QRS Discussion Group

[WT4KY]

Let me start by saying I love CW. As much as I love it, though, my copying and sending skills aren't as honed as I'd like them to be. I believe the key to improving my skills lies with more on-the-air practice, but with my operating time limited by family and job commitments, I have a hard time getting involved in the QRS QSO's that would help me develop my code skills as well as meet other amateurs on the bands.

I'm certain there are others out there in the same situation. Believing this is the case, I have started a discussion group at QRS Slow Speed CW Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/QRS-CW) aimed at getting amateurs together to schedule QRS QSO's with others who enjoy the mode but have trouble making the contacts they want when they want. Not only can QSO's be scheduled, but discussions on learning techniques, roadblocks to improving, etc., can be discussed. The main focus of the group is to meet other amateurs interested in improving their code skills so we can practice and improve together.

If you're in the same boat as I'm in, or just want to meet more amateurs who enjoy CW, please consider joining the QRS-CW group. I'm looking forward to meeting you in the group and on the bands.

Thanks es 73!
Mark, WT4KY

[KD7OVP]

Hey, I would love to join your group but the link isn't working and it says that it can't find the document?

Sincerely,
Jesse
KD7OVP

[kc7ywf]

Right on. #Some one needed to start something like this a long time ago. #My code is slow, and 95% of what I hear on the radio is so fast I can not even tell where one letter ends and the next starts. So sign me up and let me know when to be on the air. 73....Mike...KC7YWF

[AD6WL]

Apparently there is no working link to this group. #I did a search on yahoo groups and could not find anything close to it. #I'm sure whoever made it will get it going again and repost the groups address. #Until then if anyonw wants to set up a sked for QRS 5-10 wpm let me know. #Evenings on any bands.
73, Jim
de AD6WL

[wb5ale]

I also tried to connect to this page but found that it does not exist. If anyone is interested in making a contact let me know. I am available most of the time so email me at wb5ale@xmission.com.

Will wb5ale

This is very good idea, everybody started with QRQ very speed cw , but i am old man it is not for me, and i like cw but everybody use electronic key's and PC softwares. I think that idea about QRS slow speed cw is great, because in 98% QSO i must say "please QRS". Some of ham radio operators have not sense for slow speed cw and still force high speed cw using electronic key. Let make ours slow speed cw club.(Agains QRQ clubs)
73's Zoky 9A3HP

[AB9BZ]

This is a great idea. I will keep checking for the group to appear on Yahoo groups. In the meantime, if anyone would like to set up a slow speed sched (mornings to afternoons), I'm in the Chicago area running QRP, drop me an email at ab9bz@hotmail.com

73

Dave

[w8ob]

good morning mark, you might also consider contacting the fists club
http://www.fists.org. they have a code buddy program going on that will pair you with someone else who is working on their cw speed/sending as well. If you hear me on the bands by all means give me a call, even if I am sending faster than you can copy easily I always slow down to the speed by which I have been answered at. I think you will find most of the CW ops to be real ladies and gentlemen of the air and do the same thing. Also check out above 7.042 in the evenings. Good luck on your cw and hope we can get a on
the air qso sometime

[n5xm]

This is really a great idea, and while I can work anywhere from 5 to 20+ wpm, there are cw ops out there for whom this is still too slow. If folks would just remember to reply at the speed the other guy sends at, it would be very easy for everyone to work everybody. Instead, we have show offs and jerks who feel like they have to try to impress somebody, when all they are really are doing is showing everyone how stupid they are. I get so frustrated to be casually calling CQ at about 17 wpm when some fool answers me at 25. I usually just turn up and work him anyway, but I am always tempted to ask if it ever occured to him to slow down to the speed I was sending, like you are SUPPOSED to do. I'm trying to say this occurs at the middle speeds as well as at the lower speeds, and it is just as frustrating, because while I can work faster, it isn't nearly as much fun, and I don't copy everything. I wish folks would just do right. Yeah, sure...ain't gonna happen.

[AA1ZT]

Congratulations! A great idea.
Now that the morse code test has been greatly simplified (down to a super-slow 5WPM), many more hams have the opportunity to join the HF bands, which is a good thing. However, the fact is that the current 5WPM requirement for General and Extra class is just not enough for the majority of QSO's ongoing on the HF bands. This QRS group would provide a lot of "on-the-air help" for newly upgraded hams, and would be a great speed-building tool (for sure a lot more fun than pre-recorded tapes!).
73's to all, AA1ZT / Jack

[ka2vey]

Greetings,

I've noticed that when I practice with tapes and computers etc (Numorse pro at 17.1 wpm Farnsworthed out to 11 wpm) I can get almost solid copy. On the air with QSB, QRM, QRH, and the fact that real humans don't perfectly time each element my speed drops to about 5 wpm. Also, I can only copy for an hour or so before I'm completely worthless. I keep trying, but don't have a good yardstick to measure progress. Question: Is it rude to bail on a QSO when you can only copy about half of what is sent due to the bands? I would love to be involved in a slow cw group.

73,
Scott

Conserve Bandwidth, QRS PSE!

[WT4KY]

I appreciate all of the great responses. Seems there has been some trouble with the link, so here it is in its correct form - [B]http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QRS-CW/

I think I left the final '/' off in the original link, so you should just be able to paste the link to your address bar and go right to it. Instructions to join, etc., are on the site.

Tnx es 73,
Mark, WT4KY

[AD6WL]

It looks like the website is up. #I hope to see you on the group and on CW. # The novice portion of 40meters is one of the best for QRS in the evenings.

73, Jim
de AD6WL

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QRS-CW/

[w6th]

Are you fellow hams behind times? I thought that the novice band, 7.100 to 7.150 Khz was for this purpose, to increase your receiving and sending speed. Why don't all of you that are interested in increasing your skills in code practice get on the novice band and work each other. Just call CQ and I may even join you. #I have you know, been doing this, but where have all of you been?
# # # # #Gee whiz!

[AD6WL]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (w6th @ April 28 2002,08:42)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Are you fellow hams behind times? I thought that the novice band, 7.100 to 7.150 Khz was for this purpose, to increase your receiving and sending speed. Why don't all of you that are interested in increasing your skills in code practice get on the novice band and work each other. Just call CQ and I may even join you. #I have you know, been doing this, but where have all of you been?
# # # # #Gee whiz![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Gee, I had posted earlier that the novice portion of 40meters was one of the best places for QRS. #Unfortunately even when sending CQ at a slow rate often times stations will come back at too fast a speed. #That is one of the reasons for the start of the group is to set up skeds with other hams who are at the same level. #As for behind the times, some of us wern't licensed in 1938 so what you take for granted from your years of experience we may not be aware of. #That is also what the group can be used for, so we can share this info with each other. #Thanks for you comments Mr Whiz and I hope to see you and other hams on the bands.
73
Jim, AD6WL

[DA1TNJ]

CW is my main mode of operation. Ever since I started
in amateur radio I've enjoyed CW. However, with the
computer, not to mention those memory keyers, working
CW has become, at times, a nightmare. I live in
Germany and a number of stations, in this part of the
world, use either a computer or memory keyers,
especially during contest. These stations send with
the paddles but switch to the memory when sending
their callsign which can be difficult to copy, even
for the most seasoned CW ops. It sounds good but....

Having said that I'll say I have heard some really bad
CW ops. Running words together and sounding
like they are "pounding" on the key with a hammer.
One should take their time, space the words accordingly.
With practice, sending CW will be a pleasure and not
a chore.

If the sending op is sending too fast simply ask them to
slow down (QRS). If they don't slow down then move
on. Most ops I have worked if asked, as I do, will slow
down.

Ops, if you are working CW with a memory keyer or a
computer, remember not everyone has a computer to
copy your 900 wpm computer generated CW. I,
for one, am not impressed by a station that continues
to send fast when asked to slow down. It's rude
and bad operating practice.

I've been an amateur operator for over 35 years and
CW is still my favorite mode even with the computer
and memory keyers. If you have a general coverage
receiver then tune around and find some commercial
stations, yes there still are some around. Listen to
the what sounds like "machine generated" code and
make every attempt to make your fist sound like
that, slowly at first. With practice you will find yourself
sending CW that sounds like a computer generating it.
Do this with a straight key and when you switch to an
electronic keyer start slowly and with practice you will
be sending terrific CW. By the way most electronic
keyers have a weight adjustment. Adjust this weight
setting so the dots/dash ratio is approximately 3 to 1.

Good luck and I hope to work you on the lower end
of 20.

73's,

Mike
DA1TNJ/WB8TNJ

The CW (for young operators i will be translate , this mean Continous Wave) In the begining was only CW , and many professional operators in free time use profi equipments for chat to other CW operators, after than some of these build home made equipment and contact to college CW operators. And become Ham radio. But in modern tehniques we have so many way to communicate(even Internet)and CW may intend to go in history. Why, because "elite" Ham radio operators use every day more speed and speed two way CW QSO using electronic device such electronic key with memory and PC software to encoding. This fact is not popular and Ham radio organisation in all world lose members(younger members,or if he stay still Ham's they took microphone and work only SSB or FM). So if we want to save origin of Ham radio especialy CW we must work to slow speed CW QSO

73's Zoky 9A3HP

Let me see, i must say this, every code for RTTY or other device is machine code, but Morse code is not design to machine, this code is design by Samuel Morse , to man only. If you se detail machine codes is uniform and boring for man but designed for easy work machine like RTTY or even PC ( not use decimal system , use bynary 1 and 0 ) . With Morse code machine have less efficiency of use, but still work up to 900 wpm or more. It is not for me or young people.

73's Zoky 9A3HP

[KC2JHP]

Mark-
I plan to sign up on your QRS-CW yahoo group - unfortunately, I'm still waiting for the "instant" confirmation email that was needed for me to join yahoo groups. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
In the meantime, my two cents worth to you & all the others who have commented so far...

CW is the greatest fun there can be on ham radio. There is nothing like it. The challenge is daunting at first, but the rewards of mastering Mr. Morse's code are beyond description. Now I want to agree in the strongest way with those that have said they are happy to QRS if they are asked to! When I send a CQ on the Tech/ Novice bands, I send it out at a speed I can copy: around 12-13 wpm from the old straight key. But I always send my call sign once or twice at a slower rate for those that can't copy the higher speed. And when someone comes back to me & says "RPT" or "QRS?", I am MORE THAN HAPPY to slow it down - WAY down if necessary - so the ham at the other end can copy OK. It's just common courtesy, folks. So, please, let's work it in a courteous manner both ways. If you are sending a CW shout of CQ & someone comes back to you slowly, SLOW IT DOWN, DUDE! Similarly, if you hear an op sending CQ or replying to yours, but the copy is too fast for you, don't be afraid to ask for a QRS repeat. If the other op is a REAL ham, he/she will gladly cooperate! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

True CW rules!

73 - Tim KC2JHP

[k5wta]

Try 14.058 as this is the FISTS freq. #Listen there and you will hear goofd slow code http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
#Jake #k5wta

[W5HTW]

This is excellent. In the early days of my Novice license (1956) that was the purpose of the Novice band. Now the Novice class license is dying out, and the bands are seeing very limited use. Perhaps the ARRL refarming petition will help, as it will move the Novices down to the General band.

One of the things most new hams tend to find is they can send code (or more likely "think" they can) much faster than they can copy. Two things happen here. First, they tend to not want to slow down when calling another ham sending at 5-6 WPM. That is, not until they get into the QSO. Then they have t slow down. The other thing is because they are sending much faster than the way they recognize code, they are sending (often) very sloppy and unreadable code, with the result this ham calls CQ at 15 WPM, but you can't figure out his call sign, and then, when you answer him, he drops to 6 WPM.

I enjoy working the Novice bands, and have done so off and on for years. Today, with the slow spee in all the segments, it is no longer necessary to go to the Novice band to find slow CW and to find those who want to improve. They are everywhere, including in the Extra class subbands. But it is very discourteous to dive in on one of the slow speed CW ops and try to bury him, or impress him, with faster CW. You shoudl presume he is sending at the speed at which he is comfortable, and you should answer at that speed. If you can't slow down to his speed, leave him alone. Go somewhere else.

I hope this slow-speed buddy thing works. Increasing speed and increasing pleasure in CW is one of the keys to keeping this very fine antique mode operating, without resorting to keyboards and machine-send Morse. To me, machine Morse is like climbing on an airplane to fly to Chicago and then getting off the airliner and announcing how great a pilot you were. The keyer is OK, as it requires a skill in CW, wheras the keyboard requires only that you type, which any secretary can do. Make it special. Do it yourself, and enjoy.

I operate 40 CW often in the evenings. Though I'm often in the Extra band, there are slow-speeders down there, too, and I'll be very happy to work with them at 5 to 18 WPM, whatever they choose. And I do get into the Novice band about once a week, usually around 7143 or so. And I'm not "burning up the airwaves." Hop in and give me a call, at your speed - but slow down for this old man whose bones are tired and he can no longer pound brass (straight key) more than about 15 WPM and no longer manage the keyer above about 30 WPM. We'll talk at 5 to 20 WPM.

Glad to work you

Ed W5HTW

[KC2JCA]

Hey Peeps. Tnx fer this thread. I hpe that it can clue others into the fact that not everyone can copy 15WPM or more. (Or even wants too)

I've been tuning around 40 meters tech w/hf for a month now. Heck, even worked 18 states so far. Found lots of nice people who are more than willing to send slower. I've been copying faster as well, or at least trying. I miss a bit here and there, but I get the general ideas.

I'll say that 7.100 to 7.150 is a tough row to hoe after 21:00 UTC, what with all the BBC broadcasts and all. But right around 01:00 UTC you can squeeze in a bit of code with a station here and there.

About the people who won't match your speed? (I assume you are sending the same speed you can copy) They don't really have time to spend helping you further your Radio Hobby into something more enjoyable.

They see themselves as an elite group, who wouldn't give the time of day to anyone who would send as slow as you. LOL! #(They couldn't pass their 5WPM test the first time..)

Funny thing, while they are sending 30 WPM, I hear more corrections... ??...??...??...??

So, they aren't doing anything so spectacular.
(Quality transcends speed)

Give me a call around the QRP Calling Freq, 7.110, I'll be more than happy to QSO with you at a slow speed. But please, try to remember that I am only using 1 watt. Don't ask me to QRO. But pse tell me I need to repeat if you can't copy me.

I have all night.


73, Jim - kc2jca

(If you are in a State West of the Mississippi River... Boy could I use a QSO with you. Hawaii and Alaska, you are going to be the hiccup in my 40 Meter QRP/WAS goal. But I'll get ya.)

[KD5NRH]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (k5wta @ April 28 2002,17:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Try 14.058 as this is the FISTS freq. #Listen there and you will hear goofd slow code http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Nah, the goofed code is down there on the colorburst frequency (3.579545) where my QRPp transmitter, straight key, and uncooperative fingers are still trying to make a contact . # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

I have a double problem, in that I cant copy most of the stuff on the bands to improve my skills, and I cant put up an antenna so that I can be heard by more than about 5% of all folks on the bands. I cant even make sked contacts with friends across town (15 mi). My antenna situation is really poor... I'm currently running a spiral long wire tacked to my wall inside my apartment.

[KC2JCA]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (N4ML @ April 29 2002,07<!--emo&http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have a double problem, in that I cant copy most of the stuff on the bands to improve my skills, and I cant put up an antenna so that I can be heard by more than about 5% of all folks on the bands. #I cant even make sked contacts with friends across town (15 mi). #My antenna situation is really poor... I'm currently running a spiral long wire tacked to my wall inside my apartment.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Well, I can address a couple of your issues. I am, as we all know, running just one watt to a home-made dipole. I have made 55 contacts in one month, covering 18 states.

Now, I've heard some good things about slinky antennas. don't see why it wouldnt work out for you. I've seen them stretched around a room and many contacts made..

Take a look at these websites for more ideas:

http://www.njqrp.org
http://web2.airmail.net/gerryc/newham/nhp19.html
http://www.geocities.com/swl_yb400pe/slinkypage.html

There are plenty of others.

Now, about the practice, have you checked out W1AW code practice transmissions also?

Scanning around 40 meters, I hear a few QSOs going about 3 WPM, those are good for copy practice.

I could use GA for my WAS, if you want to schedule something let me know. I'm always on the listen for weaker signals, they seem to be the best contacts. Anybody can purchase more power. I hear that the quality ops are using less.

73, Jim - kc2jca

[n5xz]

N5XM wrote:

"Instead, we have show offs and jerks who feel like they have to try to impress somebody, when all they are really are doing is showing everyone how stupid they are. "

I really do not think that is true in most cases. Many CW ops simply like operating at high speeds. I usually like to send/receive between 25 & 30 WPM. That is where I am confortable and have fun. I also like to contest between 30 and 40 WPM. When you get to those speeds, CW is almost like playing music, especially when things just "flow". I know it takes alot of practice to get there, but you'll find it a most enjoyable experience.

Many CW ops QSO at high speeds to keep "in shape" for contests, too. Speaking of contests, they are a great way to improve your code speed! I know they're running fast, but just wait until Sunday afternoon, and most contesters will be more than happy to QRS to make another QSO. Even if their "reduced speed" is a little fast for you, you will find that the exchanges are short bursts of information, and therefore much easier to digest. In the process, you will be "stretching" your CW abilities and improve your speed and comprehension at the same time. (I knew of a fellow ham once who actually DOUBLED his code speed in the course of a weekend!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif So don't feel intimidated...join in! You'll be glad you did!

73, Allen N5XZ
(BTW, I like your call!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KG0LH]

This is a great idea. I think having a selected frequency range for slow contacts would help, too. How many times have you visited the Novice CW bands and found people pounding away at 20, or even 40 WPM?
On the other hand, I have had many enjoyable contacts with people, esp. old-timers, who will slow down to my speed. But there's still the anxiety of hanging your CQ out there and having someone reply so fast you can't read them!

[n3gad]

:D I learned morse by using a computer program that only sent random 5 letter groups followed by a space, rtyui t6bgf..etc.. that way you can not outguess yourself on what the next letter will be.. just write down the first thing that pops into your head. i did this for about 15 minutes a day and was at 10 wpm when i made my first contact as a novice, within a year took the 20 wpm test while i was taking my tech and general exam. lots of late nights on 40 meters got my speed up. i had 49 states confirmed before moving away from home a yr later. i now call cq at around 18-20 wpm and can copy 25- but usually dont call cq at all- i usually listen around and pick someone else out. yesterday i had the pleasure of being called by a CW op while working ssb on 10 meters and giving him his last state needed for WAS.. glad to do it and i did work him at his speed. good work, KB1XU, as for computer generated cw, never tried it but i dont think it can compete with the human ear and the variations in peoples fists- not to mention the static crashes and weak signals. practice and practice some more and the speed will come, just try to send well timed and spaced characters- speed is secondary to a clean fist. i am on 30M CW... give me a call. 73 es didididahdidah de N3GAD/chris

[KC0KVD]

Even though I am totally new to Ham Radio I really love this open forum. I currently have my Tech Liscense
and want to pass my code test. I have taken the test a few times, and am getting frustrated. Is there a better way to catch on? I have listened to a ARRL morse code practice tape, and also have tried the Morse Academy diskette. I really want to get past this point to move on. Any suggestions out there? I am willing to try something different or purchase something else. I do have a shortwave receiver, and have tried to do some listening on that! I am open to any ideas.... I am so glad we have a forum like this. This is Great!!!!

73's KC0KVD - John....

[k4bb]

Hey, Mark! #If anyone is interested you can practice your CW by listening to some of the Slow Speed nets. #The Georgia Training Net is a slow speed net that meets daily at 9 PM Eastern on 3702 KHz. #Feel free to check-in at any speed. The net control op will adjust because that is part of the job.

Visit the web page at:
http://www.qsl.net/ad4dx/indexG.html

For a list of CW nets you can go to:
http://www.qsl.net/ki8du/netsked.htm

Watch out! #You can get hooked on CW traffic nets. #

See You On The Net!
Bob
K4BB

I think that is the question of polite, when i call CQ 5wpm, and somebody answer me at 25wpm this is not polite, and he cannot impress me, by the new electronic key or using PC software. But when i call CQ at 20wpm and from other side i hear PSE QRS , my duty is slow down to the corespondet speed.

73 de 9A3HP Zoky

[AD6WL]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif8--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KC0KVD @ April 30 2002,12http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif8)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I currently have my Tech Liscense and want to pass my code test. I have taken the test a few times, and am getting frustrated. Is there a better way to catch on? I have listened to a ARRL morse code practice tape, and also have tried the Morse Academy diskette. I really want to get past this point to move on. Any suggestions out there? I am willing to try something different or purchase something else. I do have a shortwave receiver, and have tried to do some listening on that! I am open to any ideas.... I am so glad we have a forum like this. This is Great!!!!

# 73's # KC0KVD #- #John....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I used the ARRL tapes and Morse Academy with no success in learing the code. #I got the Gordon West tapes (6 tape set, 0-5 wpm). #This did the job for me. #I spent 20 minutes twice a day. #It took me about a month. #Good luck and I hope to hear you on HF soon.

73
de AD6WL

[wa1vqp]

Hi Mark,

[wa1vqp]

Hi Mark,

Absolutely great idea! Count me in as soon as you are up & running (link still does not work).

Kind Regards
Ken
wa1vqp

Web site is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QRS-CW/

[Aerobat9]

Check 3686Khz most every evening. Or 3548Khz each Monday evening 2000 hrs ET. As when "flying", the formation "flies" at the speed of the slowest aircraft.
All are welcome. "On-the-air" is the only way to do it !!


K3QLZ

Hi CW ops.

I am running a slow-speed (5-12 WPM) CW net in Orange County, CA. The net is conversational only, no traffic.

If you are interested in participating, please e-mail me at rick.clifford@eds.com and I will send you the particulars.

73,

Rick
KF6UEB

[ae3m]

Hello,

I'd like to agree wholeheartedly with everyone who
said, "always answer at the speed you're sent to"...

This means, guys, even if you can copy 40 wpm, if
the other guy called CQ at 10 wpm, you answer him
at 10 wpm ! ! ! ! !

I enjoy CW also, have been an extra since the late 1970's, but we all had SOME time when 7 wpm was
"fast" ... so let's help each other out.

Even if it's a contest and you're running a pileup at
35+ WPM ( and 50 WPM for the "5nn" ), if a guy calls
you at a slower speed, SLOW DOWN >>> !!!

73 to all see you on CW ,
John, AE3M (ex WB3LIJ, ex WB4GNO )

[AD6WL]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ae3m @ May 04 2002,14:49)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hello,

I'd like to agree wholeheartedly with everyone who
said, "always answer at the speed you're sent to"...

This means, guys, even if you can copy 40 wpm, if
the other guy called CQ at 10 wpm, you answer him
at 10 wpm ! ! ! ! !

I enjoy CW also, have been an extra since the late 1970's, #but we all had SOME time when 7 wpm was
"fast" ... so let's help each other out. #

Even if it's a contest and you're running a pileup at
35+ WPM ( and 50 WPM for the "5nn" ), if a guy calls
you at a slower speed, #SLOW DOWN #>>> !!!

73 to all see you on CW ,
John, AE3M (ex WB3LIJ, ex WB4GNO )[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

I've often wondered about this. #I hear someone calling CQ at a speed greater than I can copy. #I can usually pick out a letter here and there and after about 5 CQs I can get his callsign. #Wud it be rude to answer his call at say 7wpm and ask him to QRS? #I have always thought it wud be so I don't answer them. #Usually I find a clear frequency and send my own CQs out at my speed. #If they answer to fast for me then of course I ask them to QRS. #

73, Jim
AD6WL

I think that CW is just to hard. #It really dosn't appear to be a very usefull mode. #The only time I hear it is on our local repeater and I can't understand it anyway so what is the point?

[k0py]

Hello to all the cw folks regardless of speed.
Good luck in your attempts in the qrs net. I might mention that after you feel comfortable some might try a CW Tfc net in his or her state. I am the Ks. Cw Net Mgr and always welcome all folks to QNI our tfc net regardless of speed. I do slow down or speed up to the operators speed.

Please remember in QSO's that some of the faster folks dont know the difference between 8 wpm and 15. Most surley do not rush you intentionally.

Believe me it goes both ways. Ive asked QRQ many times and never got a response, so I just stayed at the same speed.

Good luck on your CW and remember your brain is like a muscle. The more you push it, the better it gets.
73 Mike/K0PY
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JimRHam]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kg6zzz @ May 06 2002,13:34)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I think that CW is just to hard. #It really dosn't appear to be a very usefull mode. #The only time I hear it is on our local repeater and I can't understand it anyway so what is the point?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Well, then maybe you shouln't use the local repear then.

[km5yl]

"I think that CW is just to hard. It really dosn't appear to be a very usefull mode. The only time I hear it is on our local repeater and I can't understand it anyway so what is the point?" I think you're very wrong about cw, and I can proove it. We were having our daily traffic net, and there ws a station who wanted to check in, but for some reason, net control couldn't hear him. Next thing we hear is his call coming through loud and clear, BUT, he was using cw. There have been times that we couldn't get something passed on SSB, and routed it through the cw nets (and vice versa too). I take it that you never plan on getting on HF? If you do, don't hold your breath, cos' code is still here for awhile yet. CW is loads of fun and I'm glad that I took the time and made the effort to learn it and went on past that to improve my skills. I'm not a high speed op (15-25 wpm) and don't know that I ever will be, but I do know that if I choose to invest the time and effort I can be. BTW, state traffic nets are usually a good place for *average* speeds (12-15 wpm), however there are loads of slow nets out there. Oklahoma has a slow traffic training net run by Pat and Arley (can't think of their calls) and Pat sends with a straight key (she has a beautiful FIST). They take checkins and then Pat has a series of *traffic* messages that she sends for practice. Texas has a good slow net. If you hear me on teh FISTS frequencies, call me and I'll be glad to slow down, but I still might try to *push* you a little. Listen to W1AW! But start out at higher speed than you are comfortable with, then work your way down. You'll be surprised how much you can actually copy at the higher speeds! TIME, practice, TIME, practice, TIME. BTW, I'm a traffic handler and I go to RN5 (regional net) and everyone there slows down for me, thanks guys!