GB2CW Morse Corner Week ending 16.12.22
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MORSE CLASSES FOR 2023 HAVE STARTED WITH GOOD ATTENDANCE.
Have YOU made a NYR ( New Year's Resolution ) to learn the code and become a proficient Radio Operator? Telegraphy on HF is one of the most exciting modes you can use. It's a world of it's own and having a contact with another operator in some other part of the world using your own ability at reading the Morse and also sending it is the most satisfying methods of communication there is. Age is no barrier, but the sooner you get started the sooner you will be joining a world wide band of like minded operators.
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Classes are as per the table below, BUT speeds will be aimed at whoever checks in for practice.
Accuracy transcends Speed is the motto of FISTS, but in tuition that is the way to go.
So, if you join and can only manage around 10 wpm that will be the speed!
Classes are now waiting for you to join and there is a variety of days and times to choose from. You will be expected to put in at least 30 minutes practice per day and if you do that you can soon see progress. It's not only the code to learn but lots of procedural signals, punctuation, abbreviations ( around 300 but not all are used! ) and correct protocols to use on the air.
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Learn to use your receiver around 80% more than your transmitter and hear what is happening on the air. CW is a nuanced mode and CW operators take pride in their mode.
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Soooooooooooooo, join in any of the following - you will be most welcome!
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We are waiting to hear from the two newly licenced M7s who were at the CLub Dinner. Both expressed an interest in Morse, so please let's hear from you on 145.450 at some time so we can have a chat about joining the classes, learning the code and all the additional things you will need to know in order to become a proficient CW operator.
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Start with a straight key if you can and please get the technique correct. It is shown in my Morse for Radio Amateurs book, or you can ask the correct way. Look for one with both a knob and a skirt. There are plenty for sale on Ebay and other sites, but make sure you get a heavy one and preferably made of brass if possible.
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This week, Dave G0ELJ and Paul M1AFQ were on the class usually run by Phil. He was away so I took the class this week and it went very well. I noticed a considerable improvement and also encouraged Dave to try to increase his activity and speed. Great stuff!
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CW OPS
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There are still a large number of locals taking part. If you would like to be nominated for membership of CW OPS just let one of the local members know and we will do the necessary. The only pre-condition is that you are good up to 25wpm.
Even if you are NOT a member, please feel free to join in some of these sessions. For the UK the exchange is {NAME} G
This is a great way of both making new friends and gaining a lot of practice in a fun way.
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If again you are serious about learning CW, then why not join the CW OPS Academy? You sign up for a year in semesters with your own tutor. He will oversee your course and get you up to a decent speed in a year. The younger you are the easier it is. It is never too late to learn however so don't let your age be a barrier.
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RUFZXP
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Send your new score to Jim G3YLA by Thursday evening at the latest. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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It would be nice to see some more new entries in this table.
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The NARC Net.
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CHANGE OF TIME. 
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Due to the poor propagation later in the evening we are now proposing to start at 2000 local time.
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Learning Net Protocol is not that easy and requires practice. To help with this the NARC Net was started a few years ago. We are STILL waiting for newcomers to join on a regular basis however. No need to feel shy or nervous because the Net is the place to learn and we always have a discussion afterwards on 145.250 FM.
Well, regardless of SK night, we are now starting the NARC Net at 20 wpm. On a paddle, this provides reasonable speed and good Morse to encourage those trying out their skils for the first time, or even those not comfortable at higher speeds. This is what the Net was instigated for in the first place so please try to join in. The Net controller will call ON TIME at 8.00 and will listen ONLY for beginners to start with so please DO NOT call before time and DO NOT call until sufficient time has been given to those beginners. There must be dozens of them just busting to join in so let's hope this produces some results! Please wait until the Net Controller STARTS the Net before lodging your call.
Once the Net controller has called for those beginners a couple of times, then we can also join in. Then, we can run at 20 wpm for the complete Net or if the controller wishes, he can increase the speed to a suggested level, say 25 wpm.
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Being a pedantic pest I do like to see accurate netting. Please pay particular attention to that. This week was very good, with just about everbody netting correctly. Please don't adopt the "That's near enough" attitude. I used to upset my father-in-law, ( jokingly ) when he was measuring wood when we were making my bookshelves. He used to explode when I said those three words.
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Below are the details of the Net.
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3543.00KHz 2000 local time on Monday evenings. Join us for a chat. Plus/Minus activity/QRM etc.
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Net Operator's list:
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Malcolm G3PDH
Chris G4CCX
Phil G4LPP
Dick G3WRJ
Roger G3LDI
Les G0DFC
Jim G3YLA
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This is the current list.
. The controller this week will be me G3LDI. This is dependent on propagation which for the last few Nets have been very poor. It is the time of the year when the fo/F2 drops to below 3.5MHz and makes a Net very difficult. If I cannot be heard, the next in line is Les G0DFC, although Les has problems under these poor conditions.
You can work out when it will be your turn and please let me know if you cannot do it on that particular night, in which case we will just follow through.
So, on Monday evening I will call, at somewhat less than 20 wpm, for beginners only to check in FIRST. If we have any, please adjust your speed to match theirs and we will all do the same. I shall highlight the next Controller in red for the Monday following the Newsletter.
.Stations on the net usually meet up on 145.250 after the net to discuss it.
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That's it, open the cage, play the music.
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If you have any input, please email me.
73 de Roger, G3LDI GB2CW Coordinator. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. May the Morse be with you.
