Ham Radio 360: CW for the Newbie w/KI4WFJ Episode 41

In a first for the Fo Time Podcast, we have a guest in the studio. My friend and neighbor, Justin Hornby (KI4WJF), joins us to talk about learning Morse Code and getting it on the air. Justin has been licensed for a while and had a love-hate relationship with CW until he finally decided to take it seriously. He shares with us his tips for learning the code and how he uses it to enhance his enjoyment of the hobby. Tune in to this episode to learn from Justin's experience and get motivated to take on the challenge of learning Morse Code. From Justin: http://lcwo.net/ free browser based teaching tool; uses Koch method and has plain text training; I use this now to practice on lunch at work or whenever I want to practice without a radio. http://morsefusion.com/ free week long trial but normally $9.99 a month;  this is what I used to really get through learning the characters and practicing; I highly recommend. http://www.skccgroup.com/ what sets SKCC apart is it's membership is free.  Members are friendly and they have monthly scheduled activities that give a reason to get on and practice. Have morse elmer program for practice buddies and the sked page helps find contacts. http://naqcc.info/ North America QRP CW Club; I also have joined the NAQCC and play in their contests and activities as well.  Another friendly free club/group that has a lot of participation.  Contests are laid back and fun; a great way to practice and improve your speed once on the air. My kit radio:  http://www.qrpkits.com/pfr3.html Check Ebay or junk boxes at hamfests for straight keys--try to get one that is fully adjustable--bearings,spring force,gap; it makes all the difference in the 'feel' of the key; I use this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Vintage-Classic-Oval-Speed-X-Telegraph-Key-c-1967-Nye-H15-682-New-/161911306817?hash=item25b2aa7a41:g:LzkAAOSw9mFWGtS1 The capacitive touch paddles I have I use sometimes is model P6: http://www.cwtouchkeyer.com/home.htm http://www.americanmorse.com/ A practice sidetone oscillator helps to get timing and feel for sending-just practice imitating sending good code you have listened to.; many radios can be setup to create the sidetone w/o transmitting for practicing; the IC-718 can do this The ARRL W1AW practice transmissions are a good way to get used to listening to morse over the radio and practice decoding before jumping in making QSOs.  There's a big change between listening to practice code on the computer and dealing with QRM and QSB!!  Also, all the files, text and mp3 are available on the website so you can listen, decode, and check your work w/o having to stick to the broadcast schedule or have a radio handy. http://www.arrl.org/code-practice-files http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule 73, K4CDN