Thoughts on Learning CW (Morse Code)

Somewhat Rambling Thoughts on Learning CW

A look into my journey of learning CW. Hopefully you will find some tips and encouragement with this video

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Ham radio
• cw
• morse code
• homebrew
• QRP
• antenna
• w5cyf
• SWL
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• homebuilt
• 5 watts
• MFJ-9420
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• TenTec
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• Pico Keyer
• Picokeyer
• Arizona ScQRPion
• 386 amp
• SW-40
• small wonder

[boloc442]

Thanks John for a very interesting and entertaing video ! I too have had a difficult time and started my determined effort some 3 years ago and now I am comfortable at 25 wpm and on a good day 30 . Stick with it . and by the way I did everything you tried and added self hypnosis to help me and It helped me make the transition from 20 to 30 wpm . all the best and thanks again . John kb2huk

[johnrob281]

John,

Tnx for the comments and for following along. I'm still doing CW and it has become my favorite mode by far. Not at 25 wpm just yet but having lots of fun! Hope to meet you on the air soon.

73/John

[a120068020]

Thanks John for this great pick me up whilst trying to learn the code. I find CW such an elegant way of communicating - I have no hesitation in following your advice and packing my microphone up for a while. Being able to rack up a page full of QSOs on SSB when I am supposed to be learning Morse is all too tempting with the microphone is hooked up. Great video as always. 73 Mike M0SAZ

[johnrob281]

Mike,

Tnx for the comments and for following along. Packing up the mic was the best thing I did. In fact I keep it always put away and very seldom use it today. Love this CW thing! Hope to meet you on the air soon. 73/John

[kwonstudent]

Congratulations John. Learning CW is a challenge, and nothing worth anything comes easily. You have work at it. I love CW and have enjoyed this mode for 25 years. My first CW contact was probably the scariest thing I have ever done. If you haven't already please join the Straight Key Century Club (it's free) and FISTS. You will find a great group of people who encourage everyone and speed doesn't matter. I look forward to hearing you on the air and having a CW QSO. C U L es 73

[johnrob281]

Les,

Tnx for your very kind comments. The effort it took to learn CW was well worth it. CW is now about the only mode I use and enjoy it a lot. I do belong to both FIST and SKCC and enjoy taking part in a sprint from time to time. Perhaps we will meet on the air someday.

73/John

[Motoguzzi750]

Great video and thoughts John, I have 12 QSOs on CW at the moment and just like you were, I can handle a rubberstamp QSO fine but anything more free form completely throws me off! I have thought about just trying to copy what I hear for a while now and think I'll start on that next week. I used the Morse Machine to learn the 26 letters and 10 numbers, it worked for me but then on the air is 10x harder!! It would help if I had a CW filter for my IC718, but cant afford that yet. Scott 2E0OZI

[johnrob281]

Thanks so much for following along and for your kind comments. Sandy has been a real encouragement to me. In many ways he kept me going through some times I wasn't sure if I would ever learn CW!

Hpe to cu on the air.

73/John

[sparkes64]

Great to hear the experience of learning Morse from others. I'm a Morse only op' so interested in all things Morse. I found this video very interesting from start to finish. Good to hear mention of Sandy over here in the UK too, he's a great CW man and also has some really good video's on Youtube. Credit to you for your efforts in CW. Keep it up and hope to work you some day. G0SDT.

[johnrob281]

Jason,

Thanks for following along and for your kind comments. Great to hear you are learning CW, it is by far my favorite mode.

I look forward to meeting you on the air soon, you should have lots of folks wanting HI when you get your rig on the air.

73

John/W5CYF