The AM Forum

My old Bencher paddle on the shelf grabbed me like a Rottweiler tonight.  Got on 40M CW for a few hours and worked all over Eu and the Middle East. Lots of Russians too.   (7001 - 7020 area)  First time on CW in 5 years, but we never forget.

The 2x2x2 40M Yagi stack was the ace in the hole. Started at 100w, then switched on the 4X1 linear amp.  Gonna keep it tuned up there for a while.  

I remember the time when about ten AMers switched to CW on 75M during an AM QSO.  It was an absolute riot hearing all the fists.

We should do it again.   Anyone else a CW enthusiast?  I was thinking that a class D (or existing class E-rig)  brick would make a nice, quiet, cool CW KW.

T

Me. I use a Vibroplex bug and a paddle. I love the big old roach keys. Good to around 30 wpm depending on my mood/state of mind.

Yep, bugs are fun. They let thru your fist personality that a keyer cannot.  I started wid a bug and later the keyer. I can still receive about 45 wpm, but found tonight I can send maybe 35 wpm reliably before the mistakes start to overwhelm.

T

Nice find Tom.  A few NEARFESTs ago, Glenn, N1SNG had a paddle with one of those MFJ code practice oscillators that attach over the paddle fastened to it.  Bought it for a few bucks hoping the paddles were in good shape, to replace my MFJ set that was getting long in the tooth and was missing one of the actual paddles that the dog literally ate (well at least chewed on and broke) while it was strapped in the car.  After I took off the CPO, was happily surprised to see that the actual paddles were in fact an original Bencher set vs the MFJ knockoff.  You definitely can feel the difference between the two in the smoothness and action.

40 has long been my favorite CW band, you can even have real conversation with almost all of the stateside stations, and many of the DX stations.  On the higher bands, almost all of the DX stations are in contest/DXpedition mode ALL them time, giving out their 599 reports and nothing else in the way of conversation.  From my QRP mobile setup, it often takes a few exchanges to get my call sign right, but I still get that 599 report!

Been using the dog-eared MFJ paddles in the shack lately with with an original Hallicrafters HA-1 TO keyer, it took a good bit of practice to send smoothly with it, I don't recall but I don't think it has self completing dots and dashes or iambic operation like a modern keyer.

I ran and still have various bugs, but after many years of modern keyer use, my bug fist has gone, I make really long single dashes instead of multiple ones due to my keyer conditioning.

This 75 meter class D H bridge RF deck that was posted in the Transmitters section a while back http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?topic=30798.0 would do legal limit with a 320 volt 5.64 amp power supply. With your class E stuff, just bypass the modulator and put the full supply voltage on the FETs, don't know if there are any special considerations about keying though.

I don't even own a key.

And before the haters come outta the woodwork, I'm a True™ 20 WPM™ Extra®   Not that that proves a damn thing one way or the other.

I just don't like CW.

I have a couple of videos on Youtube where I am pounding on a J-38 with one of my CW rigs and you would not believe the comments. Several folks are confused by my fist and are convinced that I am doing it wrong and that my hand will fall off or I will go blind soon.

I make my own keys. Believe it or not nothing stays in your hand like a wooden spring.
don

Tom,

Let me know when you get a group of CW ops together.  AM is my favorite mode but CW is a close second with me.  CW is kind of like running, the more you do it the better you get!  It may not be the fastest way to communicate but for me its a very enjoyable mode.  It also blends in well with my interest for radio gear in the 20's. 
My latest challenge is to learn to use a side-swiper key.  So far I have mastered the bug and keyer and the side-swiper is next.  My favorite bug is the narrow base Vibroplex Blue Racer from the early 50's.   

73,
Joe, GMS   

I've invented the ultimate CW key ... probes attached directly to my brain.

Unfortunately, at 63 years old, maximum speed is about 5 WPM. :)

dan W7NGA

What I would really like to have is an app for my iPhone that would let me input text directly with a Morse key or a set of paddles.  I "text like an old person" on those tiny little on screen keyboards, but I'm sure I could blow the kids away with Morse key data entry. How they go so fast with their thumbs is beyond me.

OK, Joe, good idea.     80M some night might be a good band, or do you think 40M is better?  I'll give everyone some time first to get their CW rigs running and get some practice before announcing a time and freq..

A good way to operate for a big group is using break-in and giving just our call at the end of each transmission. Transmissions maybe 30 seconds or less worked well. Roundtable cud work too.  

It was funny the last time cuz at first we had guys way off freq, some had chirp or bad key clicks - they eventually straightened things out.  But most could copy and send very well.  Hearing the various calls attached to the fists was cool.  It was like everyone going out to the dance floor and doing their thing.  

Back in the 70's the big deal was getting a CW keyboard and CW reader. I never did, but thought that might be interesting. But WTF, it wud be just like typing on the internet, so why bother?  Sending with a keyer and receiving in our head is really a great mental exercise.  It's an interesting break from phone operation to mix it up.  (Morris code   ;D)

I find the CW ops on 40M to be VERY friendly and they will usually chat for five minutes or whatever. Last night I found only one, from the middle east, who gave me the 599-chow routine.

I plan to get on 40M CW today, a few hours before sunset, to see if I can work Eu and Russia. I like hearing very faint signals and trying to open the band sometimes.

For those not familiar, the CW routine usually is :  UA1XYZ de K1JJ   GM OM.  TNX fer call.  UR 589 589    Op Tom Tom  es QTH  CT  CT.      HW copy?  BK.


FB OM es Tnx for rpt.  Rig hr  KW es 6 el Yagi stack.   WX been snowing.  Watsa?   UA1XYZ  de  K1JJ  K


This is kinda the format. These days "op" is used in place of "name" a lot.  Shorter.  Some guys don't use "de" anymore.

I'm sure Chris / AJ1G will have more tips, being a mobile CW buff...

T

If anyone wants to, join us on the Old Military Radio Net CW Session on 3570 kc Sunday nights at 2100 Eastern.  We do a roundtable, with Ted, W3PWW as NCS.  Call up is at 2100, after Ted takes check ins, we do a rotation, Ted takes more check ins and we do a second round until closing at about 2200.  We use the prosign V in lieu of DE, apparently V was used by the Allies during WW2 instead of the DE.  Most guys run about 15 WPM on straight keys, mainly  because a lot of the relays in the old mil rigs cant keep up with a keying rate much beyond that, and because some of the regulars cant copy well above that either.  Lots of interesting sounding signals from things like GF-11s, GRC-9s, TBWs, TCSs, TCMs, WS19s, and of course, SCR274/ARC-5 command sets. We've been up there for about 20 years now.

You should be hammering in over there with your setup....I get over pretty well with just 5 watts to a Hamstick knockoff on the Tacoma.  Worked EN200IT in the Ukraine on 40 CW last night from the truck with the Elecraft K1.

Afterwards, I tried listening to some Kiev broadcast station's streaming audio over the TuneIn app on my iPhone.  One of them was playing "We Shall Overcome" sung in what I assume was Ukranian.....

I'm not a mode specific type so I do poke around with CW from time to time to keep the skill sharp.  I plug along at 10 to 15wpm.  I have paddles but prefer the "heterosexual" key.

Wanted to watch your hand falling off.  Couldn't find it.  Found some lite rock or something. Where on YouTube?

Caution: Search for WU2D on YouTube at your own risk.

Yes. Keep us posted here, Tom. And have fun working the DX. I have been working European DX on 40 CW the past couple of weeks after a hiatus. Fun.

On CW, I usually use a 1953 Vibroplex bug or N3ZN iambic paddle. If I need to QRS, I tap out the code with the bug's dah paddle.

Just got my Apache back on air late this afternoon and had just a few minutes to call CQ on AM at 7290 Kc but no answer. But the band had gone long.

73,
Brad

I'm slow...probably 6 or 7 wmp but I do enjoy CW.  Use a J 38 and recently all QRP.  Let us know and I'll be there....

Folks have been working EU to NA on 20M with QRP.  I was on this morning with a HB 4 transistor rig. Had a reply but could not copy enuf for a qso even though we tried twice. Could hear the reply and make out my call letters coming back but he was in the noise floor most of the time. Am good on 40 with a couple of Hb 1920s stlye and have  1 tuber on 80M but it is stuck on the "rocks". Good idea though even for AMers to occasionally use their fists
don

The problem seems to be that Apple does not allow alternate keyboards, and that is what this is considered.  If you are willing to "jailbreak" your iPhone, releasing it from the iron claw of Apple, you could install exactly the app you are looking for:  it is called "iDitDahText". 

I installed this app on my jailbroken iPod Touch (which uses the same operating system as the iPhone) and it works great.  I can send and receive SMS text messages via the WiFi/Internet - and "type" in my message by keying a simulated paddle.  Pretty cool...

Steve WD8DAS

 

Don't feel bad: I'm down to one thought per minute!

Bill, W1AC

The problem seems to be that Apple does not allow alternate keyboards, and that is what this is considered.  If you are willing to "jailbreak" your iPhone, releasing it from the iron claw of Apple, you could install exactly the app you are looking for:  it is called "iDitDahText". 
I installed this app on my jailbroken iPod Touch (which uses the same operating system as the iPhone) and it works great.  I can send and receive SMS text messages via the WiFi/Internet - and "type" in my message by keying a simulated paddle.  Pretty cool...
Steve WD8DAS
[/quote]

That is beyond cool Steve - thanks for the heads up.  Getting in touch with my go  IT guy (son Dave) about setting this up!

Here's a demo...from its developer, KB1OOO....

http://www.firstpost.com/topic/product/iphone-type-50wpm-on-iphone-with-iditdahtext-also-learn-morse-code-video-OdzHoLMaKJ0-51406-1.html

I would want a USB key. Touch is no fun. Tried it last wed on a friends phone with a morse code APP as we had been believe it or not talking about this very thing. A paddle or a bug or even a straight key plugged into a USB port would set the world on fire and morse would once again be "the mode". Folks would be sitting at Starbucks or or they are lucky Tim Hortons with their phone standing up and sending code with a gold plated paddle at amazing speed. The gals would have pink keys if desired and I already have my redneck wooden key.  Texting would be so passe'
don
And BTW if I were a key manufacturer I would MAKE this happen.

That's an amazing idea.   Can you imagine the power of the internet to make Morris code mainstream? A user could send with one hand using a tiny custom paddle strapped to their fingers. No need to see a screen. You could even communicate with your hand in your coat pocket while walking down the street.  To receive, a tiny earplug would send out the dits and dahs. Again, no need to see a screen.

I'll bet some very sharp young people could learn to send and receive upwards of 70-80 wpm with practice.  Especially if they do it all day like texting. With abbreviations, it would flow as fast as a voice conversation.


Ever wonder how courtroom steno shorthand transcribers can do up to 300 wpm?  The bottom of the link page shows a sample and it is VERY cryptic:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenotype


T

T,
All we need is some wiz kid who can write phone apps for smart phones and viola you have a cw phone. And with phones having access to the internet one could have a round table like instant message but only in CW.

B

Tom - I checked reversebeacon.net for any 40 CW CQ hits from K1JJ recently - saw you lit up a few EU skimmers with nominal 40 plus dB SNRs back on the 2nd.  In comparison, around the same time, my 5W from the Tacoma mobile was getting into some EU skimmers at around 10 dB SNR.  You must have had some  big high F/B ratio on your antenna, there were no stateside skimmer hits coincident with your 40 over SNRs in EU.  In comparison, I will always get a lot of  stateside hits with higher SNRs  on this side of the pond from the Tacoma QRP mobile when I am also getting into EU.  I have seen occasional 20 plus DB SNRs from the mobile on 40 from EU skimmers. 

Would be interesting to try some skimmer strapping shootouts some time, where a bunch of competing stations send some CQs around the same time on about the same frequency, and see what numbers come back.

I'd call these fairly high F/B antennas.   ;D

http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?topic=21151.msg149453#msg149453

Very interesting about the skimmer stuff, Chris. I never knew that was available.  It seems everything we do on the air is recorded these days... :-)    I mean, a wide band recording is all it takes to archive everything.

An average 2el Yagi is good for 15 dB f-b.  When they are in a stack, they can model out to 20-25 dB f-b, depending on tuning. (like a curtain array)    I have a 3el 40M wire Yagi that is behind this array beaming SW. It has a f-b upwards of -55 dB sometimes. When I switch to SW, the Euros cannot hear me. It is probably because of the double reflector system of the stack and the 3el Yagi.  It just worked out that way, not planned.

Huzman and I have had some fun times on 40M ssb working tandem into Eu. He has up a very good performing 2 el delta loop system and a great location into a lake and swamp ground path.


T

Lately when I have been operating mobile from the Tacoma (parked) I have been watching the hits come back on reversebeacon.net on my iPhone while I am CQing.  More often then not, I will get a big bunch of hits right after my initial standard 3X3 CQ format goes out.  Gives you an appreciation of how sensitive data scanners are to be able to find  such a tiny needle of data (i.e. CQ CQ CQ) from all the other stuff  in the haystack.