HAM RADIO E

BY ANTHONY A. LUSCRE* , K8ZT

Ten Meters is Open! Plus, Resources for Learning Morse Code

In the March 2022 edition of this column, I talked about two ways for Technician Class licensees to get involved with HF (High-Frequency radio waves between 3 and 30 MHz), which opens up the possibility of long-distance amateur radio contacts. There are two options for Techs on HF: CW only on 80, 40, 15, and 10 meters (Photo A), or CW / SSB / digital on portions of 10 meters. See Figure1for a chart of Tech HF CW privileges.

In March, I focused on 10-meter activities, including voice (SSB) and digital (FT8, RTTY, etc.). This month, we will focus on CW operations for Technicians and all license classes. But before we start, just a heads up that sitting in my shack in October 2022, 10 meters is full of SSB signals from around the world. So, get on the air NOW and don’t miss 10-meter openings over the next few years.

Morse Code, a.k.a. CW

For those who have been around amateur radio for a few decades, you may wonder why I would be bringing up CW in a column about exploring new activities in amateur radio. Before 1990, all amateur radio licenses required at least some code knowledge. Until 2007, code proficiency was required in order to have most HF radio voice privileges. Morse code was something you had to learn for licensing purposes. Many learned just enough to get their licenses but never used it on the air; they really wanted voice privileges, or worse, they got frustrated and lost interest in amateur radio. In the 15 years since the last licensing requirement to know CW, to the surprise of many, CW has not disappeared from the bands; in fact, it is flourishing with many new hams learning and using it.

Fun With Morse Code

Like many things in life, things are more fun when you choose to do them instead of being forced to do them. Current users of CW and a growing number of new learners are using it because it is fun. In addition, they are finding out that it can be a very effective method of making contacts when band conditions are poor, you are running low power, or you have a marginal antenna. CW can often make QSOs when SSB can’t. CW has a potential 25 dB advantage over SSB (Figure 1). It is also a prevalent contesting mode and a way for Techs to get on the HF bands and make worldwide contacts. I have a whole slideshow titled “Fun With Morse” <tiny.cc/fwm>. This presentation is packed with software and other resource links that I have no space to highlight in this article, so please take a look.

*Email: <k8zt@arrl.net>, website <www.k8zt.com> PhotoA. CQ“LearningCurve”editorRonOchu, KOØZ, operating CW from a localpark during Field Day.(KOØZphoto)

Technician HF Privileges with CW

CW privileges for Technician licensees are a legacy of the original Novice license and revamped Tech Plus License. These CW-only privileges consist of segments of the 80, 40and 15-meter bands (Figure 2), along with the full CW-only segment of 10 meters. (General and Extra Class licensees have CW privileges on all amateur radio bands.) With no licensing requirement for learning CW, these privileges are of little use unless new hams know how to use CW.

Learning How to Use CW

Getting on the bands using Morse code actually consists of multiple steps:

1. Learning to copy the individual characters (letters and numbers) 2. Putting together the copied characters to form words, callsigns, abbreviations, Q-signals and prosigns (Procedural signs or prosigns are shorthand signals used in Morse code

Figure 1. CW contacts can be made withlowersignal-to-noiseratios(SNR) than SSB voice.

radiotelegraphy procedure to simplify and standardize radio communication). 3. Learning to send individual characters and words 4. Understanding the format of common CW contacts, usage of abbreviations and prosigns, etc. 5. Making on-air CW contacts 6. Practicing and improving skill and speed

Over the years, many methods have been used to teach / learn the code. Various recording methods have been utilized to provide code instruction and copy practice to learners, including paper tape, record albums, and cassettes. Some of the problems with each of these were that the learner would memorize the limited materials, and speeds could not be easily varied. Computers have resulted in many programs that can generate infinite amounts of practice, allowing speed adjustment of character per minute (CPM) and word per minute (WPM) settings. Different learners learn CW differently, so the best methods for individuals may vary. A couple of generally accepted tips include: • Treat the code as an audio language. Avoid visuals, mnemonic devices, other “trick methods, ” etc. These multistep methods might give a beginner a way to decode the characters, but the extra steps will make the process too slow for on-air usage. • Playing characters at a fast enough speed to avoid “counting the elements of dahs and dits (dashes and dots). Typically no less than 12 WPM. • Utilizing the Farnsworth method of increased character speed with a slower WPM by allowing more space between characters. • Short, frequent, and regularly scheduled practice sessions are better than longer, infrequent, or irregular practice. • Don’t forget the ultimate goal is to get on the air and make contacts, so make sure you also learn the procedures of making contacts and getting on the air as soon as possible.

My final tip is to consider doing your learning with a buddy or group. A buddy or group can allow better practice in receiving and sending and encourages continuous improvement. Many local clubs did in-person code classes as part of the licensing process. These classes are much less frequent today, but the wide use of internet-based instruction has gained traction during the COVID pandemic, providing classes to a worldwide audience of hams. Two groups in particular offer excellent online programs.

The C CW Ops group <https://cwops. org> (Figure 3) has the CW Academy Classes. From their website, “There is no cost or obligation to participate in CWops CW Academy Classes and membership is not required. Enrollment is open to anyone with the desire to learn or improve their proficiency in Morse Code. CW Academy training and mentoring for beginners and those with Morse Code experience needing help are offered three times a year, in twomonth increments: Jan-Feb; May-Jun; Sep-Oct. ” If you sign up, you will be assigned an instructor and work with a small cohort of other students. Typically, classes are held twice a week with individual and small group practice between “formal” sessions. There are four levels of classes:

1. Beginner – Limited or no prior experience with Morse Code 2. F Fundamental – Familiarity with Morse Code characters. Operating at 6 wpm plus and desire to increase proficiency 3. Intermediate – Operating 10 plus wpm and desire to increase proficiency for contests, DX, and rag chews 4. Advanced – Operating 20 plus wpm and desire to increase proficiency for higher-speed on-air activity

For a presentation by the CW Ops Academy, visit <https://youtu.be/yeg PZTAHYJ4>.

The second group is the Long Island CW Club (LICWC) <https://longislandcwclub.org> (Figure 4). From their website, “The Long Island CW Club started in 2018 to promote and expand the use of Morse Code — CW amongst amateur radio operators, initially in our geographic area. Today,

Figure 2. Achart showing Technician Class CWHFprivileges on 80, 40, and15 meters. For a chartofallbandandmodeprivileges for allclasses oflicense, see <https://tinyurl.com/4u7cemh8>.

Figure 3. The CW Ops group sponsors the online CW Academy program.

Figure 4. The Long Island CW Club also sponsors online code lessons, with a slightly different structure and format than CW Academy.

there is no longer an FCC requirement to learn CW to obtain an amateur radio license. Yet we find there is still pentup demand for learning the code, becoming more proficient at it and taking part in activities centered around this interesting skill. To help fill this void, we have put together a group of dedicated teachers of Morse Code — CW. We conduct CW training classes via internet video conference classes at various skill levels. We have grown quickly, branching out with members nationwide and overseas. There is much more to LICW than learning CW. Our forums and presentations, with visiting speakers, are a place to broaden your education and have fun!”

One of the most significant differences in LICWC is that students are not “enrolled” in specific classes with specific instructors. After completing the three recommended intro classes (Club Resources, Training Software, and Sending Prep), students can choose to attend any of the many beginner’s classes scheduled throughout the week. There is no starting point for entering a class as the class work is arranged in a “carousel” format circling through letter groups and then repeating the groups. This means that students can start throughout the year without having to wait for a class to start. For an interview I did with the Long Island CW Club founder Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, visit <https://youtu.be/yhGLn3btTS0>.

Getting On the Air with CW

Learning CW is just the start; getting on the air and making contacts is the ultimate goal. One of the common misconceptions is that you need to be a highspeed CW expert before you can get on the bands and make contacts. There are many opportunities for CW newbies to make contacts. CW Ops sponsors a slower-speed 1-hour contest twice a week, the SST (Slow Speed Test). Contests are actually an excellent way for CW newbies as you have a much shorter contact, a limited amount of information and a highly scripted format as opposed to CW rag chewing. For an audio interview I did on this, visit <www.ditdit.fm> and search for episode #12. If you are new to contesting, take a look at my June CQ column “Getting on the Air with Contesting;” get the CQ video, “Getting Started in Contesting;” view my slideshow “Intro to Amateur Radio Contesting” at <tiny.cc/ar contest>, or watch a video of it at <https://youtu.be/qFZ98VTINPs>.

No matter what type of contact you make, do not be afraid to send a QRS (please send slower) request to another station if it is too fast for you. Most stations will be glad to accommodate you. Good luck on your CW journey, and I hope to work you on the bands soon.

That’s it for this month. If you are interested in some of my recent ham radio presentations to radio clubs via Zoom, visit <tiny.cc/k8zt-p>. Remember, I am always looking for information on your new activities, ideas for future columns, and feedback from this column, so please email me at <k8zt@arrl.net>.

CWAcademy: How itWorks

From CW Academy Website:

• CW Academy semester description: ° Eight weeks long sessions ° Twice weekly sessions are usually held on Mondays and Thursdays each week, typically starting at 7 p.m. or 8 pm. online using Zoom or Skype ° Where possible, advisors and students are grouped together by time zone ° Students are given daily assignments prior to each meeting ° During the online meetings, students and advisors can all see and hear each other, as well as the Morse being sent by any of them. Using Zoom or Skype creates, in effect, a virtual training room. • Minimum essentials: ° High-speed internet access ° Access to Windows operating system or capable emulation device ° Webcam (camera, microphone) ° Key paddle (single lever or dual lever) ° Keyer with sidetone or radio with built-in keyer and sidetone ° Dedication to 60 minutes of daily practice

Long IslandCWClubOnline Code Classes — How They Work

From the Long Island CW Club Website:

• How we teach Morse Code in our CW Online classes and what you can expect from our instruction. ° Our Morse Code training curriculum is totally flexible and there is no requirement to attend specific classes. Students can participate in any class at any level as they have the time. ° Of course, the more classes attended, the faster the learning curve, but we fully realize that our students have busy lives and we do not want learning Morse CodeCW to be a burden. Our goal is for students to have fun with CW. ° No student is left behind and we work diligently for the success of anyone interested in Morse Code-CW. Ideally, attending two classes per week and practicing 1520 minutes per day would be the best minimum effort. • To get started taking our CW online classes: ° Visit our Membership to join. Full instructions will be emailed back to you. ° You will need Zoom.com video conference software and high-speed internet ° A computer with a mic and video camera will be needed. ° LICW Morse Practice Page (our new trainer) is a web-based, cross-platform training tool that functions on any PC, Mac, Linux, smartphone, or tablet. • Eventually, you will need a straight key or electronic keyer and paddle along with an oscillator so that you can practice sending. The side tone of an HF radio will be fine in place of an oscillator. We recommend starting with a straight key first and then progressing into an electronic keyer.