To Whom It May Concern:
This year, I’m gonna write YOUR New Year’s Resolutions….not mine. I hear it all the time. Over and over again. Frankly, I do get a little tired of hearing it. I’m sure your intentions are good. I have no doubt you “really want to learn the code." And I know I had it relatively easy, being ‘forced’ into learning and operating Morse as a Novice in the late 1970’s. You, through no fault of your own, got to bypass all that. But the more you operate and listen and talk to other hams, you realize CW is more than just some archaic mode. You realize not only is it a part of the history and heritage of our hobby, but an efficient, 'cut through the noise’ method of making contacts. And one that could come in handy as this solar cycle wanes. The hobby is so diverse in avenues to investigate and pursue (especially as a General class or higher) - and all that is keeping you from learning the code. It’s the double-edged sword of amateur radio. As a Novice, I didn’t have all the distractions (PSK31, SSB, FM repeaters, satellites…) you have. My focus was set for me. So, here is my advice to you, should you choose to accept YOUR resolutions…. I wish you the best!
I will remove the mic from my rig and put it in a drawer.
I will unhook the computer from my rig (so I don’t run digimodes)
I will learn all the Morse characters by sound and memorization, building my Morse reflexes - NO associations, shortcuts, tricks, gimmicks, songs, visualizations.
I will use Koch method trainers (see ref list at bottom) to ensure I don’t get stuck under the '10WPM hump.’
I will commit myself to practice receiving code for no less than 15-30min a day.
I will not let myself get discouraged.
I will listen to the code practice sessions on W1AW and write down what I copy on a pad to check myself
As I get the characters down pat, I will practice sending them
I will hang out on the CW portions of the bands and listen in on other QSOs to get a feel for how they go.
As soon as I am comfortable that I know all the characters in my head, I will get on the air and make QSOs - just me, my radio, my key, my headphones a pencil and a pad.
I will be very nervous.
I will make many, many mistakes.
In the beginning I will miss a lot of the information the other station is sending.
If I miss a letter/number, I will forget it immediately and focus on the next one.
I will probably be able to fill in the blanks later.
I will ask them to QRS and repeat if I am having trouble.
I will probably be embarrassed.
It will be OK.
I will do this over and over again…and I will get more and more confident.
I will make use of NAQCC QRS nets and SKCC Elmers to increase my proficiency.
As my comfort level increases, I will push myself to have QSOs with stations sending a tad faster than I am comfortable with.
I will participate in CW contests and events as often as possible.
My speed and accuracy will increase.
I will be a CW operator.
REF LIST:
The Art & Skill of Radio Telegraphy
G4FON Koch Morse Trainer
Learn CW Online
CW Academy
SKCC Elmer Frequency
NAQCC QRS (slow speed) Nets
