Classes are still progressing well but it would be nice to see a few more join them.
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Head copy with a difference.
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Slapping the paddle has been a phrase used by competent CW operators for decades. We all do it! However, how about slapping the table and having a QSO that way? I used to do this with Pat G3IOR in my early licenced days. We had a lot of fun with that. You can do it too. You don’t need any dits or dahs, just a few slaps “in time” on the table. Try it yourself. Here is what it sounds like:
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https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=qrq+maniacs#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:7eb2e47a,vid:yaPDbg6igIA,st:0
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Any good experinced CW operator is capable of having a QSO this way. It might also help if you are a good drummer!
I used to incorporate some Morse when playing piano for dinner music. Not many people were able to copy it however so that would be a good way of getting a message over in a clandestine way.
The NARC CW Monday Night Net.
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This now takes place on 3543 at 8 p.m. on Monday evenings. We have a Net controller each week and the idea is to encourage you to conversational Morse. If you can read and send at 23wpm, do come and join us. 23wpm is the speed at present and we may be increasing that as time goes by. The overs are short but protocol is adherred to and just a few comments from each attendee is all that is needed. Give it a try!
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And again still nobody joins us on Monday evenings, other than the normal faithful. There is no need to be shy. Learning conversational Morse is a skill in itself. Anybody can work a DX pile-up by using macros or sending their call and 599 TU. Try holding a conversation for about an hour and see how you get on. If you aspire to CWOPS or FOC it’s the only way you will get in to those clubs, by showing and proving your proficiency with a paddle. Not only that, but it really is very satisfying to be able to hold a conversation for that long at around 25wpm with minimal mistakes. PLUS of course you can then monitor the CW end of the bands and hear just conversations and not just dits and dahs.
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CW OPS
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Phil must have insomnia. He joined us again at 3 a.m. this week so there were three of us on. Propagation is not great at that time and the US was suffering QRN last night so it was hard going. There were some exotic calls on however, with people getting ready for the CQ WW at the weekend.
The four sessions are still going well and we have managed to get decent scores each time. This is a great way of making friends with other amateurs. You may not think that the case, but it is surprising how you do get well known in those sessions and further QSOs follow on. You also receive a very nice Newsletter after you join.
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General CW Operating.
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For those of a nervous disposition, try joining FISTS. FISTS caters for the more casual, laid back operator who does not feel comfortable at more than 23 wpm. They also have a LADDERS competition on 40m which is good practice. Actually for what you pay for membership it really is a great deal with a quarterly magazine too called Keynote. It contains lots of interesting articles.
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That’s it, open the cage, play the music.
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If you have any input, please email me.
73 de Roger, G3LDI GB2CW Coordinator. roger@g3ldi.co.uk May the Morse be with you.
Author Roger Cooke
