The best pocket decoder is the one between your ears.You just have to be willing to focus and put it to use,by putting the time and effort in to learn this new “language”,especially useful for QRP operating.
I have one and I'm not to pleased with it. First it's long overdue for modernation. Second, the wpm randomly increases within one session. Lastly, the screen is horrid.
For anyone who is a POTA hunter, spend a little bit of time every time you're on the radio listening to POTA activators doing CW. You'll hear actual exchanges going back and forth, often at reasonable speeds. You'll start to recognize words and phrases (pota, call signs, tu [thank you] 599, etc), which will get you learning faster than just single letters. It's like learning conversational French or Spanish instead of just words.
Mike, LICW Club has beginner class almost everyday at various times. Wednesday at 4 East coast time is a great one with Amanda. She doesn't rush through anything. No stress. Monday evening is a new format beginner class. Tuesday at 6 pm another good class. Thursday and Friday too. Hope to see you in there soon. Don't make me taunt you a second time.
I learned it as an aspiring novice in 1967. I only used it for a couple of years - I let my license (WA6TDG) lapse in 1971 or 72. I can still copy code but it is pretty spotty as to speed.
Got an app on my iPhone called "Ham Morse" with a nice set of features cost me 5 bucks. It does everything the MFJ box does. I like to use it over Bluetooth in car when I travel to work, Etc. The app on my phone provides all kinds of opportunities to practice since the phone goes with me everywhere.
Nice retro device :) I would buy it 20 years ago , but smartphones :) Do try the LICW courses, they are very useful! For beginners, I can recommend classes by Amanda, Rick and Rich they are all great.
All too often ham stuff seems 20 to 30 years behind current tech. And this device is a great example with its really poor display. An OLED display and running off a few AA batteries would have been great. I was kind of interested in this till I saw that display.
My thoughts exactly on the display. If this was less than $20 I could deal with the display on this, But for $130.! Surely this doesn’t cost more than $5 to produce??
That’s crazy, I was cleaning up my shack this week and I found mine someone gave me almost 20 years ago and started using it. It’s the same exact model!
That's a great way to work on your Morse...IF, and only if, you use it. There are lots of great ways. The hazard is saying "Oh, now I have a great training thing" and then never picking it up again. May you have a good balance between ambition and sanity.
I'm 4 months into morse code learning and was looking at this so I don't keep using my phone app. It looks a bit dated and it is very expensive - £159 in the UK. Might just stick to the app. Thanks for the review.
Hello, read some feedbacks on this and I wonder if you had the problem with getting the battery cover back on over the 9v battery that some other users did?
It doesn't seem like the MFJ 418 is not available. What happened? It was a great product and I wanted to buy one. Does anyone know what happened? Is there another type available??
Nice…I’m getting one! I struggle the 5 wpm element over 25 years ago…time to get back…BTW, I see you have a X6100 on the shelf in the back…are you having issues with the unit…like resetting itself, and making very loud “click” noises as you switch functions? Is driving me crazy and is only 38 days old!! I enjoy your videos very much…Be safe…Cheers..
Holy catshit! Awesome ur learning! It took me about a year to learn anything over 18wpm. I find that word recognition is easier than characters now at 25-30wpm. Practice 12 minutes in the evening when winding down. When you can copy call sign at 18-20wpm, try pota at 16. The basic rst exchange and cadence becomes like one short sentence. Keep that white boy dance strong
My cat's name is Satan. Is his shit still holy? I've been on the learning wagon for a while. It's very slow going but something I want to accomplish. I really do need to take advantage of my LICW club membership.
@@hamradiotube I’d have to smell it to determine. Haha. Man I just jump in and audit classes. Keep camera off and login with audit and your call. Like you, my sked is all janky with theirs. I would jump into head copy and intermediate just to see how much I sucked. Lol. I ended up liking W8ko Monday night class. But basically used LCWO for about 15-20 minutes a night. There’s a Morse machine option on that helped me learn characters faster. Of course I listened to Kurt’s Morse ninja TH-cam vids some too. It was all jibberish without farnsworth until I started recognizing words. Morse runner is also a program that simulates a pileup or just single persons calling. It has background noise and if you mess up the caller sends again. I think it’s the best software for preparing for pota. Keep at it. Give Satan my love
Mike I read some reviews on the mfj tutor and they said a 9 v battery would not fit in the case. Did you have any problems with that? 73 George KB3 WAQ
I have to disagree with you on this one, that thing is a piece of junk! Battery fitmet issues, old, outdated 90s tech. A raspberry pi runs circles around it. The code speed changes as you're using it. The price is way out of line with the tech at today's prices. MFJ sould be embarrassed of this, do youself a favor and get an app for your phone, tablet or PC. If you purchase this junk product after reading this it's on you.
Same with their code reader! They never measured the size of the battery and the internal mic has not worked on the two I have. Luckily I paid peanuts at a rally for them. G4BTI.
Hi Mike.... So..... Did you train your cw skill since that video??? Hmmmm?? I didn t see one try on pota cw activity qrs qrp..!!! Just have a try!! 😂😂😂❤❤😋😜😉😉🤗😏
Interesting video but I did enjoy it. I may not be saying the name right but I had the Farnsworth CW player on LP records back in the late 70s. Thanks for the video hope you have a great day. WD5ENH Steve
The best pocket decoder is the one between your ears.You just have to be willing to focus and put it to use,by putting the time and effort in to learn this new “language”,especially useful for QRP operating.
LICW offers beginners courses throughout the week, not just Monday evenings. You can jump freely in and out of any of the courses.
I have one and I'm not to pleased with it. First it's long overdue for modernation. Second, the wpm randomly increases within one session. Lastly, the screen is horrid.
For anyone who is a POTA hunter, spend a little bit of time every time you're on the radio listening to POTA activators doing CW. You'll hear actual exchanges going back and forth, often at reasonable speeds. You'll start to recognize words and phrases (pota, call signs, tu [thank you] 599, etc), which will get you learning faster than just single letters. It's like learning conversational French or Spanish instead of just words.
Mike, LICW Club has beginner class almost everyday at various times. Wednesday at 4 East coast time is a great one with Amanda. She doesn't rush through anything. No stress. Monday evening is a new format beginner class. Tuesday at 6 pm another good class. Thursday and Friday too. Hope to see you in there soon. Don't make me taunt you a second time.
Ok Mike...there you have it. No more excuses!
I know Morris Code. We graduated from the same HS.
My bride and I learned code by tapping part of our after-work BS on the end-tables. That was 40+ years ago.
I learned it as an aspiring novice in 1967. I only used it for a couple of years - I let my license (WA6TDG) lapse in 1971 or 72. I can still copy code but it is pretty spotty as to speed.
Got an app on my iPhone called "Ham Morse" with a nice set of features cost me 5 bucks. It does everything the MFJ box does. I like to use it over Bluetooth in car when I travel to work, Etc. The app on my phone provides all kinds of opportunities to practice since the phone goes with me everywhere.
That's a great app!
Nice retro device :) I would buy it 20 years ago , but smartphones :) Do try the LICW courses, they are very useful! For beginners, I can recommend classes by Amanda, Rick and Rich they are all great.
I did not know my 418 had all these features - great video!
All too often ham stuff seems 20 to 30 years behind current tech. And this device is a great example with its really poor display. An OLED display and running off a few AA batteries would have been great. I was kind of interested in this till I saw that display.
My thoughts exactly on the display. If this was less than $20 I could deal with the display on this, But for $130.! Surely this doesn’t cost more than $5 to produce??
@@AnglinTexas ya over priced. And they wonder why ham is dying.
I have one and never used it to learn CW. Thank you for letting me know how it works.
That’s crazy, I was cleaning up my shack this week and I found mine someone gave me almost 20 years ago and started using it. It’s the same exact model!
Been working on my cw skills past few weeks
Well now I better learn the code!
Yeah, I'll pay over $100 for something I can get for free with a bunch of different morse code training web sites.
That's a great way to work on your Morse...IF, and only if, you use it.
There are lots of great ways. The hazard is saying "Oh, now I have a great training thing" and then never picking it up again.
May you have a good balance between ambition and sanity.
Very cool, I have been trying to learn CW as well. so far the best thing I have found is an app called Morse Mania, but I may have to pick this up
I'm 4 months into morse code learning and was looking at this so I don't keep using my phone app. It looks a bit dated and it is very expensive - £159 in the UK. Might just stick to the app. Thanks for the review.
Hello, read some feedbacks on this and I wonder if you had the problem with getting the battery cover back on over the 9v battery that some other users did?
That looks cool, thanks for showing this.
Ordered mine. Thanks! RWB ❤
K2QXQ. 73
It doesn't seem like the MFJ 418 is not available. What happened? It was a great product and I wanted to buy one. Does anyone know what happened? Is there another type available??
It appears to be discontinued. Get an app for your phone
Great more stuff I need... dang. Did your shirt fit pota king?
Buy All The Things!! No, it sure didn't but I appreciate the sentiment.
Are you kidding 120 bucks for that?
Nice…I’m getting one! I struggle the 5 wpm element over 25 years ago…time to get back…BTW, I see you have a X6100 on the shelf in the back…are you having issues with the unit…like resetting itself, and making very loud “click” noises as you switch functions? Is driving me crazy and is only 38 days old!! I enjoy your videos very much…Be safe…Cheers..
On second thought I have to agree is very expensive not worth the $120+ price! Many other alternatives at a fraction!
Holy catshit! Awesome ur learning! It took me about a year to learn anything over 18wpm. I find that word recognition is easier than characters now at 25-30wpm. Practice 12 minutes in the evening when winding down. When you can copy call sign at 18-20wpm, try pota at 16. The basic rst exchange and cadence becomes like one short sentence. Keep that white boy dance strong
My cat's name is Satan. Is his shit still holy? I've been on the learning wagon for a while. It's very slow going but something I want to accomplish. I really do need to take advantage of my LICW club membership.
@@hamradiotube I’d have to smell it to determine. Haha. Man I just jump in and audit classes. Keep camera off and login with audit and your call. Like you, my sked is all janky with theirs. I would jump into head copy and intermediate just to see how much I sucked. Lol. I ended up liking W8ko Monday night class. But basically used LCWO for about 15-20 minutes a night. There’s a Morse machine option on that helped me learn characters faster. Of course I listened to Kurt’s Morse ninja TH-cam vids some too. It was all jibberish without farnsworth until I started recognizing words. Morse runner is also a program that simulates a pileup or just single persons calling. It has background noise and if you mess up the caller sends again. I think it’s the best software for preparing for pota. Keep at it. Give Satan my love
1:58 LMAO! I am laughing with you!
I am stuck on dit dah. After I learn that letter I only have 25 letters left.
Lol
Thats where The Fonz got stuck too. AAaaaaa!
Look at Morse Mania for the iPhone a little more interactive.
Mike I read some reviews on the mfj tutor and they said a 9 v battery would not fit in the case. Did you have any problems with that? 73 George KB3 WAQ
I have to disagree with you on this one, that thing is a piece of junk! Battery fitmet issues, old, outdated 90s tech. A raspberry pi runs circles around it. The code speed changes as you're using it. The price is way out of line with the tech at today's prices. MFJ sould be embarrassed of this, do youself a favor and get an app for your phone, tablet or PC. If you purchase this junk product after reading this it's on you.
Same with their code reader! They never measured the size of the battery and the internal mic has not worked on the two I have. Luckily I paid peanuts at a rally for them.
G4BTI.
Your next challenge!!!!! 😂😂
Hi Mike.... So..... Did you train your cw skill since that video??? Hmmmm?? I didn t see one try on pota cw activity qrs qrp..!!! Just have a try!! 😂😂😂❤❤😋😜😉😉🤗😏
Hi , does also fix deafness and blindness I have been training for many years not to see or hear the wife ?? !!!
I'm afraid you're on your own on that one :)
Sign me up!
just a note - it is Morse - NOT Morris
very common mispronunciation
Interesting video but I did enjoy it. I may not be saying the name right but I had the Farnsworth CW player on LP records back in the late 70s. Thanks for the video hope you have a great day.
WD5ENH
Steve
Download the software "Just Learn Morse Code" and be done.... tnx for the vid.
And, lol, not rather than nit!
Nice job...
Paul K1YOU
Typo…MFJ nit mjf
Ah good eye, thanks!
@@hamradiotube See my own mea culpa on "nit," lol. We all get blind to our own writing...
An easy way to remember the acronym is "Mother Fecking Junk". Because that's what they make.
Great demo . Thanks. George KB3WAQ
I use the app Morse Machine on my I phone. 73 KE8PHJ
I've also subscribed to Long Island CW and I too haven't been on it yet - G1NUU
Maybe we should form a pact?
@@hamradiotube We actually should use each other to encourage ourselves, almost as a challenge.