Posted: 11/20/2009 4:40:26 AM EDT
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I just upgraded to General class a couple weeks ago and I am interested in learning CW.
Can anyone refer me to any good places to learn / practice? Thanks! |
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I tried many different software packages and computer programs. Had a really hard time.
I loaded Ham Radio Deluxe (with DM780)on my computer to run digital modes. It also has a build in CW decoder/sender. If the bands are slow, I'll tune up to a good CW signal, and let the computer decode. I've noticed over time, I'm starting to know what is being sent without looking at the screen. Tapes are good, but are repetitive. |
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I have installed G4FON Koch Trainer. It's a great program and it's free. I'm also studying Morse code as well. Even though it's no longer required for your license, I still want to learn. |
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One thing you may find is that you get stuck at 8 wpm. (The old requirements were 13 wpm for General and 20 wpm for Extra.)
The tip I got for copying Morse is this: Hold your pen for the space of one letter. While listening to A, hold your pen; while listening to B, write A; while listening to C, write B, and so on. This DOUBLES your recognition time! |
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LMK if you're on the air for HF –– I'm happy to meet you on a quiet spot on 40m and do some nice, slow practice with you. Once you memorize all the letters, the fastest way to get your speed up is to have actual QSO's. We can even cheat and have an IM type chat window open at the same time in case we need to talk on the side. LMK if you're interested. I usually have a good signal into OH from SC. |
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I thought you needed to know morse code to get General?
I'm currently working on my Tech license w/code, studied before but then never took the test so I'm getting ready to take it now. I used Ham University (http://www.hamuniversity.com). Is is *very* good for learning code, if you spend an hour or so a day you should be able to know all the letters and symbols in a few weeks. |
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Quoted:
I have installed G4FON Koch Trainer. It's a great program and it's free. I'm also studying Morse code as well. Even though it's no longer required for your license, I still want to learn. I'm using the Koch trainer as well. Like Chino, I still want to learn even though it's no longer required. Becoming fluent in Morse seems like a great tool to have in the toolbox 
I thought you needed to know Morse code to get General?
Not anymore. I got my General ticket earlier this year without having to know any CW. You don't need it for Extra either. 73 de CJan |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I have installed G4FON Koch Trainer. It's a great program and it's free. I'm also studying Morse code as well. Even though it's no longer required for your license, I still want to learn. I'm using the Koch trainer as well. Like Chino, I still want to learn even though it's no longer required. Becoming fluent in Morse seems like a great tool to have in the toolbox
I thought you needed to know Morse code to get General?
Not anymore. I got my General ticket earlier this year without having to know any CW. You don't need it for Extra either. 73 de CJan Are you effing serious? When did that happen?  I thought it was just for Tech. For General or Extra do you get access to more bands by passing the code test? Do I understand right that you get more HF bands if you pass the code test when you get Technician?
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Quoted:
Are you effing serious? When did that happen? I thought it was just for Tech. For General or Extra do you get access to more bands by passing the code test? Do I understand right that you get more HF bands if you pass the code test when you get Technician?
Completely serious
I don't know when it happened, as the rules were changed before I became interested in amateur radio. That said, my General ticket (with no code test) is no different privilege-wise than a General licensee who passed the test back when CW was a requirement. I passed both my Tech and General on the same day, but if I had stopped at Tech it would have been the same story as above with General. |
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Tune in the W1AW morse code practice broadcasts. Google it, you'll find the schedules very easily. I'm also trying (again) to learn Morse. I'm serious enough about it that today I bought a new Bencher Iambic paddle as a serious motivator to get busy on CW. My code practice oscillator is my Yaesu FT-1000MP turned to minimum power and connected to a dummy load.  It seems that I can recognize almost half the Morse alphabet (letters, anyway) right now. But that's not enough for good copy, though I know all the letters required for all the good curse words. It'd be fun to set up a morse practice session between a few arfcommers, trading text messages via chatroom and sending code to each other to test each other's morse copying ability. We could teach each other. CJ |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Are you effing serious? When did that happen? I thought it was just for Tech. For General or Extra do you get access to more bands by passing the code test? Do I understand right that you get more HF bands if you pass the code test when you get Technician?
Completely serious
I don't know when it happened, as the rules were changed before I became interested in amateur radio. That said, my General ticket (with no code test) is no different privilege-wise than a General licensee who passed the test back when CW was a requirement. I passed both my Tech and General on the same day, but if I had stopped at Tech it would have been the same story as above with General. OK, I looked it up - I guess I was confused. Around '99/2000 they removed the code requirement from Tech, if you passed the code you got more bands available (I think 10, 40, and 80 meters?). In 2007 they removed the code requirement from all classes and everyone gets access to the HF bands. So I guess there is no need for me to learn code for test eh? Do they even test code anymore even if you request it? |
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It'd be fun to set up a morse practice session between a few arfcommers, trading text messages via chatroom and sending code to each other to test each other's morse copying ability. We could teach each other. CJ Quoted:
If anyone's interested in setting up a CW training session, I'd be game. I've got HRD w/DM780. I could even throw in text from an AR manual or something, and let it send away. lol.. Count me in on a CW training session. I'd like to learn also! |
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The Army taught me on a manual typewriter since it had to be readable and not scribble, especially
if it was in a foreign language or encrypted... or both. We then went to electrics after we got fast enough. Graduation was 18cpm/npm as I recall. this was in the 70s. More speed came later. Some of the guys I worked with were phenoms. Crazy bunch of Hog(g)s. With laptops being so available, you might try learning the code both ways... eventually. Regards, Sam |
| I like Ham University http://www.hamuniversity.com/. Very good code tutor and it has all the practice exams. |
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Quoted:
I have installed G4FON Koch Trainer. It's a great program and it's free. I'm also studying Morse code as well. Even though it's no longer required for your license, I still want to learn. This is what I used as well. About 2 weeks of practice an hour a day (sometimes more, sometimes less) and I took the 5 WPM General test and passed just fine. |