1. So I decided to try CW Why? How? Morse Machine RufzXP
Just Learn Morse Code
Morse Runner
G4FON Koch Trainer
CWCom
MorseCat
Begali CW Machine

2. Why 5 Dx stations on CW for every SSB on 17m Less Bandwidth Less power
Wanted to prove that I can.
Says something about perseverance and dedication
CW & Antennas are likely the most discussed topics.

3. How long will it take?

4. How - Tools Software. Rx only initially
Every program had a specific strong point for me.
All S/W in this discussion is free.
Sending is Easy – or so they say.
CWCom for sending feedback

5. How - Technique Learn single chars first. Recognize sound of char.
Verify correctness initially
Continuous copy.
Short chars easy to learn but difficult during continuous copy.
Copy on paper
Copy in head
I always copy call on paper. (even for voice)
Avoid “auto complete”

6. Morse Machine Pro’s Good to get started Char training only. Cons
No audible error indication
Chars not totally selectable.
No space distinction.

7. RufzXP Rufzeichen-Hören 50 calls with top score.
Calls only – no words.
Pro’s
Speeds up
Cons
Not learning the space between words.
Tend to predict the numeric.

8. Just Learn Morse Code Can define what chars
Used extensively to practice 5/h
Hear and see to learn
Hear and type to test
Good for learning letters
Shows correct percentage - feedback

9. G4FON Koch Trainer Good for words / QSO etc.
Simulates various real world conditions:
Signal strength
Noise Level
QSB
Chirp
… more

10. Morse runner Simulates Contest Simulates band conditions.
Simultaneous calls
QRM
Call and seq no.

11. Morse Cat 2.0 Does char training Lessons
Expert mode allows fine tuning
Simulated calls
Copy on paper and check
Sending check training no longer available.

12. MFJ-418 Pocket Code Tutor Portable Typical MFJ quality.
Quality deteriorated on later models.
Letters, Words, QSO’s etc.
Interactive or continuous.
Farnsworth timing.
Words & QSO somewhat outdated

13. Sending Always start with straight key
20 WPM seems to be average high end for straight key.
Move on to paddle or bug.
Most folks seems to use dual paddles.
Verify “fist” with CWCom or Begali

14. Begali CW machine Top of the line Keyer $300 + Software Tutor Logger
Interfaces with PC
Interfaces with Keyboard.
Interfaces with straight Key or Paddle.

15. CWCOM
Like AIM with CW
Supports straight key and paddle through serial port
Special characters can be defined

16. Timing (copied from ZART)
Dot is the base unit of measure
A dit is the sound of one dot followed by the silence of one dot.
A daah, the sound of a dash, is 3 dots long followed by the silence of one dot.
The space between letters is 3 dots.
The space between words is 7 dots.

17. Measuring speed (copied from ZART)
Based on the word: PARIS
P: 11 dots + 3 letter spacing.
A: 5 dots + 3 letter spacing.
R: 7 dots + 3 letter spacing.
I: 3 dots + 3 letter spacing
S: 5 dots.
Total: 50 dots (including the word space at the end).

18. The First QSO
Listen on the air to get a feel for the structure of the typical QSO.
Listen to hear that other folks make mistakes.
Listen to hear that there are many slow QSO’s
Become familiar with the abbreviations e.g. fer, fb
Become familiar with the prosigns KN, AR, SK etc.
Prepare a template QSO that you can copy from.
Practice the template with CWCom.
Get an Elmer for the first one. .

19. Terminology THX FB QSO WX ES SUNNY ES WINDY ES ABT 60F RST 579 57N
SIGS 599 5NN
CUAGN
HW NW? or HW?
HW CPY NW?
INVERTED VEE
BTU

20. Typical QSO TNX FER CALL OM = UR RST 599 5NN =
NAME IS SEBASTIAN SEBASTIAN =
QTH IS LONGMONT, CO LONGMONT, CO =
BTU <call> DE NS0W
OK GREAT <name> =
RIG IS ICOM RNG 50W TO VERTICAL ANTENNA =
SO HW CPY <name>?
OK <name> =
THX FOR FB QSO AND WAS VY NICE TO MEET U =
ALL THE BEST FRM CO ES =

21. Straight Key – GHD GT501MIL

22. Straight Key – Junker DBGM

23. Web resources http://zs6ez.org.za/tutorial/cw-qso.htm General CW hints
Online Books (ZART: Zen & the Art of Radiotelgraphy):
Online Books (The Art & Skill of Radiotelgraphy):
Learning CW (Begali CW Machine)

24. Software resources http://www.morsecat.de/index.html Morse Machine:
RufzXP
Just Learn Morse Code
Morse Runner
G4FON Koch Trainer
Morse Cat
CWCom