In a first for the Fo Time Podcast, we have a guest in the studio. My friend and neighbor, Justin Hornby (KI4WJF), joins us to talk about learning Morse Code and getting it on the air.
Justin has been licensed for a while and had a love-hate relationship with CW until he finally decided to take it seriously. He shares with us his tips for learning the code and how he uses it to enhance his enjoyment of the hobby.
Tune in to this episode to learn from Justin’s experience and get motivated to take on the challenge of learning Morse Code.
From Justin:
free browser based teaching tool; uses Koch method and has plain text training; I use this now to practice on lunch at work or whenever I want to practice without a radio.
free week long trial but normally $9.99 a month; this is what I used to really get through learning the characters and practicing; I highly recommend.
what sets SKCC apart is it’s membership is free. Members are friendly and they have monthly scheduled activities that give a reason to get on and practice. Have morse elmer program for practice buddies and the sked page helps find contacts.
North America QRP CW Club; I also have joined the NAQCC and play in their contests and activities as well. Another friendly free club/group that has a lot of participation. Contests are laid back and fun; a great way to practice and improve your speed once on the air.
My kit radio: http://www.qrpkits.com/pfr3.html
Check Ebay or junk boxes at hamfests for straight keys–try to get one that is fully adjustable–bearings,spring force,gap; it makes all the difference in the ‘feel’ of the key; I use this one:
The capacitive touch paddles I have I use sometimes is model P6:
A practice sidetone oscillator helps to get timing and feel for sending-just practice imitating sending good code you have listened to.; many radios can be setup to create the sidetone w/o transmitting for practicing; the IC-718 can do this
The ARRL W1AW practice transmissions are a good way to get used to listening to morse over the radio and practice decoding before jumping in making QSOs. There’s a big change between listening to practice code on the computer and dealing with QRM and QSB!! Also, all the files, text and mp3 are available on the website so you can listen, decode, and check your work w/o having to stick to the broadcast schedule or have a radio handy.
73, K4CDN
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Great show, Cale! Happy birthday and Merry Christmas in advance! Mine is two weeks after Christmas…Elvis’ birthday!
I hope Star Wars rocks for ya! I’m hoping I can see it while I’m off between Christmas and January 4th.
Thanks Richard! (yes, TFA was Great!)
Great show and great timing! I have been thinking about starting to learn cw at the first of the year so really enjoyed this program. Keep up the great podcast and Merry Christmas!
Did Justin have other apps to add for traning?
Anyone else have suggestions
I like the Morse Toad…here is a Tweet I received: “… @FoTimePodcast #morsetoad app is very cool. My 7 year daughter has learned more than me… thanks for sharing!…”
Cale
I was listening, Cale! I enjoyed the show and am glad to hear that the CW force has awakened in Justin. 🙂 Now, we gotta get you going.
I just wanted to comment that I really believe that the way to learn to send is with a paddle and keyer–and this is coming from a guy who struggled with a straight key for many years. You’ll send better code right off the bat, and it’s a whole lot easier on your arm and wrist. I think that makes operating CW more fun, and as you know, having fun with Morse Code is what I’m all about.
Dan, Great to Hear From You! Thanks for listening and dropping by!
cale