Morse Code – CW

Why CW?

Most of my HF operations prior to 1975 were on CW.  That was the year I purchased for the first time modern equipment capable of SSB phone operations.  I still made a few CW contacts per year, but most of my operating time was spent on SSB until 2000 when PSK31 took center stage.  After a few years of PSK31 I revisited CW.  I believe five things sparked my increased CW operations:

  • When bitten by the DX bug I found myself to be more competitive on CW than other modes.
  • The negative words spoken and written about CW made when the FCC was eliminating the code requirement made me take another look at the mode.
  • CW is challenging.  I never will be a great “head copy” CW operator so it takes a bit of work.
  • CW is very efficient.  I do not have the most impressive antenna system in the world and I operate at modest power levels so operating an efficient mode helps.
  • The history of the use of Morse has caught my interest.

Learning CW

Learn Morse Code correctly. Do as I say not as I did. Sitting with a straight key, a buzzer and a paper with letters followed by dots and dashes is not the way (no internet in the late 1950’s). I am not recommending a method, but check out the CWops CW Academy and/or The Long Island CW Club.  Also, head copy is essential.  Take it from one who never learned Morse Code properly.

Operating CW

They say in real estate – location; location; location.  For me in Morse operating it’s – spacing; spacing; spacing.  One’s ability to copy is enhanced when the letter and word spacing is proportionable.  Also, when a manual key is used copy is only possible with distinguishable dit and dah lengths.  A good test of sending is to record your sending and a few days later listen to the recording and see if you can copy the code.  We all may be surprised at what we hear.

Morse Code Paddles

The pictures below are the paddles on my operating desk. I am fortunate to have so many keys to use. The key I use most of the time is a Begali Magnetic Classic paddle with my Begali Intrepid a close second.

Morse Code Manual Keys

To revisit the past I spend a little time operating the SKCC events using manual keys. Also, I have been enjoying Bug to Bug QSO’s with my Begali Intrepid or 1944 Vibroplex Original. As evidenced by viewing videos of the professional bug operators from yesteryear the whole technique of using a bug key is so different than used for a paddle. They really rotated the hand back and forth and smack the key when sending. I also resurrected my Lafayette Radio bug from my pre-paddle days. I have a feeling I will purchase another Bug with history if the right one comes along.

Notes

1) The paddle section of my first electronic keyer was built by my father, WA2UTE (SK) in the mid 1960’s.  It was a project he undertook with some friends to build an electronic keyer.  I believe he got involved with the project with me in mind as I was the CW op in the family.  I very foolishly  dismantled the keyer several years ago when it stopped working rather then repairing it (how stupid of me).  Luckily I kept the paddle section and the various paddle parts I had on hand.  More research is needed, but I believe the circuit was the one designed by W9TO. (see photo above).

2) I am not a Morse Code Key collector, but…….. Since I have been a ham for so long, I have keys acquired over the years that are not used much so I guess it is a collection. Then my interest in older paddles marketed during the years I was not operating CW very much or I was just not paying attention surfaced. Hence the purchase of the Brown Brothers Combination key (see photo above). Well yet another purchase. A very nice 1944 Vibroplex bug showed up for sale. I could not resist its history. Notice the name plate is made of tin as the war effort limited available materials. The challenge here will be, as a paddle user, to learn to use the bug key well. (see photo above).