Most Complete K7QO Code Course Version I Could Find: 614 files.

 

 Most of the K7QO Code Course files on line are the 131 file version and perhaps the 149 file version is still out in cyberland.

I know there are at least 4 versions of this code course.  The 131 file, 149 file, 514 file, and the 614 file version.  The date stamp is from 2006.  It includes several files along with the 614 mp3 CW files.  There is a gap in the files from 220 to 301.  I remember searching for the missing files from when I first downloaded this version.  Each one builds on itself with additional files.

I did not contact Chuck about the missing files.  Perhaps someone else has this version and can shed light on the missing files.

When Chuck's site still existed, I recall reading where he had expanded his course, but he stated he made a mistake in something.  I do not recall if that was the answers or the manual (that does not seem to change with the course revisions).

Since I could no longer locate the longest version of his course I created this post to the link for the .zip file.  The file is long, 352 MB zipped.  It could take 2 or 3 minutes to download.

 Typical of Google the link will open to a screen warning that the file is too large for Google to scan it for viruses due to its size.

 

K7QO Code Course, 614 files.

Maritime Radio History Society's Night of Nights -- TONIGHT!

The Night of Nights is tonight, 12 July 2013.

Sadly ships at sea do not use the Morse Code any longer.  Amateur Radio keeps the code alive and tonight is one of the nights that we can promote the use of CW and listen to these historic stations.

Rather than repeat what is already posted; here is a link to the Maritime Radio History Society and all the details and information for tonight's event.

Unfortunately thunderstorms are predicted for my QTH today, tonight and Saturday and maybe even Sunday.  Operating, for anything, for me may be quite a challenge.

73

Dust of your straigt key: Straight key night is only 27 days away.

Dusty:not much use

Dusted:not polished

http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

My code is quite rusty at the moment.  I usually get on the air more than I did in 2011 and spend the Thanksgiving break working on my code since most of the time I am a bit lazy and use my paddles.

The bands are opening so hopefully this Straight Key Night will be more active than last year.

Morse Code 2

Just a bit to expand on the first post.  As stated I decided to give the code another try when I found an MFJ-411 Pocket Morse Tutor in a local thrift shop one night on my way home from work.

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

dah-di-dah-dit ^ dah-dah-di-dah Speaking of the Morse Code -- The Original Digital Mode

Many people, including ham radio operators, like to think the Morse Code or CW operation is dead or dying.  From my experience I do not know.  I do know I do not hear as much of it across the Short Wave Band, but when the ham bands are open there is still quite a bit of code chatter.

What got me thinking about the code was an article I came across by Duane Asherman, W6REC called Learn CW (Morse Code) as a Language.  It really is a language, a new language that can be learned.

It is also what has kept many, like myself, out of Amateur Radio for years.  For me it was 40 or so years!  Why?  I think because of the archaic ways to learn it (before the MFJ code tutors and PCs).  Like many I memorized the records and tapes.  I found when someone took the time to send it did not sound like the recordings and was boring.  I wanted to get my ticket to build things to get on the air.  It is more of a challenge to build an A.M. or SSB transmitter than it is a CW transmitter.  However a CW transmitter is easy and simple and inexpensive.  A home brew QRP rig is one of the most economical ways into amateur radio.  But I went into commercial radio and my first transmitter was a nice new AEL 25KD 25kW.

I was out of commercial radio only a few months when I decided I have to get back to radio.  By chance I found an old MFJ-411 Code Tutor at a thrift store for $1.00.  That got me thinking of learning the code so I started on my amateur license.  I thought anyone, especially an old guy, can learn at least 5 w.p.m. and get on the  air.  Besides if I can get the code and learn a few rules I can get my Extra without a problem.

(Now all the fellows who had to learn 13 words per minute copy and send at the F.C.C. Field Office can pick on me.)

Now the mode that was of little interest to me has become my favorite mode.  I like QRP and that is a great fit for CW.  It was fun to learn and it is still fun to use all the tools to keep improving my terrible fist.  I still have a long way to go to get to the speed and quality of my goal.  I hear fellows at faster speeds than I can copy and I hear near perfect code (and the perfect machine or computer sent) and those who have been using code for decades and I want to send good code.

The reason for the long, and maybe boring, history is to encourage everyone reading this who does not know the code to get one of the computer based training programs and start learning code and open a brand new world on the air.

Search Morse Code and read some of the posts that are on line.  Start with the article I mentioned.  It is a very good article on learning the code.

Also check out Fists
Chuck Adams, K7QO has designed a nice code learning course in MP3 available on CD from Fists. 

Download one of the most popular & easy to use trainers by Ray Goff,  G4FON Koch Method Trainer
This runs on Windows.  The G4FON trainer is perhaps my favorite although I use CWCP quite often since I run Linux PCs and CWCP is written for Linux.  G4FON's will run using WINE, but sometimes the code will not be as clean nor do all the features work as well as if it is run on Windows.

Read So You Want to Learn Morse Code 

Visit Jack Wagoner's (WB8SFV) site   Lot of good information on CW and CW QSOs.

And for those really serious about the code (and those who like to read download) The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy by William G. Pierpont, N0HFF (SK).  This is an excellent manual on learning and using Morse Code. 

Then practice, practice, practice and practice more.  All the reading will not make you proficient at the code, but listening and / or sending (after you get your copy down) will.



The when all else fails motto (paraphrased) from the ARRL for ham radio is true, but when all else fails to get through the noise CW punches through; and sometimes at much less of a power level than any other mode. (ok PSK is quiet efficient at low power)

CW, the Morse Code.  Check it out, Learn it, and get on the air and use it.