From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

I have recently returned to HF ham radio after a number of years QRT, and finding that quite a lot of CW operators are now sending at what seems to me to be truly remarkable speeds, what I would conservatively estimate in
excess of 50 wpm.
Are these guys for real? Are they perhaps using computer keyboards for
sending and copying using a computer program? Even after several years with
no practice, I am still quite capable of sending with my twin paddle and el-bug and receiving at a comfortable 30 wpm, but try as I might I just
cannot read this mega fast stuff!
Can someone please enlighten me??

Theo


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Theo wrote:

I have recently returned to HF ham radio after a number of years QRT, and finding that quite a lot of CW operators are now sending at what seems to me to be truly remarkable speeds, what I would conservatively estimate in excess of 50 wpm.
Are these guys for real? Are they perhaps using computer keyboards for sending and copying using a computer program? Even after several years with no practice, I am still quite capable of sending with my twin paddle and el-bug and receiving at a comfortable 30 wpm, but try as I might I just cannot read this mega fast stuff!
Can someone please enlighten me??

Theo

its for real, just relax and let the words flow inside your head, stop
trying to copy letters, it will take a while but its not hard really,
its just rote memory after all...ron ne0x
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Thanks Ron,
Tell me - are these guys using computers for sending and receiving? Because
I find it hard to accept they can operate at these phenomenal speeds otherwise.
There is no way I am going to strain my brain attempting to copy them - if thats the way they wish to play!

Theo


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Hi, Theo

Yes, it's for real. Dumping the CW requirement has done
wonders.

You can practice from 5 wpm up to 75 wpm
on the G4FON Koch trainer, available at:
http://www.g4fon.net/

The G4FON trainer runs on MS Windows, and Linux as
well with the assistance of the Linux "wine" program.

After that, you can use the Rufz
(short for the German "Rufzeichen" or "call signs")
to go up to about 150 wpm. It's available at:
http://www.sk3bg.se/CONTEST/rufz.htm

Rufz runs only on MS Windows.

Both of these programs are FREE !!!

I know that after QRT for a few years this sounds incredible,
but if you think about it the only barrier to this kind of speed
is mental. Remember that the commercial telegraphers of the
early days could copy at 50-60 all day long, although when they
encountered long, difficult, or foreign words or sentences, they
would drop down to around 25-30

If you're comfortable at 30, you're already doing head copy.
You can then stretch a little by using the list of the 10,000
most common English words to build your Morse vocabulary.
If you're multilingual, don't neglect those other languages.
BTW, these word lists are also available in the 100 most
common and the 1,000 most common English words. Once
you build up a Morse vocabulary anywhere near your reading
vocabulary, the only limitation on your speed is imposed by
your hardware. Ex.Gr., most headphones cannot handle the
rapid on-off of those kind of speeds. Cheap soundcards may
also exacerbate that problem.

But give it a whirl; shoot for the European CW Association
sponsored speed clubs: there are the High Speed Club (HSC),
Very High Speed Club (VHSC), Super High Speed Club (SHSC),
and Extremely High Speed Club (EHSC). To qualify you need
to have 5 QSOs of a minimum of 30 minutes each without
dropping below the required speeds, and maintaining good
sending practice.

HSC for 25 wpm, VHSC for 40 wpm, SHSC for 50 wpm and the
ESC for 60 wpm

The VHSC 40 wpm bunch has been around since May, 1961,
45 years this month, so it's nothing new.

Check them out at:
http://www.morsecode.dutch.nl/hscindex.html

Have fun, be an overachiever !!!

vy 73 de john, n5dwi

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Theo wrote:

I have recently returned to HF ham radio after a number of years QRT, and >finding that quite a lot of CW operators are now sending at what seems to me >to be truly remarkable speeds, what I would conservatively estimate in >excess of 50 wpm.
Are these guys for real? Are they perhaps using computer keyboards for >sending and copying using a computer program? Even after several years with >no practice, I am still quite capable of sending with my twin paddle and >el-bug and receiving at a comfortable 30 wpm, but try as I might I just >cannot read this mega fast stuff!
Can someone please enlighten me??

Theo

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

John Westerlage wrote:

If you're comfortable at 30, you're already doing head copy.
You can then stretch a little by using the list of the 10,000
most common English words to build your Morse vocabulary.
If you're multilingual, don't neglect those other languages.
BTW, these word lists are also available in the 100 most
common and the 1,000 most common English words.

The 1,000 most common words are included with Just Learn Morse Code, and you can choose any number of them to practice (e.g. the top 25, 100, 397, whatever). You're also allowed to mix these words with common abbreviations and Q codes, if you want to.

Once
you build up a Morse vocabulary anywhere near your reading
vocabulary, the only limitation on your speed is imposed by
your hardware. Ex.Gr., most headphones cannot handle the
rapid on-off of those kind of speeds. Cheap soundcards may
also exacerbate that problem.

This could also be caused by the software generating the Morse code - a lot
of otherwise half decent programs create lousy audio.
--
73 de LB3KB, Sigurd
http://justlearnmorsecode.com


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Sigurd Stenersen wrote:

The 1,000 most common words are included with Just Learn Morse Code, and you >can choose any number of them to practice (e.g. the top 25, 100, 397, >whatever). You're also allowed to mix these words with common abbreviations >and Q codes, if you want to.

This could also be caused by the software generating the Morse code - a lot >of otherwise half decent programs create lousy audio.

Sigurd,

Please forgive me for forgetting to mention your very
fine program: "Just Learn Morse Code."

I am very aware of your program and like it a lot, but
I don't use it much since I prefer to use Linux, and I
haven't yet been able to make your program work on
Linux. I can, however, use Ray's program by running
Wine on my Linux box.

If you aware of some way I can use your program on
Linux, I would probably switch, or at least use both.
Please let me know. The best of all possible worlds,
of course, is to come out with a native Linux version. :-) :-)

Also, I believe you are correct in saying that the software
of several programs produces poor audio. I have tried to
work around that with several of them with little or no
success. Perhaps the key is to use top quality all the
way through: sound card, headphones
(or speakers - if you must !), and software.

One thing I've done that seems to help is to import the
generated audio into a sound editing program such as
Audacity at the original bit rate and then exporting it
at a much higher rate. While that takes a lot more disk
space, it does improve the audio somewhat, especially
with a player such as XMMS or WINAMP.

Again, sorry I didn't mention your program. I'll not omit
it in the future.

vy 73 de john, n5dwi


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-17, Sigurd Stenersen <sigurds@utvikling.com> wrote:

The 1,000 most common words are included with Just Learn Morse Code, and you can choose any number of them to practice (e.g. the top 25, 100, 397, whatever). You're also allowed to mix these words with common abbreviations and Q codes, if you want to.

The thing I like about JLMC is that you can type the incoming code
into an input screen and when finished, the program will automatically
compute your accuracy rate, hits, errors, which letters, etc. The
advantage of G4FON are things like chirp functions, etc. Being a rank
newb, I had no idea what chirp was. They are both great programs.

nb
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-17, Sigurd Stenersen <sigurds@utvikling.com> wrote:

This could also be caused by the software generating the Morse code - a lot of otherwise half decent programs create lousy audio.

DOH!

I didn't realize I was responding to the author of JLMC. (imagine my embarrassment).

Mr. Stenersen, I'd like to ask a question, one I was going to email
you. But, since you are here..... With respect to the function I
mentioned earlier, the window that pops up with the stats on rate,
errors, etc, I've notice that this function seems to work only
intermittently. I just tried it again, and it's not working, this
session. It worked a couple days ago, but not today. Is there
something I'm doing wrong or a setting I'm missing? I don't recall
doing anything different when it does work. It just seems to come and
go.

I'm running v1.23 on an 450 PII running w98se.

Thank you,
nb
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-17, John Westerlage <john_westerlage@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

I am very aware of your program and like it a lot, but
I don't use it much since I prefer to use Linux, and I
haven't yet been able to make your program work on
Linux. I can, however, use Ray's program by running
Wine on my Linux box.

I have found a program that does work on native linux. It's ver 2.1
of cw_trainer. Nowhere near as sophisticated as JLMC or G4FON, but
it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

http://freshmeat.net/projects/cwtrainer/?branch_id=55581&release_id=183922

nb
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Thanks for all your input gentlemen - but I just cannot accept the logic of these phenomenal speeds - just what are they all trying to prove anyway
apart from simply showing off?
I will stick to my 30 wpm.

Theo



--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-17, notbob <notbob@nothome.com> wrote:

errors, etc, I've notice that this function seems to work only intermittently.

OK, nevermind. I figured it out. It's me hitting the "stop
immediately" button instead of the "stop" button. I'm slow, but sure.

Again, thanks for the great application.

nb
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

notbob wrote:

I have found a program that does work on native linux. It's ver 2.1
of cw_trainer. Nowhere near as sophisticated as JLMC or G4FON, but
it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

http://freshmeat.net/projects/cwtrainer/?branch_id=55581&release_id=183922

nb

Thanks for the suggestion. But, . . .

Yep. I've tried cwtrainer. It has in common one thing with all
the other Linux cw software - it's horrible - to be nice about it.

Or maybe I'm just spoiled by JLMC, G4FON and Rufz. It's sort
of like going back to an ox cart after being used to driving
a Lexus.

Hmmm, maybe in light of the oil situation I should have picked
a better example. :-)


john, n5dwi
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From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-17, John Westerlage <john_westerlage@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Or maybe I'm just spoiled by JLMC, G4FON and Rufz.

No doubt. I'll give G4FON under wine a try. My fulltime desktop box
is linux, too, and I don't like firing up my w98se box just for code
practice.

nb
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

notbob wrote:

On 2006-05-17, notbob <notbob@nothome.com> wrote:

errors, etc, I've notice that this function seems to work only
intermittently.

OK, nevermind. I figured it out. It's me hitting the "stop
immediately" button instead of the "stop" button. I'm slow, but sure.

If you frequently find yourself using the stop button - maybe you should reduce the session duration setting ? It's on the General tab in the /Tools/Options dialog.
--
73 de LB3KB, Sigurd
http://justlearnmorsecode.com


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

"Theo" <theodore.twyler@ntlworld.com> wrote in news:b7pag.723$Mm3.169@newsfe6-win.ntli.net:

I have recently returned to HF ham radio after a number of years QRT,
and finding that quite a lot of CW operators are now sending at what
seems to me to be truly remarkable speeds, what I would conservatively estimate in excess of 50 wpm.

Copying 50wpm poses little problem for me as long as I can get my fingers
on the keyboard in standard Dvorak touch-typing position. But I'd sure
like to be using the same keyboard to send that fast! 40wpm I can manage
if I keep at it for a while, but I tend to stumble at 50. I definitely
prefer a nice, sedate 25wpm for our local CW net here (BCEN).
--
Dave Oldridge+
ICQ 1800667
VA7CZ
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

John Westerlage wrote:

I am very aware of your program and like it a lot, but
I don't use it much since I prefer to use Linux, and I
haven't yet been able to make your program work on
Linux.

I don't use Linux myself, but users have reported that they're running Just Learn Morse Code in the Wine emulator under Linux. This only applies to the executable - the help system doesn't work there.

Also, I believe you are correct in saying that the software
of several programs produces poor audio. I have tried to
work around that with several of them with little or no
success. Perhaps the key is to use top quality all the
way through: sound card, headphones
(or speakers - if you must !), and software.

Sure - but you have to start with the software. The more quality you add to the other components, the worse the audio is going to sound if it's poorly created in the first place.
--
73 de LB3KB, Sigurd
http://justlearnmorsecode.com


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-18, Sigurd Stenersen <sigurds@utvikling.com> wrote:

If you frequently find yourself using the stop button - maybe you should reduce the session duration setting ? It's on the General tab in the /Tools/Options dialog.

That, and the speed. Regardless of what Kock said, I just can't go
that fast. I need to drop to 15 wpm until I get reflex action down.

nb
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

In <sYJag.1387$1Y6.474@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net> "Theo" <theodore.twyler@ntlworld.com> writes:

[...]
I will stick to my 30 wpm.

Sure, do them often and for prolonged periods. You'll be in for a
pleasant surprise.

73, Eddi ._._.
--
e-mail: dk3uz AT darc DOT de | AMPRNET: dk3uz@db0hht.ampr.org
If replying to a Usenet article, please use above e-mail address.
Linux/m68k, the best U**x ever to hit an Atari!
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

John Westerlage wrote:

(short for the German "Rufzeichen" or "call signs")
to go up to about 150 wpm. It's available at:
http://www.sk3bg.se/CONTEST/rufz.htm

Rufz runs only on MS Windows.

The new RufzXP only runs on Windows, the old Rufz 3.1 however
works with "DOSBox" on Linux/Unix, but becomes a real CPU-time-hog.
FWIW, as a little programming exercise I recently wrote a small
'clone' of Rufz for Unix, which I just put online: http://fkurz.net/ham/qrq.html
Still under development, but the basic functions work.

73,
--
Fabian Kurz, DJ1YFK * Dresden, Germany * http://fkurz.net/
Online Log: http://dl0tud.tu-dresden.de/~dj1yfk/log.html
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Theo wrote:

Thanks Ron,
Tell me - are these guys using computers for sending and receiving? Because I find it hard to accept they can operate at these phenomenal speeds otherwise.
There is no way I am going to strain my brain attempting to copy them - if thats the way they wish to play!

Theo

probably not, some may use keyboards to send, but almost no software is
good as the ear, it takes years to become solid high speed op, cant do
it overnight. ron ne0x
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

ne0x@megapathdsl.net wrote:

Theo wrote:

I have recently returned to HF ham radio after a number of years QRT,
and finding that quite a lot of CW operators are now sending at what
seems to me to be truly remarkable speeds, what I would conservatively
estimate in excess of 50 wpm.
Are these guys for real? Are they perhaps using computer keyboards for
sending and copying using a computer program? Even after several years
with no practice, I am still quite capable of sending with my twin
paddle and el-bug and receiving at a comfortable 30 wpm, but try as I
might I just cannot read this mega fast stuff!
Can someone please enlighten me??

Theo

its for real, just relax and let the words flow inside your head, stop trying to copy letters, it will take a while but its not hard really,
its just rote memory after all...ron ne0x

im using morse runner here under linux wine and it works fb.....
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

notbob wrote:

On 2006-05-17, John Westerlage <john_westerlage@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

I am very aware of your program and like it a lot, but
I don't use it much since I prefer to use Linux, and I
haven't yet been able to make your program work on
Linux. I can, however, use Ray's program by running
Wine on my Linux box.

I have found a program that does work on native linux. It's ver 2.1
of cw_trainer. Nowhere near as sophisticated as JLMC or G4FON, but
it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

http://freshmeat.net/projects/cwtrainer/?branch_id=55581&release_id=183922

nb

Guys,

If you can get the WINE emulator to work, JLMC will work just fine
under it. You do have to lift the executable off of a WinBlows box
but it will work. The helpfiles don't work or I just haven't bothered
to try to get it to work. I run it all the time.
The only major problem is you have to have a working soundcard under
Linux to start with and you may have to lift the executable off of a
working Windows machine.

Kurt Savegnago
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

notbob wrote:

On 2006-05-17, John Westerlage <john_westerlage@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Or maybe I'm just spoiled by JLMC, G4FON and Rufz.

No doubt. I'll give G4FON under wine a try. My fulltime desktop box
is linux, too, and I don't like firing up my w98se box just for code practice.

nb

G4FON has been hit or miss with me. Some of the Linux boxes work some
don't under WINE. Usually something amiss with the sound.
JLMC has worked all the time under WINE and on all of my machines.

Kurt
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-19, Kurt <ksaves2@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

G4FON has been hit or miss with me. Some of the Linux boxes work some
don't under WINE. Usually something amiss with the sound.
JLMC has worked all the time under WINE and on all of my machines.

thnx 4 info, krt.

nb ...trying to get my mind right for cw
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Kurt wrote:

G4FON has been hit or miss with me. Some of the Linux boxes work some
don't under WINE. Usually something amiss with the sound.
JLMC has worked all the time under WINE and on all of my machines.

Kurt

Gosh - I'm amazed !!!

My experience has been EXACTLY the OPPOSITE !!!

Based on what you said, I just downloaded the latest version of wine,
with the same results - JLMC will not play. The screen comes up, I can
do everything, EXCEPT the play button is gray and does nothing.

On the other hand, G4FON has never failed to work on Wine.

I know my sound is set up OK since everything else audio works.

Now I'm in a quandary. Am I doing something stupid? I'd like to go
off list with someone and attempt to trouble-shoot the problem.

JLMC is just too good not to have available on my Linux box if I can.

Tnx es vy 73 de john, n5dwi, a ham since 1956.

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

Sometimes I have to restart JLMC several times before the play button
is highlighted. I suspect there may be some quirk in WINE. I am using
WINE 0.9.6. I also suspect that G4FON isn't working well for me in
a couple of my computers due to a Linux/WINE driver problem. One of my computers G4FON works O.K. Try restarting JLMC a few times or make sure
your sound driver is good.

Kurt


John Westerlage wrote:

Kurt wrote:

G4FON has been hit or miss with me. Some of the Linux boxes work some
don't under WINE. Usually something amiss with the sound.
JLMC has worked all the time under WINE and on all of my machines.

Kurt

Gosh - I'm amazed !!!

My experience has been EXACTLY the OPPOSITE !!!

Based on what you said, I just downloaded the latest version of wine,
with the same results - JLMC will not play. The screen comes up, I can
do everything, EXCEPT the play button is gray and does nothing.

On the other hand, G4FON has never failed to work on Wine.

I know my sound is set up OK since everything else audio works.

Now I'm in a quandary. Am I doing something stupid? I'd like to go
off list with someone and attempt to trouble-shoot the problem.

JLMC is just too good not to have available on my Linux box if I can.

Tnx es vy 73 de john, n5dwi, a ham since 1956.

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

In article <sYJag.1387$1Y6.474@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net>, theodore.twyler@ntlworld.com says...

Thanks for all your input gentlemen - but I just cannot accept the logic of these phenomenal speeds - just what are they all trying to prove anyway apart from simply showing off?
I will stick to my 30 wpm.

Some people really CAN send and receive at speeds like that. Comes with
many years of practice and experience. I doubt they're showing off,
just doing their thing.
--

-- //Steve//

Steve Silverwood, KB6OJS
Fountain Valley, CA
Email: kb6ojs@arrl.net
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

On 2006-05-20, John Westerlage <john_westerlage@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Based on what you said, I just downloaded the latest version of wine,
with the same results - JLMC will not play. The screen comes up, I can
do everything, EXCEPT the play button is gray and does nothing.

Very strange, John. I finally got around to trying JLMC on Linux,
just now. Downloaded Wine 0.9.11. I went down a couple revs cuz I'm
using older Slackware 10.1. Wine installed no probs. I sftp'd the
Just Learn Morse Code.exe file to my Slack box into my ~/bin dir and
renamed it morse.exe. When I ran it, JLMC popped up just like in W98
and worked perfectly. Looks like I'm gonna hafta send Sigurd a
donation. ;)

nb
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.morse

notbob wrote:

On 2006-05-20, John Westerlage <john_westerlage@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Based on what you said, I just downloaded the latest version of wine,
with the same results - JLMC will not play. The screen comes up, I can
do everything, EXCEPT the play button is gray and does nothing.

Very strange, John. I finally got around to trying JLMC on Linux,
just now. Downloaded Wine 0.9.11. I went down a couple revs cuz I'm
using older Slackware 10.1. Wine installed no probs. I sftp'd the
Just Learn Morse Code.exe file to my Slack box into my ~/bin dir and
renamed it morse.exe. When I ran it, JLMC popped up just like in W98
and worked perfectly. Looks like I'm gonna hafta send Sigurd a
donation. ;)

nb

Remember,

If the start button doesn't highlight, restart the program a few
times. It eventually would work in my setup here. Who knows, your
system might work perfectly every time. Only thing I didn't get working
or try to get working is the helpfiles.

Kurt
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2