Straight CW Keys - Learning Morse Code and Featuring Hi-Mound HK-705 and Vibroplex Camel Back Mini
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Morse Code is a skill that, once learnt, can provide endless pleasure on the ham radio bands. We take a look at the basics and two very interesting, but very different, straight keys.
“Hedgehog Radio”, great part of a jingle. Marketing, t-shirts, stickers, and a feeling; especially for a certain radio personality. The concept has the cute factor for young grandchildren. A mascot for a CW online course, maybe?
Thanks David. It certainly got noticed! 73 Peter
Geo. W0BAM. I was licensed in 1959 as a novice. I continued my license but didn’t operate hf till about 6 months ago. So at advanced age I am trying to relearn cw. Thank you for your discussion of using a straight key and the code. I’ve enjoyed your videos and would hope to meet up on the air. Thank you an 73s. Cheers.
Geo.
a year late on reading this,thankyou so much.I progressing good but i have a ways to go for transmitting .my goal is streight night .new years eve.I was an electrician for 45 years and always wanted to get intoo radio.I passed all three test in 3 months and hold an extra class ticket.Need practicle expérience.you are providing much of that.Took ur advice and got a icom 7300
Love your channel! I used to know someone who made a straight key from a hacksaw blade, piece of wood and screws and used it for years, definitely the economy model
I have seen all sorts of weird and wonderful keys. The hacksaw blade was (still is) also popular for making cootie keys.
True Ham Radio ! 73 Peter
A lot of side swipers made with hacksaw blades
When learning the code a long time ago the only letter I couldn’t read was f try as I may I got it wrong until a friend said try (did it hurt it ) ..-. Why it stuck in my brain cell I have no idea but it did, I spoke to the tester about it before the test he said whatever works for you anyway I passed and enjoyed both phone and CW until old age and arthritis got me so the key is on the shelf and replaced by a foot switch and microphone. Thank you for the videos and memories 72 Mike 😃
Intersting stuff. ThanksMike. 73 Peter
Mike G7JYY
What about. "F for Freddie"
Similarly Q. "God save the Queen."
C "Murder Murder."
V. Victory Vee.
W. A white wash.
OR Morse isn't a code. It's a language..
Just learn the sounds of the language.
When I first saw the hedgehog I thought immediately of the fictional “Sonic the Hedgehog” of video game fame. I assumed your were making the connection of the speed of the animated character and the sending of Morse code. But I like the imagery - would be a great mascot for a key manufacturer. Thanks for the video.
What a godsend! This is the only video that has answered every question I've had about using a straight key. Thank you!
There are not enough hedgehog CW operators in the ham radio community. We need to encourage them as much as possible. 😂
Another excellent video. Thanks so much. I am beginning my CW journey and having a blast.
My motivation for learning the code: once I make a straight key QSO with Italy, I am going to buy me one of those fancy Begali keys! Hopefully next year :)
OK thanks for watching. 73 Peter
This was a Very Informative Video for me. I got my Ham Radio License back in the the early 1980's . By 1984 I was able to copy Morse Code for brief stretches at 32wpm. In that same year I started a Course a School to be a Radio Officer on Ships. Unfortunately, my health developed problems and I was unable to continue with that career. I did maintain an interest in Ham Radio however. I have been now away from working with Morse for many Decades, but I am again making an effort to regain my skills. I have only been back at it for about a month and I am almost at 10wpm including numbers and a couple of common abbreviations . Your video was right on the mark over some of the Challenges I have been running into. You most certainly answered and solved a few matters in your video that I had been in need of hearing another opinion on. I am sure I will be viewing other video's you have made in the future. 73's
The hedgehog is ALWAYS relevant based on general cuteness.
I learnt CW on a Kent Straight key back in the late 80s. Today after coming back to the hobby I was generously given by a fellow amateur a HK707 and a Eddystone S689 Bug that i am trying to get my head around. 73s
Keep at it Steve. it’s a skill to cherish. 73 Peter
Thanks for this great video. Easy to understand information. I’m just getting started with cw contacts. I learned on a paddle but I’d like to learn to send with a straight key.
Many thanks Pat. 73 Peter
Great video! I will never forget Q now lol
Excellent video. Keep them coming. Too bad I am too far to visit your store and also see your collection of old radios.
Glad you like them! 73 Peter
@@watersstanton Have been able to collect a few Straight Keys from WWII. A couple are British. Here, I share with you my video czcams.com/video/clXpdiai8AI/video.html stay well, 73 YS1RS
If learning to send using a straight key (or paddle), one tip that may help is to monitor your sending using a CW decoder. If your dot/dash ratio, character spacing or word spacing is not right, you will soon see it on the decoder. If you don't have a decoder on your rig or keyer, you could use one of the free phone apps with the phone placed near the speaker for this.
The SMS text morse ringtone used to put the fear into me. I would hear ... -- and think, it was the start of a distress transmission! Glad that it is no longer popular 😃.
Great idea Steve. Had to laugh abiut SMS. 73 Peter
I enjoyed your video.
Thanks for the tips.
For "f", I use the Spanish name "Frederico."
For "l", "the dog did it."
I learned code in the 1958 - 1959 time period as a Boy Scout. Then taught younger Scouts. It was required for First Class.
I ended up getting the Radio Merit Badge and years later,1990, got my Novice license here in USA.
Thanks again. N0QFT
BTW, liked the hedgehog.
Great tip! 73 Peter
Can't beat it you love it or hate it. I've had many of contacts morse it so relaxing.
Many thanks. 73 Peter
Great video, very helpful as a newbie.
Glad it was helpful!
You nailed it! Even a moron like me can send...slowly. Receiving is the nightmare!
With you!
Yes indeed. 73 Peter
In the Inspector Morse TV series, the musical theme at the conclusion of each episode is actually spelling Morse's name in code. Clever composer! '73s KB2LDM
i must watch an episode! Thanks for that. 73 Peter
@@watersstanton ENDEAVOUR is his name
A good tip I heard from an RAF instructor was to remove your hand from the key briefly between words to leave that gap.
Yes that works. 73 Peter
When I was learning years ago an ex army telegraphist told me to practice "best bent wire" for rhythm
Great advice on straight keys, looking to learn Morse for indulging my qrp and small kits aspects of the hobby when I'm licensed, will probably mould my own key foot.
Thanks. 73 Peter
I don't suppose you would know where i could possibly get a hold of any Darlington type receiver kits like the old novice lake shortwave kit?.
A follow up with Iambic Keys would be interesting please. Really interesting video thanks
Will keep in mind. 73 Peter
Nice intro. Music!
Thanks! 😁 All intro music is composed and put together by me in the studio. That’s what lock-down does! 73 Peter.
Speaking of code. The rover on mars has holes in the tire tread that spell out JPL.
Interesting! 73 Peter
Enjoyed this but made me feel quilty for giving up on learning morse. I could read about 8 wpm when they scrapped the requirement for us Class B holders. Must give it another go! '73s G7SQY
Ha ha. Thanks for sharing. 73 Peter
I have an HK802 and its a veritable rolls royce among morse keys
Honestly, the hedgehog was the first thing I noticed, before reading the title or even seeing the keys in the picture!
Ah well adve rtisers woild love that! 73 Peter
Just a great video, like all of yours. One little question, what is the right speed to start with? All the best. 73
Many thanks. 73 Peter
When Morse Code was a requirement in the USA, the test would always start with three Vs. I have an old J-38 military training key. They used to be had for very little, but now they have become quite pricey. My dad bought me one for $1.00 USD in a thrift shop many years ago.
Hi there. Thanks for sharing. 73 Peter
I was taught in the navy for the letter “Q”, to remember “God save the Queen”
Ah that’s better than mine. 73 Peter
Well connection between CW and hedgehogs? Easy - when hedgehogs walk on a floor they sound like CW;)
Just made my own version of the Titan using magnets. Sadly the base is French Oak and not English.
Is the mini Vibroplex steel? In other words would it stick to a magnetic base?
Buy a key with as much metal in it as you can afford. And, Peter, wrist on the table? tut! In commercial operations the keys were usually screwed to the edge of the desk so you had to use the approved forearm wagging method :-)
i would unscrew it and save my arem movement. it’s rather like jazz drumming - all the movement comes from the wrist NOT the arm. 73 Peter.
@@watersstanton that’s the truth with jazz drummers, but, speed picking on a guitar comes from the arm. But I tend to use my wrist for slower, more expressive playing.
Additional hint for the letter Q..
God Save The Queen. Dah Dah di Dah.