Trying to Learn Morse Code

My CW History and Progress. 

    My interest in radio started as a licensed CB user(KBPN-1418) and I went by 'Little John'. I was rather discouraged by the language and lack of courtesy though, and wished for an alternative. Ham radio was the ticket, although it was several years until I got around to studying for a license I finally did it. I have long wished to know Morse code. As a young teen, I looked at the chart in our encyclopedia set trying to drill it in my head. I soon had a starter key along the line of an MFJ. My oscillator to go with it was a Heath Kit with a built-in amp and speaker. I also had a record set that I played, but I could never get into the swing of learning the code and only learned a few characters. Having a hard time learning more, I gave up. But from time to time when I thought of getting a ham license, so did the need of learning code, and that was something I thought I could never do. But the time came when code was no longer a requirement. I was finally licensed as KB7VIQ on June 6, 1993, as a No-code Tech. When talking to my fiancé before marrying in 1999 I found she had also been interested in becoming a ham.

   It wasn’t until March 14, 2007, that Kathy became KD7PJW and I took the call K7VIQ as we took and passed the General exam. A Kenwood FT-DX-450 and G5RV antenna we had never pulled in much, and we were never able to get out, so were solely on VHF/UHF. My Brother Cecil(KB7ZXH) and I had a backyard repeater for years but due to inactivity we took it down. After that, we did not get on the air anymore for years due to local friends moving on from Ham radio.

   To have another emergency radio option around, my Wife and I decided to get a couple GMRS radios(WQYS231) along with my new buddy Jay L. who decided to do the same. Jay also wanted to get a ham license, so in order to support him, I studied to take the Amateur Extra exam. Alas, although he has not given up, he has not been able to spend the time to get a license. Without my buddy Jay though, I would have never even tried for the Extra. Thank you, Jay! Having already put forth the effort to be ready, I decided to go ahead and take the exam. On March 30, 2019, I was able to become an Amateur Extra. Taking the Extra was definitely something I thought I would never do, but I did it.

   Never give up on a dream, fulfilling dreams leads to the confidence to fulfil more. Now that I am an Extra, and even though it is no longer needed, that next elusive childhood dream to learn Morse code still calls for me. I am now putting a lot more effort into actually doing it. I have apps on my phone, links to online training sites, I bought a Western Electric AT&T straight key, also 3d printed plastic dual paddle key and oscillators. A shiny new brass Kent Dual Paddle is already on my radar as a self reward. I joined some FB and other online groups including joining FISKS(19640) to help with motivation to make it happen. I am still learning the basics, but I am learning. Now I have more hope than ever that it will happen, no not just to get my license, but because I want to finish that childhood goal. To be a 'know code' ham. Paul — DE K7VIQ.

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Study Aids

  Using the aids below I have learned the characters, but can only send and receive at a very slow rate. I listen at 20 wpm but the spacing needed between characters is a lot. Sending code is rough and slow, thus the key and practice oscillators for practice. All part of learning to be a ‘Know Code Ham’. Study Aids and Oscillators I plan to update this post as I progress I am using a few study sources to learn morse code depending on where I am at and my mood.

• Online - LCWO.net - Learn CW Online 
• Android app - Morse code - learn and play - Premium Great when in bed, out and about and anywhere. 
• Android app - Morse Mania - Game that helps you master Morse code by advancing through 28 levels. 
• Nov 30, 2019 - Started and went to level 17 and decided to take a break after 50 mins and review the app. Good to rest brain and continue later. 
• Dec 2 - Finished level 21 with A-Z and 1-4. My thought delay getting some shorter but I do randomly brain glitch some chr's and confuse V with 4. 
• Dec 3 - Finished level 22 A-Z and 1-6 and almost ready for next. Made lots of boo boos differentiating some of the chrs with numbers like V/4, H/5 & J/6. I do not foresee problems with problems with numbers 7-0. It is the dit's that my brain is still counting and not recognizing as just a slightly different length sound. pc - Just Learn Morse Code When at my ham desk where it is but not using key and oscillator. 

• Long Island CW Club - I joined the Long Island CW Club on Dec. 14, 2019 as member #266 and the first from Oregon.  LICW club offers a low stress online CW course using Zoom.us video streaming. I was very impressed with there earnest appeal to teach in a low pressure environment and are understanding of their students limited time and individual learning abilities. See site for more info if you Want 2 Learn CW.
• 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. 
• Morse Code CW Ham Radio Trainer & Oscillator Learn Morse reception and sending for paddles. 

UPDATE:

   I was given a certificate of completion for finishing the Beginners-1 CW Class dated Jan, 2020. I am learning the characters ok, but hearing code is still hit and miss depending how tired and how much pain I am in.

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My Keys 

  Since Morse keys are a highlight to a hams station desk, I wanted brass on my code keys.

• My first key I currently have 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 do with 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 am slowly learning to receive code, and once I can also send code, I will be able to plug it into my IC-7300 and join the oldest of the digital modes.

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Western Electric AT&T Double & Paddle CW Keys 

  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 of 34.99. I will enjoy practicing on such a beautiful brass key that I can love and be proud of. Sales 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.

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 Double Paddle CW Key - 3d printed plastic

   I picked the Larger of three sizes offered. I painted it brass to help it fit in better. If after I learn code and get to liking this paddle but decide it has limitations, I may look into a nice looking metal paddle, brass if available. Description: Pure copper contacts for better contact. Large keys have strong magnetism at 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.

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Bencher Chrome BY-2 Iambic Paddle

   This will replace my 3D printed plastic key and hope it will give me many years of usage.  It will also make make me feel more like less of an amateur (or is it like MORE of an amateur;) while practicing twin paddles.

   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. 

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 Kent Twin Paddle Kit 

  I also dream of a Kent Twin Paddle Kit. The reason I like the Kent are:

• I like the idea that they can help with accuracy so I can concentrate on timing. (perhaps a noob perspective) 
• The Kent line has many very good reviews on eHam and elsewhere. (I do not feel the need to spend hundreds one Vibroplex/Bencher on a hobby) (Update: Ended up with the above used Bencher BY-2)
• The cost is reasonable, especially for the kit form. (I also like the idea of assembling it myself, as that actually gives it more value to me)
• I like the class of brass, thus why I also have a classic american style brass straight key. (I like the European bar style as well....in brass) 
• I think the brass looks even better with the BaMatech Burgundy paddles, it's like putting a red cherry on top of a nice desert.

Note: Kent Twin Paddle above has the BaMatech Burgundy paddles installed

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FIST Frequencies & Schedules 

 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. A join free for 2 years offer expires Aug 15, 2020