Morse Code Training
At the end of 2022 several FRARS members expressed an interest in getting a small group together to learn or improve CW (morse code).
CW is an excellent mode especially on HF where it allows much more potential for DX and conversational QSOs than modes like SSB.
It’s also just a satisfying mental exercise to learn the code and start making QSOs.
Nine people signed up for the group and Gareth, G0MFR volunteered to run the sessions with Tony, G3PFM there to offer expert advice where people were struggling.
We met at the club every Thursday evening starting in January 2023 and started introducing and practicing the characters over the winter months.
Several ‘students’ bought simple keys and built practice oscillators so when we got a few characters together we were soon sending to each other across the room.
As we progressed this developed to having QSOs with each other and we were ready to get on the air.
We started with operators that I knew who were very patient and soon we had everyone in the group with a QSO logged on 40 m CW.
People have subsequently progressed at different rates and we’re looking at running a refresher this winter.
Article by Gareth G0MFR, 6/11/2023.