When I got home I did as I do with most electronics; put it on the work bench and opened the cover. Everything looked like new. I put a battery in it and it told me it was ON. Cool. I remembered 2 letters. I cycled it through the selections and figured out how to use it.
I did a search for the manual. No manual. Very few worthwhile or informative posts on the 411. No site with the manual. Some information on line about the 417, and I found several sites with the manual. MFJ had a description of the 417 Code Tutor and the manual. I downloaded it and still do not know the difference in the 2 since the manual is nearly identical to what I eventually located a few years later for the 411.
I set the MFJ-411 per the instructions for the MFJ-413/417 and listened to the code. It was the same. I used this for a while, but did not know how to check what was sent against what I copied for accuracy. The first code group is easy, but as each groups complexity increased, copy and proof of accuracy began to become too difficult and time consuming.
Next I downloaded & installed the Koch Method Morse Trainer software from G4FON. Now the code is easier to proof for accuracy. It became even more fun to learn. I could watch the screen as a character was sent, I could copy and check the copy, and I could be sure what I copied and checked was accurate.
I also started using Chuck Adams, K7QO Morse Code Course on CD. I was given an MP3 player and this worked fine since I could load Chuck's files onto an SD card and play it back any time any place to practice.
Finally I was able to copy code and it was fun learning. I know I only had to learn at Novice speed to get my General and Extra and there are those out there who had to learn 13 w.p.m. and 20 w.p.m. I know I have a long way to go to get to be really proficient at both copying and sending. I do hope someone wanting to try CW reads this and is encouraged no matter what their age or license class (or even if they do not have a license) to take a few minutes each day and learn the code and get on the air.
I finally found a manual (way after I got my Extra) some place and downloaded it. Since it was difficult to find I added a link to the manual at the end. Now that I have the manual I am back to practice using the code tutor. I also keep using the K7QO files on my MP3 player. I like the tutor because I can set the speed faster than 12 w.p.m.
The MFJ-411 Pocket Morse Tutor
The inside of the 411. The original battery connector failed and I added a better one that required removal of the original bracket clip that held the battery on its side. The battery now lays flat. The fit is snug enough a clip is not needed to hold the battery in place.
MFJ-411Manual
I also use CWCP. It is a Linux based trainer much like the G4FON trainer.
Just a few of many fun ways to learn the Morse Code. I have yet to memorize what a trainer sends like I was able to do with recordings played over and over and over....
de Bill
73
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