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This is my third entry in as many forums. I've praised the site in each one and I'm still ecstatic about it. Let me start by saying that I have been licensed for over 30 years but I have been inactive for about the past 10. I recently retired so I decided to check out my old hobby; I joined a local club where I found out about LCWO. First let me say that I was not surprised that such a site existed but then when I signed up I was stunned to see just how new it is. It seems like some organization or do-it-yourself ham would have produced this kind of site a long time ago. Go figure!

Anyway, the title of this forum refers somewhat obliquely to how best to use these lessons to learn CW.

So far I am up to lesson 10, not too far but far enough that I have a good sense of how it works. I think that 1 minute tests are good for maybe the first 5 lessons but then one needs to expand it to 2 minutes and then 3 minutes as the lessons progress. What experience has others had in this regard? Any comments, thoughts or suggestions?

I don't know about others but I once used CW as my primary mode. I was never very good at it so my QSOs were generally casual, that is no contests and rarely did I attempt difficult DX contacts. While I passed the 13 WPM test my true speed, my comfort speed that is, is more like 10 WPM. I never got much beyond it. I suspect that LCWO can help fix that. I already feel more confident. Historically I copied the transmissions pencil to paper. With LCWO I need to type it. It seems this is a new skill. Since I am a fairly good touch typist I am progressing rather quickly, but, and here's my next question, when I am finished with the lessons how simple will it be to go back to pencil and paper? I don't see myself starting the PC just to receive CW, besides I don't know what kind of interference my PC it will generate. Even if there is no interference I will probably not use it. Has anyone got experience with the return to pencil and paper after the lessons? What should I do? What should I expect?

Bill - NG2D

NG2D De AAA9TC Hi Bill I use a computer all the time when doing cw on the air. The computer does not interfer with my radio and the radio does not seem to bother my computer and it is next to the transmitter. I also have used the computer to send and recieve cw when I get lazy. That work well also. Typing is very helpful especially when copying the high speed ops. I don't know about you but I can not copy 30wpm with a pencil and still not good enough to do that in my head. Have fun. Hope to catch you on the air some time. 73 Nick

Guys, I am in agreement.. this is a fantastic site! Love it!

73
de Tim, W3HR

Bill - To answer your question, you should not want or need to copy CW on paper (or keyboard, for that matter.) The only way to enjoy and become proficient in CW is being able to copy in your head and understand it, as if it were another language. People who insist on copying on paper never enjoy it nor become proficient.

As an aside, I have the opposite problem. I am a lousy typist, but high speed CW op. I'm here to learn to type better.

I am new to this amazing site. I find I need to keep my eyes closed when listening to CW. Just wondering if that is just a beginner trait, and if this will hinder future learning. Interesting what you wrote Barry about copying it in your head.