Kris I. Mraz writes:
: What I need is a spint/sprINT trainer to get warmed up BEFORE the contest
: starts. Like many others, I don't get into the rhythm until well into the
: contest.
You could use the TR logging program for this - it's simulator
works for the sprint and several other contests.
You can get a free version (ver. 4.05) from many bbs systems or
you can ftp it from several sites. Of course the current version
does this as well and you can get that from me.
FTP sites:
maspar.maspar.com /pub/k2mm/n6tr-log
(192.84.231.1)
not sure what the file is called - but it should be easy to spot.
or
oak.oakland.edu /SimTel/msdos/hamradio/n6tr405.zip
or the TR bbs @ 503-658-6116
I think that the arrl bbs also have the program on it.
--
George Fremin III
Austin, Texas C.K.U.
WB5VZL
512/416-0140
geoiii@bga.com
>From jreid@aloha.net (Jim Reid) Thu Jul 27 22:25:26 1995
From: jreid@aloha.net (Jim Reid) (Jim Reid)
Subject: Responses to QRQ Help Request
Message-ID: <199507272123.LAA29326@hookomo.aloha.net>
Wow, within a few hours of posting my request, I have
received many responses; some long and
quite detailed. Thanks to all you QRQ types who have
given your thoughts, experiences and stories. Also
received requests to post a brief summary of how
others have gone on to QRQ status.
1. The age factor.
Many pointed out that many QRQ operators became
that way while quite young. Ken, WM2C, two years after being
licensed at age 13, went to ARRL HQ when 15 and was tested at
about 55 wpm! Also many others had had various musical
training experiences as kids, then became hams as teenagers,
and found CW to be a sort of "natural skill,." one or two being
comfortaabe at very high speed (like 70+ wpm!) listening, not
typing or writing it down.
2. Natural Ability
Some people are just born with "fasrer wiring". They naturally have
lightning quick reflexes. Some become athletes, some fighter pilots,
some happened to become CW operators. Rapid reaction
response time helps.
3. Experience with CW on the air.
Lots of CW QSOing helps a bunch in improving speed.
Lots of trying at CW contesting helps, the SS contest
was suggested by several responders as the best
one for CW QRQ experience build up and practice.
Join a CW net, try to keep up with what is going on,
don't be afraid to join in!
4. QRQ Receiving Practice.
Contest logging programs require that you know how to type
rapidly, without looking at the keyboard, and that you know
the program commands. Both TR and NA have contest simulator
programs built-in for help. The PED411.zip trainer program
(availabe from oak.oakland.edu, in the SimTel\msdos\ hamradio file)
is a specific CT contest program trainer. The "new" RUFZ program is
a great QRQ build-up call-sign- to- keyboard- entry training aid.
Spend time copying to the mill random groups of both charters and
numbers. Morse Academy is specifically good for this practice.
Also, all the CW test programs of MA can be sent at very high speeds
for "reading in the head" practice, and practice at mill copying behing.
Code Master V allows keyboard or text file input of kilobytes of text for
very long, high speed CW listening practice session, up to 30 min
or more at even 50 wpm.
On the air QSOs should not be carried on by writing everything down,
except what has to go in the log. Just listen, and force oneself to QSO
at ever faster speed.
CW training in the military created many QRQ operators. Not sure that
is a good enough reason to join-up, but if you are young......
Spend lots of time, daily f possible, just listening to very high speed
stuff. Even faster than you can hear a dit from a dah for awhile. Need
to get the brain accustomed to the sound. Then bring the spped
down to only 5 or 10 wpm faster than you know you can copy with
pencil or mill, and spend 30 minutes twice or so a day just listening
After a couple of weeks, surprisingly, you'll be understanding the
text! Then jump the speed anothoer 5 wpm, in surprisingly little time,
a few months, you'll be at 45 or 50 wpm! (Lost name and call sign, but
sort of a repeat of an article in the March 95, I think it was, Worldradio mag.)
Doug, KR2Q says he went from 18 to 27 wpm in one step using such a
method!
Among many, Larry, K7SV; Tony, K1KP, and Ken, AB6FO said to learn
to copy on the mill (computer keyboard) dropping as many letters and then
words behing as you can. After while you will realize you don't have to type it
down anymore ( unless in a contest using one of the programs) because
you already have the info in your head, you have heard and understood the
CW already, just like oral English language.
5. QRQ Sending Practice
Don't use a keyboard!
"Real men use paddles. Bigger men use bugs. I'm not a bigger man",
Bill, KM9P, 55+wpm.
Adjust the paddle to a very light action. Don't want to slap it all around the
table.
Practice lots of sending REAL FAST. This requires that you think in
Morse CW, and will do wonders in also improving your QRQ receiving.
It is all in your mind, so train your mind in high speed sending as well,
and the receiving wil also become QRQ. Johnny, KE7V, 55+wpm.
A keyer for QRQ work is better than a bug, since it does a better job
training your ear. You have to listem more closely to operate a
keyer acurately, so it is a better QRQ trainer of CW as another
language for you. K8 Joe "Palooka".
Well, thats the summary of informatioin about 24 hours after my request.
Thanks again to you all, you have given me, and many others much
valuable information and food for thought!
73 and Aloha,
Jim Reid, AH6NB (Happily retired on the Island of Kauai)
Hawaii, USA Email: jreid@aloha.net
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