Resources for learning telegraphy -
Looking for an uber cool skill set that can provide fast efficient global communications and play a important role for the Amateur Radio Service? Think no further than learning morse code!
This skill was once deemed so vital that the U.S. government actually placed a mandatory telegraphy code requirement on their FCC HF licensing exams for many years. Simply put.. if you wanted to get on the HF bands, you needed to learn how to send and receive morse code and then pass the required telegraphy test. No morse code skills.. No HAM license granted. End of story.
The FCC wanted all of their HF amateur operators to be proficient with morse code for important reasons. It was vital for the safe passage of international ships at sea and for many air planes that flew over the vast oceans and open lands that depended on telegraphy ops for weather information and for passing traffic to them when needed.
However as communications advanced around the world during the many decades with the latest digital HF modes and global satellite communications in securely in play, the FCC felt it could now omit the rigid requirements of Morse Code from all future radio exams.
Despite code requirements being eliminated here in the United States; And by some sorely missed, hi hi.. Telegraphy still remains very popular today with a new set of ham operators all wanting to get their hands on the latest telegraphy gear and acquire the needed skill sets to become proficient code operators.
Below are the learning aides I actually used to pass my FCC Telegraphy exam. It is my hope thay you will take advantage of the CW tools and tips I offer below!
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ITEM #1 KB8QAP RECOMMENDS TRAINING WITH THE MFJ-557 PRACTICE OSCILLATOR.
INFORMATION ON THE MFJ-557..
The MFJ-557 Deluxe Morse Code Practice Oscillator features a Morse Code straight key on a non-skid heavy steel base -- it stays put on table and doesn't move around while you're sending!
The MFJ-557 lets you practice sending code at home, work, riding in your car -- practically anywhere -- because it's so easy to take it wherever you go. Volume control adjusts from barely audible to blaring full sound. You can practice without bothering anyone.
Tone control gives you a wide adjustment from high "squeaky" to low "booming" tones. You even get an earphone jack for private listening. You can plug in an external speaker for super high volume in the classroom.
When you're finished cleaning up your sloppy fist with the MFJ-557, hook up the straight key to your transmitter and go on-the-air sounding like you were born working QSOs.The MFJ-557 also has a built-in speaker and adjustable contacts.
The MFJ-557 Deluxe Morse Code Practice Oscillator runs on a 9 volt battery (not included) or 110 VAC. It measures 8 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 3 3/4 inches.
Retails for $70 new $30 used
ITEM # 2 KB8QAP RECOMMENDS TRAINING WITH THE KOTCH METHOD WITH THE FREE PC OR MAC DOWNLOAD CALLED THE G4FON CW TRAINER.
When I was cramming for my telegraphy test, this is the software I used. As it works! And I passed my code test with flying colors. The secret of the G4FON CW TRAINER using the KOTCH METHOD is by super fast sending of the individual code characters (fast enough that your not counting dits and dahs anymore) and then by slowing the word spacing down dramatically. This way your brain learns to associate quickly sent burst of tones as a completed morse code characters and assigns a memory to that sound. The human brain is amazingly clever when it comes to storing and processing separate melodies and likes to assign a meaning, feelings, and emotional responses to what it may hear. The G4FON CW Trainer takes advantage of the fast associative linking your brain likes to do with melodies. With practice anyone can get skilled fast learning CW using G4FON! You may download a free copy over at the G4FON website at the following: https://www.g4fon.net/
Cost for software: FREE
Here is a link to some additional CW training software listed at DXZone.com
CATALOG OF MORSE CODE TRAINING SOFTWARE
WHAT KIND OF TELEGRAPHY EQUIPMENT DOES KB8QAP USE ON AIR?
If you heard me on the air using CW recently then there is a good chance you heard me using the CT599MB paddle made by Uri, UR5CDX. These well made precision iambics are really fun to operate and come available in two finishes. Chrome or polished brass. The paddels come with silver contacts and magnetic arm tension adjustments and have good wieght so they stay put while operating, making this paddle a true winner indeed.
Below is another iambic paddle I use for portable operations called the K8RA P2 JR iambic and uses spring tension instead of magnets.
This paddle is much smaller in size and with reduced weight for my qrp travel bag and work super for taking out to the beach or local park to work some cw with my Buddistick and FT-857. I special ordered this paddle with rose wood finger boards and has soft gummy rubber feet to hold it firmly to the bench or picnic tables at the parks. If you find one of these paddles at a open trunk sale or hamfest, get it! You will not be dissapointed. They are wonderful paddles. I hope to hear you on the air someday too! 73 Jeff KB8QAP
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