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CW Facts Page
BRIDGEND & DISTRICT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
CW FACTS AND
OPERATING TIPS
Wednesday November 21, 2007
What does CW mean ?
CW stands for "continuous wave", most hams refer to Morse code when they
talk about "CW". So what does CW have to do with Morse code ? Morse is the
code used via the CW medium, or "mode", of communication. Morse code can be
created by means of a flashlight, signal flags, mirrors, even a stick hit
against a water pipe can be used to communicate with Morse code, or any code
for that matter ! Telegraph operators used Morse code over the telegraph
wires back in the 1800's to send messages. These messages were known as "
telegrams ". People of that time relied on the telegraph operators to
pass information over great distance's . Telegraph operators also checked
the current weather conditions across the country , making sure that the
trains ran on schedule . So , it's no surprise that when radio came along at
the turn of the century, Morse code became the standard in communication ,
as many telegraph office's went "wireless".
As the art of radio progressed, most ships became equipt with
transmitters and receivers. Those ship to shore operators used Morse code as
their only means to communicate with other ships and land stations. The
R.M.S Titanic used Morse code to send its ill-fated distress signal "
C Q D " .
Of course the amateur's were using Morse code all along. They used home
made ,"spark gap", transmitters to send their messages around the globe.
These primitive transmitters took up enormous amounts ( by today's standard
) of radio spectrum !
Ok, so what is Morse code ?
Morse code is named after its inventor
Samuel F.B. Morse,1791-1872.
Morse invented the code (and the electromagnetic telegraph ) in 1836. The
code consists of a series of dots and dashes. Each letter of
the alphabet and numbers 0 through 9 have individual combinations assigned
to them. For example, the letter "E", is a single "."
, or "dit" . Making it the easiest letter to learn ! The letter "O"
is "- - -" , or "dah dah dah", another fairly easy
one to learn. Most are not that easy, but with practice and determination,
it can be done. Some people can copy code at speeds of up to 70 words per
minute ! Of course that is more the exception than the rule, most ham's copy
code in the 10 to 30 word per minute range. Once you get over the learning
curve, Morse code becomes a second language, you begin to hear "words",
not just each individual letter. You begin to recognize the rhythm of the
words so you can easily pick them out and follow along with the
conversation.
Where do I begin to learn the
Morse code ?
You already have begun ! You now know two letters, E and
O ! Because Morse code ( as used on the amateur radio bands
) is an audio code, the best way to learn it is by sound, not by sight.
There are many manufacturers of code tapes, some of these tapes simulate
real life code as heard over the radio waves. Also, look for tapes which
send the code characters at around 15 words per minute, but the actual word
speed should be slower. This way you will become familiar with the sound of
each letter and number sent at the higher speed. There is a big difference
between the sound of code sent at 5wpm and code sent at 25wpm !
Software
is available here on the WWW that you can download and practice on your PC.
I have found a couple of really neat programs from
"PA3BWK's" web site.
Once you have learned the alphabet and all the numbers, I would suggest the
purchase of a good quality SW ( shortwave ) receiver. Nothing beats real
live code practice, after awhile you begin to memorize the tapes! The
ARRL
conducts daily code practice on the HF ham bands, so you will want to check
them out as well.
What type of equipment do I
need to learn Morse code ?
You will need (1) a cassette tape player, (2) code tapes,(3)
a code practice oscillator, (4) a code key, (5) paper and
pencil. Those items will get you started on your journey to learning Morse
code! I will explain what each piece of equipment is for those of you who
are unfamiliar with some of them. Everyone knows what a cassette player is,
so I will skip over that as most people already have a tape player of some
sort ! Code tapes are cassette tapes that teach you all the letters and
numbers in Morse code. Some are better than others, try to find ones which
are narrated, that is , ones which have someone explaining what is going on,
some tapes assume that you already know the code and just send random
letters and numbers. So if you are a beginner, make sure you purchase
beginner tapes, ones that take you from the start ! A code practice
oscillator is a device used to generate tones by means of a key, or switch.
You can easily build one yourself ( with the right parts and equipment ) or
there are a few companies still around that offer code practice oscillators
for sale. If you are new to all of this, and don't own a soldering iron, I
would highly recommend the purchase of a fully operational "CPO". The
building of a kit or designing your own is beyond the scope of this
discussion, should you wish to build your own, there are many books
available at your local library. One company that I know of which offers
code practice oscillators is
"Whiterook Products
Company".
Check out their web site for more information and decide for yourself. Most
everyone is familiar with a code "key", you have seen them in the movies and
on TV. This is the device used to close or open the circuit which generates
the pulse to form the tones which make morse code. Make sure you get one of
good quality, avoid the "cheap" plastic base one's available at some of the
electronics' stores in the malls. You may have to find a mail order source
for these, check out
"Fair Radio Sales",
they carry lots of neat things for the radio buff.
OK, I have the stuff, now
what ?
Find yourself a quiet, comfortable spot and begin learning the morse code
! Take it slow and easy, relax, put your feet up and close your eyes ! Don't
worry about writing anything down at this point, just listen to the tape and
get the feel of what's going on. Once you are familiar with the order of
things, start to copy the letters and numbers down on paper. Don't worry
about missing a few at first ( it happens to everyone, even after they know
every letter and number !) it will get better. Try to make each practice
session no longer than 30 minutes, listen to the tape for 10 minutes without
writing anything down, then rewind the tape and copy what you can down on
paper. After the session is done, go outside and get some fresh air ! Try to
practice at least twice a day, 30 minutes each. While you are at school or
work, try to remember letters that you have learned, as they sound,
not as they look ! This is important and will help you improve your speed on
down the road.
When can I start sending with
my code practice oscillator ?
Don't worry about sending just yet, sending code is much easier than
copying it once you know it. I have found that if you start sending first,
you tend to think of letters as they "look", ( trying to remember "dot"
"dash" ) not as they sound. Also, try to avoid counting dots or dashes, code
is a sound which has a rhythm to it, so you should get in the practice of
hearing each letter as a rhythm, this is also very important ! Believe me,
you will catch on to it a lot sooner than you think with just a little
practice each day, you should also set goals for yourself and strive to meet
those goals with each practice session. If you run into a block, where you
just can't seem to reach the next level, take a break from it all. Take a
few days off, play on the computer, work out in the yard etc. Get your mind
off of it, but get back to it after a few days, don't wait to long !
Ok, I have learned all the
letters and numbers, can I start sending now ?
Yes, and congratulations ! Once you have learned all the letters and
numbers, it is time for you to start practicing your sending. Remember I
told you that sending was easier than copying ? Well that is true, but you
still need to practice, remember other people will need to understand what
it is you are trying to say ! If you have found a good straight key, you
will need to know how to operate it. Straight keys are very light and tend
to move around on you when you are sending, the best way I have found to
keep them in place is to bolt them to a piece of wood. Find a piece of pine,
1"x6"x10 approx., and bolt the key to it, not in the center, at the end.
With the "knob" toward the other end of the wood, this way your hand can
rest on the wood while you are sending. Hook your key up to your code
practice oscillator and practice sending. What you should be trying to do is
make your letters and numbers sound just like what you were listening to on
your tapes. Try to space your letters and numbers exactly the way you have
heard them, remember the rhythm ? That is what you should be trying to
obtain, perfectly spaced code, with a smooth sound to it. It should not be
"choppy", if it is , try adjusting the spring tension on your key to where
it feels comfortable to you. Once you get that down you are all set to
practice until you feel comfortable with your progress. The speed will come
the more you practice, and it will become second nature to you. Soon you
will not even have to think about what you are doing, you will just be doing
it !
I can't seem to send
smoothly, what's the problem?
Could be a number of things. First, check the spring tension on your key
as well as the contact spacing. I personally like very little "play" in my
key, high tension and very little space. You will have to find the place
where you are comfortable with the tension and spacing on your own, as
everyone has a different feel for it. You will find that as you progress and
your speed increases, you will need to adjust the key to fit your style of
sending. Second, you need to relax and not think about it so much, everyday
will be different. Someday's it will just flow, others it won't. When it's
not coming to you and you are thinking that you just can't get it, take a
break. I have found that you get nowhere when you become frustrated with it.
Learning to send morse code properly takes time, and you should
devote the time it takes to become proficient. After all, that is the
goal we are trying to achieve !
I'm getting pretty good at
this !
Great, again congratulations , now comes the really fun part ! Assuming
you have progressed this far, and are sending at a reasonable speed, i.e.
10wpm. Now is the time to get on the air ( if you are a licensed ham ) and
make some cw contacts ! I know , you may not be sending or receiving at ten
words per minute yet, but you should be. That should be one of your goals,
you should be listening to code sent at a faster rate than you can actually
receive. Why you ask ? Because this will force you to receive faster code !
If you can copy 100% of everything you are listening to, your going to slow.
So speed it up a little, and practice on getting faster with 90% copy. If
you are feeling really comfortable at 5wpm, listen to code sent at 8wpm
until you get that speed under your belt. Remember, it doesn't have to be
100% copy at first. Nor will it ever be while making contacts with other
hams on the air, due to signal fading ( QSB ) and noise. Once you become
proficient at one speed, you should be striving to reach the next higher
plateau until you reach the speed you are aiming for. That of course is
totally up to you, you may want to stop at just 13wpm or continue on to
20wpm or even higher. The choice is yours, I however would encourage you to
practice until you are comfortable with at least 22wpm. That way , should
you decide to go for the big daddy of them all, the extra class
ticket, you can easily pass the code exam !
Hey, this is really fun !
I was hoping you would say that ! Morse code ( CW ) is a really
fascinating way to communicate. It is a skill not many possess, and has a
grand history. Many historic events included morse code transmissions, the
sinking of the Titanic comes to mind for starters. In fact, morse code
brought the news to the people whom otherwise may not have know about it for
several weeks, even months ! It really becomes a second language once you
get over the learning curve. For those who pursue it , it becomes an
obsession. Soon you begin to recognize certain operators just by the sound
of their "fist" ! You don't have to become a code speed champion either,
there are many operators who enjoy slower speed code, and almost always, the
faster ops are more than happy to slow down for you if you need them to. So
don't be afraid to jump right in and start making contacts on cw. Not only
will you be improving your skills, you just might have a blast !
Now's the time for the paddle's !
No, you didn't do anything wrong ! I'm not talking about that kind of
paddle. The paddle's I'm referring to are another form of "key" to send
morse code. A paddle type key has two small paddles extended vertically,
instead of the horizontal knob on your straight key. One side of the paddle
sends "dits", the other "dahs", each side will continue to send as long as
you hold the contacts closed. For this reason, these type keys are called
"automatic". To form each character you simply "squeeze" the paddles.
Sending in this manner is also referred to as " iambic " keying. Paddles are
available in "iambic" and non-iambic styles. Non-iambic paddles are for
those who are use to sending on a single lever paddle . Once you have
mastered the straight key, I would highly recommend getting a paddle key of
some sort. Paddles enable you to increase your speed dramatically over a
straight key. How ? Because you will start to send much faster , thereby
hearing code at a faster rate both on receive and while sending ( provided
the station you are communicating with is sending fast as well !).
Straight keys vs. Paddles
So why not just learn on the paddles to begin with ? Well, a few reasons.
Learning on a straight key is much simpler, since you only have to
concentrate ( in the beginning ) on learning the code, not as much on the
key. Straight keys require much less concentration while you are mastering
the code. So I would encourage you to master the straight key first. Other
opinions will vary and you have to decide which is best for you. Paddles on
the other hand are a little more complicated but well worth the effort,
learning to use paddles is a skill in itself ! Of course you will also need
an electronic keyer with a paddle type key. That is unless your "rig" ( or
the key in some cases ) already has one built in, as many of the newer
radios do.
Other types of keys
While there are many different styles of paddle keys, the principal is
the same. Two levers, one side for "dits", the other side for "dahs" . There
are other types of keys as well, another is called a "Bug" , or single lever
paddle. This type has one vertical paddle which you move left and right.
These type keys are sometimes referred to as "semi automatic" , since one
side sends a string of "dits" as long as you hold the contacts closed. The
"dah" side is manual, meaning you have to send each "dah" manually. The term
"bug" comes from the company (
Vibroplex
) which
invented this type of key. Vibroplex has
been manufacturing morse code keys since the late 1800's, making it the
oldest key manufacturer still in business ! They called it a bug because
their logo has a picture of a beetle "bug" ! Which came first, the bug logo
or the name ? Other companies also offer this type of key for those who are
use to a "bug" and prefer not to use "iambic" keying. Again , you will have
to decide which style you are most comfortable with. This is one of the
things that makes "CW" so interesting, everyone is different and there are
many different types of keys to choose from. It is fun to experiment with
different type keys and keying. But for now , if you are just learning ,
concentrate on the code and sending well !
Making that first contact
with Morse code
You may be wondering what you will do after you receive that coveted ham
ticket. How do you make that very first contact with Morse code ? Sit back
and relax while I try to explain the steps and procedures you will need to
know before venturing out on your own in that vast void called "HF radio" !
Assuming that you have a station set up , and are familiar with the
operation of your equipment, lets begin. First you will need to pick a band
to make your contact. I made my first contact on 40 meters. Fourty meters is
a good band to start with , it is usually "open" 25 hours a day. So lets say
you are a Novice or Tech. Plus, you're tuning around somewhere between 7.100
and 7.150 Mhz . Your palms are sweaty and your hands are shaking ( been
there done that ! ) , don't let this get the best of you ! All you need to
do is calm down a little and try to relax. Remember , most operators in this
part of the band are also beginners. No one is going to kick you off the
band if you make a mistake or are sending slow code ! You have a choice at
this point, are you going to call "CQ" yourself ? Or are you going to listen
for someone else calling "CQ" and then answer them ? This choice is up to
you, decide which you are most comfortable with. I called "CQ" myself to
establish my first contact. This is one way to calm yourself down a little
and get your mind on making the contact.
Helpful Hint: Before transmitting in any mode, Always ask if the
frequency is in use ! You do this on CW by sending: "QRL?" , then listening
for a "YES" or "Y" or "TU" or "C".
You've decided to call "CQ". Here's the
procedure:
- "CQ CQ CQ DE (Your call) (Your call) (Your call) K"
Then LISTEN..... if you don't hear anyone answering your call try again.
"CQ CQ CQ DE (Your call) (Your call) (Your call) K"
Again, LISTEN..... You might also tune around from your transmit freq. to
see if anyone is calling you that you may not have heard. Lets assume
someone is calling you. This is what they may say:
"KB1XXX KB1XXX DE WA9ZZZ WA9ZZZ K"
It is now up to you to establish communication. Example:
"WA9ZZZ WA9ZZZ DE KB1XXX , TNX fer the call OM es GA (or GE). Ur RST
RST is (give signal report). My name is (Send your name twice). My QTH is
(Send your location twice). So hw cpy OM ? BK T U . WA9ZZZ DE KB1XXX KN"
Then the other station
will tell you if he/she copied all of what you sent or if you need to
repeat anything. They might send all of their information as you did
during this time.
This is just one example of how to make your first contact. You will of
course find what you like and what is comfortable for you. Just try to
remember to keep your CQ calls short, no one likes to sit for five minutes
listening to an endless stream of "CQ CQ CQ..." . They may get tired and
move on , and you will therefore miss the QSO.
After all of the standard information is passed and copied, you can move
onto other topics. What do you talk about on morse code ? Try to make it
interesting for the other station. You might tell them your age, how long
you've been licensed, what you do for a living, or what grade your in and
what you like to study the most. It's just like talking with someone on the
phone ( well almost, CW is much more fun ! ). Are you familiar with the
"hamspeak" being used ? If not keep reading and I'll explain what all these
things mean. I have most of these listed on another page, but will reiterate
them here for your convenience.
- CQ is a general call for any station to answer you. You are "seeking"
any station to call you.
- DE means "FROM" or "THIS IS". From the French , DE means FROM.
- K means "OVER" .
- TNX means "THANKS". You could also use "TKS" for the same meaning.
- FER means "FOR". Easier to send an E than an O I guess !
- OM is "Old Man" . Hams call each other Old Man no matter how old you
really are ! Helpful hint: NEVER call a female ham an "Old Lady" !!!!
- ES means "AND". Again , easier to send ES than AND.
- GM / GA / GE / GN . Good Morning , Good Afternoon, Good Evening and
Good Night.
- Ur means "Your".
- RST is "Readability", "Strength" and "Tone". This is the way signal
reports are given using CW. I'll be setting up a page explaining how to
give meaningful signal reports soon.
- QTH is your location.
- HW means "HOW".
- CPY means "COPY".
- BK means "BACK".
- T U means "To YOU". ( This can also mean "Thank You" in some cases )
- KN means "Over, only the station I'm working respond".
I hope that this helps to familiarize you with the procedures of making a
CW contact ! Don't be shy or afraid to get on the air and make that first
contact ! It really is a thrill to hear someone sending your callsign back
to you after you have called CQ ! Oh , where was my first contact made you
ask ? I worked a female ham in Montana, I'll dig out her callsign and post
it here soon. I was using an HW-16 by Heathkit with a ground mounted Hy-Gain
vertical. When I heard my call come back to me, I almost fell out of my
chair ! I quickly composed myself since I didn't want to miss this contact
and called her back. It was a short QSO mainly because I couldn't wait to
get off the air and tell someone about it !!! But one of my most memorable
ones for sure. I hope you experience the same thrill as I did with your
first CW contact ! Who knows you may work me as your first contact ! Now
wouldn't THAT be something ! ;-)
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