CW Club

PA3CLQ's Leuke Linken Nr. 463

Nice CW demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DQyLMkSk5I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-84LpSWkkMc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EST2vxIXCCs

Have fun, editor

There is new 3.0.5 adif specification published

According it, there are modes and submodes.

One problem that my friend is facing is that he worked in PSK63 in n1mm, exported to adif and can't import it now to Logger32 which seems have implemented new adif specification and requires mode to be adif 3.0.5 compliant i.e. PSK and submode PSK63

Possibly there are more important changes.

http://adif.org/305/ADIF_305.htm

Vytenis

Koch system

Does anyone have a copy of "So You Want to Learn Morse Code" by David Finley, N1IRZ that you are willing to sell or lend?

I'm doing an article on the Koch system for the "Rag Chew" and would really like to get a copy of that book.
Thanks, 73 Urb W1UL

Urb,

"So you want to learn Morse code" is not the name of the book I want although it's a paper by the same author.

BTW I highly recommend it:
http://qsl.net/n1irz/

www.qsl.net/n1irz/finley.morse.html

The name of the book is "Morse Code: Breaking the Barrier." By David Finley.
I will purchase, beg to borrow, or offer my prodigal son in exchange:-)
The book and the article are both about the Koch system of learning Morse code.
73 Urb W1UL

Hi Urb,

Did you mean the book Morse Code: Breaking the Barrier? By Dave Finley (1st Edition ISBN# 1-891237-19-5) I have that book which I would be pleased to lend to you.

The 2nd Edition is readily available from MFJ for about $20.00

Treasurer, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc.

http://QCWA.org

73, Charles N2SO

Wrong title for book.

One of the best books for learning CW is "The Art&Skill of Radio-Telegraphy" by William Pierpont, N0HFF (SK).

Mr Pierpont worked with the US gov in teaching how to learn the code.

You can get the book at lulu.com for about $14, most want like $40.

73, Ron Wright, N9EE/R

See attachment pse its for free

Editor

Morsum Magnificat

Possibly of interest from the 5/18/2017 ARRL Letter:
"All copies of the English-language version of Morsum Magnificat, the Morse Magazine, are now available for free download from the website of Lynn Burlingame, N7CFO.

This includes the 89 issues published from 1986 to 2004."
The website is:
http://www.n7cfo.com/tgph/Dwnlds/mm/mm.htm

It's new to me and looks interesting.
73, Mike ab3ap
Thank you for this interesting and useful news Mike !
Having been a subscriber of this nice magazine from the first issue to the last one, I can say that it was a very interesting source of Morse telegraphy informations, and 13 years after the final stop, I already enjoy to have some looks at these 89 edited regular issues and three special issues.
No doubt that SKCC members will be interested in reading the many papers and looking at plenty of keys photos !
73 to all readers,
Bernard, F5DE.

Having been a subsciber from the First Original Dutch Morsum Magnificat of late Rinus Hellemons PA0BFN from No.1 "Wie is wie in telegrafie" = Smoelenboek in 1983 to the last No. 23 in 1988

Going ask G3OKD, N4FS, KN6W and N7CFO if they have interest for.

PA3CLQ MM#14

Editor

De HAVILLAND HYDROMATIC AIRSCREW PROPELLER AIRCRAFT BRITISH EDUCATIONAL FILM 75764

Nothing to do with CW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvCmQAetyag

Editor

QSO tracker

Is there a program, like WSPR, that monitors a frequency for CW QSOs? Sometimes, I'd just like to know if I'm being heard when I call CQ!

danconklin

Dan,

Reverse beacon network should work for you

http://www.reversebeacon.net/

http://www.reversebeacon.net/srch.php

73 de chuck ka8hde

Dan,

Reverse Beacon Network will do that for you or for CW club members including SKCC

http://pa4n.xs4all.nl/bandmap.html

GM3ZDH

"1903 Cellphone"

Not telegraph but interesting phone.

http://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/2017/05/cell-phone-for-narcissus-arrived-today.html

Skip Luke

1st CW contact = Disaster

So I got bored today and thought...

I'll just jump on an try this CW thing..

Keep in mind, I'm BRAND new.

Been practicing CW for 2 weeks now.

So, 7.030, QRL? and nothing... CQ CQ...

Poor chap answers me who must have the patience of Job.

Friend, I'm so sorry.

Geez, I butchered this.

It was quite embarrassing and I feel so sorry for the guy.

But let me publicly thank K2GKS for answering my call.

I got about 50% of what he sent me.. mostly due to QSB and a guy that kept tuning up over the top of him.

But I THINK I got the gist of everything.

Not even sure I should log this.

At any rate, I'm kinda scared to get back on and try again....

Anyhoo, just thought I'd share.

Sorry, K2GKS and thanks for being a saint.

Tom - N7TGC

Tom,

Let me know if ya wanna try later tonight and we can give it a go on 40
Fred VE3FAL

Tom,

Every one of us had a first cw QSO...

Takes a few to get the "hang" of it.

I hope I'm your next QSO.

73, Bob K5ZOL

Tom,

The important thing is you gave it a try.

That's something right there.

This is not the time to give up, after all you copied 50%. Ok, so you missed 50 %.

Next time you'll get more get more.

Hang in there it's a fun mode.

To top it off you're in the right group (SKCC) to help you improve.

Best 73's and I hope to work you.

Bill, WB9CAC

Tom,

Disaster?

You got the guy's callsign, exchanged some info -- I'd definitely chalk that up as a success!

Next time you maybe pick up even more, so keep at it and before you know it you'll really start to appreciate the joys of a relaxed CW QSO.

GL ES 73, Matt VK2RQ

Tom,

After SEVERAL dissasters when I was new at CW, a local ham helped me relax more by pointing out that only catching a few letters in each word was normal. While your CW copying skills get pretty good , you get quite skilled in filling in the missing letters

t _ _ -er _so es be_ _ 7_

magically becomes "tnx fer qso es best 73 " before you start your return transmission.

Andy K3UK

Hello,
My good friend, the late Howard Mitchell N5HHG ( KA5TWQ ? ) whose daughter-in-law now has that call-sign told me a similar story.

He got so confused during his first unassisted QSO that he got up and walked away from the rig in mid-contact and went in the house for a cup of coffee.

About 30 minutes later he came back and, just on the off-chance the station was still there - he gave a call and was answered by a very patient operator who
understood and completed the QSO.
We all have made that " first QSO " and understand.

Hang in there.

Many of in filled out pieces of paper with what we were going to send " RST 579 579 = QTH is Cleveland, Texas = Name Sam Sam " ect. with another card with rig/antenna description ready for the next transmission.
It gets easier, I promise!
73, Sam Neal N5AF Celebrating 60 years In Amateur Radio
Hi Tom,

What you experienced is pretty much what us Johnny Novices experienced with our first QSO back in "the day".

The only way you'll get better is by on the air practice!

Congrats OM!

73 Mark K3MSB

Hi Tom:

You managed to get on the air after only two weeks of practice and was able to copy 50%?

That's pretty good!

Don't be discouraged and keep working at it.

One thing that really helped me was downloading and listening to the W1AW CW transmissions.

The .mp3 files are at:

http://www.arrl.org/code-practice-files

I copied them on to CDs and listened to them in the car on my way to work.

Good luck. 73, Brian, KD6NRP

Congrats Tom

EVERY ham shakes and quakes after their first CW QSO.

Don't give up!

It gets better very quickly!

73 de Jeff KE9V

Tom,

Of course you should have a record somewhere and where else but your lognotes.

Keep it up and eventually there will be fewer and fewer "disasters" reflected in the logs.

Donn, KA0SOH

Hi,

The Op who was my first contact could tell I was new at it.

I was really struggling.

He decided to have fun with me and started putting random words in his exchanges to see how I would react.

At one point he described himself as a yellow tractor with a pet porcupine.

Keep at it, log that first contact, it's precious!
73s & Enjoy! N4IVE - David Gale

Tom,

Log that contact!

You made the leap into CW.

Pat yourself on the back.

And remember, the amateur radio community is a fellowship.

You'll find not only the qualities of patience and kindness but also a genuine desire to help from so many of the hams you will encounter as you improve your skills.

Good luck.

Have fun! One day you'll be an Elmer for someone else who's making the leap into the world of Morse code.

Jeff n2kof

Tom,

Kind of rough when your first HF CW QSO is in the middle of a multi contest weekend !!!!

Mid week and late afternoon would be a better time to get on the air.

Lots of "Elmers" and new ops get together on 7112-7120 kHz area of 40m.

Kind of a long haul for me but I hope to catch you and have a QSO !

I taught Morse and Novice Amateur classes way back, in a local school adult ed class, for a few years.

I can send slow, clelan Morse, if you need it.

CW is Real Radio 73, John...K8JD

Tom,

>>> Disaster? Disaster in not getting on the air, Tom.

>>> We are all lining up to work you.

>>> - John at radio station VE7AOV.

+++++

Tom,
A question for you, Do you have a reasonable idea as to what Words per minute you were running during that contact?
Joe WB9SBD SKCC Group

Thanks for the replies.

I appreciate the encouragement.

I look forward to working each and everyone of you.

As for the speed, I just took a peek at the reversenetwork beacon.

It's got me at about 8wpm which is probably pretty accurate.

Tom - N7TGC

Bootleggers & piracy on the ham bands

It may not be the case of an unlicensed operator, but an operator not using his call, but another person's call.
Boot legging a call on the air goes way back before most here were born, including me, AKA BFD (BeFore Dirt).
Before the cereal box tickets became available, it was a little more difficult to become licensed, study, practise,
and one, or more, trips to an FCC, Post or other licensing office for the exam(s).

In the early days, it was a way to get on the air to test their new and home made gear while waiting for the long time for the ticket to arrive.

Sometimes, this months of waiting, depending on the country involved.
For some, it was a sport to see if they could do it and not get caught.

It was done in some cases to pull a prank on a local buddy.

And, now days with the internet, it allows the guard house lawyers to display their knowledge of the law,
or lack of it.
A common piracy trick in the 50's was the use of Reg Fox's AC4YN, from Tibet.

Reg, G5YN, passed away in March, 2002 at 92 years of age.

Reg only ran 18 Watts input power back in 1936.

So, often, someone would key up their barefoot VFO and use Reg's AC4YN call on 20 meters at the right time of day, even though Sir reg had long since returned from India to England, it usually created quite a stir on the air and after at many a local radio club meetings.
Regards, Joe, K8JP/V31JP

Hello,

This is what I was thinking, a licensed ham using another's call.

Of course he would not want to send his own while jamming.

I doubt it was someone who studied and learned CW and never got a license.

Some clown was bootlegging my call on 60 meter phone, I have no idea how or why he chose mine.

I found out when some of the real hams he worked visited my QRZ.Com page and saw the name and QTH did not match up, and sent me an email.

At least he wasn't being malicious with my call, hi.

73 Buddy WB4M

Hi,

One time I was on CW, and there was someone who kept saying "NO NRS. RAGCHEW RAGCHEW RAGCHEW" I looked up his call and it didn't exist.
73, Dan K3DRQ

Joe,

Yep, I remember those days.

Back when I was a novice (1962), I heard MY call on the air so loud it overloaded my receiver.

Turns out a local Technician was getting ready for his General exam and needed to practice his code.

Was not a lot of CW available on 6 meters so he “borrowed” my call for some practice.

I suspect that this was not uncommon although it was illegal but before the computer, code practice meant records, tapes or ARRL code practice sessions.

I guess that with today’s VE sessions almost everywhere I’m surprised that the folks who take time to learn the code would bootleg a call.

I had not thought of being a DX station to create a pileup.

I guess it takes all kinds.

Les Leslie Hock WB5JWI

Les,
I have worked several "DX" stations, usually a ATNO, only to find out later in a follow-up email from the DX station that I had worked a "pirate."

I've also seen on the Clusters posted spots that were pirated by a ham.

In some cases another ham will post that the call sign is not legit and is a fake/pirate.

Most hams that work DX have probably run into this also.
Allan W4EAB

Hi all,

When I was wanting to get my license in the 60's or maybe not too long after there was an article in Electronics Illustrated magazine that I would love to find again. The article was titled something like "Confessions of an FCC examiner" and was someones expose of his personal antics and the hilarious responses of those on the receiving end.

One of which was similar to the AC4YN but very funny.

It just goes to show that it is nothing new.

With cw requirement gone I don't know why anyone would bootleg a call to get on voice.

Digital maybe but with the internet why would someone even want to take the chance?
Thank you.
Jim Pruitt WA7DUY

Jim,

No consequences.

Listen to 7.200, 14.313 or any 27 mHz frequency and tell me how active the FCC is in enforcement

73, Jim, WI9X

When Les said
I had not thought of being a DX station to create a pileup.

I guess it takes all kinds.
That brought back a memory that was loads of fun for a while.
This was ohhh mid 70's Thinking 1976 or so?
Here in the States the FCC was still only giving tests that were higher than the Novice at official FCC testing locations.

In my case it was the Federal Building in downtown Chicago.
I had my Novice WN9SBD and was having a blast, and really had not a lot of interest in Up-Grading, even being CW only I was having a ball.

BUT.... in those days the Novice was only good for two years and NOT renewable.

So it was Up-Grade or go off the air.

So decided to go for it.

The CW was a no brainer, I was doing like 18 to 20 in normal QSO's, and contests 20 to 25 or so.
Now I did have some time left to Up-Grade, But then the FCC announced a new feature, "Instant Up-Grade" For those that were not around back then, The Novice was given like now by volunteer hams.

You passed your test, and then waited usually 12 to 16 weeks to get your license.

So funny when I see people complain that it's been a week.
When Up-Grading you had to travel to a government building and take your test.

If you passed, you were told you passed, but still had to wait for your official license to show up in the mail before you could use your new privileges.

Again usually 3 to 4 MONTHS!!!
But they made an announcement or something I do not remember, But like starting April 1st they will have if you passed they would issue a temp license immediately so you can use your new privileges right away.
Similar to what they have now with the callsign/AG or callsign/AE
But, things were different in those days.

A Novice had a special call, that let everyone know they were a novice.

There was NO Vanity call program yet.

You had to use whatever the FCC gave ya. In my case WN9SBD.

The "N" was for Novices only so yo have either a WN or KN as your prefix.

I wish they still did this.
When you up-graded to a tech or higher they would drop the "N" and issued the next available prefix that was open that still had your suffix, Now I became WB9SBD.
BUT...... I still could NOT use that new call OR Privileges till my official license would show up in the mail, again MONTHS down the road, BUT...... if I added to my new call, the new special suffix, then I could as soon as I got home use my General Privileges!
Sounds normal. BUT..... things were different back then.

Instead of /AG or /AE as the siffix, the FCC used a two letter code for the location of the test, in my case Chicago became /CG
So I could get on 20 meters CW now and use WB9SBD/CG and be legal.
Now two things, first thing few people, no internet to spread words now, so few people knew anything about this instant up-grading thing, and the /CG stuff.
PLUS.. in those days,, ( and it still makes more sense to me )
Anytime you were not at your location listed on your license, you were portable or mobile.

And HAD to indicate such.

Like everyone during Field Day had to sign callsign/9 if I was in 9Land.

So when I ran Field Day as a novice for my local club I was WN9SBD/9 everyone was stroke#
Now this also applied to when you were anywhere other than again your license showed.

Like if I was to operate in, Melbourne Australia.

I would sign as WB9SBD/VK3 for I am Station WB9SBD and am portable in VK3 area of Australia.

Makes 100% sense, Now how they do it now Now I would sign VK3/WB9SBD UG! to me that sounds like some Australian station is Operating at WB9SBD.. Anyway,, in those days it was callsign then portable whatever the location is.
This is where the fun came in, Being no one much knew about the instant licensing, almost zero would understand where a station signing with WB9SBD/CG was located at.
Now days it could be issued to some location in Canada.

But in those days a Canada station was a VE and NOTHING else ever!
So here is the nasty part,,,,
I got the General, and my new fancy call WB9SBD/CG I get home and park like on 14.030 and throw out CQ,
Someone calls I answer with just a 599 K then another, and another, soon a Giant pileup is happening.

Everyone is wanting to work this unknown new country or something, no one had any idea where /CG was, ( and being a mean nasty teenager I did not volunteer this information either) for the next several weeks I had sooo much fun being rare DX, But it faded as people in the DXing commnity learned what was happening.
But that first month as a general, Man was it fun being a DX that NO ONE had ever worked before, in the Suburbs of Chicago! He he he.
But, But.
Joe WB9SBD SKCC Group

So,

Who studied and learned CW and never got a license.
'F.R. Ashley'

CW Filter Again

I've really enjoyed my CALF CW audio filter.

You can choose the width all the way down to 80hz.

I've used 80hz but mostly use 500hz and 200hz.

http://kc9on.com/store/cw-kits/calf-the-cw-audio-limiter-filter/

73s & Enjoy!

http://n4ive.com

N4IVE - David Gale

A HOMEBREW TORSION BAR

I've been playing with this thing the last few days.