Got my Novice at the age of 17 and that would be in 1959. Worked CW
exclusively for about 6 mos., because that was the way it was done back
then. Got the speed, understanding and proficiency as needed along the way.
Upgraded to General, Advanced and then Extra. Never looked back.
Today there's some 15 very nice straight keys of different brands, vintages
an such, including the one I used as a Novice, that reside on the shelf
above the operating position. Each has its correct cord that I could plug
in at a moments notice. There's also a very nice Vibroplex bug of 1955
vintage that I was taught by a Navy Chief to correctly and skillfully use.
And then there's the new, so to speak, Vibroplex Iambic paddle connected to
the Omni VII that gets used frequently for general CW rag chew sessions. I
still paddle along at 15 to 18 WPM and will slow down for those that expect
such. For those that want to go faster, I expect them to slow down for me.
I was a member of the QCWA. I think the chapter in this area folded. My
wife and I attended several of the meetings. She basically described it as
a meeting to discuss cataract surgery, hip and knee replacements and open
heart surgery results. Other wise in her description, a bunch of old
geezers with little else to chat about.
CW is fun. Just jump in and get your feet wet. There's a lot more
gentlemen on CW than on SSB in my opinion. I can't ever recall hearing a
cuss word or profanity on CW. But on SSB................oh boy!
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kim Elmore" <cw_de_n5op@sbcglobal.net>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 8:20 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] new to CW dxing
The QCWA is a bit... Quaint. But, their newsletter does occasionally have
interesting historical articles. Most of the members are way older than I
am (I'm 56), retired (I'm far from that) and are best described as
epitomizing the 75 m crowd. However some are very bright, technically
astute, and a lot of fun. So, I keep my membership active.
The OOTC is much smaller and less active. But, most of the members fall
into the "interesting character" category. Those guys have seen a fair
chunk of history and the small newsletter they have usually has
interesting stuff.
73,
Kim N5OP
On Jul 3, 2012, at 18:05, Jim Lowman <jmlowman@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Kim, I guess now I belong in that same fraternity.
I was excited when I had been a ham for 25 years and could join the QCWA.
However, I was all of 42 years old. I looked at their periodic
publication,
which looked like a fire drill at an old-folks' home to me at that age.
Not
much about hamming and a lot about get-togethers, so I didn't renew my
membership.
Maybe at age 64 I need to renew my thinking - and membership.
73 de Jim
On 7/3/2012 3:52 PM, Kim Elmore wrote:
Being an Official Olde Fahrt (QCWA and OOTC member) I took all my tests
under the baleful eye of the FCC. When I took my Extra test, I brought
my Vibroplex and the wedge contacts, so I could use just key across
their straight key. The examiner barely raised an eyebrow and allowed me
to send maybe one word before he pronounced me adequate.
No, I didn't bring a transparent green celluloid hat brim or the elastic
sleeve retainers!
73,
Kim N5OP
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