Ask Dave 13: The CW Renaissance

The Ask Dave videos answer your questions about ham radio, particularly questions from those new to the hobby. This video explores CW--the Morse Code. It's coming back into vogue! Learn how to learn the code, ARRL "Morse Code Operating" book can be found at www.amazon.com/gp/product/1625.... My channel, "Ham Radio Answers" also includes training videos that follow the ARRL manuals for Tech, General, and Amateur Extra. Be sure to subscribe.

[@haroldwatson490]

I've been a ham since 1962 when I got my first Novice license WN8SQF which required crystal controlled transmitter, one year non renewable license, and a maximum of 75 watts on HF....the only voice operation was on 2 meters where I built my first ham radio (Heathkit Twoer) for 2 meters. I got my General Class in the pre Army days of 1967 where I served in Germany and Vietnam. I can remember in Vietnam while serving as an infantry RTO (Radio Telephone Operator) carrying the PRC 25 in the bush I would listen to 6 meters on it listening to stations in the states. I used to send and receive night time CW messages by flashlight with covered red lense from bunker to bunker with buddies who knew CW. I in later years after the Army time taught CW to others. I had a very unique way in teaching CW unlike others. I taught it using the rhythm and co-ordination technique. I am still a ham today with my Gemeral Class license K8ESE and do 99.999% of my QSOs via CW. I still like to use straight key (fist)' QSOs compared to electronic key or bug operations. Keep up the good work Dave. I enjoy all of your videos!👍

[@davecasler]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@San606]

Very interesting history you lived and participated in! Thank you very much for sharing.

[@7125Mhz]

The best, most comprehensive ham elmer on the internet.

[@SLACKPLAN9]

I have an AMECO K4, which was discontinued about a year or two after I bought it (Discontinued 2010). Speaking of ball bearings, the AMECO K4 was known as the "Japan ball bearing key". You can still get parts for it. I like it. When I saw your JJ-38, it reminded me of my AMECO.

[@lonniepee9804]

N1MO, I remember having listened to CW almost constantly for quite a while. It was the day when I finally understood the word "warm" from random words on a practice recording that I got REALLY excited.

[@RackwitzG]

Due to Lockdown I started learning code on LCWO a few weeks ago. If you stay at it, you can actually learn, even as an older dude. Reminds me of when I learned to type. Don't know where it will take me, but want to learn the code sufficiently first and then see. Thanks for this overlook.

[@polymath5119]

Best explanations and details about questions I've long had about various aspects of CW. Thanks Dave!

[@expert244]

This is by far one of the best and most helpful CW videos on KZbin for beginners. Fantastic. Thanks Dave!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Dave, I was first licensed as a Novice in 1976. Studied all the written exam material and also practiced the code. However, I was taught the code at 5 wpm to pass the code portion of the Novice exam. I hit a plateau at 10 wpm, which seemed insurmountable. When I next tested for a license upgrade, I passed all the written exams including Extra, but missed the 13 wpm requirement that would land me an Advance Class licence. Was issued the CSCE's for the exams I passed, and was granted a Technician Plus, but I could not break the 10 wpm plateau to get my Advanced within the one year the CSCE's were valid. Life intervened and my ham activities ceased until about Nov 2014 when I stumbled across Ham Nation on TWIT. That rekindled the ham bug, which was fortunate because I learned from the ARRL, that because I was licensed as a Tech before 3/21/1987, I would be granted a General license by filing a form, provide proof I held the license, and paying $15. I'm now a General studying for Extra. I also intend to start CW again using the Koch program you mentioned. It's never too late. :-) Don WB3BJU

[@kristinabliss]

Don D'Egidio, Hi did you succeed yet? Learning CW slower than 20 wpm is completely different because at faster speeds it becomes more of a rhythm than quantities of dits & dahs. There is a fantastic free app that progresses Koch style and is unbelievably adjustable. It can be set to play any # of letters at above 20 wpm then the app can be set also to speak the phonetic letters afteryou hear code (convenient for learning evey time you drive or are otherwise occupied but can still listen and try to say the letters first like a game.) The crucial thing about this app is you can slow down the time between each letter rather than the speed of the letter itself. This is key!!! This way you learn the high speed rhythm/sound and have success as you progress instead of counting dit's and dah's which is not at all the same thing and like you found caps off. As you gradually get faster and learn all letters, numbers and marks, you can adjust the app to have less delay between them. Right now I have it set to play 3 letters and repeat them twice which helps me a lot. Check it out if you are still interested. The developer has put a lot of work into making it super adjustable! Its called "IZ2UUF Morse Koch CW"

[@timallen4493]

Great video, Dave ! Thanks... I held G4BGO in the 70's and am now returning to ham radio. Your videos are a great help.... 73 Tim

[@daviddietrich9449]

When my uncle piqued my interest in ham radio as a 12 y/o in the early 1990's, he made sure I was bitten by the CW bug. Finally, in 2003, when I sat for and passed my Tech exam, I also took the CW test and barely passed...just barely. HOWEVER, I didn't give up and have worked very hard to really become proficient in CW. Now that I am finally getting back on the air after a lengthy period of being inactive, pretty much the ONLY mode I want to use is CW. Talking into a mic makes me tired. I yawn a lot. Digital modes have their place, but who wants to lug a tablet or laptop into the field or just mess with it in the shack. I love the simplicity of CW. I love the fact that I can take a simple radio (QRP), a resonant antenna (dipole), my paddles or key and basically set up and operate just about anywhere. I have a 4-band QRP CW HF station that packs down in a soft-sided lunch bag. All I need is a fiberglass mast and a notebook/pen and I can literally operate from wherever I want. THAT is why I love CW.

[@Devin82m]

Great video Dave! Thanks a lot for the encouragement and great resources. I've been learning Morse Code lately and hope I can learn it quickly so I can get on the air.

[@HHacker1959]

I've been watching your videos since I started studying for my Technician Licence last November. I just earned my Amateur Extra License this month and now it's time to really have fun! I have to admit I avoided being a HAM years ago because of the CW requirement, but now I can learn it without the added pressure (Those written tests were hard enough to study for!). Thanks for the CW overview and the links to outside sources. Hans, KC1KND

[@WA8QFE]

I always reply at the sending station's speed. Been a CW op. for over 50 years. Lee, WA8QFE

[@davecasler]

Yes, that's the polite thing to do. It's been a long time since I did my 20wpm for the Extra test. My steady speed right now is more like 10.

[@scottcrav1]

wtg...same here...Scott W5RC

[@rtrjmk5]

I do the same thing. Got my novice in Nov. 69. General in Jan. 70, Advanced in Feb. 70, required 2 yr wait, Extra Feb. 72. CW is still my go to mode. Really enjoyed the video, Dave. As a retired superintendent of schools, I appreciate excellent teachers. You do a great job. 73 my friend. K2MR

[@pinklady7184]

Do any of you do shorthand writing when dictating CW messages from others? If so, which system? Gregg shorthand or Pitman? Or other.

[@ehayes5217]

@@pinklady7184btw, a great question...using code almost exclusively for mni yrs, I slowly realized that the "shorthand" most CW ops use (incl urs truly) is often vry similar to hw we TEXT, except in an even more abbreviated fashion..."Im sure u knw wat Im talking abt, using the most abbrev format to convey a msg"... 73 de WA4ELW

[@MrZonacat1]

I have been off the air on CW for several years and am getting ready to take the plunge again. Thanks for this video.

[@jaylangley3234]

Dave, Been a ham for more than 30 years and still enjoyed this video. Boy Scouts nearly ruined me for a long time learning CW by the chart. Because I am an auditory learner I overcame it and can now copy CW in excess of 30wpm. Recently had my Bencer hooked up at 54 wpm. To my surprise, I could send some at that speed with mistakes as one would guess. My brain will also tell me a word at that speed most of the time. Not a QSO mind you but one word at a time with lots of extra time. hi I enjoy CW more than anything else including UHF and VHF. Thanks for the videos.

[@redskyz483]

Wow that's really interesting.

[@schoocg]

Another classic. Thank you!

[@andrewperry605]

I joined SKCC on the weekend. First and only CW contact previously was 2 weeks ago chasing a sota contact. Tonight after getting on the skcc sked, i made 3 cw contacts with very patient and helpful people. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@davecasler]

Congrats on getting on CW! Keep it up!

[@MacGyverGTP]

Very good video that filled in a lot of blanks for me! Thanks! Just starting in CW now.

[@TheMichaelGrace]

Great presentation. Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thanks for this Dave, I'm learning morse now and your tips and thoughts are really useful.

[@reiniervanderlee2077]

Very comprehensive overview. Getting back into CW after nearly 4 decades, and this was just the right episode for me! 73's, Reinier, AI6CT

[@tom_olofsson]

I enjoyed hearing the history of CW. It puts it in perspective for me.

[@kb5zcs]

Did CW back in the early 90's but quit and haven't done it in awhile like to get back in to it,nice video......

[@NSNorfolk]

What a superb explanation of "why CW?" It's like learning another language. Just completed Nov '17 CW Sweepstakes, QRP with a Elecraft K-3. Everyone came back to my call on mostly the first try and only sometimes a second was needed. Haven't done a lot of CW since the late 70's but am taking another look at it now for all the reasons you cite.

[@adelarsen9776]

Don't stop :-)

[@CmdrMic]

Wow! What a wonderful and inspiring video. I was just reading Anne Morrow Linburgh's North to The Orient... she becomes a CW radio operator for the flight! I'm just going to have to get one of those MFJ little code learners now... Thanks!

[@slomotrainwreck]

Thanks for the video Dave it's inspiring.

[@San606]

INspirational vid. Thanks! Treaure trove of info here so I subscribed and really appreciate this work

[@k8aik8ai]

I hope new hams will learn code and just get on the air with it. It's not hard after you've tried it and found how much fun it is. Unplugging the mic if the first step. +1 for the Koch method. Just do it! 73 de K8AI

[@davidvaughn7752]

Excellent intro into CW. You give some great advice! I've been diligent in practicing and once you get more proficient you start to enter a whole new world of Amateur Radio. BTW, CW is a mode that's a great way for you to get multiplier points for your radio club during contesting. 73 K7GYB

[@Larmax01]

Just great videos Dave! I've been a ham for over 60 years (not very active a lot of that time), and I learned several things tonight just browsing your videos. Wish I'd have had something like that when I was studying for my Novice when I was 11. Vy Best 73's de Larry W7-YDA

[@SeattlePioneer]

I recall renting an "Instructograph" paper tape code practice player when I was working my speed up to take my General Class license test circa m1970. Code practice is a lot simpler these days.

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Thanks my friend. My novice days back in the 60s has been erased. So here we go. Extra now thanks to your help. KD2QXQ. TRYING TO GET THE FCC TO REDUCE MY CALL SIGN. But their response is slow. 73. RWB

[@cfcc1423]

Great video, Dave, as always. I've come to associate the Morse for the letter 'L' with that last bit of your intro tune!

[@4vinos]

David, this is the first time I have watched anything connected with CW and wow. I was in the Signal Corp. in Europe in the 50's. I was a ham operator and was trained in New England prior to going overseas. After seeing your video, I want to re-learn morse code. I have no equipment but would like to begin by using an inexpensive key with some kind of speaker so that I may listen to my efforts. Please give me some pointers on how I can get back to being a ham operator, and the type of key I should purchase to begin with. You have ignited my dormant mind to revisit this wonderful method of communication. Thank you, thank you.

[@davecasler]

MFJ offers a key/code-practice-oscillator combination for about $40. You can also find plans for CPOs online.

[@johnhiggins4698]

Thanks Dave! Passed the 13 wpm for General back in 1990. Only in the past few years have I gotten back to it and CW and QRP have me hooked. Also, collecting keys...just won an auction for an early 1900s Vibroplex...will be a work in progress restoring it. 73, John/N6VTS ..

[@davecasler]

The Vibroplex sounds like a real treasure!

[@jack002tuber]

I love the idea of CW and QRP. Phone apps help a lot to learn it. I like the iambic keyer as well. Seems if you get the knack for it you can really send fast and accurate without the stress of a straight key

[@BruceNitroxpro]

First step in learning the code is... learning the code! Begin with the most simple and quick elements... the letters E and T. Then add to them in a meaningful way. Pairs of letters are normal, as are lists of increasing length or even opposites. The longer letters, numbers and signs are HUGE compared with E and T. It gives you a LONG time to recognize the symbol. My speed at one time was about 40 wpm, receive... but only 35 wpm sending because my ability to hear was greater than my ability to move my fingers! The Farnsworth meithod is easiest. de KQ2E

[@roycefaggotter6860]

Thank you for the info David very helpful.

[@BruceInFlorida]

Nice job Dave. You beat me by a few years with 1975, but not by much. I still love cw and probably always will. 73 de N4BRM in sunny Florida

[@mlentsch]

That "key" you have there is one the coolest things I've ever seen.

[@Sman-eg1zs]

Listening to it is best in order to learn it, makes sense! I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting. I have just started listening to websdr, a lot of the conversations aren't that interesting, I think with CW, the added necessity of de coding it adds interest.

[@guilhermecosta3191]

Excellent explanation. Thank you very much.

[@darrylvoight]

Thanks Dave for the helpful info!

[@jasonpion801]

Awesome video for a new HAM! Your whole series has been incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@martinplaysmartin]

I am on CW over 50 years but can't talk about simplicity. There are quite few radios good for high demanding CW operators. Starting form a "simple" task like T/R switching, continuing to over very complex tasks with latencies in today's SDR radios, CW looks like most tech challenging mode. Why a radio of 21st. century must produce noise like grandma's 1904 sewing machine while operated on the CW mode? Giving up the QSK? NO WAY! A station setup capable to produce 1500 watts of clean, pure signal allowing perfect QSK between elements (dots & dashes) at 60 wpm is a really complex and expensive task. Of course, you can start with a cheap radio using a relay T/R switching, a straight key and 15 wpm speed but don't be surprised if after a year you lose interest and desire to continue. But resigning to CW and putting on FT8 is the worst thing you can do! Keep CW alive! 73, Martin, OK1RR

[@paulplack490]

I had a young ham tell me he couldn't imagine the point of operating CW when SSB is available. He then returned to his 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. I said, "I can't imagine why you don't just buy the picture in one piece."

[@dgrewar]

Hi Dave I passed my UK foundation licence on the 8th December 2020 call sign MW7BIH and am busy learning Mose Code on the lcwo.net website.... I'm getting there slowly....it becomes easier the more I practice

[@minionman6177]

I find the best way that is helping me learn is to record actual CW QSO on a web SDR site. I then use a an audio program to slow it to a slower speed if needed. It does change the pitch of the tone though. My difficulty is the copy skills so this helps. A bonus of this method is that I have to copy to understand what the QSO was, so there is an incentive to keep going on each one.

[@davecasler]

You'll find slow code on the SKCC frequencies, for example around 7110 kHz. Actually operating is a great way to increase proficiency.

[@KevinModerow]

Good stuff, Dave

[@Drekkag]

great explanation of the history of cw. also great tips you gave. gave me info that i have not ever heard of or even thought of for getting bettr. from one older ham to another, Thank you.

[@user-cn9mh7np7n]

I enjoy to listen him ...

[@pchsledsllc2210]

Excellent - thank you!

[@knpstrr]

Don't have a license but interested in maybe getting one and I'm learning morse code because it is so interesting.

[@chrisrose01]

Operator fist was useful during the war to work out if the French or Dutch Resistance had been compromised. Agent’s style was noted before they were parachuted into occupied territory. IF they were captured or forced to send messages they changed styles and the rest is history

[@JonathanAdami]

Authenticity and retro isn't the reason I'm starting CW, we're in a solar low, so I'm just looking for a way to get contacts and ft8 is boring haha :D

[@kristinabliss]

"Retro is IN!" HaHa; I often get a good hearty laugh from your script. Thanks. :D

[@ryanv7075]

Kristina Bliss reminds me of the movie Wreck-It Ralph, where at the end Ralph says “The gamers say we're "Retro" which I think means "Old but cool"” 😁

[@kristinabliss]

@@ryanv7075 I have no idea what you are talking about, or your intentions behind making commentary on my simple complement about the humor of the script.

[@ryanv7075]

Kristina Bliss no worries, I shouldn’t assume everybody has seen the same movies as I have. Being a father of two boys, I occasionally watch animated movies now and then. My comment was just that I similarly get a kick out of Dave’s script, much as I did from the quote in the movie :)

[@ryanv7075]

Kristina Bliss I should add that the movie is all about a retro arcade game coming back into fashion by the end of the movie.

[@kristinabliss]

@@ryanv7075 Well thanks for elaborating. Maybe I am in a defensive mood or something. Best wishes in your parenting.

[@hamradiox]

Outstanding video! The most CW informative video online anywhere! Thanks! It got me excited to start!

[@leninalopez2912]

I'm seriously thinking about systematically watching every-single-one of your episodes, and transcribing each-one into textmode just for education and masochism's sake e.e

[@k7xctimmarek160]

Hey Dave! Kudos on a video I actually enjoyed and learned a few tid bits from and I have been an avid CW operator for over 40 yrs now. I'll stop by and see some others when I have time. 73s and keep up the good work de Tim - K7XC - DM09jh... sk

[@robj1646]

Excellent, just excellent!

[@bruceweight7319]

Hi Dave I enjoyed your video. Keep them coming. I am older and getting back into CW I never reached any level much beyond the 5 wpm needed to get my Technicians license. At the time I had no radio and couldn't afford one. A 2-meter rock bound rig was my first radio. Oh how I would have loved an HF rig. But never the less your video's help spur us on to keep on trying.

[@davecasler]

Perseverance is key!

[@dannyfivefifty]

Way to go Dave CW is almost like Latin; a forgotten language.The resurgence is encouraging.I have always thought of CW as the language of the Ham operator,and would encourage learning it.I have found some great speed programs on you tube and try to listen to them at least once a week.I listen to the faster speeds 38 wpm down thru 18 wpm.When I reach 18 wpm it sounds like 5 wpm.Then it's time to crank in either 20 or 40 meters>> and listen. I may be dating myself but my interest in Ham radio exploded when the Hardy boy's book the Apple gate treasure came out>> SK 73's

[@davecasler]

I'll have to look up that book!

[@RajaramSrinivasan59]

Hey Dave! This is VU2RJV, one of your Oggies from VU land. Can I use some portions of your videos to teach morse to a bunch of license aspirants via online classes? Thanks for all your excellent videos. Amazing.

[@davem0udb]

very informative Dave, thanks M0UDB

[@jacknifedbl]

my code is vary poor...BUT i do run it w software like any other digital mode, CW works very well when conditions are poor a phone modes are not very good... the first radio i built was a QRP CW rig...1 watt it was a lot of fun!!

[@lionelfrebourg8698]

Hi Dave, Thanks for your great videos. Question, what is the CW software shown in this video at 2:59?

[@lyonrowe9527]

GREAT VIDS DAVE, I PASSED ME FOUNDATION EXAM 15/8/2018. AND HAD ME LIECENCE 4 DAYS NOW. HAD 46 CONTACTS SO FAR. PRACTICEING MORSE 1/2 HRS PR DAY. GOING TO TRY CW ON 20 M NXT WED AT ME LOCAL HAM CLUB ..LOOKING FORWARD TO IT... WILL PUT ON ERE THE RESULT. CHEERS DAVE.

[@davecasler]

Congrats and welcome aboard!

[@ehayes5217]

As always, a great video & even though I "thought" I knew a lot abt CW (since it's my favorite mode), I discovered I didn't after watching ur video (ie. Morse code vs. CW, etc.) Tnx & 73, de .-- --/.--/....--/. /.--../.-- --

[@pietrogazzera5733]

Well descripted!

[@blackrobe1987]

Thanks for this and for all of your very helpful videos. I was away from the hobby for thirty years, and your videos have been key to my happy return. A questions about cw. Could you explain the T in RST. The textbook definitions often refer to "ripple" and "modulation". What are these in terms of what a cw op would hear over the radio. If you could provide actual sound examples, that'd be really helpful. Thanks, David (N4FSI)

[@davecasler]

+David Collins The T in RST refers to the tone of the CW signal. It's long obsolete. Every reasonably modern transmitter will always create a signal that results in a pure sine wave tone in the receiver. So T is always 9. But back in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, sometimes the transmitters would have bad power supplies or misalignments in the oscillator or amplifier that could create a harsh-sounding tone. For example, a 60-cycle hum on top of the tone. Fortunately, those days are long gone. Hope that helps! 73, Dave, KEØOG

[@blackrobe1987]

+David Casler . Thanks Dave. There are some cw tones - a minority but not all that uncommon - that don't sound like pure sine waves to me. I'm reluctant to try to type out how they sound, but it's sort of wa-a. I wonder if they have to do with hollow state rigs. Also, what about identifying clicks and chirps, which textbooks suggest should be indicated with K and C after the tone number? Do these get used anymore? 73, David, N4FSI

[@davecasler]

+David Collins Yes, I hear them from time to time. Ideally, they should be reported. But I think I would put it in the text, such as "UR RST 559 WITH A SLIGHT CHIRP" or something like that.

[@billashby2156]

David C Dave, Thanks for such an Informative and Encouraging Video! I’ve tried Several different “Programmes” but have never Completed one to the point of getting on the air. I have About 10 characters that I need to learn, and I’m working On not only learning them, but then putting everything Together so I’ll be able to not make too much of a nuisance Of myself when I do finally get on the Air! Again, THANKS for keeping CW alive and well on the Bands! Bill

[@Brass735]

Remember, overuse of microphones will rot your teeth and overuse of keyboards will give you hairy palms. If you don't want to be toothless with too much hair on your hands, learn and use Morse on air. Even just a little CW every now and then will save your face and hands, even though you mostly use microphones and keyboards. So learn the most hamly art of Morse. Your hands and mouth will thank you. N8CPA

[@paulhastings3109]

Thank you 73

[@amyo5720]

Awesome video! Thanks Dave! I'm getting back into ham radio and CW is my only interest, using some vintage Heathkit QRP gear I have purchased off Ebay. It's staggering what people pay for unbuilt Heathkits these days!

[@davecasler]

Those unbuilt Heathkit kids are very rare.

[@ercost60]

Can't tell the wifey how much I really spent for my unbuilt HW-9 & WARC pack. Still unbuilt, not sure if I ever will. I may sell someday to pay for kids' college. :)

[@VirtualLunacy]

Nice shirt, Dave.

[@robertrogers4803]

Thanks Dave - Question: do you think a person can learn CW by using decoding programs. If so, what is needed to do that? I learned once, but lost prophecy after of being away for 20 or 30 years. appreciate your presentations. Bob, N5OI.

[@jasonc9235]

Thanks for the great video! I'm just learning CW now, I find LCWO handy, as I can continue my practice from practically anywhere. I listen in on real-life contacts on the radio and try to decode even just a few characters here and there - I find this to be very rewarding, even if just for a single character recognized! I wonder Dave, now that I have picked up a handful of characters, should I start practicing sending? I'd imagine the answer would be yes, but what method is best for this (let's say I cannot find a learning bud on the air?) is now the time to purchase a good quality key, and connected it to a tone generator??? What is a good 'practice' environment in other words.. Thanks again for all the fantastic amateur radio vids!!

[@davecasler]

Yes, absolutely start practicing sending. Take a look at the MFJ-557. It has the advantage that you can later use the same key for sending for real. It's been my experience that the single best way to increase your speed is to get on the air! It's intimidating the first few times, but then you'll come to enjoy it. Good keys are ridiculously expensive these days because the market is so small. If you can get hold of an old J-38 key (or its Japanese counterpart, the JJ-38), you'll have a key that can last you a lifetime for far less money than the fancy ones now on the market. You may be able to get one by asking around at your club meeting. They were made by the tens of thousands during World War II, when most combat communications was CW, and they all ended up on the surplus market after the war. They're gradually disappearing, but I recently found one at a swapfest for $5. Good luck! 73, Dave, KEØOG

[@michaelsommers2356]

+David Casler _"Yes, absolutely start practicing sending."_ I would disagree. You can wait until you know the whole alphabet before you start sending. Anyone who can copy code can send it; the purpose of practicing sending is to develop a good fist. Note that back in the Olden Days, code school, at least in the navy, didn't teach sending; and when there was an amateur code test, it was receive only.

[@estring69]

Have you in the SKCC log :) AG5CZ I am a fairly new HAM of 5 years that got my license for CW.

[@k8byp]

I wish new hams were on CW. Only way to fly!

[@NotSure416]

Thanks!

[@ik1lbl]

Great Video Dave ! greetings from Italy ! 73 de IK1LBL Mario

[@zazugee]

i tried it and surprisingly an easy method and did good, but as long as a keep effective speed at 5-10wpm but character speed was set at 20wpm, i notice that if i change or slow character speed down i'm not able to recognize them anymore

[@maxverstappennonofficial]

I am just ordering a junky straight key that is very , very rare on the web in my country , and i will restore it and will start practice on CWCOM ( i dont have a license and i dont think i have the time to get one , because in my country , the total of amateur radio operators are almost 5k . So to get a license is pretty hard and a lot of running through the country-)

[@loganmacgyver2625]

in my country you gotta do a separate testfor cw

[@bobcarver3554]

both of my rigs are 13.8 volts, should I keep the power supply away from my radios? I have a wooden shelf and the radios are under the shelf and the power supply is on top of the shelf right above the radios. Should I move the power supply off to one side are is it ok to have it above the radios.

[@spgtgb]

Helpful video well done. Comment: one can learn Morse code but cannot learn CW, because there is nothing to learn.

[@Thefreakyfreek]

I have been listening for a year now and yesterday I got my first radio now just to get my license But find it very funny that whatever software I use. It can't make out the code as well as I seem to do in my head sure I can't translate it but the software has trouble even hearing it or understand what's is noise and what is signal I'm going to learn it to be better than the software

[@jonathanbresler6721]

Dave, Thank you for the videos. Been watching several as I learn about this new hobby. You're right about lcwo. Been working my way through the lessons. Hoping to finish at about the end of the year. Would be a blast to make it in time for straight key night! What software are you using at 14:00+ minutes into the video? 73 Jonathan kc3kbe

[@davecasler]

SDR-Console v2.3

[@mikeblaszczak5346]

Hey Dave! What software and equipment are you using to make that dynamic amplitude and waterfall chart?

[@davecasler]

I'm using a small software-defined radio, the FiFi SDR, plus the software is the console software from SDR-Radio.com. I'm using V2. There is a V3 preview available.

[@jasonmarshall1205]

At 2:40 in this video, there's a screen capture of a spectrum analyzer program. What program is that?

[@davecasler]

I used a FiFi SDR radio and one of the many free software programs to do the waterfall. Now I use an SDRplay RSP-1A radio and the SDRuno software, which I like much better.

[@wellingtonwebb9673]

I think I have asked you this question before, but I would like to rephrase it better than I asked it originally. First let me say that all of the transistors, and tubes that I am a where of have there all of there diodes the same direction why is it that NPN & PNP transistors are special and do not have their diodes the same direction? I realize that the above mentioned transistors are current, and not voltage amplifiers as tubes are, but how about the rest of the transistors i.e. Field Effect Transistors are not they voltage amplifiers?

[@DCM01111986]

Dave, Just curious as to why you wouldn't recommend QRP for a beginner. My main reason for learning CW is to become a QRP operator.

[@davecasler]

CW QRP for someone learning Morse is not a bad way to go. SSB QRP takes skill and luck, with lots and lots of emphasis on the luck part. Better to get used to HF with a 100 watts and then improve your skills by going QRP. Anyway, those are my own feelings.

[@DCM01111986]

David Casler, OK. Thank you for clarifying.

[@slobodanvukasinovic2391]

Hvala!

[@EIGYRO]

I never hear any mention of the side-swiper key at all. Does nobody use them? I came across one on a Russian-built ship I served on in the 70s, and found it very easy and natural. Much easier than a straight key.

[@davecasler]

I'm not sure I've ever seen one in the wild. I'd like to try one.

[@1boortzfan]

I've looked all over your web page. Is there any place with a P.O. box where I can mail a donation?

[@n3omoathome139]

Hand sent code is wonderful and worhtwhile, but it's hard to do and to learn. I've noticed my FLDigi program (used mostly for PSK) has the ability to translate (poorly) and to send (quite well) CW. My question is whether computer-generated code is acceptable for CW operations, or will it be greeted with scorn by traditional CW operators?

[@davecasler]

+Rj Morgan Computer-generated code is used quite a bit, particularly during contests. As you note, computer decoding of Morse Code is in general pretty bad, unless the code is perfect and the SNR is high. 73, Dave, KEØOG

[@mattcero1]

Dave, thank you. I'm interested in CW now! Congrats too on one of the highest Thumbs up to down ratio. Matt / KF4ULD

[@davecasler]

Thank you.

[@paula5482]

Dave, when learning to copy. Say using the Koch method. Should I try writing down the letter and words I am copying on paper? I feel like that is what I would do during a qso. Also, after about 4 letters, I begin to forget in my mind the first letters as I am so concentrated on the current letter being heard. Is that a good way to learn copying? Thx, N7PVA

[@davecasler]

There's lots of folklore about learning Morse, and several methods claim to be "best." Use what works for you. Yes, you can certainly write down what you're copying. I find lower case cursive best because you can form the letters quickly. Good luck!

[@michaelsommers2356]

+Pow Avo The easiest way, I think, is to type what you are receiving. You will find that your brain forms a direct connection between the sound and your fingers. No thinking involved. Of course, this only works if you ae a touch typist. Also, you should learn to copy behind. That is, there is a delay between when you hear a character and when you write or type it. This makes it easier to copy faster code. Finally, everyone eventually hits a plateau (or plateaus), where no matter how much they practice they don't seem to get any faster. If you keep at it, though, you will eventually break through that plateau, so don't get discouraged. When I was in code school, it took me two weeks to qualify at 16 wpm, but that same afternoon I qualified at 18 wpm, too.

[@clarkpoland435]

I know it was part of the license exams, but I don't have a good feel for what semi- or full break-in does. I'm still early in my learning so haven't been on air, but none of the explanations have made sense to me yet.

[@davecasler]

+J. Clark Poland Back in the days of separate receivers and transmitters, an operator would throw a switch to change the station from receive to transmit, then start sending code. Then the ability came along for the transmitter to automatically sense that the key is sending, and go to the transmit mode. After the key was released, the transmitter would stay on for a short period just in case another key-down would come along. Thus when the sending operator paused for a bit, his station switched back to receive, allowing another operator to "break in" to the conversation. That was great, but the interrupting operator would not know how long the delay was. So equipment evolved such that the radio would actually turn back to receive immediately after a key down. This allowed an interrupting operator to break in even in the middle of letters! A transceiver having the capability to immediately go to receive, even between dots, is called "full break-in." So, the version where there's a delay is called "semi-break-in," because it doesn't offer all the capabilities of a full break-in rig. Hope that helps! 73, Dave, KEØOG

[@donnaandcharleshotchkiss2791]

hi Dave: I like your CW video! But I have a question. There groups that use land line telegraph, Do they use the railroad code or the international Morse code? Thankyou / Charlie Hatchkiss / WA6WQD

[@davecasler]

Landline telegraph in the USA uses the railroad code. Abroad it was often different. The radio code is actually based more on the old German railroad code than American Morse.

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

I have joint problems and am not musical, I would like to learn CW so I can identify beacons, I would like a low level to desk key, I like Czech RM-31 or similar. Can you recommend a key I can rest arm on desk and operate. I have about £120 or $150 dollars to play with approximately so possibly a K4? Thanks

[@davecasler]

Look at the inexpensive keys from CWMorse.us.

[@dalemyers9265]

has anyone notice that a few hams are lost if they trained their ear to contesting code as opposed to qso code. i can pick up cq -.-. --.- when i hear it. i trained my ear to understand it. but when i sit and listen to a qso. i'm lost, as many words would be foreign to me.

[@davecasler]

+dale myers Hi Dale, don't give up! You'll pick up the pattern of a QSO quickly enough. Hmmm...I wonder if I should do an Ask Dave episode on the anatomy of the typical CW QSO. Would that help? 73, Dave, KEØOG

[@dalemyers9265]

couldn't hurt. i passed 5wmp like the 13wpm character rate at 5 wpm speed. when i passed my tech plus. the only classes i never took or had too, were novice and advance.