CW and Keys, Oscillators & Clubs
K7VIQ's CW Journey LinkTr.ee/K7VIQ
A No-Code Extra Amateur trying to become a Know-Code Ham.
A tortoise tapping Morse code quick,
Can go faster than my brain can click.
Like a tortoise, close to rigor mortis,
I am slowed, but I can still send code.
K7VIQ
Paul's History With Morse Code
I have long wished to know Morse code. As a young teen I looked at the chart in our encyclopedia set. I soon had a starter key along the line of the MFJ, my oscillator was a HD-16 Heathkit with a built in amp and speaker. I had a record set that I played a bit but could never get into the swing of learning the code and only learned some of the characters. Having a hard time learning it and so many other skills I wanted, I had to give up. But from time to time though when the subject of upping my license or radio or came up, so did the thought of at least learning Morse code. Now that I am still Extra Amateurish😞 since I do not yet fully know code, and even as it is no longer needed, that next step is still calling for me. Since morse code is no longer required, it is no longer indicated and has been relegated to just another mode to use like any other mode(Digital, CW, SSB, AM). After all the work it has taken me to learn Morse code I would like eventually to consider myself a 😃full Amateur Extra+(plus) ie. to be a 😃Know Code Ham, not a 😞No Code Ham.
I struggled with timing when learning music, and the same happened with straight key. Fortunately, using a keyer as a metronome helped me improve my timing on my Kent Twin. I now know all the characters, numbers, and common prosigns. I finished LICW Beginners 1, and I tried Beginners 2, but they use 12/10 wpm which I'm still working on (gradually increasing my speed to 12/8 wpm). I hope to one day achieve 12/10.
Reasons I like Morse code are:
It take such little power -100 milliwatts (0.1 watts) to 5 watts are all that is needed. It goes so much further on lower power. It takes more skill than just talking on a mic. It is much more portable and lightweight. The equipment is SO much simpler. Easier to make contact with a mobile compromised antenna. Much more rewarding because of the skill it takes to do it. Anyone can talk on a radio, and almost any radio operator can hook up a PC and let it make all the contacts for them. But code, is a mode, that both takes skill, and is a thrill.
My current long-term goal:
While 5 or 10 is the absolute minimum speeds, I would like to achieve a consistent 12 wpm. The faster I go the more contacts I will make. While I can send characters at 12 wpm, I still need to master Farnsworth spacing for receiving. By slowing down to 12 wpm, I hope to join the Beginners 2 class and gradually wean myself off of Farnsworth. Even at a flat 12 wpm, I will have some good participation on the air. With more practice, perhaps I can even reach 13 or even 14 wpm!
Language by sound and not by segments. Dec. 4, 2023
With much dreary-some repetition I am still barely starting to learn some letters by sound instead of the di's and dah segments. As I write an "A" do I think of the each line that created it, ie.. /-\ ? No, for if I did it would only slow my interpretation of the first letter learned. I have not given up, but rather I fight my mind automatically counting and seeing the individual segments of code in my head even at 25 wpm. Those once cool morse code charts I studied as a child from our family World Book Encyclopedia and on through my teenage years in school libraries and beyond as my interest remained has turned into a loathsome curse. I look forward to using Morse Code as a language. Morse Code charts are a menace to be burned rather than cluttering one's mind with useless patterns of dih's and dah's only to slow a student down from learning one's goal, that of learning a wonderful new language, not of segments, but of sound. - Dec 4, 2023, 11:26 AM
TLDR of my progress: 7/2024
Overall I have tried many speeds with varying amounts of Farnsworth to find a path that work with my brain. In the process I have found that the faster the code I listen at, the more Farns I need. I send at 12 comfortably and 12/8 is where LICW Beginners Carousel 1 starts so I settled on 12 wpm as I try to wean myself off of Farnsworth.
K7VIQ Paul's morse code processing. 8/14/2024
I learned the letters as a child from an encyclopedia.
I joined the Original LICW Beginners class and did well at that characters and ok at the numbers.
I have practiced the past at 20/6 -18/6 durin and since that class.
I essentially "know" all the characters and many Prosigns, but not by instant recognition, I need the recall time.
I slowed the chr wpm so I could work on reducing the Farnsworth and rejoin class. And to be practicing closer to my send speed I would use on the air.
I am now practicing at 12 wpm and need the 7 to 8 Farnsworth spacing to recognize the characters.
I can get more chr's as I listen if I do not write them down, but that last chr is gone when the next one comes. ie. I can only remember 1 chr at time, the next chr bumps the last chr.
I practice QSO's at 12/7 and push to x/8 for limited stints.
3/26/2024 Paul's Memory and Learning Morse Code I decided to write down my memory issues I have, and how it relates to me learning Morse Code.
See Code progress history below:
Section update 7/28/2024
~MY TLDR CODE PROGRESS~
I hope to shorten this TLDR at some point as I do better. Overall I have tried many speeds with varying amounts of Farnsworth to find a path that works for my brain. In the process I have found that the faster the code I listen at, the more Farns I need. I currently practice at 12/7 more comfortably. LICW Beginners Carousel 1 starts at 12/8 so I settled on 12 wpm as I try to wean myself off of Farnsworth.
December 14, 2019 - Using LICW methods I am practicing the characters, but can only send and receive at a very slow rate. I listen at 25/3 to 16/5 wpm but only with 3-5 wpm spacing. I need character the spacing between characters to give my brain reset time.
August 20, 2023 Morse code speed summary of CW skills
Receiving: I have received ok at speeds from 12/5 to 12/6 - 18/5 to 18/7 wpm practicing characters. I slowed down in wpm to match LICW Beginners 2 but for me at that rate my brain counts dits. I feel more likely to learn to receive code at a faster rate that my brain has a harder time counting even if it continues to take a long time. I have been successful at 18/xx so this is the rate I chose. I have received individual characters at a faster rate of 20/xx, but now that I am working on QSO’s I get overwhelmed. So I am now practicing common QSO type conversations using QSO Trainer | Morse Code World at 18/xx such as at 18/6 - 18/7.
Sending: I can send at a speed of around 15 wpm using a Kent Twin Paddle. I use Twin paddles to help me with timing. 15 wpm is an estimate at my send speed based on audio I have heard, the QRP Guys oscillator has no indicator of speed. I feel it is more important that I actually learn to receive code by sound first. After I have learned by sound at a faster speed, I can slow back down to match my eventual successful sending speed which should improve over time. Perhaps a compromise of 16 wpm? I can still practice sending at whatever speed I can send at to gain whatever skill and speed I become capable of. Then I can get on the air and finally be a Know-Code-Ham. - Conclusion updated 8/24/23
August 24, 2023: overall update: I can now listen at 16/6-18/6 wpm but still need that space for recognition. After many years of practice and contemplation, I find my reaction time for sending by paddle is close to 16 wpm so that is the rate I now listen at.
Sept. 2023: My technical issues: I find my partially amputated thumbs lack of feeling causing errors(like wearing a sewing thimble while coding). I am now trying to use my number 1 and 2 fingers. My timing on a straight key is horrible, I had bad timing when I tried to learn music too. I find the paddle keyer circuit helps me, like a metronome helps a timing challenged musician.
October 19, 2023: I have been practicing daily QSO’s at 16/6 with Morse Code Online for a long time and my Morserino for a couple months. I want to practice QSO's with other code students. I bought a NanoVNA H4 to try to see mehre my antenna is with my IC 7300 but get a 6.3 measurement on HF. So I used my PC to set my Morserino up to get online, but I haven't gotten it to connect yet. Just GOTA(Get On The Air) is not that easy of a thing to get working)
October 30, 2023: Did good at practicing at 16/8. I hope was not a fluke of a good day.
11/ 7/ 23 8:44p Received M.C. World 523HZ 16/8 Pretty rough. I tried 14/14, 12/12, 10/10, 5/5 to see if I can do without Farnsworth at any level and my brain could not hook on. I slowed to 16/6 and did much better. While I have had ok and good days at 16/8 it is a lot of work on many days. I do not seem to be improving to a sustainable level.
11/ 7/ 23 9:05p Received M.C. World 523HZ 16/6 Much better at 16/6. But Farnsworth rates are not used on the air. It is not practical or sustainable to keep practicing so long without progress. I have been practicing for months at similar rates without being able to work past using Farnsworth as I practice. I wanted so much to learn Morse code. It does not seem practical with my limitations to do so.
I took a break learning code from Nov. 11, 23 because it was taking to much time and never progressed to the point I could get on the air. The best I got was 16/6 and was never able after years of practice to breach that wall.
1/15/2024 to present - A new beginning with LICW Beginners Carousels ? CW Page 4 Study History
3/26/2024 - Paul's Memory and Learning Morse Code I decided to write down my memory issues I have and how it relates to me learning Morse Code.
5/2/24 update - I look forward to not having to concentrate so hard to do good on QSO practice. It's hard on the brain to continuously concentrate without tiring, but I can usually do a couple QSO’s and push for more then my brain shuts down.
5/13 12/8 Rcv QSO 7-Good 1x. I missed a day, but doing Good as was not that hard. Got 90%. I need to try to decrease spacing again.
5/13 12/9 Rcv QSO 1-Bad 1x, Horrible, I could easily tell the spacing was decreased. All ran together. Does not look like I will be able to move past 12/8 as my limit. I can still practice at 12/8 for fun when I want to. Unfortunately, 12/8 does not get me on the air, it makes me a perpetual student. If I am a perpetual student should I bother keeping track unless one day I break a new barrier?
5/27/2024 @PaulK7VIQ Watched: How To Learn Morse Code With The Long Island CW Club! I am still at 12/7 more comfortably and 12/8 with concentration for practicing and 12/9 above my brain grade and have not been able to wean myself off the Farnsworth milk. After years of practice, I still need that space to reset my brain, even at that, after just a couple practice QSO's my brain still goes to mush and I need to let it rest before I can practice more. Discouraging and I have slowed down on practice, but it is hard giving up, even if all I can ever be is a perpetual student, it is still fun to practice at least at 12/7.
10/7/24 I have been practicing at 12/8 and listening to the "Radio Ham Duo" on YT and getting some of it sometimes at .75 speed and sometimes their normal.
Pages of painful details of my progress below:
~MY DETAILED STUDY PAGES~
My LICW Google doc 1 Study History posts TLDR Google doc posts: Dec, 13 2019 - May 16, 2023
The LICW Club teaches CW online using Zoom.com VOIP. I found and joined to learn CW. LICW has been very beneficial to me at learning morse code and I was able to get my Beginners-1 certificate. I did have to set aside LICW for a period during covid as we started learning to use zoom for Meetings. Once the servants were up to speed I never got back in the routine of logging into LICW regularly.
My Google doc 2 CW Study History Posts TLDR Google doc posts: May 28 - Sept 6 2023
Mostly using Morse Code World and Morse Mania app when out and about to practice code. I started practicing QSO's during later on during this period. I have only visited LICW rarely but still use their methods.
My Google doc 3 CW Study History posts TLDR Google doc posts: Sept. 6, 2023 to Nov. 11, 2023
I am currently using Morse Code World to receive QSO's and the Morse Mania app to practice code when out and about. I almost always practice using head copy and do not write anything down as I know when I understood a character or have to skip a character I do not recognize in a timely fashion. In an actual QSO I would take needed notes. I am also using a new Morserino I assembled to send random stuff in my head as well as practice QSO's. I have only visited LICW rarely but still use their methods.
2024 CW Page 4 Study History I created a new page 4
I still watch ham Youtube videos for possible inspiration an even do an occasional post. On January 15, 2024 I Replied to a YouTube video: K2EJT's tips for CW Beginners
@PaulK7VIQ Went through original LICW Beginners 1 and enjoyed it. I never got got past using Farnsworth 16/6 using Morserino. # 266
Reply @EvanK2EJT Some people really have a hard time, so you're in good company. 16/6 is perfectly respectable, and definitely worthy of being on the air!
Reply @PaulK7VIQ Thank You. I have never heard Farnsworth on the air. I have considered starting over with Beginners Carousel 1 even though I would have to relearn at 14 wpm. Never could wean off off Farnsworth. I did make the mistake learning from our home encyclopedia chart as a child not knowing any better. I have a hard time with timing dits/dahs(never could learn music) it seems I have done best with my paddles helping me keep timing like a metronome.
@EvanK2EJT @PaulK7VIQ You'll hear Farnsworth occasionally, but not that often. I heard a QSO a few days ago that was probably 15/5. I actually recorded some of it because it was so slow. It certainly couldn't hurt to go around the BC carousel again and see if you can wean yourself off of the Farnsworth. It's definitely not easy once you've learned to use it, but it's also not an insurmountable mountain.
He is an LICW# 3740/i Instructor at the Long Island CW Club. Beginners Carousel 1 class, on Thursdays at 4PM Eastern. SKCC# 27425
January 15,2024: I even got an Email from Evan Thorson to DE.K7VIQ I just looked at your QRZ page, and I see you've been with LICW for a long time. If you started back in 2019, you started with their Beginners program at 20/5 if I remember correctly. Now we teach at 12/8 in BC1, 12/10 in BC2, and 12/12 in BC3. We found that starting students with the added Farnsworth was detrimental to their learning. If you haven't given a BC1 class a shot in a while, I'd encourage you to give it a try. If you can do 16/6, 12/8 shouldn't be too much of a stretch. If you do decide to give it another shot, we'll give you all the support you need. Thanks for watching my videos, and thanks for the thoughtful comments! Evan K2EJT
My Continued Progress Goals are:
Get faster at recognizing code. Listen to code now at (17+ in 2020) (14 in May, 2023)wpm, (16/5 August 2023) (16/6 October 2023) I need to reduce the time needed recognize each letter and reset time between them.
Practice sending code (Using my straight key per a LICW suggestion but will also practice with twin paddles). I have been using a plastic paddle on outside porch during the summer 2020. (Its summer again 2023 and practicing using paddles as the keying circuitry helps not to worry about correct character timing)
My next step then will probably be listening to call signs for the random letter and number groups practice. (Early 2023 not there yet). (Actually I am spending time doing QSO's - August 2023 forward)
Get on the air and get my LICW 'First QSO Award' and FIST Award (Oct. 30, 2023 not there yet)
Keep skills up to use in case of emergency (and stay ever at it through 2023+ trying to keep the brain mush active).
Try to arrange online or over air practice with ham Friends. Jay thought it would be cool but that's as far as it gets when our lives are so busy with the more important things. (As of Aug 2023 has never worked out)
~ MY KEYS ~
Since Morse keys are a highlight to a station desk I wanted some brass on my keys.
My first key is MFJ-550 straight I practiced with as a child with a Heathkit oscillator.
The first key I bought is a Bunnell Western Electric AT&T straight key.
My second is just a 3d printed plastic dual paddle key to test how I can use one until I can get a real one. Paddle keys seem so efficient to me and I would like to learn to use one.
I purchased a Bencher Chrome BY-2 Iambic Paddle used from a Ham at LICW club member.
I have assembled a Kent Twin Paddle to practice on as well.
I am slowly learning to send code, and once I can also copy code as I listen, I will be able to plug it into my IC-7300 and join the oldest of the digital modes.
In the sections below you will find my keys:
My MFJ-550, Bunnell Western Electric AT&T Triumph, Brass painted 3d plastic printed, and Putikeeg Rose Aluminum key
Bencher 2, Kent Paddle,
Bunnell Western Electric AT&T Triumph "Legless" Style Telegraph Straight Key
I am proud of this piece of brass and steel. While ebay was busy overcharging at museum piece prices, I found this at Nationwide Radio & Eq. Sales in better condition for a much more reasonable price. I have enjoyed practicing on such a beautiful brass key that I can be proud of using for LICW class.
Product Description
This Western Electric AT&T Triumph "Legless" Style Telegraph Straight Key, Was made from 1881 to the 1950s. It was likely made by Bunnell for Western Electric / AT&T as many keys made by different companies would stamp the name of the companies they were made for. This is a very well built, high quality Key, with the shorting lever, and will fit in nicely with any vintage Amateur Station. It is in Excellent condition with all original parts, and the patina looks fantastic. While this type of key is common, many are in poor condition unlike this one. This description and pictures are from Nationwide Radio & Eq. Sales.
Purchased from ...
Purchased from Nationwide Radio & Eq. Sales
$34.99 Condition: Used - Shipping: $7.00 (Fixed shipping cost)
(Ke9pq@new.rr.com) Mark A Olson, 1490 Norfield Rd, Suamico, WI 54173 US
Another site also has a bit about this key: http://w1tp.com/im3000a.htm Collection number: 1463 WESTERN ELECTRIC "LEGLESS" key: This all-brass key with steel lever looks like a Bunnell "Triumph" key made for Western Electric. Stamped"TELEGRAPH KEY 1A, AT&T CO." on the brass base & "WESTERN ELECTRIC" on shorting bar.
Twin Paddle CW Key - 3d printed plastic
Kathy and I picked the Larger prebuilt of three three sizes offered. I painted one brass trying to give it a bit of class, the other is black with the contrasting red paddles. The contacts do not always register dits if I am to brief on the contact. (Contacts composed of normal screw heads contacting bolt thread posts)
Product description: Large keys have magnets on the bottom which can be used on a radio or iron block. The keys are made by 3D printing and can't work in high temperature environment! 5x9x3cm or 2"x3.5"x1" inches.
My Bunnell Western Electric AT&T and a plastic 3D printed tin paddle key.
Sellers page: ebay.com Double Paddle CW Key $16.72
Bencher Chrome BY-2 Iambic Paddle
This is an upgrade from my 3D printed plastic key and I am sure it will give me many years of usage. I have been using it to practice Morse code and is one of favorite keys.
July 27, 2020 - Steven WF3T, LICW Club Member #78 wanted sell few items to club members offered some items on LICW's Club page on FB help members at some wonderful prices. I was interested in his Bencher Chrome BY-2 for $55 including postage so contacted and purchased it from him. The BY-2 is well reviewed on eHam.net
Product write up: The Bencher BY series are dual-lever iambic paddles featuring adjustable contact spacing and tension, self-adjusting needle bearings, gold-plated solid silver contacts, polished clear Lucite paddles, heavy-steel bases, and non-skid feet. The main frame, contact post, and bearing ring are machined from solid brass. A paddle with definitive, yet subtle tactile feedback, friction-free return, and perfect closure on every dot and dash.
I made my own name plate and did not buy theirs.
Before I bought parts for my key, I commissioned this .gif made from an official Kent photo.
Adding to my collection. I will continue to learn morse code at my own speed using training methods such as LICW club, my QRP Oscillator, and now also with this Kent Key that I assembled with parts I bought from the manufacturer. Assembled 4/2023 This link has more than you my want to know about my favorite brass key.
My Kent Key with its Burgundy Bama Key paddles as I did not buy Kent's plastic paddles or name plate. I chose to use the BaMaTech burgundy aluminum paddles I already had purchased with my key when I got it to add a bit of color like a Maraschino cherry on a fine dessert.
Aluminum/ Rose colored alloy
CW Keyer Double Paddle Morse Key Mini - Putikeeg Website
CW Keyer Double Paddle Morse Key Mini Versatile for radio enthusiasts, camping, or indoor use. The weight is 0.24 pounds (106 grams). Constructed from Aluminum alloy for durability and rust resistance. Features magnetic base for easy fixation on iron surfaces. Customize Dit & DAH paddle distance for personalized experience. Equipped with left and right switches for convenient operation. Includes 5.5mm wrench and 1.5mm hex key.
A good for the money unbranded Chinese lightweight portable paddle I have. The connector is a 3.5 mm socket. CW Key Size: 7cm * 3.5 cm * 4cm (2.76(2-3/4) inches x 1.4 inches x 1.6 inches). Aluminum brass colored alloy, Magnetic base & return. The distance between keys is adjustable for personal preference. With adjustment wrench. Putikeeg model: Heathkit SB-200
This key only cost me $5.40, the balance was reimbursed using a health insurance medical wellness check payment to my Google Pay balance. Yes, eating well and taking care of your health, CAN feed and take care you and aid in a longer lifetime hobby. Or to be honest, it was just a way to reimburse me for a portable cool brass looking key. I case I ever do any portable CW ham radio.
~ MY OSCILLATORS ~
Oscillators to aid learning code.
Code Oscillators - I have 2 oscillators from electro-resales. One for a straight key and one for paddle key.
Ham Morse Code/Telegraph CW Practice Oscillator - with pitch control for straight keys. No amp.
Morse Code CW Ham Radio Trainer & Oscillator Learn Morse reception and sending for paddles. No amp.
12/19 - I have been using the built in oscillator on my Icom 7300 because the tone adjustment on the electro-resales are whacko.
1/7/20 - I bought a new KD1JV Code Oscillator kit from QRPGuys that does straight and paddle keys but has a much better tone than the ones I got from electro-resales. The board gets high regards from users from LICW Club. Found it a pain to use and fell out of using it as requires a coin battery and needs an amp to use a speaker. I bought a separate amp board but it does not have its own speaker and had to be plugged in separately as well. and the it also has to be connected to a separate speaker. No amp.
In July 2020 I bought a couple small 9v project amp boards and speakers for the oscillators so do not need to use a bulky PC amp. But one has to keep up with 9v battery replacement.
May 2023 - I have fell off with the oscillator as one take a weird coin battery that does not last long, and all of them have to be hooked up to where I am practicing along with a amplified speaker. I gave up on the 9v battery speaker amps. I have considered an all in one oscillator with its own amp and speakers. So even though I have a cool Kent twin paddle now I am not using it.
May 2023 - Plus the fact I did a FINE job soldering the 1/8 plug on and found out the nice metal gold colored one I chose is cheap and not built correct so tip connection does not connect. I have not had the heart to unsolder it and search for a replacement plug from some other more reliable source.
Aug 16, 2023 - I got a coin battery to USB adaptor so I do not have to use a battery with the QRP guys oscillator.
August 27, 2023 - I purchased a Morserino kit(My build page) with a LICW purchase code. Another fun kit to put together with its own unique capabilities. It has Multiple training modes for both Send & Receive local and internet(Loran & Wi-Fi). It also has a built in Speaker, Display, Battery(optional), Touch paddles. All making it very mobile.
My original Heathkit oscillator I have and used as a child. I also had a used Heathkit shortwave radio.
Another oscillator I assembled and then added a speaker amp. And my Bencher 2 and myself.
My QRP Guys oscillator I assembled. It however eats CR32 batteries like I can eat cookies if I forget to turn it off.
My board before the silicon population boom.
This one has Multiple training modes for Send & Receive both local and internet. It also has a built in Speaker, Display, Battery, Paddles. all making it very mobile.
Delivered Sept. 18, 2023 and assembled the 19th
Updated to v5.0.3 Sept. 25, 2023
Added a LIPO battery to the bottom of board.
Has been great for sending practice along with my Kent.
Audio Mixer
I purchased a 12v LZSIG 4 chan. Ultra Low-Noise stereo Mini Audio Mixer, for Sub-Mixing, 4 Input Independent Control, 1/4" & 1/8" TRS Output and Input to help hook up my Mic and an oscillator to my PC for class.
It does not work well with my current PC as it only has one combo 1/8 phono mic/speaker out jack. Using one jack for both in and out is ridiculous.
~ CW CLUBS ~
Besides Long Island CW Club I joined some CW clubs below that accept users that are less than 25 wpm. I joined the ones below, but more can be found on my Ham Wall Art page.
Helping to make CW great again
Dec. 14, 2019 - Member# 266 - I joined the LICW Club which offer a low stress online CW course using Zoom.us video streaming. More about it and my progress using LICW club on this page. Life member.
#226 Life member.
FISTS Frequencies & Schedules
Accuracy Transcends Speed and Courtesy at all times
The FISTS group.io answers CW questions and arranges practice schedules for CW that I want to listen in on to practice copy. FISTS are also help beginners as a couple other clubs require 25 wpm to join. I have enjoyed reading some FIST Newsletters with encouraging information and examples to help learn Morse code. Members get access to more recent newsletters. Member #19640 as of Nov. 19, 2019-Nov. 19, 2021 - Join free for 2 years offer expires Aug 15, 2020
Jan 5, 2020: I got my SKCC# 21564 today. Straight Key Century Club awards its users for straight key QSO's. I look forward to getting on the air when I get better at recognizing code. I will flesh this subject out in time, perhaps with some rewards. Free for life.
