It's so good to see you produce another video. The FCC issued my license today, so I am now officially a ham. Cliff, you are one of my Elmers and I appreciate what you do. Thank you again.
Very cool, David! What's your new call sign? Are you going to keep it or trade it in for a vanity call? (I started out in 1986 as KB4WZZ but later traded that for one with my initials.) - Cliff
Nice video, Cliff, I also enjoy the WES events and get on from time to time. Love your key, BTW, I believe that style is called a “Postal” key. It reminds me of my Elmer who had that type that taught me CW. He was a railroad telegrapher. Yes, there were some back in the day that did CW for a living, can you imagine? Hi! Anyway, he taught me not to “tap” the top of knob with the tips of my fingers which is the natural tendency to do. He said it is very fatiguing and less efficient. Rather, he explained, grasp the knob in my fist and hold it like a ball. Rest the back side of my fingers against the lower disk below the knob. Sending is accomplished by pushing with your whole hand downward using your arm /wrist muscles grasping the knob only tight enough tho keep hold of it. I always wondered the purpose of that lower disk below the knob.
@@QRPSchool - In my excitement of my first comment, I failed to mention that I noticed right away the high-def quality of your video. And an extra special thanks for the bonus "behind the scenes" video. It is always interesting to see how TH-camrs create their videos. As a recently retired professional guitarist and singer of 38 years, I can also appreciate your home studio. Although I earned my living playing Classic Rock, Pop and Country, Jazz is my favorite music. 73!
@@KX4UL Jazz is my favorite, too. My favorite group is the Yellowjackets. As a keyboard player, Russell Ferrante is my hero. I went to school on a Music Composition scholarship but found myself becoming a band director and bailed. Thankfully, I was really into learning about computers and taught myself to be a programmer. I got my first professional computer programming job before I graduated and I've been involved in computer software ever since. I really respect anyone who has been able to carve out a living as a musician. - Cliff
Nice encouragement for using straight key again. Thanks so much. Btw. Appreciated the bonus material showing ur shack and workplace. I’m making info show for Austrian hams since 1979, still with great enthusiasm. 73!
Thanks for the video. I joined when Tom 'ECI, announced it on eHam the first year. Its a great way to get the CW chops up. 73 de N7YA, #410....nice Flameproof, by the way.
SKCC 2045 here. Slow-er speeds are helpful for new cw ops. Also for old guys like me whose speed may have decreased with age. Am all cw QRP ops. F8WBD.
I hear you about editing and making videos. I have a ham channel and I love shooting new video of what I'm doing, but hate editing as it takes forever to complete. I guess that's why I have hours of video on my computer and only a few videos up on my channel. Props to the new videos every once in a while!
Julia Bell Inspiring? Argghhhh! That is the exact opposite of what I’m shooting for, here! I’ll never get this right. No, seriously, thank you so much, Julia. Your kind words and encouragement mean a lot to me. By the way, I looked at your QRZ page and saw a great collection of QRP toys. Well done! -Cliff
Sorry to be off topic but does anybody know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb lost the login password. I love any tips you can offer me
Nice little video Cliff, sounds like the kind of contest I like - no pressure and friendly exchanges. Never heard of the SKCC before, thanks for the info.
Cliff, thanks for all the great work you've done in the past. As a presenter, I feel you are 1st rate. I've recently got back to interests in qrp and await mt QCX Mini from Turkey. I already have POTA plans to activate a park near me here in New Orleans. Well, I just needed to say how much I appreciated all your videos, thank you. Frank KK7HI
The other two benefits of SKCC, great way to practice numbers. If you’re like me, figuring numbers out has been difficult. Much easier to do now that I’m doing mostly SKCC. second benefit is the schedule website. Much easier to do a contact when he bands are so poor. Good job Cliff. Dit dit
I really love your videos, Cliff, and I appreciate the work that you put into making them. They are always very professionally done. I especially like the fact that you take a single subject, carefully break it down into simple, easy to absorb pieces, while never talking down to your viewers or making the subject more complex than it needs to be. 73, Mark, KE6BB.
Cliff, I enjoyed your video. I learned morsecode in the early sixties at a nautical school in Amsterdam/PA. Although I normally work with the paddle, I still love the 'old fashioned' straight key every now and then. Beste 73's fm PA5ABW SKCC nr 17035
Excellent video Cliff! Just passed my 20wpm proficiency so I am joining SKCC as we speak and hope to work you on the air one day! Kind regards Simon M0SYS
Very professionally done videos! Easy to watch and the content is great. I'm SKCC 20236, looking forward to the time when I'm proficient enough to try a QSO. KJ7DWM
Cliff, so glad to see you back, missed your videos, really enjoy them. SKCC is my favorite club, pretty much guarantee at least one SKCC contact each day I try. I’m not great at tracking them so I’ve not earned any awards or letters (‘S’ or ‘T’) yet. I just really like sending with my Straight Key (Navy Flameproof as well) though. W1ND SKCC #18580. I should add that I have been checking each contact for FISTS as well and have found a handful so far.
Hi ran across your videos in your 2015 Morse Runner program introduction. Your statement that it takes 10 to 15 hours per video is a big bucket of cold water on my idea of recording my ham radio Adventures. 73 AI7YQ
@@LarryAllenTonar It doesn’t have to take that long. Some of them take much less time. But, for me, if you include the preparation, travel time (if any), set up, operating, tear down, downloading, editing, uploading to YT… it’s hours of work. I would like to encourage you to make a video and see if you have a passion for it. You don’t HAVE TO upload it unless you’re happy with it. -Cliff
@@LarryAllenTonar Actually, the gear you need can cost less than $100. Please see this video that I made for my local ARES group: th-cam.com/video/o6WN3bLXeAA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Xdi4ZxTgINvPSFLX
I only subscribe to folks who use tripods and microphones and editing. I sub'd your channel right away a few years back because it was obvious you put effort into your content creation. Thanks. Extra thanks for this one. Working on my copy skills nearly every day-and fist. 73
If you can find 30 minutes per day, you can learn Morse Code. It really comes down to that. If you put in the time, you will absolutely be successful. The only people who try and fail are the ones who simply don't have the time. When you're ready, go for it! I will be happy to have a slow-speed conversation with you someday when you're ready to get on the air. - Cliff
Hey, Cliff! Great video as always. I'm new (again) to CW -- I learned it for my ticket back at the turn of the millennium, but forgot it all -- and finished the January session of CW Academy Lvl 1 a few weeks ago. I'd already joined SKCC a while back, but held back to finish my class. (I'm SKCC #19347, btw.) Unfortunately, the ONE thing I couldn't beat during the class, even though the instructor was _extremely_ supportive, and tried very hard to convince us that mistakes are NO BIG DEAL because EVERYONE makes them, I'm still anxiety-ridden and have only had a few QSO's since. Mike (or Key) shyness is such a terrible problem, and while knowing that nearly everyone deals with it to some extent does help some, at least in my case hasn't really knocked it out. I know that what I need to do is to just screw my courage to the flagpole and start making calls, whether CQs, directed calls, or contesting in the WES, but I'm still doing the "I just need to practice a BIT more first..." thing. I know I'll eventually jump in and start talking, but it's been a real struggle. Again, it is no fault of my instructor from CW Academy. He did a marvelous job. I'm a LOT better with code now than I ever was, and at a higher speed, but I still have little confidence, and the first error flusters me and I lose the translation. I was copying along with your video, even (though I did "cheat" a little and look at the screen), and could definitely recognize the code fairly well, but like any other irrational insecurity, it's very definitely NOT rational. I'll probably be fine once I can get going. I have a couple of straight keys, including one of those Chinese chromed things that I got on Ebay for about $40. It works well enough. I have a CWMorse.us 3d-printed mini Navy style straight key connected to a little Arduino module I wired up to use as a CW "keyboard". Rather than type on an ASCII keyboard and produce CW, I can key CW on the straight key and it shoves ASCII text into the keyboard buffer. I used to have a lashup with a modified mouse, some software, and my old Bencher paddle, but the software isn't available anymore and I haven't found anything to replace it with, but I DID manage to find the schematic for this Arduino module and a simple sketch to convert CW to text. I had to pound on the code for a while, as it wasn't the entire Morse set (no numbers, no punctuation, no prosigns, and LOUSY "backspace" capability), and I wanted to use it to enter text into chat programs when my chronic pain is too high to type. (It happens once in a while. I use CW because it involves the smallest amount of movement of my hand and arm, unlike typing.) I have a few paddles, including the aforementioned Bencher (A BY-2, the chromed one), a couple of cheap Chinese 3d printed dual paddles barely worth the name, an old White Rook dual micro paddle, a couple of capacitive touch paddles, and an odd duck called a "Te-Ne-Ke" (Teeny Key) by the North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club, probably the most imaginative portable paddle I've ever seen. But my pride and joy is the SKCC Sideswiper Cootie I bought from another SKCC member. It's the one with the SKCC logo on it, with the powder blue base. I love the thing, and practice with it daily with my KX3 on sidetone only mode. I've even sent out some calls a few times, but just like you experienced, I largely hear crickets. I DID check into the CW Academy weekly test session a couple of times, and did manage to make a contact during one, and NOT the slow one, the regular one, so I haven't been completely silent since the class. But it's still slow going. Maybe someday you'll hear me out there and we can exchange numbers on the air! Thanks for the nice response you gave me to one of your recent videos, I appreciated the kind words. 73, Gwen, NG3P SKCC #19347
Gwen Patton My guess is that you have practiced enough and now it’s time to go into “make myself” mode! Consider setting a goal of making 1 contact every day, whether you feel confident or not. Do you think you could try that? -Cliff
Thuff I was using a Flex-Radio 6300 radio. It doesn’t have any knobs... it’s software controlled. The waterfall shown was from their SmartSDR software that is used to control their 6000 series radios. It’s pretty neat. -Cliff
Cliff, great video as always. I have a theory that CW comes easier, or at least easier to send, by musicians. As one yourself I’m sure you hear musical rhythm patterns in CW, 16th notes, eights, triplets etc. And some that have no sense of rhythm struggle to send CW. Just my observation, CW is fun at whatever level you obtain. Accuracy before speed! Thanks for the video 73 WA9SWW SKCC 19846S
I completely agree, Steve. I think have a musical background makes it easier to get the timing right when sending code. But, sadly, that doesn't help you to be able to decode the darn thing! That's just a matter of putting in the practice time... maybe like learning to play an instrument... you can't get away from having to sit in the chair and practice. - Cliff
Hi, David. I'm sure some on youtube would consider my videos to be below their standards. But, I want them to be of a certain technical quality if they're going to be on youtube forever. Fortunately, there are a bunch of hams making videos so there's always something new from somebody. - Cliff
Hey, Chris. In this video, I'm using a Heil "Pro Micro" Dual-Sided headset with a Navy "Flameproof" key. Here's a link to the headset: heilsound.com/products/pro-micro-dual-side/
Getting a ham radio kit and creds has been something I've wanted to do most of my life, but I have no idea where to begin. Like what is a basic radio receiver to get for key code reception you do? And then where to get what to send code with?
The radio I'm using in this video is a Flex-Radio model 6300. It has no knobs. It is controlled by computer software they call "SmartSDR". The SmartSDR software is what you're seeing on the screen. This model 6300 is seven years old and a good value on the used market. - Cliff
OK here’s a question for you… I am an amateur extra class operator for about a year now. I happen to be blind and interested in learning CW. Do you know any blind or visually impaired operators that learned after they lost their site? I’m wondering where to begin. I’m guessing there has to be an iPhone app or some method it makes sense especially for receiving an interpreting what’s going on. Suggestions?
I'm sorry that I don't know how to help with this. I could imagine someone making a recording of the sound of each character, followed by their speaking the name of the character. After listening to this for a while, as soon as you heard the symbol, your mind would be ready to speak the symbol. Maybe a local ham would make such a recording with you? I wish I were able to find any online resources for you, but my Googling has found nothing. You know, this is actually a good way for sighted people to learn morse. The worst possible way to learn is what most of us have done... to look at a chart of dots and dashes and memorize the characters based on that chart. If you learn that way, you are building a lookup table in your mind and breaking the sounds into a visual series of dots and dashes instead of just hearing the sound of the character. I will think about this some more but I hope you are able to find someone more knowledgable to help you. - Cliff
Hey, John. I know what you mean. About 5 years ago, I wanted so badly to work with the Big Dogs doing CW in our club station's Field Day event. I knew Morse Code but wasn't fast enough. I decided to really put in the time and I was able to get an early morning CW Field Day shift the following year. Sitting down at the station and making 25wpm CW contacts was one of the best moments of my ham life! You can do it, if you've got the time to dedicate to it. Thirty minutes per day is enough. Keep going! - Cliff
Hi Cliff, nice work and very nice room. BTW, on Your side view, on the wall there is a map with a sunpath. Is this a live poster or just a TV with proper picture?
That was my Heil Pro Micro (dual-sided) headset. But my favorite is the Radiosport high-end headset. It is incredibly comfortable. Pricey, but they should last forever. -Cliff
When you get s chance could you do a video on “headsets”. What you do in different situations: contests, crowded parks, windy days, cw, voice, etc. When a speaker is better. Volume setting so you don’t get your eardrums blasted by surprise string signals.
Hello, Larry. This is the classic Navy “flameproof” Key. The part that contains the contacts is enclosed so a spark can’t ignite any combustible gases that might have accumulated on the ship. It’s a very smooth key and I love mine. You can find them for sale (used, of course) for about $75. Mine is mounted to a small hardwood floor sample I got from Home Depot. -Cliff
Clif, this is a great example of why I always enjoy your videos! Even though this one's 5 years old now. When I got interested in amateur radio, I did not know any person in real life who had ever been a ham. Your videos make you a great virtual Elmer. They're always clean and well organized. You take the time to explain it and really teach it. Even though I got my skcc number a long time ago, to date I'm not in the contest at all, unless you count pota and sota. Normally when the bands get filled up with contests, I just give up and do something else other than play radio, especially with the fast stuff. This encouraged me to maybe give this a shot. Thank you! 73 Mike N4FFF
if a person is sending CQ CQ DE callsign SKCC, what is the etiquette here - can a non SKCC person answer? Is the person CQing asking for only SKCC people to answer?
In general, if someone is calling CQ with SKCC, they are looking for other SKCC members. Some may not mind a quick (very quick) QSO before returning to calling CQ, looking for other members. During a weekend “Sprintathon” (contest), the exchange is a one-liner: RST, QTH, operator name, and SKCC number. If you’re not an SKCC member, you can send “NONE” in place of the SKCC number. Having said all this, I would encourage you to apply for a (free) SKCC number and join in the fun! -Cliff
@@QRPSchool Thanks a lot! I Was from Brazilian Navy and never learned morse code which I think should be BASIC knowledge to everyone! It's on my bucket list. :)
Interesting. I haven't used IMC since 1981 when I first joined the Army.. Never used it after training. Odd.. But I have been curious about getting back into it. We used the straight key back then. Shame a skill like this was waisted. Are you using internet or AM SSB. All the new tech is a bit confusing.
Robert Cole I am using the CW (continuous wave) mode of HF “ham” radio and transmitting Morse Code. The AM mode sounds great and is still available for doing voice communications. However, AM mode uses twice the bandwidth of SSB mode so nearly all voice mode communications on the HF frequencies use SSB (single sideband). -Cliff
Familiar with it.. back in 1981 we used AN/GRC 106 radios for voice on SSB and other setups like microwave antenna on PRC 74 radios. Occasionally on the AN/GRC106. @@QRPSchool
I joined back in 2017. I hadn’t done CW since my 13 WPM CODE TEST back in the 90’s. I tried to brush up on it and finally got to where I could copy about 6WPM. I made 4 CW contacts then 3 more with SKCC MEMBERS. I was pretty proud of myself, then on the SKCC chat a member posted that an Extra only able to receive slow code was a waste of bandwidth. So I apologized for using too much bandwidth and that I wouldn’t do it again. I disconnected my key, put it up and haven’t touched it since. I didn’t want to be in a group that claimed to help people gain speed and knowledge and then find out some members don’t want slow people to be a part of it.
Don’t let some self-righteous, elitist asshat keep you from having fun. Get back on the horse! Besides, someone operating at 6wpm doesn’t stay at 6wpm for long. You’d be back to 13wpm within a couple of months, if you jump back in. 13wpm with a straight key is perfectly acceptable. I’ll be your first 6wpm new contact if we can arrange a date/time/band.
Really don’t see the advantage of going through the hassle of learning straight key then having to go through the effort of going to a paddle. I can send slow Morse code via paddles.
I don't recommend people to learn morse code with a straight key. Learning with paddles using an electronic keyer will ensure that the length and spacing of consecutive dots and dashes will be correct. Most people don't have the sense of rhythm to get it right until they've been listening to good morse for a while. That said, it is FUN to use a straight key sometimes. And THAT said, it's MISERABLE to try to copy someone's terribly-spaced bad morse code. My opinion, as always. - Cliff
Steve Parks if I had any, you know I’d show ‘em. I’ve had several straight keys in the past but I’ve given them away. My trusty Navy Flameproof straight Key is a keeper, though!
The only telegraphy key I have is a 1940 Lionell telegraphy key from World War II. I still practice Morse code. But citizen's band is no longer popular for CW nor voice. The bands are so dead that I hesitate to get an amateur radio license. I have no transceiver. VHF and UHF surplus equipment is plentiful, easy to convert to amateur radio frequencies, and very cheap, even new. HF surplus equipment from other HF services barely exists. There is not much that can be converted to amateur radio HF frequencies. New HF transceivers are very expensive. The used hf transceivers are way over priced and are barely worth buying at all when for just a little bit more you can get a new transceiver. On top of all this, the bands are dead at frequencies above the 40 meter band. These are bleak times to be in any sort of radio hobby. I have just never grown out of it and still play around on the also dead public no-license bands.
Indrid Cold I understand your feelings but it’s not as bad as you think. There are still plenty of contacts to be made. The 20m band is frequently open and big contests bring lots of stations on the air. Things aren’t as good as they used to be but it’s still an interesting hobby. I hope you will choose to join us soon! -Cliff
More bugs than Straight Keys? I should have mentioned bugs but I’ve heard many more Straight Keys than bugs in the SKCC. Besides, I don’t want to encourage a beginner to use a bug. - Cliff
Side swipers and iambic users are perverts! I like to keep it straight......(I am just kidding.....we are all CW weirdos! ). Straight keys were used at sea by RO's especially for rough conditions. It was what ship's RO's trained on. Straight keys are simple and elegant. I love CW.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
It's so good to see you produce another video. The FCC issued my license today, so I am now officially a ham. Cliff, you are one of my Elmers and I appreciate what you do. Thank you again.
Very cool, David! What's your new call sign? Are you going to keep it or trade it in for a vanity call? (I started out in 1986 as KB4WZZ but later traded that for one with my initials.) - Cliff
Nice video, Cliff, I also enjoy the WES events and get on from time to time. Love your key, BTW, I believe that style is called a “Postal” key. It reminds me of my Elmer who had that type that taught me CW. He was a railroad telegrapher. Yes, there were some back in the day that did CW for a living, can you imagine? Hi! Anyway, he taught me not to “tap” the top of knob with the tips of my fingers which is the natural tendency to do. He said it is very fatiguing and less efficient. Rather, he explained, grasp the knob in my fist and hold it like a ball. Rest the back side of my fingers against the lower disk below the knob. Sending is accomplished by pushing with your whole hand downward using your arm /wrist muscles grasping the knob only tight enough tho keep hold of it. I always wondered the purpose of that lower disk below the knob.
Nice practical tip. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! I must have been reading your mind. I joined this morning before you even posted this video! Let’s keep straight key CW alive and well.
That's a weird coincidence! Glad you signed up. - Cliff
@@QRPSchool - In my excitement of my first comment, I failed to mention that I noticed right away the high-def quality of your video. And an extra special thanks for the bonus "behind the scenes" video. It is always interesting to see how TH-camrs create their videos. As a recently retired professional guitarist and singer of 38 years, I can also appreciate your home studio. Although I earned my living playing Classic Rock, Pop and Country, Jazz is my favorite music. 73!
@@KX4UL Jazz is my favorite, too. My favorite group is the Yellowjackets. As a keyboard player, Russell Ferrante is my hero. I went to school on a Music Composition scholarship but found myself becoming a band director and bailed. Thankfully, I was really into learning about computers and taught myself to be a programmer. I got my first professional computer programming job before I graduated and I've been involved in computer software ever since. I really respect anyone who has been able to carve out a living as a musician. - Cliff
I know this video is 5 years old, but I just discovered it. Terrific job, Cliff. You have sold me on SKCC!
73
Good!!! Give it a try. It’s a great way to do some slow (ish) Morse code. - Cliff
Nice encouragement for using straight key again. Thanks so much. Btw. Appreciated the bonus material showing ur shack and workplace. I’m making info show for Austrian hams since 1979, still with great enthusiasm. 73!
Thank you, Wolfgang! - Cliff
Thanks for the video. I joined when Tom 'ECI, announced it on eHam the first year. Its a great way to get the CW chops up. 73 de N7YA, #410....nice Flameproof, by the way.
SKCC 2045 here. Slow-er speeds are helpful for new cw ops. Also for old guys like me whose speed may have decreased with age. Am all cw QRP ops. F8WBD.
Glad to know more about your production efforts. We all want more, it's understandable considering your momentous efforts.
Great video about the SKCC. I'm an early member (#228), and I look forward to seeing other SKCC members on the air soon. 73 de WQ1C.
I hear you about editing and making videos. I have a ham channel and I love shooting new video of what I'm doing, but hate editing as it takes forever to complete. I guess that's why I have hours of video on my computer and only a few videos up on my channel. Props to the new videos every once in a while!
LOVE it!! Your channel is inspiring on many levels. Thank you so much, Cliff, for giving back to the community.
My call sign - KF8JBB, I'm a CW-Ops grad and big fan of QRP and CW. BTW. :-)
Julia Bell Inspiring? Argghhhh! That is the exact opposite of what I’m shooting for, here! I’ll never get this right. No, seriously, thank you so much, Julia. Your kind words and encouragement mean a lot to me. By the way, I looked at your QRZ page and saw a great collection of QRP toys. Well done! -Cliff
Sorry to be off topic but does anybody know a way to get back into an instagram account??
I was dumb lost the login password. I love any tips you can offer me
Nice little video Cliff, sounds like the kind of contest I like - no pressure and friendly exchanges. Never heard of the SKCC before, thanks for the info.
Very cool. I just joined. Am learning to use a bug.
Cliff, thanks for all the great work you've done in the past. As a presenter, I feel you are 1st rate. I've recently got back to interests in qrp and await mt QCX Mini from Turkey. I already have POTA plans to activate a park near me here in New Orleans. Well, I just needed to say how much I appreciated all your videos, thank you. Frank KK7HI
The other two benefits of SKCC, great way to practice numbers. If you’re like me, figuring numbers out has been difficult. Much easier to do now that I’m doing mostly SKCC. second benefit is the schedule website. Much easier to do a contact when he bands are so poor. Good job Cliff. Dit dit
I really love your videos, Cliff, and I appreciate the work that you put into making them. They are always very professionally done. I especially like the fact that you take a single subject, carefully break it down into simple, easy to absorb pieces, while never talking down to your viewers or making the subject more complex than it needs to be. 73, Mark, KE6BB.
Mark P Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it! -Cliff
Great video cliff! Will look into the SKCC tomorrow if I remember. Loved the extra bonus footage too. Look forward to seeing the next CCB production.
Great video Cliff, always informative and enjoyable. Appreciate the efforts you put into making them.
Best 73 from France, Steve F/M0ZSM
Thanks for the kind words, Steve. - Cliff
Enjoyed your video and the studies tour. Very impressive on both counts. Hope to see more from you. 73 KH7AD
Cliff, I enjoyed your video. I learned morsecode in the early sixties at a nautical school in Amsterdam/PA. Although I normally work with the paddle, I still love the 'old fashioned' straight key every now and then. Beste 73's fm PA5ABW SKCC nr 17035
Excellent video Cliff! Just passed my 20wpm proficiency so I am joining SKCC as we speak and hope to work you on the air one day!
Kind regards
Simon
M0SYS
Way to go, Simon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done, sir. - Cliff
Thanks Cliff, always enjoy your videos.
Very professionally done videos! Easy to watch and the content is great. I'm SKCC 20236, looking forward to the time when I'm proficient enough to try a QSO. KJ7DWM
Cliff,
Because of this video I am now a new member of SKCC member #21766. I am EXTREMELY PLEASED to be a subscriber here.
Cliff, so glad to see you back, missed your videos, really enjoy them. SKCC is my favorite club, pretty much guarantee at least one SKCC contact each day I try. I’m not great at tracking them so I’ve not earned any awards or letters (‘S’ or ‘T’) yet. I just really like sending with my Straight Key (Navy Flameproof as well) though. W1ND SKCC #18580. I should add that I have been checking each contact for FISTS as well and have found a handful so far.
Hi ran across your videos in your 2015 Morse Runner program introduction. Your statement that it takes 10 to 15 hours per video is a big bucket of cold water on my idea of recording my ham radio Adventures.
73 AI7YQ
@@LarryAllenTonar It doesn’t have to take that long. Some of them take much less time. But, for me, if you include the preparation, travel time (if any), set up, operating, tear down, downloading, editing, uploading to YT… it’s hours of work. I would like to encourage you to make a video and see if you have a passion for it. You don’t HAVE TO upload it unless you’re happy with it. -Cliff
@@QRPSchool The recording equipment would also put a dent in my $$$ for-doctors in my life's last year fund.
@@LarryAllenTonar Actually, the gear you need can cost less than $100. Please see this video that I made for my local ARES group: th-cam.com/video/o6WN3bLXeAA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Xdi4ZxTgINvPSFLX
I only subscribe to folks who use tripods and microphones and editing. I sub'd your channel right away a few years back because it was obvious you put effort into your content creation. Thanks. Extra thanks for this one. Working on my copy skills nearly every day-and fist. 73
Wade Patton thank you, Wade. -Cliff
Excellent video Cliff... I thoroughly enjoyed the behind the scenes look. Thanks for what you do! 73, de N0RVS
Super nice office / setup. Thanks for the video.
Thank you. My wife gave me the biggest room in the house on the condition that I keep my junk out of the rest of the house! :-) - Cliff
Thank you to the intro to the SKCC, once I pass my general license, I’d like to start learning Morse. KC5SOZ
Why wait as a tech you have cw privileges on 80 40 15 and 10 . N8QJU
If you can find 30 minutes per day, you can learn Morse Code. It really comes down to that. If you put in the time, you will absolutely be successful. The only people who try and fail are the ones who simply don't have the time. When you're ready, go for it! I will be happy to have a slow-speed conversation with you someday when you're ready to get on the air. - Cliff
I’ve been focusing on the general exam between work and kids. I test on the 20th then I’ll be able to devote that study time to learning Morse!
Hey, Cliff!
Great video as always. I'm new (again) to CW -- I learned it for my ticket back at the turn of the millennium, but forgot it all -- and finished the January session of CW Academy Lvl 1 a few weeks ago. I'd already joined SKCC a while back, but held back to finish my class. (I'm SKCC #19347, btw.)
Unfortunately, the ONE thing I couldn't beat during the class, even though the instructor was _extremely_ supportive, and tried very hard to convince us that mistakes are NO BIG DEAL because EVERYONE makes them, I'm still anxiety-ridden and have only had a few QSO's since. Mike (or Key) shyness is such a terrible problem, and while knowing that nearly everyone deals with it to some extent does help some, at least in my case hasn't really knocked it out.
I know that what I need to do is to just screw my courage to the flagpole and start making calls, whether CQs, directed calls, or contesting in the WES, but I'm still doing the "I just need to practice a BIT more first..." thing. I know I'll eventually jump in and start talking, but it's been a real struggle.
Again, it is no fault of my instructor from CW Academy. He did a marvelous job. I'm a LOT better with code now than I ever was, and at a higher speed, but I still have little confidence, and the first error flusters me and I lose the translation. I was copying along with your video, even (though I did "cheat" a little and look at the screen), and could definitely recognize the code fairly well, but like any other irrational insecurity, it's very definitely NOT rational. I'll probably be fine once I can get going.
I have a couple of straight keys, including one of those Chinese chromed things that I got on Ebay for about $40. It works well enough. I have a CWMorse.us 3d-printed mini Navy style straight key connected to a little Arduino module I wired up to use as a CW "keyboard". Rather than type on an ASCII keyboard and produce CW, I can key CW on the straight key and it shoves ASCII text into the keyboard buffer. I used to have a lashup with a modified mouse, some software, and my old Bencher paddle, but the software isn't available anymore and I haven't found anything to replace it with, but I DID manage to find the schematic for this Arduino module and a simple sketch to convert CW to text. I had to pound on the code for a while, as it wasn't the entire Morse set (no numbers, no punctuation, no prosigns, and LOUSY "backspace" capability), and I wanted to use it to enter text into chat programs when my chronic pain is too high to type. (It happens once in a while. I use CW because it involves the smallest amount of movement of my hand and arm, unlike typing.)
I have a few paddles, including the aforementioned Bencher (A BY-2, the chromed one), a couple of cheap Chinese 3d printed dual paddles barely worth the name, an old White Rook dual micro paddle, a couple of capacitive touch paddles, and an odd duck called a "Te-Ne-Ke" (Teeny Key) by the North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club, probably the most imaginative portable paddle I've ever seen.
But my pride and joy is the SKCC Sideswiper Cootie I bought from another SKCC member. It's the one with the SKCC logo on it, with the powder blue base. I love the thing, and practice with it daily with my KX3 on sidetone only mode. I've even sent out some calls a few times, but just like you experienced, I largely hear crickets. I DID check into the CW Academy weekly test session a couple of times, and did manage to make a contact during one, and NOT the slow one, the regular one, so I haven't been completely silent since the class. But it's still slow going.
Maybe someday you'll hear me out there and we can exchange numbers on the air! Thanks for the nice response you gave me to one of your recent videos, I appreciated the kind words.
73,
Gwen, NG3P SKCC #19347
Gwen Patton My guess is that you have practiced enough and now it’s time to go into “make myself” mode! Consider setting a goal of making 1 contact every day, whether you feel confident or not. Do you think you could try that? -Cliff
@@QRPSchool I'll see what I can do. Right now, I'm laid up, but when I feel better I'll give that a go.
Thank You.
Cliff where have U been??? Great videos... 👍
I took my car for an oil change and the time just got away from me! ;-)
SKCC 47 KB5ZGU antenna restrictions have me down but not out.
Very informative. Thanks. Subscribed.
One I learn cw I will give it try. Also what waterfall were you showing. Was it a radio? Thank you for showing this method.
Thuff I was using a Flex-Radio 6300 radio. It doesn’t have any knobs... it’s software controlled. The waterfall shown was from their SmartSDR software that is used to control their 6000 series radios. It’s pretty neat. -Cliff
Cliff, great video as always. I have a theory that CW comes easier, or at least easier to send, by musicians. As one yourself I’m sure you hear musical rhythm patterns in CW, 16th notes, eights, triplets etc. And some that have no sense of rhythm struggle to send CW. Just my observation, CW is fun at whatever level you obtain. Accuracy before speed!
Thanks for the video
73
WA9SWW
SKCC 19846S
I completely agree, Steve. I think have a musical background makes it easier to get the timing right when sending code. But, sadly, that doesn't help you to be able to decode the darn thing! That's just a matter of putting in the practice time... maybe like learning to play an instrument... you can't get away from having to sit in the chair and practice. - Cliff
A very informative video. If producing a video of such quality is too time consuming I would prefer more videos at lower technical quality.
Hi, David. I'm sure some on youtube would consider my videos to be below their standards. But, I want them to be of a certain technical quality if they're going to be on youtube forever. Fortunately, there are a bunch of hams making videos so there's always something new from somebody. - Cliff
Wow good lighting and great video and audio. I need to learn Morse code
What headset and straight key are you using, Cliff? Another great video.
Hey, Chris. In this video, I'm using a Heil "Pro Micro" Dual-Sided headset with a Navy "Flameproof" key. Here's a link to the headset: heilsound.com/products/pro-micro-dual-side/
Getting a ham radio kit and creds has been something I've wanted to do most of my life, but I have no idea where to begin. Like what is a basic radio receiver to get for key code reception you do? And then where to get what to send code with?
What is the software you are running..looks like a remote software to display the radios interface. Thanks. Oscar
The radio I'm using in this video is a Flex-Radio model 6300. It has no knobs. It is controlled by computer software they call "SmartSDR". The SmartSDR software is what you're seeing on the screen. This model 6300 is seven years old and a good value on the used market. - Cliff
Nice video, nice equipment! Need an idea for new vid? Skcc logger ;) Thanx
Thanks for the video i joined the SKCC club here Keep up the great work 73 from K4TEP
OK here’s a question for you… I am an amateur extra class operator for about a year now. I happen to be blind and interested in learning CW. Do you know any blind or visually impaired operators that learned after they lost their site? I’m wondering where to begin. I’m guessing there has to be an iPhone app or some method it makes sense especially for receiving an interpreting what’s going on. Suggestions?
I'm sorry that I don't know how to help with this. I could imagine someone making a recording of the sound of each character, followed by their speaking the name of the character. After listening to this for a while, as soon as you heard the symbol, your mind would be ready to speak the symbol. Maybe a local ham would make such a recording with you? I wish I were able to find any online resources for you, but my Googling has found nothing.
You know, this is actually a good way for sighted people to learn morse. The worst possible way to learn is what most of us have done... to look at a chart of dots and dashes and memorize the characters based on that chart. If you learn that way, you are building a lookup table in your mind and breaking the sounds into a visual series of dots and dashes instead of just hearing the sound of the character. I will think about this some more but I hope you are able to find someone more knowledgable to help you. - Cliff
What if i dont have a straight key at home
Great video thanks for posting. I wish there was a “noobie century club” for folks like me who use a paddle but are still slow !
Hey, John. I know what you mean. About 5 years ago, I wanted so badly to work with the Big Dogs doing CW in our club station's Field Day event. I knew Morse Code but wasn't fast enough. I decided to really put in the time and I was able to get an early morning CW Field Day shift the following year. Sitting down at the station and making 25wpm CW contacts was one of the best moments of my ham life! You can do it, if you've got the time to dedicate to it. Thirty minutes per day is enough. Keep going! - Cliff
QRP School thanks for the encouragement. Perhaps the stcc can help me get into some better practice habits .
Hi Cliff, nice work and very nice room. BTW, on Your side view, on the wall there is a map with a sunpath. Is this a live poster or just a TV with proper picture?
Marek Szymański What you saw on the wall in my office is a 4K TV that is using a Geochron 4K device as it’s input. Look here: www.geochron.com/4k/
Great job Cliff. What make and model of headset are you using?
That was my Heil Pro Micro (dual-sided) headset. But my favorite is the Radiosport high-end headset. It is incredibly comfortable. Pricey, but they should last forever. -Cliff
When you get s chance could you do a video on “headsets”. What you do in different situations: contests, crowded parks, windy days, cw, voice, etc. When a speaker is better. Volume setting so you don’t get your eardrums blasted by surprise string signals.
I like that old navy key..... KD9GRP
Hi Cliff, was wondering what type of straight key your using here and why you like it. Never seen one with a box on the back. thanks larry k9aau
Hello, Larry. This is the classic Navy “flameproof” Key. The part that contains the contacts is enclosed so a spark can’t ignite any combustible gases that might have accumulated on the ship. It’s a very smooth key and I love mine. You can find them for sale (used, of course) for about $75. Mine is mounted to a small hardwood floor sample I got from Home Depot. -Cliff
@@QRPSchool Thank you for the answer. Keep the videos going. I enjoy them. larry k9aau
I found you have to give your call more than once.
Thanks Cliff for your inspiring video about SKCC. Good luck and 73 de PD9W #5265.
thanks for this video and the others! 73 de WB2SMK, SKCC 14139T
Cliff-
SKCC is NOT strictly straight keys. Bugs or cooties are welcome too.
--
Kevin
WA9VFD
SKCC 17995S
Clif, this is a great example of why I always enjoy your videos! Even though this one's 5 years old now.
When I got interested in amateur radio, I did not know any person in real life who had ever been a ham. Your videos make you a great virtual Elmer. They're always clean and well organized. You take the time to explain it and really teach it. Even though I got my skcc number a long time ago, to date I'm not in the contest at all, unless you count pota and sota. Normally when the bands get filled up with contests, I just give up and do something else other than play radio, especially with the fast stuff. This encouraged me to maybe give this a shot.
Thank you!
73 Mike N4FFF
@@HamRadioDuo Thanks, Mike. I appreciate the kind words. I retire in a year and plan to do more between now and then, but certainly more then! -Cliff
if a person is sending CQ CQ DE callsign SKCC, what is the etiquette here - can a non SKCC person answer? Is the person CQing asking for only SKCC people to answer?
In general, if someone is calling CQ with SKCC, they are looking for other SKCC members. Some may not mind a quick (very quick) QSO before returning to calling CQ, looking for other members. During a weekend “Sprintathon” (contest), the exchange is a one-liner: RST, QTH, operator name, and SKCC number. If you’re not an SKCC member, you can send “NONE” in place of the SKCC number. Having said all this, I would encourage you to apply for a (free) SKCC number and join in the fun! -Cliff
It sounded like he came back at a faster rate than yours, shouldn’t he try to match your sending speed?
Nice video Cliff. Thanks for the shack tour. You have some nice gear there. I am also a musician. SKCC #6594T Joe N3HEE
many many thanks SKCC 12247
Great to promote SKCC tnx, I should do more air time working SKCC. 73 18281 ..
Is there a certain frequency to go on ?
Go to their website. On the left side of the screen, click on the Operating Frequencies menu choice. -Cliff
What Flex radio do you have?
It's a Flex 6300. I've been very happy with it. -Cliff
Hoe long does it take to get your number,I signed up about a week ago , thanks
Not sure. This may help... Membership Manager, Randy, N8KQ, Number@skccgroup.com
Just working my way slowly learning cw on lcwo but at 5:29 that last "s" really sounds like a "u" to me, like dit dit dah
What headset is that of yours, on this video, please?
Hello, Mauro. It's a "Heil Pro-Micro Dual" headset. Here's a link: www.dxengineering.com/parts/hls-pmd-ic
@@QRPSchool Thanks a lot! I Was from Brazilian Navy and never learned morse code which I think should be BASIC knowledge to everyone!
It's on my bucket list. :)
You might as well use a cootie or a bug to enjoy the SKCC fun!
73's Patrick (Pat) ON4KNP - SKCC 16544C
I'm not opposed to trying new (old) things but I'm partial to the feel of my old Navy Flameproof key! Thanks for watching, Pat. - Cliff
Thanks and Great video de W2CSi
ABSOLUTELY AND PATENTLY UNFAIR! Cliff, your SK fist is superb! When I send with a SK, I get QLF awards out the ass. 😋
72 de k6whp
dit dit
73!
Glad your back! de K0EAP
Interesting. I haven't used IMC since 1981 when I first joined the Army.. Never used it after training. Odd.. But I have been curious about getting back into it. We used the straight key back then. Shame a skill like this was waisted. Are you using internet or AM SSB. All the new tech is a bit confusing.
Robert Cole I am using the CW (continuous wave) mode of HF “ham” radio and transmitting Morse Code. The AM mode sounds great and is still available for doing voice communications. However, AM mode uses twice the bandwidth of SSB mode so nearly all voice mode communications on the HF frequencies use SSB (single sideband). -Cliff
Familiar with it.. back in 1981 we used AN/GRC 106 radios for voice on SSB and other setups like microwave antenna on PRC 74 radios. Occasionally on the AN/GRC106.
@@QRPSchool
Number would be 'NR' e.g. ' NR AGN PSE?'
Kevin Moderow There is more than one way to ask for this. Your way is great. NBR? is fine, too.
Thanks for making the video, much appreciated. DE WA1KLI
Great video. 73 AG5ES, nbr 15620
SKCC # 462, de AC4FS
I joined back in 2017. I hadn’t done CW since my 13 WPM CODE TEST back in the 90’s. I tried to brush up on it and finally got to where I could copy about 6WPM. I made 4 CW contacts then 3 more with SKCC MEMBERS. I was pretty proud of myself, then on the SKCC chat a member posted that an Extra only able to receive slow code was a waste of bandwidth. So I apologized for using too much bandwidth and that I wouldn’t do it again. I disconnected my key, put it up and haven’t touched it since. I didn’t want to be in a group that claimed to help people gain speed and knowledge and then find out some members don’t want slow people to be a part of it.
Don’t let some self-righteous, elitist asshat keep you from having fun. Get back on the horse! Besides, someone operating at 6wpm doesn’t stay at 6wpm for long. You’d be back to 13wpm within a couple of months, if you jump back in. 13wpm with a straight key is perfectly acceptable. I’ll be your first 6wpm new contact if we can arrange a date/time/band.
Thanks for the video we do like them Ron C KG5GFV
Really don’t see the advantage of going through the hassle of learning straight key then having to go through the effort of going to a paddle. I can send slow Morse code via paddles.
I don't recommend people to learn morse code with a straight key. Learning with paddles using an electronic keyer will ensure that the length and spacing of consecutive dots and dashes will be correct. Most people don't have the sense of rhythm to get it right until they've been listening to good morse for a while. That said, it is FUN to use a straight key sometimes. And THAT said, it's MISERABLE to try to copy someone's terribly-spaced bad morse code. My opinion, as always. - Cliff
Ok that makes more sense, I am currently learning Morse code on an iambic paddle … I started one of the beginner classes in the Long Island cw club
Great video! de N0NJY SKCC: 21358
Next up cootie keys and bugs!
Steve Parks if I had any, you know I’d show ‘em. I’ve had several straight keys in the past but I’ve given them away. My trusty Navy Flameproof straight Key is a keeper, though!
That's an awkward hand position.
The only telegraphy key I have is a 1940 Lionell telegraphy key from World War II. I still practice Morse code. But citizen's band is no longer popular for CW nor voice. The bands are so dead that I hesitate to get an amateur radio license. I have no transceiver. VHF and UHF surplus equipment is plentiful, easy to convert to amateur radio frequencies, and very cheap, even new. HF surplus equipment from other HF services barely exists. There is not much that can be converted to amateur radio HF frequencies. New HF transceivers are very expensive. The used hf transceivers are way over priced and are barely worth buying at all when for just a little bit more you can get a new transceiver. On top of all this, the bands are dead at frequencies above the 40 meter band. These are bleak times to be in any sort of radio hobby. I have just never grown out of it and still play around on the also dead public no-license bands.
Indrid Cold I understand your feelings but it’s not as bad as you think. There are still plenty of contacts to be made. The 20m band is frequently open and big contests bring lots of stations on the air. Things aren’t as good as they used to be but it’s still an interesting hobby. I hope you will choose to join us soon! -Cliff
Hellow de yi1aks hope u teach me cw 73
I should probably make use of my SKCC number. I've had it for a while. SKCC: 15059 Thanks for the behind the scenes tour. 73 NE5U
They use straight keys? Oh heck no! I've heard plenty of "bugs" over the straight key. It's very misleading.
More bugs than Straight Keys? I should have mentioned bugs but I’ve heard many more Straight Keys than bugs in the SKCC. Besides, I don’t want to encourage a beginner to use a bug. - Cliff
SKCC # 3418, Lee WA8QFE
Side swipers and iambic users are perverts! I like to keep it straight......(I am just kidding.....we are all CW weirdos! ). Straight keys were used at sea by RO's especially for rough conditions. It was what ship's RO's trained on. Straight keys are simple and elegant. I love CW.
Nice Shack... de KA3UXU
I have a key like that!!! de xe2tgh 73