Trying to find Slow Code on the SKCC frequencies

I made this video in the event a new operator, (Newer than me anyway) might see the basics of CW and plant a seed. Plus, sometimes when I talk myself through this is makes it easier.More to come, listen for me on the slow SKCC freq's!
I purchased a straight key and tonight decided to see if I could find some slow code and try to make a QSO....failure, but.....I was able to listen and copy some conversation, sort of. I listened and wrote some notes, etc. Still not very confident, but I am working towards that goal! Hopefully I'll have more ham radios videos up this year! I plan to do more portable ops and some POTA.

[@guillecwdiaz1622]

ajust that key!, too much separate contacts

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thank you! That is exactly how to be an ambassador to people learning.

[@hamradioliveguy5544]

7.114 skcc mbrs will slow to anything you want. I heard two guys talking about learning cw on there at 2 wpm one day. I bet they carried on for about 45 min.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks! I really, really need to tune up and get back to CW practice!

[@Porco_Utah]

best way to learn code. AG6JU

[@mkc0pr]

Great video! Glad you found SKCC, truly a great group of hams, I need to get back on play on those freqs--been away on the paddles for too long. 73 de Mike AC0PR

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks for stopping by! It's not the easiest thing, learning morse code, nor the hardest, but man o man...it takes practice.

[@nr3rful]

You set the key up however you want. What feels good, not what others say...I like mine very thght with little gap, others like a wider gap with more play. But that looks like a great key.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, you make a good point. One thing I did recently was to place a small bit of rubber under the rear, the extra "clacking" was messing with my head. I guess that I just wanted to get the key....to a reference point, so to speak. I'm learning things from these types of comments, thanks.

[@markanderson8066]

since discovering SKCC a few years ago I have rarely used any of my paddles. Much enjoyment for me, at least! SKCC 14139T - ask any of us to QRS if we are going too fast. We'll do our best to adjust. CU on the air! Mark / WB2SMK

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Mark, thanks for the encouragement! I really do need to just get on the air and make some CW contacts. I'm sure that is the only way to build the confidence to get on the air to make CW contacts...what a dilemma. hihi. I also have an SKCC #18744....maybe I'll actually get on the air and send that one of these days. Thank you, 73.

[@MuzzleMike]

Looks to be a nice key . I would have thought there would be rubber on the bottom to help keep it in place . The main thing is you are doing it . No matter how slow you are going . Speed will come along as you do it more . From what I have been told . I am working my way to getting things together to trying it out . I am also planning on some simply DIY stuff in the mix . It will be fun and part of owning a KLR is to be cheap as you can be . 😀😋

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

So true! a majority of this hobby is experimenting and DIY's.

[@axiomist4488]

Very clear explanation. I like it . Thanks .

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

So nice of you

[@Bob814u]

The effort is more than most can accomplish. You just have to keep at it. Reminds me of another video on KZbin. LOL!!!! Making a contact is one thing. Listening is always a good learning tool. Even if you are hand copying as many letters as you can figure out the others will come. Keep at it Brother.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks! Hand copying...yeah, that's me for sure!

[@stevenbata2336]

I loved the video. I am learning letters now but I enjoyed hearing your explanation of the QSO process and how it would sound on the radio. 73s. KD8VSP

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

thanks for commenting! Best of luck and stay with it! I've worked on it, practiced and then strayed from it only to feel like I was starting over again.

[@gregjablunovsky841]

Thanks for sharing, I'm getting to the point of trying this...

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Awesome! Shamefully, I haven't turned on a radio in months! Good luck!

[@KX4UL]

Hey Ron, I didn't know you started a new channel for HAM radio. Glad to see you back even though I am a little late to the party...hi...hi! I follow Tom, N9Y0 as well. I used to live in St. Charles, MO many years ago myself. Now subbed to your new channel. Looking forward to more videos. 73!

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Hey! Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, I did start a second channel. I felt that my moto subs were bored with the ham radio and the ham radio subs bored with...well all the other crap I upload to the other channel..hi hi! Hopefully I'll be making some radio vids soon!

[@KX4UL]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio- I used to follow you when you were doing ham vids, but must confess, I lost interest in the motorcycle posts. But, I am a motorcycle fan. I used to race enduros in my teens and my brothers still ride street bikes. My Dad had motorcyles for over 50 years until he passed. I stopped riding when I became interested in music and went on the road as a guitarist/singer.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

I knew that was happening. Do you still play and sing? I've owned a guitar since I was in my teens, not really that good, but I enjoy playing when I can. I've wanted a Strat for as long as I can remember, but because of the limited playing I do have convinced myself that I don''t need it..lol! I did, however, buy the cheapest Squier Bullet and a pedal board full of Behringer boxes..haha!

[@diverbon911]

Good job OM... I have also been doing the same! Hope to work you man

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks! I'm still working on it, not as much as I should, but slowly.

[@resmeduser4918]

Definitely one of my goals to get once i get my ticket and general so i can cw when i go sota, pota and qrp

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Exactly! I would def rather be a CW type of operator than phone...but..slowly, but surely.

[@resmeduser4918]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio new stuff in amateur radio is cool like dstar but to me cw, portable and analog seems more appealing to me then new stuff

[@bunkerliving]

Pretty key. Great job.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks!

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

I love all those gadgets bro. We actually had to learn Morse code in school, but the only thing I remember is SOS 😁

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

lol...gadget!!!! SOS is a good thing to know!

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

Bargain Basement Ham Radio ... _ _ _ ... that’s all I know lol.

[@abumoto1]

Hi! I enjoyed your video again! Thank you for sharing. I hope to meet you with CW someday. CU 73 de JP1QEC.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

One day my friend! I need to practice on the air to build my confidence! Thanks for commenting!

[@hamradiocq]

Your CQ sounded great FIST!

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks! Just need to keep practicing decoding!

[@MikeWest_W]

I’m just looking to exchange a signal report and skcc number. I’m not interested in a long term committed rag chew. ;) Thank you for an encouraging and informative video!

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thank you. Shamefully, I haven't turned on a radio in at least a year! What is that they say about good intentions..lol. Best of luck! 73

[@allbelieversinchristchurch7364]

I do understand the nervousness of getting on air the first time. But if you contact someone who is willing and patient, a ragchew is a great way to learn and get past the nervousness. N8MXV. SKCC 27847

[@ADVNevada]

That is something Id like to learn

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

No time like the present!

[@dumitrucolcova8164]

At 9.56, you said "F", but you transmited an "L", or am I wrong?A big "like" for the video, anyway.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Good catch! I definitely keyed an “L” instead of an “F”!! But it was a good “L”..lol. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@n8nkqrp595]

I like that key. Much beefier than my J38. I love the sound of a semi-loose key that has mass... lots of brass on the dang thing... when you get an ear for 'the codes', you'll hear that semi sloppy brass slap modulating your carrier. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Well, second only to the first cry of my children at birth. It's how I imagine the bands must have sounded back 'in the day'. Awesome video! Oh, btw OM... I've been a ham for 42 years. Run cw 99.9% of the time. Your fist sounds MUCH better than mine! I've been a paddle monkey the whole time I'm afraid. I could copy cw like yours all day long

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks! I've been away from the radio for several months, I'm afraid. But, 2020 is going to be a new year! I wish I had the dedication to practice more, I'd like to be CW for than SSB! Maybe 2020 will be the year for that.

[@sondrayork6317]

when i first got my ham license, I didn't have to learn it, but then I upgraded to my gens, and as I studied I learned I had to learn cw which I did, ONLY TO FIND OUT that the FCC eliminated it all across the board, I was so mad too because at one point, I could copy about 25 WPM on a good day as i constantly monitored the shortwave bands on the code only frequencies lol. now, if you were to try to send me a message, the only way I could copy it is with code get for windows or code grabber for iOS. what you got going here sounds like 5 WPM and I can barely even copy that, if you weren't talking, I could maybe copy it though. I thought when you wanted to use a frequency you gave QRZ not QRL. I've heard QRZ given on phone a lot of times though, on VHF on simplex I've heard it but I hear it more so on the HF bands though.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

25 wpm was amazing!! I still cannot dedicate enough time to study code copying, but I am getting there. Thanks for the comment! Yeah, QRL is the correct code for checking if the Freq is clear. Here is a long list of the Q Codes- www.giangrandi.org/electronics/radio/qcode.shtml

[@cwguy8960]

What you have there is what is called the "Chinese PLA Key" (PLA for "People's Liberation Army"). I have one too, and it is beefy. Also, the spring is really stiff - I get tired sending on mine. I can only imagine how many Chinese Army radio ops have used (or maybe are currently using) the same key. I think they made a gazillion of them. I do like the weight of the base.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Ahh, thanks! Yeah, the way you describe the weight and the spring, exactly like this one. I fell off the CW wagon and really, really need to get back into it. Thanks for the info!

[@usernamemykel]

Weight of base is probably lead. be careful. Be very very careful... You can shorten the spring to make it more limp. It's like a circumcision...

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

So, I saw this video a couple of years ago. I joined SKCC on your recommendation. Best thing I did. Anyway, how’s your code going. I’m still pretty ordinary, but I have a lot of fun. Put up a couple of videos myself. So how’s your rag chew? I still struggle, but have a few regulars I chew the fat with around 15-17WPM.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

That's great! I appreciate you watching and commenting! Sadly, I've not been working with my radios much at all. I've just got too many hobbies and one of them always takes a back seat. Now that the colder weather is on the way, I'll most likely get back to it. I have make a few contacts, mostly listening for POTA, or SOTA activations, simple exchanges, etc. Rag Chew...lol...that is terrifying! Glad that you are doing well with the CW!! 73 (I'll head over to your channel)

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio head over to my channel ??? Oops. Probably not wise, but it does come with a trigger warning:-)

[@daveschmittle3628]

Looks like you can copy pretty well. I am having issues myself. I completed CW Academy level 1 but just can't seem to get copying down. I know letters and numbers but copying them on the fly seems a bit difficult, don't know why. Anyway, nice video. I like to see videos at the beginning cw level. 73 Dave KM6MYF

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Hello Dave! I've struggled with CW copying, mainly because I just don't dedicate enough time to listen and try to head copy more often. Of course, getting on the air is the best way, unfortunately, the most difficult hurdle for us new guys is...confidence. I took the CWA level 1 class, then started the level 2, but had to drop out due to other commitments. I guess we both need to keep hammering away! Thanks for the comment!

[@daveschmittle3628]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio Just want to mention, After watching your video and a couple others, I was inspired to give a few trys for qso's ...got my first last night with a guy in Colorado, I'm in California. Just a little ragchew, not much. I mentioned to him that I was new and very slow so he slowed way down and we made my first cw contact . Way cool! I was only looking to exchange call signs and signal strength but he went on with his rig and antenna and qth. I copied as much as I could, which wasn't much, LOL but made it. Awesome. I love it! Later Dave KM6MYF 73

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

That's awesome!!! I really.....really...need to get on the air and do it more often. I have zero excuses for not being able to copy better.

[@radioopbowhunter5748]

You seem to be copying well to me..best practice is to get on and ragchew..your probally flying along now in 2022. Nice video 73

[@hamradiocq]

Woot! N9YO! I know that guy he rocks... kinda lazy at times though.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

LOL>>!!! I won't tell him you said that!

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

ditto

[@justinelliott3529]

Ham Radio CQ makes great videos too

[@w8lvradio]

That's a "Big John" Key. And those contacts are Silver! I could never get the tension set right on mine. It's just Tiring to pound after a short while. I could never find a lighter tension spring to replace the existing one.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

It is definitely a heavy duty key! Yessir, the spring is pretty stiff. I even used a piece of rubber in the rear to keep it from clacking so much! Thanks for the comment!

[@arktikat0083]

Bargain Basement Ham Radio It’s a Chinese K4 straight key, contacts are silver plated not pure silver, I don’t know the earliest manufacture date but mine is made in 1968, in its original box. There are few factories still making them however the quality dropped, for example the screws used to be nicely finished slot screw now it’s changed to common hardware store Philip screws, these K4 keys are still popular among hams in China, for ¥150 (exchange rate between usd and cny is roughly 1:7)you can buy a recently manufactured key, even the old in stock from late 60’s to 70’s only cost around ¥300-400, so it’s really a great deal.

[@gonebamboo4116]

Yes, I think it's actually a truck spring.

[@usernamemykel]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio Could've shortened the spring a snip.

[@submarineradioman5535]

It’s a Chinese military style key... they flooded the market with them several years ago. Bullet proof. I had one - sold it. I have 3 keys. Straight key, paddle, and a vibroplex bug. 73 de Howie WA3MCK SKCC #958. 50 years in amateur radio this month. 73’s es gud DX!

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Wow! 50 years! That is awesome! I really got into it late, I got my tech in Dec of 2016. Thanks for the info on that key!

[@DennisMathias]

Howie de W0QR. NAME HR IS DENNIS. BN HAM FER 60 YRS.

[@gonebamboo4116]

It's actually not a straight key, mine anyway is really crooked. Typical Chinese communist junk but not much else available where I'm at. [seriously, the pivots in the arm are off center and the key arm sits about 10-15 degrees from perpendicular]

[@dougdukes1039]

Hell, I would like to be as good as you.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

haha, thanks! I've got a ways to go, need to practice more, get on the air more to build confidence.

[@danielgurzynski7633]

Nice key but really badly set up. I would say use 1 or maybe 2 sheets of typing paper to set the spacing, then adjust the tension to make it smooth and accurate at the speed you're comfortable with. That of course will also change with practice. If it's clacking you are wasting energy and motion.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thank you for a very helpful comment! I guess I need to do some work on it!

[@usernamemykel]

Did you actually have to hold it still (using left hand) if it weighed about 3 lbs.?????

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Apparently the desk surface is slippery and the bottom of the key doesn't have any anti-slip material on it. Did that actually answer your question?????

[@usernamemykel]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio It did - you did mention that the bottom of the key base had felt, so as not to mar the table. Silicone baking pads are inexpensive, cut be cut to size, and offer a great grippy surface, top and bottom. 73

[@keithshamradioworld2793]

That key is a Chinese army Surp;us training key. I have a key just like that

[@hamradiocq]

That key is pretty sweet. I'd buy it in a second. I don't have any straights that good. That'll be what I get at Xenia

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

It's a solid, heavy clackity key! not sloppy at all.

[@gonebamboo4116]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio Mine was terribly sloppy. Would wobble until I reworked the whole thing.

[@usernamemykel]

How does one determine which band and frequency to try????

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Based on the band plan, your license and radio/antenna capabilities...?

[@usernamemykel]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio General. Which bands are most active for the CW community? Thanks

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

@@usernamemykel 40m band seems to be the most active.

[@JayN4GO]

Hope ur still trying. I’m just on the sk as well. We can try skcc freq soon?

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Shamefully, I haven't been doing with ham radio in a long time. I did make a new video and have started back with the CW. I am trying to work on head copying instead of writing everything down...being away for so long has been a setback. I haven't been using the SK, but soon. I did make a contact with a POTA activator yesterday...it wasn't pretty, but I made it through!

[@JayN4GO]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio very good. Check out Kurt Zoglmann for headcopy KZbin vids

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

@@JayN4GO Thanks! I head over there now!

[@on4mgy_radioamateur]

at 9:56 you send K4SLC instead of K4SFC

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

I was still learning, it's been so long since I've been on the air, I doubt that I could send anything!

[@MoTown44240]

You want A short QSO where you and the other OP exchange SKCC number and RST? If you try this you should try when there is a scheduled SKCC event. Otherwise how can you be assured when calling CQ that a SKCC OP will respond, not a non-SKCC OP?

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

In the beginning of the video I was listening to the bands trying to find someone calling cq and listening to the exchanges. I simply figured that if I had the chance, I would answer their call. I didn't make any assurances. Thanks for the comment....I think.

[@markanderson8066]

Simply call CQ CQ SKCC de in the SKCC area on the bands and we'll respond. It's like calling CQ CQ NJ if you are looking to talk to someone in New Jersey. de WB2SMK

[@kulanchandrasekaran4462]

Very good tip. Thanks.

[@sanebedlam]

Try chasing sota on cw no rag chewing there usually.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

I do try that when I can! I've got the SOTA Goat app on my phone and I'll see if anyone if active and I'll try to pick them up. I've only successfully made a few contacts...east coast and most activators are out west, it seems! Thanks!

[@sanebedlam]

@@BargainBasementHamRadio it should be doable I currently activate on the west coast and fairly regularly tall to a couple chasers in NC and one in Pennsylvania. I'll be moving to the east coast soon though. -K9WBZ

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

@@sanebedlam Roger that. I'll continue to listen and respond! 73!

[@markgunnison]

My dad was really into ham radio when I was a kid. I tried to learn Morse code but lost interest. Being a bad speller it was hard as a kid.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

I'd imagine it was difficult for that reason. Part of me wishes I had gotten into it at an early age, but part of me thinks I can appreciate it more now...dunno Thanks Mark.

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

they do alot of abbbbivations da

[@gt3940]

Cw ops were the original text user's long before the smartphone and texting!

[@usernamemykel]

Who can't spell the English alphabet (especially if North American or British or Australian or etc. ?

[@usernamemykel]

​@@jeromegrzelak8236 Why does the word "abbreviations" have two B's? Makes no sense.

[@lexheath9075]

nice. skcc 2409

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

New rigs have a memory keyer saves u time kg6mn

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

I've seen that. I've watched a bunch of SOTA activators on YT using those functions on Elecraft rigs.

[@nr3rful]

I been doing CW for 50 years and still will not "rag chew". Don't care for it

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

At least I am not alone in that regard! To me, at least at this point at my level, it's very exhausting mentally. Thanks for the comment!

[@DennisMathias]

Jez, you ruined by lecture up above! :-) de W0QR

[@nr3rful]

Your CQ must have a "WES" after it for them to know you are looking for SKCC

[@al7ps317]

WES is for weekend sprint contest.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks! I've actually read that, but I lose 75% of my intelligence when I try using CW...lol...I need to relax and just do it more.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Thanks! I really need to take advantage of the Weekend Sprintathon.