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Need Opinions on Code

KJ4IYK

Member
Dec 10, 2008
19
0
11
68
WS,North Carolina
I am trying to learn code. I have several computer learning aids as well as reader and writer programs. Do the majority of you guys that use code still fist everything or do you use a computer? Those that still fist, do you use straight keys or Benchers? I am sure it's like radios, you prefer what you've had good performance with, but there has to be some mechanical differences that affect and effect your choice. For strictly base usage, no computer, which is better for a new coder? Mike KJ4IYK
 

Mike,
There's just no way around it, learning and reading code requires practice, and in most cases, lots of it. It also means learning it the way you will use it. If you will be listening to Morse code then you learn it by listening to it. If you will be using a visual means of sending it, light, etc, then you learn by watching it. Sitting down and memorizing the dots and dashes just means that you have to go through a process of converting those dots and dashes to an aural or visual form, just one extra step in the process that isn't really necessary, just more work. Sort of like learning a new language, except 'they' spell out all the words for you in English.
Code readers. Code readers are not so great, they can be fooled quite easily. Meaning that the less 'perfect' the characters are formed, the less accurate the readers are. If the received/perceived sounds don't fit a specific pattern, that sound just doesn't mean anything to the code reader, a mistake or missed character. That 'organic' code reader between your ears is much less exacting, meaning that it will probably make sense out of a sound that that other code reader can't understand, or interpret at all. Both 'shape' of the characters and speed make a difference.
Which is better, a straight key, a 'bug', or a 'Bencher' type? Which ever is easier for you to use at the speed you want to use it. Basically manual dexterity, sort of. That also means that you know how to adjust the particular key(er) you use. What I would find comfortable to use, other people won't, and visa-versa. (One reason why the 'pros' had their own keys and nobody messed with them with out risk of...pain!) Personal preference mainly I've used almost every variety of key there is, sort of, but like a 'Bencher' and keyer. The 'Vibroplex' 'paddles' are nice too, just a big bigger and sort of stiffer, kind'a. My typing isn't worth a hoot, so I don't care for 'keyboards'.
- 'Doc

(You know you're about ready for 'prime time' when street signs start sounding like Morse code. Weird, huh?)
 
KJ4IYK.....

I first learned the code back in 1988 on a Bencher iambic keyer, it was very easy to learn on and send......."too easy".....

The problem I developed with that iambic was I could send code at twice the speed I could read it. The few actual CW contacts I made on 10m I had to ask my contact to send slower, it caused a little confusion and difficulty on both them and myself. You need to develope your sending skills at the same speed you can copy.

I fell out of the radio hobby for close to 20 years, and I'm now just getting back into it. In that time I've completely forgotten Morse Code, and will have to start from scratch, this time I plan to get a straight key and learn the traditional way, it should also help to keep my sending speed in line with my poor ability to copy. The first time I barely passed the 5 wpm test, and topped out at around 6 to 8 wpm copy before I faded away from HAM radio, I'm hoping I can do better when I get around to re-learning it again.....

It is fun to learn, it's like a second language that fewer and fewer people bother with, you will hit levels that seem impossible to pass, but if you take your time, keep it fun, you'll have it down in no time......(y)

As for the type of keyer.....it's as personal a choice as the color of underwear you like, find what works best for you, most guys that are really into the code usually have at least one of each type, and go back and forth between them.....

Also, I believe it's on New Years Eve every year, there's a "Straight Key Night" on the HF bands where everybody QSO's on a good old fashion straight keyer......
 
N2ITH,
If you add one word, I'd agree with you on the above. That word is "easily" and refers to sending faster than you can receive code. So, "Send faster than you can -easily- receive code.". You can't send it if you don't know it. If you can send a character (or group of them) at a fast speed, you can also receive them at that fast speed -after- you get into/develop the habit. That's really all that it is, developing habits. Unfortunately, the 'bad' ones are always easier to learn than the 'useful' ones, sort of. Coordinating all that @#$% is the hard part... getting it down on paper. Sound to thought to orders to the hand/fingers to paper. Probably didn't put in all the 'links' in that 'chain', but that's cuz I'm too lazy. Laziness is counteracted by practice. Unfortunately, I've learned laziness too well with all that practice. Make sense? No, but a @#$ good excuse! ;)
- 'Doc
 
Kinda what I figured. It, so far seems fairly easy to pick up on the different letters listening to the computer programs. But.... as I try to tap my finger or move my hand to coordinate with the sounds....well. And I thought just my left hand was spastic. Figured that out trying to play the Banjo. Anyway, that's why I asked, if any of you guys had found it easier to move your hand/fingers sideways or up and down. It all comes down to mind/hand coordination, and that differs with each person. Or compromise on learning one way as good as you can and go with that. Thanks for the input. I have a couple keys on the way, and determined to learn the old way. I can always fall back on software if I can't defeat ole laziness. That was my #2 hobby before radio. Mike
 
W5LZ.....

You got the drift of what I was "trying" to convey......;)

I had all the characters down pat, and as long as they came at me slow and steady I could copy them....(and make sense out of them)......but as soon as they came at me fast it became over whelming, and I'd loose the ability to comprehend what was being sent.....

When I sent code, I'd have formulated the characters in my head, and they flowed out to my hand rather smoothly and quickly to that iabmic paddle. The result was....I'd be sending at 10 or 12 wpm, but could only copy 5 to 6 wpm.....


I can always fall back on software if I can't defeat ole laziness. That was my #2 hobby before radio

Being a paid Fireman, I've mastered laziness on a professional level.....:D
 
I am trying to learn code. I have several computer learning aids as well as reader and writer programs. Do the majority of you guys that use code still fist everything or do you use a computer? Those that still fist, do you use straight keys or Benchers? I am sure it's like radios, you prefer what you've had good performance with, but there has to be some mechanical differences that affect and effect your choice. For strictly base usage, no computer, which is better for a new coder? Mike KJ4IYK

I do both. Make QSOs, listen to other QSOs, and when I'm in a dry spell and don't want to work on the radio, keep myself "fresh" with G4FON's software...even though I can go for months without listening to ANYTHING and just slip back to about 13 WPM. With software refreshers I can roll upwards of 21.

I've used both Benchers and bugs over the years...and have been pretty good with both over the years (but never good with both at the same time).

Here's what I've found:

A) Run a straight key up till you can do 13 to 15 WPM on both send and receive.
B) Then make your decision: bug or Bencher.

FWIW: Benchers are easier to learn and are more forgiving. HOWEVER, if you put in the practice with a bug (like an hour a night, every night, for a month, sending newspaper articles thru an oscillator) you will progress more rapidly on the receive end than you ever thought possible.

I haven't figured out why, but all the people I've ever seen that could slap a bug around and make it sing could also copy at the same speed they were sending.

Or to put it in another way...it's impossible to make a bug sound good, if you don't know what the code should sound like in the first place...
 

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