual lever paddles and the different keyer modes, and don’t be in a hurry to move to something glitzy. Grant NQ5T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@subich.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ho13d...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
I don't agree. How does a straight key help you achieve proper spacing? Some of the worst sending I've ever heard comes from straight keys. Just get a paddle and let the keyer do its job. Your job will be to pay attention to the letter and word spacing. Also, as others have said, don't get an expensive paddle until you have enough experience to know what you want. The old Bencher BY1 is cheap and good. Vic, 4X6GP/K2VCO On Dec 1, 2014, at 5:51 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-11-30 10:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@subich.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k2vco@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest
Go with a paddle and electronic keyer, or use the inbuilt rig keyer, Iambic or not is up to you, also Mode A or B whichever feels comfortable. You can play with the straight if you wish key when you know how good CW sounds. Most important... LISTEN to what good CW sounds like, using programs such as Koch Trainer, Just Learn Morse Code and Morse Runner for contest practice. Lots of good CW on air but also lots of VERY poor CW, spacing is important. Good luck... 73, Denis F5VJC On 1 December 2014 at 08:08, Vic Rosenthal k2vco@gmail.com wrote: I don't agree. How does a straight key help you achieve proper spacing? Some of the worst sending I've ever heard comes from straight keys. Just get a paddle and let the keyer do its job. Your job will be to pay attention to the letter and word spacing. Also, as others have said, don't get an expensive paddle until you have enough experience to know what you want. The old Bencher BY1 is cheap and good. Vic, 4X6GP/K2VCO On Dec 1, 2014, at 5:51 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: A straight key ... any quality straight key. Don't move to paddles or a bug until you learn proper timing/spacing. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-11-30 10:27 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: Ok So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key to start with? With the k3 of course. On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language. Even if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH, name, WX, RST. And when it's a DX station running... well, all you get is your call and report (5nn). Many DX operators know enough English to do the same in voice, but not all. CW fills in that gap. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote: If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible: 1. Learn enough CW to do basic exchanges. Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing it. 2. Get on 30 meters. Other countries have not abandoned CW like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station. You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide. No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups. Leroy AB7CE On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote: Hi Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'. Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast. 73's Tom va2fsq.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@subich.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k2vco@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to foxfive@gmail.com
