[TenTec] Real CW

[Tommy]

Not sure who your addressing, but I'll say a few more words on this subject,
as some of the other folks don't like to talk about Ten Tec's greatest
attribute.

Paul, I just have one question. When you are on the telephone having a
conversation, do you write down every word that is said to you? I'm pretty
sure your answer would be 'No'?  One of the great things about almost every
Ten Tec rig I've ever owned is it's great full QSK capability. From my
standpoint, if I'm operating CW, I'm always using the full QSK mode. In
essence, that is no different from talking on a telephone, the difference
being that you are conversing in another language, i.e., morse code.

If you are interested in getting your copy speed up above about 25 wpm,
almost everyone will tell you to put down your pencil and copy in your head,
that's pretty standard. When I QSO at 70 wpm, I do it just the same way as
if I was talking to the guy on the telephone, it's back and forth banter,
hardly ever doing anything except maybe jot down notes.

On your comment 'So we might all have our limitations'. I think it's pretty
much theorized that when a person is born, the mind, at that time is pretty
much a blank slate...the road blocks we put in the path of our brain are by
our own doing. Learning to copy code faster is not rocket science, getting
around the (negative thinking "I can't") road blocks you put in your path is
the difficult part.

Tommy

W4BQF

-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]
On Behalf Of K7NHB
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 5:23 PM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Real CW

But when you say, "copying" at 40, 50 or 60 wpm how is that
transcribed? One problem I'm guessing most have - I know I do - is
how the get the message down on paper at that speed. I can barely
write the letters fast enough above 20 wpm. If I could type faster,
and wore headphones, I could break that ceiling. That is, retrain my
reflexes to type the letter rather than write the letter. But what if
I'm on an island or mountain top with no typewriter....?

When I hear about recognizing words, that means developing a "CW
Word" vocabulary. I'm sure that is fine for the basic wham/Bam "ur
RST..., my name..., QTH...Tnx for FB QSO..73..." But to have a
ragchew about proposed Social Security schemes might introduce words
never encountered in CW before. Then what...?

So when you say you are "copying" at 40 wpm or above, are you saying
you can produce a transcript of exactly what was said - or is more a
less a "guess" within the realm or the abbreviated QSO above?

In my experience with computers, I find - despite the "you too can
become a programmer" sales pitch - that it takes a certain kind of
mind to write computer code. Some get it, some don't. But those that
don't are still very nice people.

It's hard for me to imagine that someone couldn't "get" 5 wpm code
speed - but If I was asked to draw even a very basic artistic
graphic, I'd be challenged. So we might all have our limits.

It's an interesting area - so many other modes besides CW these days
and the desire to require a basic floor of communication
proficiency....What if the DMV required everyone to pass their
driver's test using a standard shift vehicle....etc.

On to other things - have to put together a sales graphic for a
friend - fortunately I don't have to draw it. :-)

73,
Paul, K7NHB

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