View Full Version : A Resolution....
I resolve to only work CW from now until (at least) the end of Field Day. Being a slow-code Extra, I figure I better improve my skills or lose them...
Any other slow-code Extras (or others) want to join me?
Drew NØXU
Ya know, if I had an HF rig, I'd be right there with you. I've been practicing my sending with the CW Communicator software (great program) using an MFJ iambic set at 20wpm. I'm getting more fluid every day I use it. Now, if only my receiving would catch up that fast!
w8cbc
05-09-2006, 11:21 PM
I did mostly CW in January and early February, two-three contacts a night, the only voice contacts were mobile and in local round-tables. I figure my ratio was over 90%. It certainly firmed up my copy.
At its end I tried the W1AW qualifying run. 10WPM was easy. 15 was rough, I couldn't quite manage it. Before January, 10WPM was a little beyond me.
Anyhow, if I hear you on the bands, I'll give you a call.
ai4ep
05-09-2006, 11:26 PM
I made a resolution ---not to argue with folks who are not as wise as I am.
...but then, there are so many !!
especially on the internet.
N8CPA
05-10-2006, 03:54 PM
You might be better off participating in contests between now and FD to get used to rapid fire exchanges. There can be significant differences between contest and ragchew speed reading skills. You might be able to clip along nicely at ragchew, then discover your reading is too slow for contest exchanges, or vice versa.
The reason is that contesting provides an opportunity to anticipate what's coming next, which greatly facilitates reception.
So, certainly make your day-to-day contacts. But to practice for an upcoming contest, you need similar rapid fire exchanges. A lot of the operators you hear during FD will be using keyboard and monitor enhancement, operating at speeds many times their own skill levels. As a human operator sending and receiving your own code, don't be surprised to hear a lot of requests for repeats.