APRS on the Cheap. My next project for the motorcycle.

Learning Morse Code as an Amateur Extra Class "No-Code" Operator

I have been a Amateur Radio Operator for over 2 years now and while I have enjoyed the phone parts of the bands I hear things in the morse code section way more frequently than than the phone bands. I have done the digital modes before too but I yearn to understand the simplicity of CW. I dont need a computer all I need is my radio gear and my straight key.

I set out on this quest over a year ago. The target was Dayton Hamvention 2012. Why? because when I went to Dayton Hamvention 2011 two friends I was with K8VIT and W8ZIP were at a display of morse code keys and playing around with them. They were sending morse on the keys and then laughing hysterically at themselves. I didn't understand what they were keying out but I was definitely intrigued. I set a goal for Dayton Hamvention 2012 as the date where I would become 'functional" with Morse Code.

To accomplish this goal I downloaded the app from "JustLearnMorseCode.com"

http://www.justlearnmorsecode.com/

 I set the pitch for 900. I set the words per minute to 5/18. Everything was fine up until I hit about 15 characters. I tried this method 3 times and each time around 15 characters they would start all sounding the same. I would get frustrated and stop again. This program was a great app but it just seems like I am repeatedly hitting a wall for some reason. I am not making progress and I stop. The period between stops gets longer and longer too.

To that end I am looking for other programs to learn morse code. I am going to try some different methods too, to see which if any work better for me and my learning style. It sure is great having the computer to aid me in my quest for CW "ability".

I have downloaded an application called Morse Machine today, the difference in this application is that it waits for you to type the character before proceeding.

I think I like that more. I dont like letting them pass me then hitting delete and trying to type in letters. I realize that you just are supposed to skip the ones you miss, I just have trouble at this point thinking that is good for learning since I am 100% new. I also know that my Yaesu FT-2900s all have morse code training inside them.

 I have never tried the "cassette tapes" method either which I am sure would be enhanced by the ability to use the computer or play MP3s.

I am going to keep plugging away and try to remember that learning this new language is supposed to be fun and I should enjoy the process. I am not learning for a test or a deadline. I am learning for my own enjoyment. At 41 years old today I have a lot of time left to enjoy Amateur Radio and morse code, with all these solar storms affecting phone conversations in the Amateur Bands CW still gets through. Onward and upward I say.




If you have any hints or ideas I would love to hear the other methods that can be used. I am not sure the Justlearnmorsecode.com way works for me. The jury is still out on the "Morse Machine" way of doing things. I could easily be convinced to listen to recordings too.

Mountain Biking Finally Comes to Cleveland.