Practice Instructions and Homework Assignments …...8 Preliminary Preparation The assignments that follow are based on a twice weekly ZOOM or SKYPE schedule (usually Monday and Thursday)

Practice Instructions and Homework Assignments

2

By: W4YES (Glenn)

Practice Instructions and Homework Assignments

for the Basic CW Academy Course

W4YES (Glenn), K1DW (Dallas), W2OZB (Phil)

2

© Copyright 2019

This work is the sole property of Glenn Norman and the CW Operators club. It may be downloaded

and printed for use of CW Academy students. It may not be reproduced on paper or digitally for

other purposes without the expressed consent of Glenn Norman and the CW Operators club.

Revision Record

2019 – Original Version by Glenn Norman, W4YES, Dallas Ward, K1DW, and Phil Bartash,

W2OZB

2019 – Revision 1.1 by Bob Carter, WR7Q; (Change course name from Level 2P to Basic)

3

Table of Contents

Topic Page

Introduction 4

Class Objectives 4

Requirements 5

Tools & Purpose 5

Morse Code Trainer 5

CW Player 6

Methodology 7

Copying 7

Sending 7

Preliminary Preparation 8

Notes to Advisors (and Students) 9

Definition of Instant Character Recognition 9

Tips and Notes 9

Session 1 - Intro to Morse Code Trainer, Discovering Your Character Speed 12

Session 2 - Continue Familiarity with Morse Code Trainer 13

Session 3 - MCT - Effective Speed = 4 wpm, Letters and Numbers 14

Session 4 - MCT – Effective Speed = 4 wpm, Punctuation 15

Session 5 - MCT - Effective Speed = 5 wpm, CW Player - State Abbreviations 16

Session 6 - MCT - Effective Speed = 6 wpm, CWP - 2-Letter Words 17

Session 7 - MCT – Effective Speed = 6 wpm, CWP– 3-Letter Words 18

Session 8 - MCT – Effective Speed = 7 wpm, CWP – 4-Letter Words 19




Session 12 - MCT – Effective Speed = 9 wpm, CWP – Call Signs 23

Preparing for the Final Stretch 24

Session 13 - MCT – Effective Speed = 10 wpm, Short Story & QSO = 10 wpm 25



Session 16 - MCT – Effective Speed = 12 wpm, CWP – Open Compound Words 28

4

Introduction

Welcome to CW Academy’s Basic course. Before you take note of the homework assignments,

below, you should understand how you will be expected to practice during the eight- week

course

.

Your

course

is

divided

into

16

sessions

corresponding

to

a

twice

weekly

on-line

meeting

with

your

advisors.

For

example,

you

are

expected

to

practice

the

assignment

for

Session

1

before

the

on-line

Session

1

so

that

the

advisor

can

assess

your

progress

and

any

problems.

Therefore,

you

practice

the

Session

1

assignments

for

the

days

preceding

Session

1,

and

then

practice

the

Session

2

assignment

for

the

days

preceding

Session

2,

and

so

on.

Most

vital

to

the

learning

process

is

your

personal

practice

between

sessions.

The

sessions

are

for

coaching

purposes,

therefore,

your

disciplined

approach

to

practice

is

a

must.

All

students

are

expected

to

dedicate

AT

LEAST

one

hour

per

day,

6

days

per

week

to

practice

the

material.

This

is

a

required

minimum.

Your

dedication

to

the

practice

will

be

evident

when

you

demonstrate

your

progress

to

your

advisor

and

fellow-students.

If

you

cannot

commit

to

this

practice

time,

please

do

not

start

the

class.

When

you

meet

twice

weekly

with

your

advisor,

he

or

she

will

be

assessing

how

you

are

doing

using

interactive

exercises

and

other

means.

The

idea

is

to

provide

you

with

feedback

that

will

help

you

overcome

any

barriers

you

encounter.

As

with

all

of

our

CW

Academy

courses

your

success

is

determined

by

your

daily

practice.

We

hope

you

enjoy

the

course

and

achieve

noteworthy

improvements

in

all

aspects

of

your

CW

skills.

Class Objectives

The primary goal of the CWA Basic class is prepare you for the entry level of CWA Level 2. This

includes improving your character recognition, conversational CW, and CW sending skills.

Upon completing this course, the student will be expected to perform the following:

- Headcopy QSOs and text at least a rate of 20 wpm character speed and 10 wpm effective

speed.

- Converse using CW (on-air QSOs or using any communication method)

- Send CW with adequate proficiency for on-air QSOs

- Perform several on-air QSOs with fellow students / other CW operator (familiarity with the

anatomy of a QSO)

5

The focus of this class will be Instant Recognition of characters. The goal is to move beyond

interpreting the morse character, and rather recognizing the sound of the character as its morse

equivalent. Therefore, the emphasis will be placed on listening to the sounds of the characters and

recognizing them by their sound (not counting dits and dahs) – thus increasing proficiency.

Requirements for the Course

1) Familiarity of all the morse code characters (letters, numbers, some punctuation, and prosigns)

2) A high-speed Internet connection

3) A computer compatible with ZOOM (PCs, Macs, and smartphones work well)

4) A webcam (mic and camera device that is either built-in or plugs into a USB port)

5) A key / paddle

6) A keyer or radio with built-in keyer that produces sufficient sidetone volume to be picked up by

the webcam microphone

7) Headphones or earbuds to avoid feedback and echoing.

8) Audio recorder (computer, smartphone, or other preferred device)

Tools & Purpose

There are two primary tools use. Morse Code Trainer is used to build Instant Character Recognition

skills. The course begins with the use of MCT, and is used throughout the course. CW Player

begins in Session 5 and is used to make use of the ICR skills developed with MCT. CW Player is

chosen due to its ability to randomly send the contents of a text file and give the user control over

speeds.

1) Morse Code Trainer – See Video Tutorial

The primary tool we will be using for Instant Recognition will be using will be “Morse Code

Trainer.” (MCT) It may be used on a phone or computer. You will hear the morse character

and speak it out loud. The process will be as follows (Note that the video tutorial is more

informative):

- Using MCT in Random Mode, select Hide Text.

- Set Speed / wpm per assignment.

- Set Farnsworth speed / wpm per assignment.

- In the section,”Choose the letters you want to practice:” select the characters per

assignment.

- Set Random Characters = 9

- Set Repeat = 1

- Set Generate words = 6

- Select Record on your audio recorder.

- Select the MCT Play button, and with closed eyes, hear the characters and speak aloud

each as quickly as possible.

6

- After MCT has finished sending the content, remove the Hide Text selection (to reveal

the text), and play the audio recording to check your accuracy.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE CLASS:

Using Morse Code Trainer in this manner will allow you to define a list of characters that are

copied slow or wrong. Then you will perform focused practice on those troublesome

characters until you recognize all characters with equal speed and accuracy.

2) CW Player – See Video Tutorial

Secondly, to make use of progress on single character recognition, CW Player will be

employed to head copy strings of characters (words, callsigns, phrases, etc.).

- Do an internet search for “F6DQM”. Download and install “CW Player.”

- Place CW Player in Random Mode (Choice is “Random”)

- Using “Options,” select “Random Characters,” then “Vocabulary”

- Using “Options,” adjust the spacing between words to a challenging level

o Note: Keep the “Real Speed (wpm)” as high as possible.

o Note: Besides these spacing selections, the “Real Speed (wpm)”is a function of

the main speed selected on “Controls.”

- Select “Change” to select a text file

- ALWAYS select “Hide” to hide the text on the screen

- Select “Play”, close your eyes, and practice the words, callsigns, etc.

- Note: In Random Mode, each time you use a particular text file, the order will be

random.

7

Methodology

COPYING:

ALL COPY WILL BE DONE USING HEADCOPY – NO WRITING OR TYPING

INSTRUMENT WILL BE USED FOR COPY.

WHEN COPYING

and SENDING (other than from written text),

RELAX and

CLOSE YOUR EYES

This method will result in sustained proficiency. Note-taking is encouraged, but this is not

to be done copying character-by-character. Struggling with headcopy is not unusual, but

with practice, it will boost your performance and pleasure of copying code. Speak with your

advisor(s) about it, and they can offer tips and help.

Note: One of the greatest inhibitors of progressing with Morse Code is the habit of

counting dits and dahs. This habit will eliminate your ability to head copy and reach

your goals. Learning to “hear the sound of the characters” will be emphasized. The

starting point of breaking this habit is to increase the character speed to the point that

disallows counting. You will be asked to establish the character speed that YOU

require to not count. The character speed in this document shows “25 wpm character

speed.” But you are asked to replace that speed with YOUR required speed to

eliminate counting dits and dahs. The advisor(s) will work with you to help determine

your character speed.

SENDING:

Sending practice is often under-emphasized. But in this class, we will put a strong emphasis

on sending and doing it well. Find a comfortable speed for sending, but when

communicating with CW, ensure that your sending speed does not exceed your copy speed.

When sending code, relax and ALWAYS close your eyes, unless sending from written

material.

It is “highly” recommended, every day prior to starting your Training Sessions, complete

the “Warm Up” section of the Daily Morse Code “Scales” – see web page for this.

In the class, we will cover the method for correcting sending errors.

8

Preliminary Preparation

The assignments that follow are based on a twice weekly ZOOM or SKYPE schedule (usually

Monday and Thursday). The assignments are structured to provide you with regular practice

instructions.

As stated above, the assignments are performed BEFORE the online

session.

Come to class prepared to demonstrate your work, and be prepared with

any questions / comments. BE PREPARED.

Staying on-schedule is expected. However, you are encouraged to work

ahead. Students that stay ahead of the scheduled assignments have better

results. However, if you work ahead, be prepared to demonstrate your

proficiency to do so.

Throughout the class… the most important aspect is…

KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

If your attitude slips, take a break until you regain your positive

attitude

9

Notes to Advisors (and Students)

This curriculum is unusual in-nature. Effective speed is intentionally slow in the beginning

to provide students time to discover and define which characters that are causing slow

recognition.

These characters are the cause of most of the struggles when trying to increase one’s speed.

Therefore, this curriculum intentionally pauses to allow the user to define them and work on

Instant Character Recognition.

Definition of Instant Character Recognition

How is Instant Character Recognition quantified? Ask every student which character(s) are

recognized the fastest. Most will say, “e” and “t.” Use those characters as a baseline for all

others. When the student can recognize all the characters as quickly as “e” and “t” they

have achieved Instant Character Recognition.

Instant Character Recognition is a skill necessary for whatever route the student chooses to

use CW (Contesting, Ragchewing, DXing, etc.). While this curriculum does not focus on

any ultimate destination for the student, it provides them with the necessary ICR tools that

they need.

Tips and Notes

Early in the Class Process

- Every Advisor should themselves become familiar with the use of the tools as described in

the curriculum. Experienced CW operators must work hard to connect with the student

experience. Each Advisor should use MCT and practice ICR at speeds that challenge them

(fast character speed, and slow effective speed), speaking the characters, recording

themselves and playing back the audio to discover which characters come slower than

others. Everyone has characters that lag others in proficiency. If you are not already aware,

become familiar with your own list.

- As the class begins (perhaps even before, one-on-one), emphasize that this class will take a

serious level of commitment and self-discipline. Students should be informed that their

practice (or lack of it) will be on display in-class through joint practicing. Of course, the

intent is to never embarrass anyone but rather to encourage everyone to “step up or step

aside.”

- Early in the course, once the MCT and ICR has been introduced, ask every student to share

their MCT screen and demonstrate the correct usage. This will help avoid a problem with

the student unwittingly wandering off the path. It also encourages accountability. At any

10

time during the course, the students need to know that they may be asked to demonstrate

their progress.

- Improvement is the students’ responsibility – not the Advisors’. The role of the Advisor is

not to teach the code, but rather to teach the students how to learn the code. Never work

harder than the student.

- This curriculum puts speed controls in the hands of the students (with Morse Code Trainer

and CW Player). However, constantly emphasize to the students that once they have

achieved proficient levels of ICR, they should push themselves to the next speed beyond

their comfort zone (but not into the impossible zone). Learning / improvement happens

outside the comfort zone.

Instant Character Recognition – Student Experiences

- At ALL times, students are to keep their eyes closed while copying. While sending, eyes are

to be closed unless sending from text. This method eliminates the use of decoders, pencils,

etc. Turning off the visual distractions also allows the mind to focus on the aural-only

experience of the code.

- Students (we all) tend to focus on speed. However, speed is dependent upon proficiency.

Speed will come with practice. This course takes the emphasis off speed and places it on

proficiency of recognizing the characters. It emphasizes focusing practice in a direction that

produces speed as a side-effect.

- A student should move to the next step in the effective (Farnsworth) speed when they have

achieved ICR to a level of 90%. One can hope for 100%, but if they have achieved 90%,

they likely have vastly improved on the other 10%.

- A common struggle for students is “letting go” of missed content (characters, words, etc.).

Emphasis must be placed on moving on quickly and refocusing on the upcoming content.

Whether correct copy happens, one must put it behind them and focus on listening. Students

that achieve the skill of “letting go” will succeed (and vice versa).

- Commonly, students will increase the Effective Speed (Farnsworth) beyond what they are

capable of demonstrating Instant Character Recognition. When that happens, ask the

student to share their MCT screen and demonstrate the justification for increasing their

Farnsworth speed. If they are justified, encourage them to proceed. Otherwise, they should

return to a speed that is challenging but adequate for ICR training.

- ICR is emphasized throughout the course. Keep the students focused on Instant Character

Recognition (Morse Code Trainer) even though they progress to more advanced methods of

copy. The ICR practice is rigorous training. A student’s tendency may be to wander to

11

more “fun” stuff. Therefore, try to keep the course work balanced with the fun material

(such as copying words, abbreviations, QSO practice, etc.) but be aware of this tendency to

forego the rigors of ICR.

- At some point in the Instant Character Recognition process, the effective speed will be too

fast for the students to speak the characters aloud (probably around 8-12 wpm). At that

point, they should be encouraged to silently head copy but maintain a cognitive awareness of

which characters have a delayed recognition.

- When the course introduces character strings (abbreviations, words, call signs, etc.), an

effective suggestion is for students to listen to code faster than they can copy – just listen –

don’t try to copy. Then they are asked to slow the speed to their challenging copy speed. It

“tricks” the brain into making the push speed sound easier / slower.

Request for Comment

- If you have any questions / concerns / recommendations, PLEASE feel free to contact Glenn

(W4YES) ([email protected]). This curriculum is a work-in-progress and a

culmination of great effort and evidence-based results, but we are aware that it needs

constant improvement. Feedback is important to the process. Thank you! Good luck with

your class(es). 73… de W4YES… Glenn

12

Assignments

Session 1 Preparation: (Introduction to Morse Code Trainer – Random Mode)

Day 1

Copy Send

This week’s goal is to to become familiar with the use of Morse Code

Trainer in the Random Mode.

Using Morse Code Trainer in Random Mode, select Hide Text.

In the section,”Choose the letters you want to practice:” select all

letters (A-Z) and (0-9)

Set Speed / wpm = 25. (Note: Determine the character speed that

prohibits counting dits and dahs (hear “the sound” of the

character). Stay at this character speed for the next few sessions)

Set Farnsworth speed to a value that allows you to copy the random

characters (i.e. probably in the 5-8 wpm range). Do not speak the

characters – CLOSE YOUR EYES – DO NOT WRITE.

REMEMBER: - IN THIS CLASS, WE WILL ALWAYS COPY

WITH EYES CLOSED.

This is a mental workout, so limit your “run time” to no more than 5-

minutes. Take a break between each run – at least a few minutes (or

hours). Accumulate at least an hour of dedicated practice time today.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send the alphabet and the numbers (0-9) in

morse code five times. Note difficult

characters that affect your sending and put

extra practice on those.

Day 2

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Practice WITH EYES CLOSED

Send your callsign 25 times. Correct

mistakes as you go.

Send your first name (or nickname) 25 times.

Correct mistakes as you go.

If you’re unsure of accuracy, audio record

your sending and check.

Day 3

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Practice With eyes closed, send the alphabet and the

numbers (0-9) .

For the upcoming class session, be prepared to share your screen using Morse Code Trainer and

demonstrate your usage of it. Be prepared to demonstrate sending. Be prepared with questions /

comments.

13

Session 2 Preparation: (Continue Familiarity with Morse Code Trainer – Random Mode)

Day 1

Copy Send

This week’s goal is to to further familiarity with the use of Morse

Code Trainer in the Random Mode.


In the section,”Choose the letters you want to practice:” select all

letters (A-Z) and (0-9)

Set Speed / wpm = 25. (Note: Determine the character speed that

prohibits counting dits and dahs (hear “the sound” of the

character). Stay at this character speed for the next few sessions)

Set Farnsworth speed to a value that allows you to comfortably copy

the random characters (i.e. probably in the 5-8 wpm range). Do not

speak the characters – CLOSE YOUR EYES – DO NOT WRITE.

This is a mental workout, so limit your “run time” to no more than 5-

minutes. Take a break between each run – at least a few minutes (or

hours). Accumulate at least an hour of dedicated practice time today.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send the alphabet and the numbers (0-9) five

times. Note difficult characters that affect

your sending and put extra practice on those.

Day 2

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Practice WITH EYES CLOSED

Send your callsign 25 times. Correct

mistakes as you go.

Send your first name (or nickname) 25 times.

Correct mistakes as you go.



Day 3

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Practice With eyes closed, send the alphabet and the

numbers (0-9) in morse code.


demonstrate your usage of it. Be prepared to demonstrate sending. Be prepared with questions /

comments.

14

Session 3 Preparation: (Effective Speed = 4, Letters and Numbers)

Day 1

Copy

Beginning today, your use of MCT has changed. Your NEW goal is to accumulate a list of characters that are

giving your trouble. This includes the ones you get wrong AND the ones that you get SLOW.

View the Using Morse Code Trainer for Instant Recognition video and follow the instructions.


Select (A-Z) and (0-9).

Set Speed / wpm = 25.

Set Farnsworth speed / wpm 4. Do not increase the Farnsworth Speed.

Turn on your audio recorder and Run MCT in the Random Mode and SPEAK EACH CHARACTER. Run this for no

more than 5 minutes at a time. After each practice session, click off “Hide the Text.” (show the text). Replay your

audio and check your accuracy and timing.

The reason for the large gap between characters is to provide time to determine which characters are difficult for you

(cause you to pause).

Make a list of the characters that cause you to pause and the ones you get wrong. Remember, this exercise is to

define a list of characters that cause you to delay speaking the correct character.

Repeat this process several times to compile the list of troublesome characters.

Day 2

Copy Send

Use the same method in Day 1 and limit the chosen characters to the

ones that give you pause or you get wrong.

When you think you have those troublesome characters spoken as

quickly as the easy ones, open up the chosen characters to all the

numbers and letters and repeat the process.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send callsign 10 times correctly

Send name 10 times correctly

Send your rig 10 times correctly

Send your antenna type 10 times correctly

Day 3

Copy Send

Use the same method in Day 1 and limit the chosen characters to the

ones that give you pause or you get wrong.

When you think you have those troublesome characters spoken as

quickly as the easy ones, open up the chosen characters to all the

numbers and letters and repeat the process.

Practice sending the “Exercise” section of

the Daily Morse Code Scales (see

instructions above). Use your audio recorder

and listen to your sending. Be critical of

your character and word spacing – the copy-

ability of your sending.


demonstrate your usage of it. Be prepared to inform your adviser of the troublesome characters that

you have compiled and have been working to improve. Be prepared to demonstrate sending. Be

prepared with questions / comments.

15

Session 4 Preparation: (Punctuation)

Day 1

Copy Send

Using Morse Code Trainer in Random Mode, Hide Text.

Choose (A-Z), (0-9), and Period, Comma, Question, and Slash.


Set Farnsworth speed / wpm 4.

Do same drill as in previous lessons

Make a list of the characters that cause you to pause and the ones you

get wrong.

Repeat this process several times to compile the list of troublesome

characters.

WITH EYES CLOSED


times. If you make a mistake, re-send that

character and proceed.

Note difficult characters that affect your

sending.



Day 2

Copy Send

Using Morse Code Trainer in Random Mode, select only the

individual characters from your compiled list (from Day 1) – the

characters you struggle speaking quickly and correctly.

Begin the audio recording.

Do the same drill as in previous lessons.

Repeat this process until the troublesome numbers are recognized and

spoken as quickly and correctly as all others.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send call 10 times correctly.

Send name 10 times correctly.

Send “AGE HR IS ______” 10 times

correctly

Send “BEEN HAM SINCE XXXX “ 10

times correctly.

Day 3

Copy Send

As in Day 2, continue to work on improving the speed and accuracy of

speaking your troublesome character list.

Practice sending Pangrams. Use your audio

recorder and be critical of your character and

word spacing – the copy-ability of your

sending.


demonstrate your usage of it. Be prepared to inform your adviser of the troublesome characters that

you have compiled and have been working to improve. Be prepared to demonstrate sending. Be

prepared with questions / comments.

16

Session 5 Preparation: (Effective Speed = 5 wpm, & Add State Abbreviations)

Day 1

Copy Send

Using Morse Code Trainer in Random Mode, select (A-Z), (0-9),

Question, and Slash



Make a list of the characters that cause you to pause and the ones

you get wrong.

Repeat this process several times to compile the list of

troublesome characters.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send the alphabet and the numbers (0-9) three

times. If you make a mistake, finish the alphabet

and numbers, then send the alphabet and

numbers again.

Note difficult characters that affect your sending.

Day 2

Copy Send






Repeat this process until the troublesome numbers are recognized

and spoken as quickly and correctly as all others.

Practice sending the “Exercise” section of the

Daily Morse Code Scales (see instructions

above). Use your audio recorder and listen to

your sending. Be critical of your character and

word spacing – the copy-ability of your sending.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send call 10 consecutive times correctly.

Send name 10 consecutive times correctly.

Day 3

Copy Send

Practice State Abbreviations using CW Player. Headcopy and

speak aloud the state name (or at least the two letters). Repeat

several times and head copy as much as possible.


recorder, listen to your sending, and be critical of

your character and word spacing – the copy-

ability of your sending.

For the upcoming class session, be prepared to share your screen using Morse Code Trainer and CW

Player and demonstrate your usage of it. Be prepared to demonstrate sending. Be prepared with

questions / comments.

17

Session 6 Preparation: (Effective Speed = 6, Add 2-Letter Words)

Day 1

Copy Send


Question, and Slash.




you get wrong.



WITH EYES CLOSED




numbers again.


Day 2

Copy Send







Practice sending the “Drill” section of the Daily

Morse Code Scales (see instructions above). Use

your audio recorder and listen to your sending.

Be critical of your character and word spacing –

the copy-ability of your sending.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send call sign 10 consecutive times correctly.

Send name 10 consecutive times correctly.

Day 3

Copy Send

Practice 2-Letter words using CW Player. Headcopy and speak

aloud the word. Repeat several times and copy as many as

possible.







18

Session 7 Preparation: (Add 3-Letter Words)

Day 1

Copy Send






you get wrong.



WITH EYES CLOSED




numbers again.


Day 2

Copy Send








Practice sending the “Warm-up” section of the





WITH EYES CLOSED

Send your call 10 consecutive times correctly.

Send your name 10 consecutive times correctly.

Day 3

Copy Send

Listen once to 1-3 Letter Words at 10 wpm effective speed. Don’t

try to copy – just listen. Then choose 6 wpm, close your eyes,

headcopy, and speak aloud the word. Perform several short runs (5

mins or less) and head copy as many words as possible.







19


Day 1

Copy Send






you get wrong.



WITH EYES CLOSED




numbers again.


Day 2

Copy Send





So the same drill as in previous lessons.



Practice sending the “Exercise” section of the





WITH EYES CLOSED



Day 3

Copy Send

Listen once to 1-4 Letter Words at 10 wpm effective speed. Don’t

try to copy – just listen. Then choose 7 wpm, close your eyes and

headcopy. Do not speak the words aloud. However, get a sense

of the success rate for head copying these words. Repeat

several times







20


Day 1

Copy Send

Keep using Morse Code Trainer throughout the class. Repeat the

same routine you’ve been using. Keep increasing the Farnsworth

speed – PUSH yourself.

Using CW Player, listen once to 1-5 Letter Words at 10 wpm

effective speed. Don’t try to copy – just listen. Then choose 7

wpm, close your eyes, headcopy. Do not speak the words aloud.

However, get a sense of the success rate for copying these

words. Repeat several times

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send the lyrics to a favorite song, poem, story,

nursery rhyme, or other material that can be sent

with eyes closed.

The idea here is to send from your mind

(thoughts to code). Try to think of words as a

whole unit, thus avoiding intra-word pauses.

Day 2

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Copy Practice. Practice sending the “Warm-up” section of the





WITH EYES CLOSED



Day 3

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Copy Practice WITH EYES CLOSED


times.




21


Day 1

Copy Send









WITH EYES CLOSED

Send the lyrics to a favorite song, poem, story,

nursery rhyme, or other material that can be sent

with eyes closed.

The idea here is to send from your mind

(thoughts to code). Try to think of words as a

whole unit, thus avoiding intra-word pauses.

Day 2

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Copy Practice Practice sending the “Warm-up” section of the





WITH EYES CLOSED



Day 3

Copy Send


Send the alphabet and the numbers (0-9) in

morse code five times.




22


Day 1

Copy Send









Become aware of the individual callsigns (listen for the space

between callsigns).

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send both sides of a conversation. Think and

send.

Record your sending and listen for proper

spacing.

Again, watch your character and word spacing.

Day 2

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Copy Practice Repeat yesterday’s sending practice.

Day 3

Copy Send



times.




23

Session 12 Preparation: (Effective Speed = 9, Add Callsigns)

Day 1

Copy Send




Listen once to “Callsigns” at 12 wpm effective speed. Don’t try to

copy – just listen. Then choose 9 wpm, close your eyes, headcopy.

DO NOT SPEAK THE INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERS of the

Callsigns. Repeat several times.

Note: Callsigns are some of the most difficult to headcopy, so

grab the characters that you can, and keep a positive attitude.

(Listen for the space between callsigns).

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send both sides of a conversation. Think and

send.

Record your sending and listen for proper

spacing.

Again, watch your character and word spacing.

Day 2

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Copy Practice Repeat Day 1 Send Practice.

Day 3

Copy Send

Repeat Day 1 Copy Practice Repeat Day 1 Send Practice.




24

Preparing for the Final Stretch

We are in the final four sessions. You should be observing noticeable improvement in your instant

recognition of the characters. Regardless of how you plan to use your CW skills, instant recognition is

important for all aspects.

As we enter the final quarter, we’ll be doing the following:

- Stay focused on continuing the Instant Recognition exercises. The primary “take-away” from

this class is the importance of reducing the time to recognize characters. It’s “job one.”

Regardless of your CW proficiency, the key to improvement is reducing the recognition time.

- Copying text in the form of Short Stories and QSOs. These practice files have been provided to

you.

o The goal of the Short Stories is to get the “gist” of the story – the essence. If you don’t

copy all the characters (or even all the words), it’s okay. The context will help.

Always start listening (not copying) the practice files faster than you can copy.

Just listen to the rhythm of the code – don’t try to copy. Then reduce the speed

to something challenging and begin copying. Remember, we’re looking for

100% good practice – not 100% copy.

o The goal of the QSOs is to copy the callsigns and names (make note of them). Try to

copy enough of the “back and forth” to get the main ideas. If you miss sections, don’t

stop it and start over…. Keep copying… Treat it like a real QSO…. It waits for no one.

Again…. Same as Short Stories… Start fast and then slow it down and start

copying.

- For Sending, we will be focusing on continuing to improve the skill of sending from your

thoughts (eyes closed).

Keep a positive attitude!

Overall, keep challenging yourself. Push yourself WAY past your comfort zone and don’t get discouraged if

large portions of the content pass you by. That is one of the skills we’re learning – refocus, refocus…. Over

and over. Let those missed characters, words, phrases, sentences go by. Pick back up where you can and

hang on.

Keep up the great work!

25

Session 13 Preparation: (Effective Speed = 10, Add Short Story and QSO Practice Files)

Day 1

Copy Send

With Morse Code Trainer, you should be to at least 10wpm

Farnsworth by now. Keep increasing the Farnsworth speed –

PUSH yourself to at least Farnsworth of 10wpm.

DO NOT SPEAK THE CHARACTERS – JUST GRAB THE

CHARACTER THEN THROW IT AWAY

DO NOT MAKE A LIST OF PROBLEM CHARACTERS

PRACTICE THIS SEVERAL TIMES

Practice letting go of characters that you miss.

Practice refocusing on the upcoming characters.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send your callsign, name, and QTH faster than

you can accurately send….. If you don’t make

mistakes, increase your speed. Correct your

mistakes.

Record your sending.

Check your spacing.

Check your correction methods.

Day 2

Copy Send

Listen to Short Story SS-P01 at 13 wpm and DO NOT try to copy

– just get hear the rhythm. After a few minutes, select the 10wpm

version and begin head copying. Eyes closed. No writing – or

even taking notes.

Try to capture the “gist” of the story… even if you miss characters

and words. This is GREAT practice.

If something is missed, instantly let it go and refocus on upcoming

content.

Replay it as many times as you like to capture as much as possible.

WITH EYES CLOSED

Send your callsign and name a dozen times. If

you make a mistake, hear it and correct it.

Think of what you might say in a conversation

and send that…. the weather, your busy day,

etc…. things you would say to a friend if they

called on the phone… . Think it and send it.

If you can’t think of anything to say, send, “I

can’t think of anything to say.”

Day 3

Copy Send

Listen to QSO-P01at 13 wpm and DO NOT try to copy – just get

hear the rhythm. After a few minutes, select the 10wpm version

and begin head copying. Eyes closed. No writing Make note of

the call signs and names of the operators.

Try to capture the RSTs, QTHs, but don’t make note of them.


content.


If you have any recordings from previous

sending sessions, listen to them and be very

critical of your sending. Notice where the

spacing should be improved, your overall timing,

and whether incorrect characters were noticed

and corrected. Have fun listening to yourself and

be proud of your improvement.

26

Session 14 Preparation: (Effective Speed = 11, More Practice Files)

Day 1

Copy Send

With Morse Code Trainer, keep increasing the Farnsworth speed –

PUSH yourself to at least Farnsworth of 11+ wpm.

If these speeds are too slow, make it fast enough to be challenging.







WITH EYES CLOSED




mistakes.


Check your spacing.


Day 2

Copy Send




even taking notes.




content.


WITH EYES CLOSED









Day 3

Copy Send

Listen to QSO-P02at 13 wpm and DO NOT try to copy – just get

hear the rhythm. After a few minutes, select the 10wpm version

and begin head copying. Eyes closed. No writing Make note of

the call signs and names of the operators.



content.


WITH EYES CLOSED

Pick a sentence, callsign, (anything) and send it

over and over. Listen for your errors, correct

them, and keep going.

27

Session 15 Preparation: (More Practice Files)

Day 1

Copy Send










WITH EYES CLOSED




mistakes.


Check your spacing.


Day 2

Copy Send




even taking notes.




content.


WITH EYES CLOSED









Day 3

Copy Send

Listen to QSO-P03at 15 and DO NOT try to copy – just get hear

the rhythm. After a few minutes, select the 10wpm version and

begin head copying. Eyes closed. No writing Make note of the

call signs and names of the operators.



content.


WITH EYES CLOSED

Pick a sentence, callsign, (anything) and send it

over and over. Listen for your errors, correct

them, and keep going.

28

Session 16 Preparation: (Effective Speed = 12, Open Compound Words)

Day 1

Copy Send










WITH EYES CLOSED

Send anything you want…. Send at a speed

slightly (1 wpm) above your ability and stay

there.

Don’t dial it back to your comfortable speed

(stretch your sending ability).

Day 2

Copy Send

Choose “Open Compound Words” from the Practice List.

Set the speed to 12 wpm. Listen to each pair of words.

Note that each pair is separated by at <BT>. So if you miss

something, wait for the next <BT> and refocus.

At this speed, the session goes for 25 minutes. If necessary, pause

it and come back (pick up where you left off).

WITH EYES CLOSED







Day 3

Copy Send

Practice whatever you want. You’ve worked VERY hard. Congratulations! You’re a survivor.

Congratulate yourself.

Get-on-the-air whenever possible. You will find that your skills will continue to improve with on-air activity.

Please be prepared in the final Session of class to give your feedback. We NEED to hear the good AND bad.

Be proud of your accomplishments!!!! MOST OF ALL…. HAVE FUN WITH CW!!!!

Documents

Practice Instructions and Homework Assignments …...8 Preliminary Preparation The assignments that follow are based on a twice weekly ZOOM or SKYPE schedule (usually Monday and Thursday)