Questions tagged [cw]
Continuous Wave (CW), or Morse code over audible tones. Use this tag for any question relating to Morse code.
118
questions
11
votes
6answers
565 views
Key CW on zero crossings - zero bandwidth?
I remember being surprised to learn that a CW signal has a bandwidth (albeit small), but when I thought it over, it made sense. Essentially, we are modulating the carrier with a low frequency square ...
2
votes
2answers
865 views
How to transition CW ability to listening instead of simply copying - software assist?
I was recently reading this article from the ARRL web site,
Morse Code at 140 WPM (ARRL)
about Chuck Adams, K7QO, who claims to be able to handle this speed all by himself. Very interesting article....
2
votes
1answer
175 views
How does this circuit work? Why is the antenna connected to the output of the amplification stage?
What is the function of the configuration of R1, C3,C10 and R3? How does the LC tank in this circuit work?
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Difference between Iambic keyer modes?
What is the difference between Iambic Keyer mode A and mode B? Are there any other popular keyer modes? Why would one choose one mode over the other?
If only one Iambic keyer mode is to be ...
2
votes
3answers
1k views
How to use a Linux computer as a paddle key code practice oscillator
I'm working on learning Morse code, and I'm looking for a way to use my computer as a practice oscillator with a double paddle key.
I'm using a Linux PC, but a Raspberry Pi solution would be cool to. ...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
What's this maybe-morse-code “CQ CQ GE EDEN” and “DD” in Le Eden de la Grisaia?
The ending song of an anime television series called Le Eden de la Grisaia here has a light flashing. I suspect it may be Morse Code. By watching the video a little more slowly than usual (frame by ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
How slow is slow telegraphy?
On the UK Band Plan there are frequencies stating “QRS (slow telegraphy) Centre of Activity”. For example, 14,055 kHz on 20m and 3,555 kHz on 80m.
What is considered slow? (<15 wpm?)
How close ...
3
votes
1answer
438 views
Where exactly is the Morse code character “;” defined?
I've seen that quite often in Morse code tables (for example here), under punctuation, a semicolon ";"character is listed.
However, the ITU-R M.1677-1 doesn't specify that character as a part of ...
9
votes
5answers
2k views
Why do some straight keys have a slider that shorts the contacts continuously?
I ended up with an old straight key that has a curious feature: below the main arm that you would tap on, there's an extra metal flange that can sort of loosely pinch an extra sliding lever underneath,...
9
votes
4answers
3k views
Single or Dual Paddle Key?
I want to eventually use a CW paddle and built in keyer in my Yaesu FT-890. What are the merits of each style. Single or Dual Paddle. Does it make any difference if I start with say a dual paddle then ...
5
votes
2answers
147 views
Air gapped digital communications mode on VHF?
According to this question MCW (modulated continuous wave) is allowed on large portions of the VHF bands in the U.S.
Is using MCW suitable for passing small amounts of digital data between 2 PCs or ...
2
votes
2answers
146 views
Morse code help
http://vocaroo.com/i/s0fsMOJ82A7k
Trying to decipher this morse code if someone can help me. It's 14 characters long and the first lot is Illuminatih I think.
3
votes
2answers
626 views
Looking for a morse code decoder that simulates keyboard input
I know that there are several commercial programs that will decode incoming CW using the computer's sound card, but this is not quite what I need.
The specific requirement that I have is to feed the ...
8
votes
5answers
5k views
Should I learn morse at “both” speeds?
There are many anecdotes of hams learning Morse Code at e.g. 5wpm and then "hitting a wall" trying to gradually speed up to 15wpm.
David G. Finley, N1IRZ claims the reason is this:
Morse at 5 wpm ...
3
votes
3answers
2k views
Is there a preferred order for learning Morse code using the Koch method?
The Koch method of learning Morse code is based on the idea that you learn characters at full speed, but a reduced set of characters that is expanded over time, instead of learning the full set of ...
2
votes
4answers
359 views
CW “training” recordings
I'd like to get some recordings of typical receiver audio output of HF CW transmissions.
I'd like to both train my mental copying capabilities and look into improved automatic (software) CW ...
3
votes
3answers
898 views
Comms between Raspberry Pis over CW on 40m
I'm completely new to amateur radio, so please forgive me if this is a silly question.
I'm looking at these devices: Assembled HAM RADIO 40M CW HF QRP Pixie Transmitter Receiver 7.023-7.026MHz DIY on ...
1
vote
0answers
74 views
Is it suitable to use DSSS in a narrow-band channel for a power-starved system
I want to build a system that can transmit data through 2-way radios as far as possible. I use the "line-in" as the input of the baseband signal in the transmitter and use the "audio out" as the ...
10
votes
3answers
2k views
What is the origin, history behind “Ben's Best Bent Wire”?
Bens Best Bent Wire
My uncle, who was a Merchant Marine in WWII used to tell me this. He was a ham, and said it would develop my fist musically.
I was a small child at the time, and through his ...
1
vote
6answers
706 views
Looking for a CW Tutor app [closed]
Is there an app that sends random morse code that I can copy to paper, then shows me what was sent for me to check my work? Basically an app that works like the MFJ-418 Code Tutor. All the apps I find ...
2
votes
1answer
897 views
Where can I find the definition of the Q Codes as they should be used in amateur radio (CW)?
Where can I find the definition of the Q Codes for amateur radio?
So far I could only find
ITU-R M.1172
ANNEX 1
Miscellaneous abbreviations and signals to be used
for radiocommunications in ...
0
votes
1answer
218 views
CW paddle interface wiring problem
I have the MFJ-564B iambic paddle which I need to wire to the MFJ-552 CW interface. The paddle is stereo (dits/dahs) and the interface is mono (when connected to paddle, only gives DITS). How can I ...
0
votes
1answer
235 views
Testing my HB-1B QRP CW Transceiver on 40m
I'm a new ham and have only used 2m/70cm so far. I have recently completed a QRP CW setup: a YouKits HB-1B transceiver and a simple wire dipole. I haven't made any contacts yet, and I'm wodering if ...
2
votes
0answers
268 views
How can I connect a CW keyer to my Mac and transmit CW on VHF? [duplicate]
I currently have a Kenwood TM-V71A 2m/70cm transceiver that I would like to connect to my Macbook to transmit morse code, using the cocoaModem software. Aside from the cables needed to connect the ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
Morse code for hash (#)
Is there a morse code for a hash character? If so, what is that morse code? My thoughts where that there is morse code for an @ but why not for a #?
2
votes
1answer
1k views
Do I need a Balun for a single band QRP antenna?
I have a little MFJ QRP CW 20m rig that I plan to turn into a portable kit for SOTA peaks. I have everything figured out except for the antenna. I am wanting to make a dipole. However, I was wondering,...
15
votes
2answers
2k views
How does selecting the opposite sideband when receiving CW on HF reduce interference?
I am studying for my FCC General Class license, and question/answer G4A02 reads as follows:
Q: What is one advantage of selecting the opposite or "reverse" ...
6
votes
1answer
258 views
History and significance of term “lid”
What is the history on the term “lid” when referring to a telegrapher’s capability? How did it originate and what is the significance if any of each letter?
0
votes
2answers
3k views
Wiring a CW paddle
What kind of cable would be suitable for wiring an MFJ-564B Iambic CW Paddle to an Icom IC-718?
I have heard that you can just use a length of old electric guitar cord but I was not sure what to do.
4
votes
1answer
239 views
Listening below the carrier frequency gives a weaker signal than above the carrier frequency - why?
I have a 20m CW transceiver with an option for a wide or a narrow filter. When the narrow filter is selected, a crystal ladder filter is used in the intermediate frequency filter, between two mixers. ...
5
votes
4answers
748 views
What if someone responds to my CQ, but I can't hear him?
I tried making a CQ on 20 m, 14.060 MHz (the QRP CQ frequency) and parallel to that I had a WebSDR on my computer just to keep an eye on the band. I saw someone responding on the WebSDR, which is ...
7
votes
4answers
2k views
Shaving Quartz Crystal for New Frequency
Back in the 1960s during my Novice days I operated on the 40-meter band only with 4 different quartz crystals that determined my transmitting frequency with my Eico 720 CW transmitter. I had heard ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
CW contact content
I received my license and built and tested my first CW transceiver. I've spent the last weeks learning Morse code. Now, time has come to make the first contact.
But what is a typical CW contact? When ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
Do I really need a side-tone oscillator?
I'm throwing together bits-and-pieces towards my rig on a less than shoestring budget. It is possible to apply a take-off from the key and use it to drive a piezo-buzzer. Of course, there won't be any ...
2
votes
2answers
135 views
Terminology for written “CW-like” Code?
Morse Code is defined by most dictionaries in terms of sequences of short and long signals. What would be the most common or most descriptive terminology for un-timed written or printed code, where ...
2
votes
1answer
3k views
Decoding the Morse code
I am using a crystal to transmit morse codes, and I am using Kenwood radio receiver to obtain the signal. It receives the signal with a lot of noise, though we can figure out the morse code sound. I ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
How are capital letters sent in Morse code?
There is only one alphabet in Morse code, so is there a recognised way to indicate a capital letter?
5
votes
2answers
459 views
Circuit to send MCW on 2m FM
I regularly practice Morse with a friend on 2m NFM by holding our tone generators, which we also use for personal practice, close to the microphone. We send text by CW, read it back, and discuss how ...
14
votes
6answers
1k views
Where can one find recordings of Morse code, generated by humans and not machines?
I need some recordings of CW / Morse code for use in a project. Most of what I find is either nonsense (it just exists for the 'sound of CW', but doesn't contain a message) or is generated by a ...
1
vote
1answer
123 views
Where can I find documentation on Handicode? [closed]
Apologies, this may be off topic. Ham radio operators are the probably the only community that might have used Handicode. Back in 2002, a company "Microsystems Software" made a DOS program that ...
10
votes
1answer
1k views
Fastest Speed allowed for CW FM repeater ID in USA
What is the fastest legal WPM I can use for my repeater's Morse code identification?
I am in the USA.
4
votes
3answers
611 views
Consistency of Morse Code/CW sending speed
How important is it to maintain a consistent Morse Code WPM keying speed when transmitting CW? I occasionally hear operators slow way down when sending RST and location info, and then later ...
5
votes
3answers
416 views
Characteristics of a “bad fist”?
What are some characteristics, when sending CW, of a "bad fist"? How bad can it get, typically, and still manage to communicate the message text sent to a human operator on the receiving end?
Contra-...
1
vote
1answer
969 views
Spacing between words in CW using Farnsworth timing?
What is the proper way to calculate or determine the amount of time between words (the key up of the last character of one word to the key down of the first character of the next word) when using ...
3
votes
1answer
656 views
Audio Morse Code to CW converter?
What kind of circuit can be constructed and/or could be used to convert audio containing Morse Code sounds (say from an old practice tape, or from computer generated audio) into key, switch or relay ...
6
votes
3answers
520 views
Morse Code Key Grease
I just got an old brass key at a hamfest, and it appears to be in pretty good mechanical condition, aside from some dirt and dust. Taking it apart, the key (apologies for not knowing the exact ...
6
votes
1answer
736 views
Coherent CW synchronization?
When using coherent CW, how is the receiver frequency and/or Morse Code dot clock synchronized to the transmission precisely enough to allow for synchronous decoding?
10
votes
2answers
773 views
Scoring quality of Morse Code “fist”?
When learning, teaching oneself, or training a class in Morse Code sending using a hand key, how can acceptable quality be scored (other than the letters being correct terms of dot-dash sequence)? ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
Configuring an SDR for CW?
So I'm developing my own SDR software from scratch (I like to "own" the code). The channel between the RF-to-USB hardware and the software is 192kHz sample-rate IQ audio samples. The degrees of ...
6
votes
2answers
3k views
Preventing CW key clicks
What are "key clicks"? How much does the rise time or bandwidth of a CW signal need to be limited to prevent other QSOs on adjacent frequencies from being annoyed by "key clicks"? Is there a legal ...
