How to get a thrill out of CW

[K5USS]

While reading another’s post about how to increase your code sending speed I saw someone reference finding a clear frequency and having some on air practice with a friend.

A friend of mine (he is a General class licensee) and I were doing just that a few weeks ago and had a bit of a shock! #We had talked about on air code practice while we were operating phone on 6m SSB (50.135) and decided to hook up the keys and give it a try. #We decided that since we were both going to have a rather sloppy fist at first we would ID by voice every 8 minutes or so just in case our code was not as intelligible as we think it is. #We moved up the band a bit to get away from the 6m calling frequency just in case 6 decided to open up.

He and I have sat across the table from each other on numerous occasions with the oscillator with one sending and the other copying and had done pretty well in the past. #Now, one thing I need to explain I can send about 10-15 wpm with no problem, but I cannot hear the code at ANY speed unless I vary the tone a bit with the VFO.

We both set up, made sure the frequency was clear, identified by voice and began our practice. #About 2 minutes into the practice session I had the shock of my life. #Someone else came onto the frequency and began calling me! #I was VERY comfortable doing this with my friend but the butterflies came in great numbers when I realized a station that I did not know was calling for me!

I hesitantly replied and asked for slow code. #The station on the other end dropped his speed to around 7 wpm and we had what was my first CW QSO that was not a sked. #At the end of the QSO we decided to try to work phone as well on the same frequency (50.145) and neither of us could hear the other.

The friend that I was practicing with heard the whole thing and both of us have become very excited about it. #This rates right up there with some of the other firsts I have had with amateur radio. #

On air practice is something that I do regularly now and will continue to do so until I pass next month.

Don't twist this around guys, I placed this on here to demonstrate that it can be a fun and exciting way to operate, not for debate.

Charlie
K5USS EM12px

[n0ov]

Now this is what amateur radio is all about.

Not about code, phone, APRS, SSB, ATC, etc. It's about taking the challenge, trying something new and making contacts in a way you've never done before.

Good post!

[N7AAO]

LNU, it's also about talking to people in countries you've never contacted before... or making new friends on the air that turn into old friends.

Who cares what mode you use... amateur radio is about people!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unclesam.gif

[n0ov]

Absolutely!!!!!

[WA5KRP]

NICE YOB! I see an upgrade in your future.



73


WA5KRP
Texas

[AG3Y]

And when the thrill of using one mode wears off, try a new mode! I'm seriously considering meteor scatter on the VHF bands , something I've never done in over 25 years of ham activity. In fact, I have only done a very short session of 2 meter SSB and got a big kick out of it. I can see a VHF/UHF multi-mode transceiver in my future!

Great post! Keep learning and growing!

73 from Jim AG3Y

[N8CPA]

Several years ago, I had something like that during an ARES event. #

We were using portable repeater system to cover a road rally. #All stages were in use at the same time, but one of the receive sites would be moved during peak use of the most remote stages (about 65 miles out from start). #

When the fellow physically reponsible for the move, got the transceiver set up, he tested the xcvr by sending "Can anybody read this? #Request net permission to call direct [call sign]," at about 23WPM. #No one else responded, so I got permission and told him I, of all people, could read what he sent.
#
It was an epiphany for #me! #I had never realized I could head copy that fast. It was a real confidence booster. I'm well past that now. #But I remember that as the day, in the middle of a VHF ARES event, I realized I was becoming a real brasspounder.:)

[W3MIV]

How this for a thrill? Hearing a VEC say: "100% copy!"http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[nz3m]

Quote[/b] (AG3Y @ Aug. 19 2004,09:36)]And when the thrill of using one mode wears off, try a new mode! I'm seriously considering meteor scatter on the VHF bands , something I've never done in over 25 years of ham activity. In fact, I have only done a very short session of 2 meter SSB and got a big kick out of it. I can see a VHF/UHF multi-mode transceiver in my future!

73 from Jim AG3Y
Jim, there is also Tropo, Aurora, and Sporadic E on VHF weak signal. Once you get into it, you are hooked. The only thing is, the openings are not very frequent or predictable. I always monitor VHF while I'm in the shack. You don't want to miss that once or twice a year E opening on 2m, the band turns into a Frenzy.


Charlie, way to go!

Dave

[AG3Y]

Well, man, with all these aurora displays we have been experiencing these past few weeks, I would think that mode would be hopping!

Is it true that when Class M and X flares wreak the HF bands, they enhance the VHF bands ? Or do they just put EVERYTHING down?

You can tell, I just am NOT an expert on the upper bands, but I sure would be interested in finding out more about them.

73 from Jim AG3Y

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]How this for a thrill? Hearing a VEC say: "100% copy!"
Well done, Albert! Congratulations!

[K9STH]

For the record, K5USS has passed the General theory twice! He passed it when he took his original Technician Class but just couldn't get the code within the year's grace period.

It isn't that he can't copy code, but that he has a problem hearing certain frequencies. Unfortunately, the one that is used by the ARRL on their code CD and by many others, he has a lot of problems with.

My eldest daughter has similar problems. She can hear low frequencies and can hear high frequencies. But, between about 600 Hz and 5 KHz she has definite problems. Unfortunately, those are also the frequencies that are present in most voice communications. That is called "cookie cutter" hearing. The graph of the frequencies that can be heard by those people look like you took a round cookie cutter and cut out those particular frequencies. They can hear the frequencies but they are significantly attenuated to those people.

Anyway, Charlie, who lives about 5 blocks from me, is going to ask the next examiner to vary the tone so that he can hear it!

Glen, K9STH

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]Anyway, Charlie, who lives about 5 blocks from me, is going to ask the next examiner to vary the tone so that he can hear it!
If they won't do that, y'all need a new set of VEs! Send Charlie our way - we've done quite a few accommodations. Not that one in particular, but many.

I would suggest that Charlie contact the VE's ahead of time. I know our team would appreciate it - and, with sufficient notice, be able to prepare whatever accommodation is necessary.

[WA5KRP]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ Aug. 20 2004,18:01)]For the record, K5USS has passed the General theory twice! #He passed it when he took his original Technician Class but just couldn't get the code within the year's grace period.

It isn't that he can't copy code, but that he has a problem hearing certain frequencies. #Unfortunately, the one that is used by the ARRL on their code CD and by many others, he has a lot of problems with.
Looks like a fine accomplishment just got a dose of great.


KEWL.



WA5KRP
Texas

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ Aug. 20 2004,16:01)]Anyway, Charlie, who lives about 5 blocks from me, is going to ask the next examiner to vary the tone so that he can hear it!

Glen, K9STH
Send him to me... if we can't get the tone adjusted, we will use a flashing light for the code test. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K6BBC]

What year did CW become so emotionally stressful? #When I was licensed in 68, one got on the air and built up the speed. #What’s the big deal?

K6BBC

[ky5u]

I love how the topic is "How to get a thrill out of CW" and many folks seek to diminish the accomplishment of the author by discounting the mode. #Come on folks, you missed the point. #He has trouble hearing tones and is nervous about passing the test, and has already had a CW contact! #Great work.

Must admit I was sweating during my first CW contact. #Now I think about the long line of Amateurs before me who shared the same experience. #No other mode could give me that feeling of connection to the hobby its history. #

The points about other modes being cool and exciting are absolutely true. #I am not putting down your enjoyment of them, in fact, I admire you guys who do the SAT work and the other digital modes too! #I just understand what the author was saying, and share his wide-eyed enthusiasm for making that first CW contact.

Kudos to David and Bob for showing us the human side of VEs and how they are ready to help folks any way they can within the rules.

[K5USS]

Thanks to all that share my enthusiasm and thanks to Glen for clarifying something that I did leave out earlier. #I am 65% deaf in my left ear and 40% in my right. #I do not expect any special treatment for that, so the "he wants a gimme" group can calm down. #I do enjoy code and made 2 contacts tonight on 6m with it, missed another, but the station insisted on sending at what I am guessing was about 30wpm. #Some of that may be my fault since I can send CQ and my call fairly quickly, but I did request that he send slower.

I have contacted a set of VEs that are willing to accommodate me and was told that if I can prove that I do know the code, and I do, that I will leave with General privileges.

Not sure that I will burn up the frequencies on HF if I get my upgrade but I am having a great time working stations on VHF/UHF that my local partners in crime cannot work! # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

If I cannot get the General this next round I will continue to use CW as a means to black out the remaining grids on my map. #147 worked on 6m and 89 on 2m so far. #Only need 3 more cards in the mail to claim VUCC in less than 2 years on 6m. #26 of the contacts have been CW by the way.

Thanks for the support guys, and as for the ones that have slammed or tried to twist the topic, I tend to ignore that. #Let them have their fun, I know what I am doing and have a great mentor to turn to if I get frustrated.

Vy 73 to all,

Charlie
K5USS

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (K5USS @ Aug. 20 2004,20:29)]I have contacted a set of VEs that are willing to accommodate me and was told that if I can prove that I do know the code, and I do, that I will leave with General privileges.
Just out of curiosity (as a VE), are they changing the tone, or using a light?

[WA2ZDY]

I've said it before, once it becomes fun and useful, it's not "so bad" anymore. Just like any other foreign language.

Congratulations Charlie. What you're asking of the VEs is certain a reasonable accomodation. I can't imagine them not doing that.

When you DO get on HF (and you will) you can tune the CW in any way you like. That's what the RIT and IF shift/passband tuning is for.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]Just out of curiosity (as a VE), are they changing the tone, or using a light?
I'd like to know that, too. Seems changing the tone would be best, since that's how you're practicing.

The boom-box CD player we use probably wouldn't allow sufficient change in pitch. I was thinking about preparing a CD with several test versions at different tone frequencies via some neat software I have.

But if someone has already invented the wheel . . .

[N8CPA]

If you learn code by ear, taking a flashing light test probably won't do you any good. Your eye to brain pathway has to be trained as much as your ear to brain pathway.

The VEs will find a way to adjust the frequency. In fact, it may be a simple matter of connecting a DSP filter between the tape player and the speaker. Some filters can change the frequency of a received signal There are plenty of options. Good luck with your test, Charlie.

[WA2ZDY]

Bob, I think that CD sounds like a great idea. And if all else fails, a transmitter and a receiver tuned off a bit would do the job perfectly.

It CAN be done if the folks involved are willing and as I said, it sounds like a "reasonalbe accomodation." (THE main catch phrase in the Americans with Disabilities Act.)

And CPA is correct. Doing the light thing might work, but would be fraught with peril unless the examinee is trained that way. A perfect example is me - I can copy 40 or so in my head, and have been able to do that for nearly 30 years. But print out the dots and dashes on the paper and ask me to "read" it. Ha! If I can "read" it at 3wpm, that's a lot! It's all in the training.

[ae4fa]

I just got around to reading "Zero Bias," the editorial in CQ magazine's September issue. WOW! Wish I'd read it sooner. W2VU is right on target!

It gave me a new - and needed - boost.

[k4uug]

Quote[/b] (KC0LNU @ Aug. 20 2004,11:16)]Now this is what amateur radio is all about.

Not about code, phone, APRS, SSB, ATC, etc. #

It's about taking the challenge, trying something new and making contacts in a way you've never done before.

Good post!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #Amateur radio should be about contributing to the advancement of radio communications.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (N1OBN @ Aug. 21 2004,06:42)]Quote[/b] (KC0LNU @ Aug. 20 2004,11:16)]Now this is what amateur radio is all about.

Not about code, phone, APRS, SSB, ATC, etc.

It's about taking the challenge, trying something new and making contacts in a way you've never done before.

Good post!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif Amature radio should be about contributing to the advancement of radio communications.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I've never heard of "amature" radio... so I am not familiar with what it should be about. As I said earlier, however, amateur radio (which is what LNU was talking about) should be about people, not modes.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unclesam.gif

[KB1GYQ]

Quote[/b] (N1OBN @ Aug. 21 2004,09:42)]... Amature radio should be about contributing to the advancement of radio communications.
Armature radio? Wow, I thought rotary spark gap was outlawed! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

But, yes, I would "get a thrill" out of that! DW rules! DW rules! CW is for tube heads! DW rules! No tubes, no transistors (whatever those are)!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[k4uug]

Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Aug. 21 2004,09:45)]Quote[/b] (N1OBN @ Aug. 21 2004,06:42)]Quote[/b] (KC0LNU @ Aug. 20 2004,11:16)]Now this is what amateur radio is all about.

Not about code, phone, APRS, SSB, ATC, etc. #

It's about taking the challenge, trying something new and making contacts in a way you've never done before.

Good post!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #Amature radio should be about contributing to the advancement of radio communications.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I've never heard of "amature" radio... so I am not familiar with what it should be about. As I said earlier, however, amateur radio (which is what LNU was talking about) should be about people, not modes.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unclesam.gif
No the title tells you he centers apon a mode of operation

"How to get a thrill out of CW "

I just do not get a thrill out of talking on a radio in any mode, but I do however get a thrill of building anything electronic, electronic circuts and gizmos.

Now this is what I call a Thrill


http://www.secretarmies.com/images/paratroopers.jpg

[ke5cci]

Nice post K5USS! #Good luck on your upgrade!

73

Candis
KE5CCI http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (N1OBN @ Aug. 21 2004,07:31)]Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Aug. 21 2004,09:45)]Quote[/b] (N1OBN @ Aug. 21 2004,06:42)]Quote[/b] (KC0LNU @ Aug. 20 2004,11:16)]Now this is what amateur radio is all about.

Not about code, phone, APRS, SSB, ATC, etc.

It's about taking the challenge, trying something new and making contacts in a way you've never done before.

Good post!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif Amature radio should be about contributing to the advancement of radio communications.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I've never heard of "amature" radio... so I am not familiar with what it should be about. As I said earlier, however, amateur radio (which is what LNU was talking about) should be about people, not modes.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unclesam.gif
No the title tells you he centers apon a mode of operation

"How to get a thrill out of CW "
I guess you haven't had your morning coffee yet, N1OBN.

KC0LNU didn't write the topic title... K5USS did when he posted the first message.

So LNU isn't focused on one mode, as his message that you quote clearly states:

Quote[/b] (KC0LNU @ Aug. 20 2004,11:16)]Now this is what amateur radio is all about.

Not about code, phone, APRS, SSB, ATC, etc.

See that? Not about code, phone, APRS, SSB, ATC, etc.

I think you are the one fixated on one mode.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unclesam.gif

[ae4fa]

Groan . . .

I think it will take more than coffee . . .

Pity . . .

[K5USS]

As with most hobby/services there are many different views and preferences. #That is one of the many aspects I like about amateur radio.

The VEs that I am working with will be sending the code to me so that they will be able to vary the tone. #What I do now is use the RIT or slightly vary the frequency with the VFO.

Thanks again to all that have shown support and I will be looking for a QSO with many of you soon.

Charlie
K5USS

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (K5USS @ Aug. 21 2004,09:29)]The VEs that I am working with will be sending the code to me so that they will be able to vary the tone. What I do now is use the RIT or slightly vary the frequency with the VFO.
Ahh, so it will be a manual test instead of recorded? Neat... wonder if you get credit if you copy their misspellings exactly. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]wonder if you get credit if you copy their misspellings exactly
You read my mind, David! Also, will the eight dits count? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ae4fa]

Charlie, for CW operations, you are exactly correct to use the RIT. Figure out about what the offset should be and just leave it there. That way the other guy won't be tempted to shift frequency to match you, thinking that maybe you're drifting a bit.

I admire your determination and grit. Be sure to let us know when (notice that's not 'if') you succeed. I look forward to working you.

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Aug. 21 2004,09:53)]You read my mind, David!
Okay, now I am scared... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[w5alt]

Quote[/b] (N1OBN @ Aug. 21 2004,10:31)]Amature radio should be about contributing to the advancement of radio communications.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

So, tell us, what have you done to advance radio communications?

Quote[/b] ]Now this is what I call a Thrill
http://www.secretarmies.com/images/paratroopers.jpg
What an out-moded means of transportation. Don't you know they have jets these days? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KA9VQF]

I wonder how you free jump out of a jet.

Can they slow them down enough that you don’t hit the tail. I suppose if the plane were configured right like a C130 you could clear everything ok.

A fighter is different from what I’ve seen in the movies they usually take the drivers seat with them and let the rest find ground by itself.

I was going to jump once but the price was just too high. Around twenty of us were planning to do this. We contacted a local skydiving club and took the ground course on it. When the big day got close most of the guys decided that they didn't really want to do it after all so, the cost was divided between the rest of us.

This was in the days that I was making a decent living and could afford to smeg away the $100.00 for the ground instruction. The actually jump wound up being over $200.00 and I really wanted that .44 autoloader more so the jump became moot.

Some of the guys ponied up the cash and did it anyway. Sometimes I regret not doing it.

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]I wonder how you free jump out of a jet
If you'll make a pilgrimage to Quincy, IL, you'll find that you can jump out of anything that flies. I'd love to go up there one year - - just to watch, though.

I actually did make one jump after what's called an 'Accelerated Free-Fall' class. Pretty neat. Got out of the airplane at 12,500' - about 2 1/2 miles. The first 7,500' were fantastic. Took about 45 seconds. The next 4,990' were even better - started out watching birds fly around below me.

The last 10' weren't so good . . .

The fellow giving me instructions over the radio on the way down had never performed that function before. He was a bit slow with the suggestion that I flare (to "stall" the sport 'chute that is more wing than parachute), thus I landed at just about full forward speed (~25mph) and with less than a satisfying amount of lift.

Suffice to say I was less than fully ambulatory for quite a while . . .

[k4uug]

Quote[/b] (w5alt @ Aug. 21 2004,13:29)][QUOTE=Quote (N1OBN @ Aug. 21 2004,10:31)]Amature radio should be about contributing to the advancement of radio communications.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

So, tell us, what have you done to advance radio communications?


Hum I can use windows Messenger via VHF radio testing in simplex mode now but it works I built the interface not sure if its legal yet http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[k4uug]

Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Aug. 21 2004,13:50)]I wonder how you free jump out of a jet.

Can they slow them down enough that you don’t hit the tail. I suppose if the plane were configured right like a C130 you could clear everything ok.


I
Hey buddy they have been jumping out of jets for years both static line and freefall!

http://www.scout82.com/jump.jpg


http://www.secretarmies.com/images/hardarch.jpg



http://www.secretarmies.com/images/away.jpg

[KA9VQF]

It's an old joke but,....

I can see my house from there !

[n9zxk]

Now i have a few things to add to this. From what i am understanding here all you have to do is prove you know the code to a ve, right. So how would it help ham radio if someone can do it with a flash light. I dont understand that one at all. I for one has never saw light come out of my speaker. So in the case of someone learning the code with a light would be useless to being a ham op.

I'm not sure on changing the tones. I dont know if you can do that with your radio or not. If not why do the code test in a tone that you can hear cause when your on the air you will miss most of it anyways.

I think people form what i have saw here in this post, and i only looked at the first 3 pages of it, there are more then one way to show you know how to do the code. Is it then a part of ham radio for all to learn.

This has showed me it is time to move past the code and go with computers to talk with each other on the bands.

I want everyone to know this reply is done out of asking not in trying to turn this into a code/nocode fight. I myself dont care about it anymore. I just think its funny after all the fighting here on qrz about it, it turns out you people have shown here in this post its time to move on.... GOOD DAY

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (n9zxk @ Aug. 22 2004,18:43)]Now i have a few things to add to this. From what i am understanding here all you have to do is prove you know the code to a ve, right. So how would it help ham radio if someone can do it with a flash light. I dont understand that one at all. I for one has never saw light come out of my speaker. So in the case of someone learning the code with a light would be useless to being a ham op.
The code is the same whether using a light to form the letters or a sound. In fact, in the Navy, they used to use a light with shutters on it to signal other ships... using Morse code (not sure if they still do or not).

An "a" is still gonna be .- whether it is a short tone followed by a long one or a short flash followed by a long one.

Oh, and you need to prove Morse proficiency to three VEs, not just one. The Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination has spaces for 3 signatures, and is not valid without 3 different VE's signatures.

[KA9VQF]

I knew a handi ham in Wisconsin who had a light rigged to his HF rig so he could copy
CW. He became deaf when he was in Korea. He was amazing to watch. If you
reminded him he would turn on the sound so you could try and keep up.
He and his buddies went right along at it.

[n9zxk]

AAO, i do know you need to show 3 ve's. Yes the flashing the light off and on can and will do the same as hearing dits and dahs, but if you use cw the way everyone has told me why we need to keep it as part of testing, then why should you be able to learn it in a way that would be useless to ham radio. You wont be able to see it on you speaker or s meter on you radio, right.

All i am saying here if you have to show to 3 ve's you know the code on way or another then it useless to ham radio. It should be one way for all or no way for all... GOOD DAY

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (n9zxk @ Aug. 22 2004,19:00)]AAO, i do know you need to show 3 ve's. Yes the flashing the light off and on can and will do the same as hearing dits and dahs, but if you use cw the way everyone has told me why we need to keep it as part of testing, then why should you be able to learn it in a way that would be useless to ham radio. You wont be able to see it on you speaker or s meter on you radio, right.

All i am saying here if you have to show to 3 ve's you know the code on way or another then it useless to ham radio. It should be one way for all or no way for all... GOOD DAY
See the post above where another ham tells of a deaf friend that has hooked up a light so he can work CW any time he wants. Handi-Hams (the organization) is very good at helping hams do things like that. I know, since the lady that got me into ham radio has cerebral palsy. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N8CPA]

I have an audio filter with a pair of lights that show
when a signal is centered in the pass band,
and if signal strength is over loading the processor's input.
If I have everything properly adjusted,
only one light will flash in rythm with signal peaks.
So there are times I can read a signal with speakers off.
I'm not as proficient at it as I am reading by ear,
but I'm sure there are some who are.
And I'm sure that somewhere out there,
are hams who CAN read CW by following the
bounce of an S meter.

Anyone remember when Dayton Hamvention
gave away a decent prize by making an announcement
in Morse over the PA system? #It was some years ago,
but I remember folks talking about it on local
repeaters.

[I think that's the 4th time I've mentioned
that filter in a post in the last several days. #
I've been obsessively tinkering with it lately. #
It's going to be a major component of
my SO2R effort in CWSS.
I have sworn and committed that
the broom goes up the tower this year
and I'm already working to make it happen. #
75 days to get ready--but who's counting? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif# ]

[K9STH]

ZKX:

I suspect that either you don't use CW that much or else use a very narrow receive filter. It is definitely possible to vary the CW tone on any receiver by just tuning the main frequency control dial around. Now, with a fixed BFO, like all transceivers have these days, with a narrow filter you can only vary the tone slightly. But, when you use the SSB filter you can vary the tone from around 300 Hz to between 2000 Hz and 3000 Hz depending on the bandwidth of the filter.

If you have a variable BFO then even with a narrow filter you can vary the tone all over the place. In fact, you can go from 0 Hz to usually 3000 Hz or even more. For example, on my Collins 75S-3A receiver using the 200 Hz CW filter that came standard from the factory if I use the crystal controlled BFO (that is necessary to transceive with the companion 32S-3 transmitter) that the primary tone that I can get from the receiver is pretty harsh. But, the 75S-3A also has a variable BFO that I can turn on and then can change the audio tone to whatever I wish.

On older receivers that have a variable BFO you can tune it as well as the main tuning dial to vary the tone of the CW signal. On newer transceivers that have the R.I.T. (receiver incremental tuning) you can move the frequency of the receiver around without disturbing the frequency of the transmitter and also change the tone of the received CW signal. As such, in the vast majority of cases the frequency of the audio tone from a CW signal can be easily varied.

Since K5USS lives only about 5 blocks from me, and since I know what he is using for equipment, be assured that he can vary the tone of the CW signal so that he can best hear it. In fact, he has been working both 6 meter and 2 meter CW to a great extent the past few weeks.

Also, since proving your proficiency in copying the International Morse code is presently a requirement for upgrading beyond the no-code Technicial Class license it really doesn't make a "hill of beans" difference as to whether or not a person is going to be able to copy the tone of an off-the-air signal. He/she has to prove that they know the code not that they can hear any specific tone frequency! As such, it is definitely within the scope of the ADA (American's with disabilities Act) to request that the tone of the audio signal used to conduct the test be changed to accommodate an actual hearing loss.

Glen, K9STH

[AG3Y]

I think it boils down to two things. If a person WANTS to learn the code and is MOTIVATED to do it, NOTHING will stand in his/her way ! On the other hand, if a person is DEAD-SET AGAINST learning the code, there is NOTHING that will HELP him/her to do it ! Case closed, end of discussion! ( just had to say it , Glen )

73 from Jim AG3Y

[n9zxk]

Thanks glen for putting some light on this. I wasnt trying to put anyone down. I was just asking. What i dont understand for the most part is if the test that you take is mostly for coping code then why is it some people can show they can send code and not copy it. You can send it but how would you know what you are coping if you dont know it by ear. Lets say something big happens and you send cw out for help, if you cant copy code how can you know if someone is trying to help. Its like there is 2 standards. Shouldnt it be just one. Copy and send code or no code. That way everyone would have to be on the same level.

Ag3y, you are some what right. With more then one standard isnt it hard to get motivated.... n9zxk

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]With more then one standard isnt it hard to get motivated
??????????????????

How is there more than one standard???????????

You can either copy it or you can't!

Granted, the FCC rules really should be updated on this subject. #Long overdue, as it currently says "copy by ear."

And, long overdue as I've seen folks copy by light and copy by placing a hand on the speaker to pick up the vibrations. #As a VE, I've got ZERO problems accommodating folks with a problem.

It all translates to the same thing. #A friend of mine, a retired State Circuit Court Judge, was a signalman in the Navy during WW2. #Hadn't even thought about it since 1946, when he got out of the service. #A couple of years ago, after a discussion with him about his service, I took him a set of paddles and a keyer. #Within 15 minutes, he was sending perfect code at about 15wpm. #

Later he told me that was the first time he'd tried doing it by sound - - - - he was trained for his particular job (convoys) exclusively by light!

[N8CPA]

Bob, that's just one of the wonderful aspects of the code. Learning it through one sense, greases the rail for other senses. Maybe folks who are having trouble learning it by ear, should try learning it by flash first. Teach the most receptive sense first, then tackle the ulterior sense.

[AG3Y]

I remember some old code practice oscillators, including Knight-Kits, Ameco, and others that had switches on them to send sound, light, or the combination. I believe that the more senses we use , the more likely we are going to be successful !

And yes, I also question, what do you mean by "more than one standard." ? ? ? With 5 wpm being the only requirement now, aren't we more "one standard" than we have ever been before ? ? ?

73 from Jim AG3Y

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (AG3Y @ Aug. 24 2004,11:33)]I remember some old code practice oscillators, including Knight-Kits, Ameco, and others that had switches on them to send sound, light, or the combination. # I believe that the more senses we use , the more likely we are going to be successful ! #

And yes, I also question, what do you mean by "more than one standard." ? ? ? # #With 5 wpm being the only requirement now, aren't we more "one standard" than we have ever been before ? ? ?

73 from Jim AG3Y
You just recharged my memory! #

The very first CPO I saw was the official Boy Scouts of America model, at the very first Boy Scout meeting I ever attended. #The Scout Master, unaware of doing so, used it to answer a question that had been buzzing in my 10 Y.O. brain for months:

"What's the difference between a dot and a dash?"

And, yes, it had a blinker.

It was my first major Morse "Aha!" moment. I think 7 years passed before I had another one. I count those "Ahas" as getting a thrill out of CW.

If this thread is teaching anything about code, I think it's teaching how much fun it is to talk about.

[ky5u]

Yes Bob, I tried it the opposite way. Had no trouble copying light at about 10-13 WPM. So what was the speed used for code using lights in the Navy?

On another note, I don't remember who here said it but one of the best descriptions I have heard of copying CW was going home after work, setting down with a beverage and turing on the rig to let the code from the speaker wash over him. Very good illustration of the relaxing enjoyment of copying CW.

[K4JSR]

I can remember from my early days as a ham that one quickest thrills in CW was to grab your key with you bare hand. Of course this was in the days before grid block keying became the sensible thing to have! Getting bit by
some high voltage on the key would liven up your senses in a hurry!

As far as learning code in the Boy Scouts, all I can remember is sitting around the camp fire making
"some morse"! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif (Cheap shots are all I can afford!)

73, Cal K4JSR
Shake-a-Leg, Ga. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[K7JBQ]

A very good way to get a thrill out of CW is to work DX on a day the phone guys swear the band is dead.

73,
Bill

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (K4JSR @ Aug. 24 2004,12:42)]I can remember from my early days as a ham that one quickest thrills in CW was to grab your key with you bare hand. #Of course this was in the days before grid block keying became the sensible thing to have! Getting bit by
some high voltage on the key would liven up your senses in a hurry!

As far as learning code in the Boy Scouts, all I can remember is sitting around the camp fire making
"some morse"! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif # (Cheap shots are all I can afford!)

73, # Cal # #K4JSR
# # # Shake-a-Leg, Ga. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif
"Some Morse:" The official Field Day campfire snack!

What a promotional idea! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]So what was the speed used for code using lights in the Navy?
One of the Navy guys we have might correct me, but I believe it was at least 20 - might have been faster.

[af2cw]

Depending on what era you are referring to. Keep in mind the
WWII signal lights had the larger lever to activate the shutters
Take a look at the old WWII footage, you can see that the
speed is a bit slower, 8-10wpm maybe 13 tops, though I was
not a skivvy waver so I can't be certain of the speed.