Be a Code Buddy on Field Day

by Alan Wormser, N5LF

Are you a CW newbie, or a no coder, and want to try something new at Field Day? Or maybe you are a seasoned CW expert who wants to share that passion with others?

Well, Mr./Ms. Newbie, meet Mr./Ms. Expert. ... TAH-DAH! ... a pair of Code Buddies!

The Code Buddy concept is borrowed from the FISTS CW Club (http://www.fists.org), which has a program by the same name. In that Code Buddy program, you send FISTS your name, your `comfort speed,' and your speed goal. They match up the slow coders with the fast coders for on-the-air skeds. FISTS has several mottos, but my favorite is this: `Accuracy Transcends Speed!' Just get on the air, practice a good CW rhythm, and the speed will happen naturally with time.

So, here's how to apply the Code Buddy principle on Field Day:

Pair a newbie with an expert CW operator. The newbie does the sending, the expert does the receiving -- writing the exchange on a scratch pad, and then reading it to the newbie. The logging is done by either of the Code Buddies (or by another newbie waiting in the batter's box).

Provide a key and oscillator on a side table, for practice before going on the air:

The essentials are simple - you don't have to know any more code than a few phrases that can be memorized in 10 to 15 minutes of practice sending. These include CQ FD, DE [your callsign], [Contest class - 2A or whatever], [your ARRL section], TU, AGN?, `?', SEC, CLASS, and of course `5NN' (isn't everybody 599 on Field Day?).

Have a cheat sheet set up, with dots and dashes:

Yes, I know, but this is just for one night. They can learn the right way another day. Get them to try it, some will want to go for more. They are the ones for the aural, Farnesworth method. Later. Another time. For now, it is whatever sets the new CW operator at ease so they can have fun. Work with them on the three cardinal rules of good CW fists: rhythm, rhythm, rhythm. Notice that speed is NOT on the list. A clean fist at 4 wpm will snag more QSOs than a sloppy one at 10 or 15 wpm. Been there, done that, trust me on this one.

Extra assistance on the air:

If he/she wants you to, you can even give them the letters one-by-one when they do the exchange:

Expert: `W3SQ. That's dit daah daah' (emphasize dahs, for the rhythm)
Newbie: Sends `W'
Expert: `dit dit dit daah daah'
Newbie: Sends `3'
... and so on.

A note to the Expert Buddies:

Hey, do you remember your first CW QSO? Pretty nervous at first, then a tentative CQ, a reply, and then the real sweating began. OK, so have pity on your newbie Code Buddy! `A little scarey' is fun, but `a lot scarey' is just plain intimidating. Also, take the intense, `Type A' contesters and move them to another rig.

Being a `Code' Buddy isn't just for CW:

Field Day is a time to share something special about ham radio. For each ham that can be a lot of different things. Grab that CW or SSB guy and show them digital. PSK31 is a great intro at Field Day and works well as QRP. Don't just have them gawking over your shoulder. Sit them down and show them how the ATV setup, SSTV or satellite demo works. Never been on 6 meters? Never heard an unexpected opening on 2 meters? Now's your chance! It's the one time that you can do anything, go anywhere - no matter what class of license or how few rigs you personally own.

Teach, learn, explore, share -- that is what ham radio is all about. Enthusiasm is contagious, so befriend a newcomer at Field Day. That's what it's really all about, isn't it?

73 es dit dit y'all,

Alan N5LF