|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
Jeff Stevenson (KE4ARH)
on
March 13, 2002
View comments about this article!
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code
Part II - What Johnny can do
Now that a possible reason why so many hard-working hams are having difficulty learning Morse code has been identified, we can begin to work on solutions. Learning Morse code is the goal and if you thought my first article was written to give you an excuse to not learn CW, you were mistaken. As was stated previously, being a Visual Learner makes learning code more challenging but not impossible.
The first step is to eliminate the frustration associated with having difficulty learning. Frustration is a real barrier to learning and is very evident when discussing Morse code with those who have had trouble. Since failure or a sense of failure is what leads to frustration, the first and most important step is restoring motivation to the learner.
Learning CW is a self-taught skill, so the motivation and belief in the possibility of success is going to have to come from within. Whether you need to read testimonials from those who have leaped the hurdle or apprentice yourself to a learned CW Elmer, you must be able to overcome your frustration and negative feelings and begin to feel like you have a chance. Research shows that most of us will be more inclined to take up a task if we have a reasonable expectation of success.1 Until you can banish the frustration and believe that you have a reasonable chance of success don't bother, since your frustration will be a self-defeating barrier.
The next step depends on your reason for learning Morse code. If you are learning the code solely in order to pass the 5 wpm test your plan and methods will be different than visual learners who wish to learn CW in order to actively use it.
I believe that passing the 5 WPM test could be accomplished by writing down the dots and dashes as they are sent and then translating them to characters afterwards. The acceptability of this method is kind of murky. The FCC does not say one way or the other and the ARRL/VEC guide leaves the decision to accept such tests up to the VEC team. If the VEC team will not accept this method, they must announce so prior to the exam. 2 You can also learn CW at 5 WPM using your normal visual learning techniques. Memorizing the table of characters will work at this speed. There have been several recommendations including flashing lights, written aids and study software that displays the dots and dashes. You should know however, that use of these visual crutches will most likely limit your ability to do higher speed code.
If you wish to be able to receive Morse code at high rates of speed and you are a visual learner, you are going to have to force yourself to change how you approach the learning. Simply put, you are going to have to keep yourself from picturing the code in your head. Although you may have experienced great success learning this way in the past, when it comes to higher speed Morse code your brain does not have the time to perform the extra step of searching the lookup table you would create in your mind. Resist the urge to even look at a chart listing the dots and dashes next to their corresponding letter. You do not want your mind to have any idea what these sounds `look' like. You must deal with the code purely in terms of sounds. Many code gurus have said that the code has to be reflexive, and if you wish to be able to instinctively copy code you must stay in the auditory learning style and learn to hear the rhythms of the code. This may be uncomfortable at first for the visual types but rest assured that when you reach the barrier around 10-13 WPM, if you have not created the mental `picture' of the dots and dashes you will cruise right on, amazing yourself on the way.
The last step is committing time to accomplish your goal. When you learn, electro-chemical pathways are established in the nervous system. With additional use, these pathways become more efficient. This is where the commitment to time comes in. The neural pathway for processing the sounds is going to take time to establish, particularly because you are using a learning style that is foreign to you. Once the path is established, consider that instead of a two-lane country road, you have built a CW superhighway in your brain.
-----------------------------
1Atkinson, J.W. (1964). Introduction to motivation. Princeton, NJ: Van Nostrand.
2Jahnke, Bart J. and Irwin, Wayne (2000). ARRL Volunteer Examiner Manual p.46-7
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W5HTW on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As for learning the code to pass the test, and then to forget about it, I think a lot of those who would like to get into the hobby, or upgrade and gain access to HF, might find it easier to simply wait another year. Despite ARRL objections, it is almost certain WRC2003 will eliminate Morse as a testing requirement, and for those who have waited frustrated for many years, waiting another year or 14-15 months, is not a substantial barrier. "I can do it standing on my head," as they say.
As for learning it to actually use, rather than have a computer use it for you, in other words to actually copy Morse personally, rather than through Windows or McIntosh, the approach does have to be a lot different. It is so hard to unlearn poorly learned techniques, such as counting dots and dashes, or substituting words for dots and dashes, that many can never completely re-learn the code correctly. We should learn the code the way we learn the alphabet as a baby - hearing the letter, the sound of the letter, and the Farnsworth method does this, preventing counting dits and dahs.
Today, of course, the trend is toward automatic CW, sent and received by computer. Which is akin to climbing on a United Airlines flight in New York, flying to LA, and then telling people how great you are as a pilot. Nothing wrong with automatic Morse, but it is not necessary to "learn" Morse to send or receive it, anymore than it is necessary to learn Baudot in the head to send and receive RTTY. With the almost-certain removal of the Morse requirement we will probably see more automatic Morse on the bands, proving that CW really IS exciting, even if we can't do it ourselves.
Johnny has to be taught HOW to learn, before he can begin learning. And the 'How" involves determining why he wants to learn it, what he intends to do with it once it is learned, and then skipping the intermittent steps that become impediments to the learning process. Without motivation, Johnny will not learn the code, but with sufficient motivation, he will do so and will succeed with it. That's the bottom line - motivation. While so many complain that the code is ridiculous, in the shadows behind them, thousands go quietly about learning it and getting licensed, because they have the motivation. That is the first thing Johnny must find - a way to convince himself he "can" and he "will" - because it is there.
Tell Johnny to decide. It's his option.
Ed
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N7KMV on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
While it does appear likely that the WRC-2003 will eliminate the morse code requirement, individual countries will still have the option to require morse code proficiency. I personally don't believe that the FCC is going to wavie the morse code requirement any time soon regardless of what happens next year at WRC.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by K4HC on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I have followed this thread, and have to agree with Jeff. Inability to learn Morse code boils down to two things:
1. Self-fulfilling prophecy - "I can't do this"...
2. Lack of practice.
Copying Morse code is a learned reaction. How did you learn to type? Practice, and developing muscle memory. How did you learn to drive? By getting behind the wheel of a car and DOING it, practicing your skills until they became automatic.
I shiver whenever I hear someone say they are "practicing" by listening to a tape while driving. That's like learning to type by watching someone else do it.
Devote 20 minutes EVERY day to CW drill, copying it with a pencil onto paper, and within 30 days you will be copying better than the 5 wpm required. After you pass your test, it's entirely up to you whether or not you further develop your skill.
But if you keep telling yourself you can't do this...then you won't.
73, and hope to see you on HF
Chris K4HC
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by NE0P on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
If the above assertations are true-and I am not sure that they are, then won't visual learners also have trouble learning to speak in the first place? Is there language development delayed relative to the rest of us? I am curious since I am a professor of Psychology, but not one who buys wholeheartedly into this "different learning styles" theory. I believe that it is the politically correct explanation for lack of motivation. Anyway, I learned code fairly easily, but did not really like it at first. However, I do run CW more than other modes, which I guess makes me a non-visual learner-especially since I passed my 20 wpm extra license. However, I still do OK on visual modes like RTTY, Hellschreiber, and PSK. I did not have much trouble picking up these modes, even though by defintion I am not a visual learner since I was able to pass a code test at greater than 5wpm without extraordinary training. Then again, the first time I went for my general license, I passed the code but flunked the theory. Must have been because I had to read it (a visual activity). I would have aced it if someone read the questions to me-or better yet-sent them to me in Morse Code!!
P.S. THe ARRL does not object to removing the CW testing requirement for access to HF
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KG6AMW on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Sounds like some of you guys are talking motivation when maybe its just an interest matter. If your interested in something, barriers can be easily overcome. When there is no interest, you can't give it away.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Truly! When I was 10, I didn't want to learn Morse, I just wanted to be a ham. It was required, period, there was no such thing as a NO CODE ticket. So I learned it.
What a surprise, now that I have, I have been afflicted with the curse of it's addiction.
I think this is remarkable, because I started with no interest, it was simply the muck & crud I had to go through to do what I thought I was interested in.
Great Article, well put...I was thinking exactly that about getting my wife to pass code by filling in the blanks with dots and dashes as sent and catching them later, just to get past it...
Even while I worry that will likely handicap her when she gets addicted to it too. Then it will become a crutch.
Definitley, serious consideration should be given to learning methods, just in case one finds themselves liking it- best to avoid having to stop old bad habits.
Well put neutral article!
73!
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N9XMX on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Johnny just doesn’t wanna learn CW!
I was Johnny for nearly 20 year. I blamed it on all the standard excuses... tone deafness,
no time, my learning disabilities and dyslexia; all of which are true challenges I was
faced with, but also served as damn good impediments that I could blame my short
coming on.
Well Here it is in a nut shell... 2002 New Years resolution: Pass CW By July of 2002, and
General written by years end. Not to hard??? The facts... After studying 20 minute a
night I nailed the written and 5wpm down by Feb 18th. Six weeks for crying out loud!
Boy was I mad at myself for 20 year of self imposed exile from the HF bands.
If Johnny can convince himself he can’t pass, then he won’t. I have dyslexia, a
condition that cause my mind to reverses and/or jumble sounds, words and thoughts. I
can assure you, it was extremely difficult for me to overcome, but I succeeded because I
WANTED TO!
Some Hints that worked for me:
1) Make No Excuses.
2) Software (I used NUMORSE - well writen and affordable)
3) 20 minute a night, and NO more! Dont burn yourself out!
4) Farnsworth Rules! Listen for the rythm, It’s like getting into a song you like.
At farnsworth speed, each character has its own sound
5) Go buy some cool HF gear you cant use yet. This drove me nuts, but it helped!
Jerry Cato
N9XMX
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by WF0H on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
A big part of the problem is that those who don't know the code don't know what they're missing when they listen to the CW bands. When I was first learning, before I even knew all of the alphabet and numbers, I would listen in the CW bands and try to pick out callsigns of the slower stations - at least the numbers in them, because that gave me some idea of what part of the country I was listening to. Of course, as my code proficiency grew, I discovered that many of those stations were not U.S. hams at all.
If frustration at learning the code is a problem, I think I would discourage the use of computer code readers, because the idea that a machine can do something for you usually makes the manual task less enjoyable. Indeed, I've never seen a computer that could copy code 1/10th as well as I can, either.
As you learn, try listening to CW on the HF bands and just pick out letters and numbers. As time goes on, you will get more and more of them, and it may start to actually make sense. Soon, you will find yourself motivated to do more, and you will.
Good Luck...
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KC7BDP on March 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I find interesting the theory of frustration jumping in the way of learning Morse. By the time I was in Boy Scouts; eyeglsses had become a way of life, and precluded my becoming a military pilot "just like Dad". But I was working on my Communications merit badge and Dad was trying to teach me Morse - which he had taught my mother during WWII - and she HATED radio! Between my myriad mistakes and his limited time (the Army was still keeping him busy, even as a civilian DOD employee); it just never took. I've hated Morse ever since, period. When I finally sat for "the test"; I came out the other end as a "Codeless (or as the brass-pounders wound have it, a "Clueless) Tech. And I haven't looked back.
Dad transitioned from C-47's to B-17's, -26's and -36's without ever letting anybody know that he was afraid of heights; I've made some cash hanging off 145' towers to change feed assemblies on 11GHz comm'l microwave dishes - not a shake. Dad's eagle eye brought home trophy elk with his 7.92 mm Mauser "up North"; I've shot javelina with a 4" S&W 44 Magnum handgun (BTW, the elk DO taste better!). He had a hard time writing for, teaching or talking to more than 3 or 4 people at a time, I give some inspirational speeches and write many more of them for fun and profit. We DID get together for some fabulous four-wheeling in the desert.
What do you want to do? Work New Brunswick from the West Coast on 20 CW, or with 10W into a half-wave dipole hanging from a tree on Six SSB. Been there, done that - at least the second part.
Someday I'm going to sit down and pass the 5WPM test and take the General theory (will have to learn a whole new set of operating procedures). Then I'll grit my teeth and work through a 20WPM qualification in Dad's memory. 'Til then, I'll just keep playing with weak-signal VHF-UHF and working on tower sites. I'll do it when I want to; and not one minute (or excuse) until then.
Jimmy
KC7BDP
DM22qq
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N7DC on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Bosh! Johnny can't learn because Johnny doesn't want to. Thats been the fact since day one, and continues to be, particularly because others tell him it is.
I have sat, one-on-one and one-to-dozens with Boy Scouts thru the past 40 years, teaching them code. In the 20s-30s-40s-50-early 60s, all U.S. Boy Scouts had to pass Morse Code tests in order to become a First Class Scout, and hundreds of thousands did so. We taught them using audio keyers, flashlights, and even wig wag flags, but they did learn. Some went on to ham radio, but most did not. I never heard of the so called Farnsworth Method, until many years later. I had been using the "Douglas" method of fast keying with lots of spaces between characters since the 50s. I was just too dumb to be the one to patent it I guess. Anyway, when I got into the U.S. Army, I was sent off to, of all things, communications school. There, some 125 men were put into a 6 month class with the first 3 months being nothing but Morse code and typing. You hear a character, you type it down. Some screamed, tossed their mills (a typewriter with no small character keys) out the windows but we all managed to get thru it. The only drop-outs in the entire period were not from inability to copy code, but the inability or refusal to copy at the required 30 wpm. All got past 5 wpm within two weeks, and most were at the 20 wpm area within a month and a half. Those few of us that immediately passed the typing exam, wound up copying code all day long. Thats cruel and inhuman punishment, but is exactly the reason I exceeded 40 wpm within the 3 month period, plus had extra time off to just cruise the base. What this all comes down to is that everyone can at least pass 5 wpm, given the time and effort to do so, and if they desire it. Why did we want to? Well; I asked that question the first day. "What if we dont pass 5 wpm in the 2 weeks allowed?" the answer: "We will give you another job as pole lineman, cook, or security guard" That was enough for me to go in the next 15 minutes and pass 5.
The first class badge was enough incentive for the Boy Scouts to do so. It was required for the Novice test, and thousands did that too. Visual? Sounds? Feel? Doesnt matter how you learn. What matters is that you do. As to the international requirements, Yes they are going down the tube. The ARRL has said they will ask the FCC to continue the requirement here in the states: But they also said some few months back that they would follow the wishes of the majority of the membership and push for retention of CW requirements at the international level, and have gone back on their word on that one. Sadly its gone, and we are worse off for it. It was the one thing that set up apart from other communications hobbies, and we now have to live with it.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N4MVL on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As a classically-trained pianist, I learned that repitition is essential to mastery of any process. Also, I learned that you need to practice each little part until you master it. Finally, your attitude is VERY IMPORTANT - if you aren't focused, you won't accomplish anything. It's that simple - there are no shortcuts. If you listen to 20 minutes of code each day for a couple of weeks, 5 wpm will be easy. Listen after you've rested, and avoid distractions. Don't try to cram in 2 hours on a Saturday - you'll burn out and you won't progress. listen in 5-10 minute intervals with a short rest. That's it - there's nothing magical about it. Good luck to those of you going for the code.
73 de N4MVL
Lee
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by NOCALLYET111 on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Man, talk about beating a dead horse! Geesh, you code folks should just give up. Soon there wont be any code requirements on ham radio and more people will join the hobby, people who wont be so elitist about things.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4DG on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Again, I can tell you why Johnny Can't Learn Code. He didn't use Code Quick!!! Code Quick RULEZ!!!
http://www.cq2k.net/
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Sure is difficult not to feel sold out on this.
CW has always been critical to Amateur Radio's HF Identity.
Seems like digital modes any one can do just go out and BUY the stuff. Get a computer, interface, and get the software, and buy a transceiver, and multiband precut resonant antenna. Operating Skill [in techo-geek-speak, where the OS- Operating System, is your brain] must be an important aspect to successful wireless digital communication, just like in ancient CW. Or else correct me if I'm wrong on that last statement.
I'm not downing digital modes as it now stands, I'm simply painting a picture of things to come- get ready I'll bet we'll be hearing a whole lot more digital (the computer generated EFFICIENT kind, not Morse) signals out there when Code requisites are dropped! But then again, maybe not.
HF computer geek types (myself included) on the bands will certainly be into RF. If not they'd simply stay Internet bound 100% copy all the time [barring Server/ISP down-time/phone line outages, congestion, slowed down-up-load times]. Certainly more people to CHAT with On-Line, no more equipment to purchase.
And optimistically, the dawning of HF No Code really WILL generate more voluntary interest in CW?
It may very well be, because-
the NO CODE "DigiMon" will not be able to avoid hearing the sounds of Morse, as the CW person will not be able to avoid the sound of digital-mode. [We're already there] Might one tantalize the other, after all, CW really is the MOST fundamental digital mode ever. Some will chose to give CW a real whirl, others may take longer, or the buzz of it will never bite them... nevertheless,
the Jedi will never die.
Fear Not- have you noticed the proliferation of mobil HF CW operations? They're everywhere. [And we thought Cell-Phones were a hazard, hee hee].
73,
W3DCG.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by WA3RA on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hello, Jimmy!
I agree with you 100%! Everything comes in its own time.
I hated CW when I started out...but to get the ticket at that time, you hadda pass code...so I did, kicking and screaming all the way!
About two years later, on commercial op let me tag along for a two-week ship-to-shore stint. He also taught me a neat trick....CW at higher speeds doesn't 'resemble' the slower speeds at all!
He spent an hour a day with me, sending characters at 30 wpm, with lots of spacing, then gradually shrunk the spacing down. Within the two weeks, I was copying solid 30 wpm code groups. I passed the Radiotelegraph exam on the first shot!
Do yourself a favor....if you want to go 20WPM, learn it at that speed...otherwise, you'll hit the dreaded plateaus and it'll take forever!
Enjoy!
Bill WA3RA (ex KS3Y)
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AC4GT on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I personally have never had an REAL talent for CW but i worked as a professional CW operater for several years. I have known a FEW people that were really CW naturals. Most people fall into the catagory of the normal person that has to WORK forf cw. While there are possibly a few reasons a person has a problem with cw mostely what I have heard in the 40 plus years are excuses....basically people that want something for nothing. A ham radio operater used to be a special type person and it is not for everybody.
CW was part of being a ham and we accepted that.
I am going to make a few people mad by stating that from my experience (and it has been broad) if a person really wants to be a ham and sets his mind to learn CW he will. The ones of us that were Navy Radiomen and have gotten the extra class ticket the 20 WPM way had to WORK for it.
Thee is another key word...WORK... if you work kto accomplish the various levels you appreciate them more.......TRY IT!!
AC4GT
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AA8YO on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
PLEASE ..... GIVE US A BREAK!!!!!
Why do you keep bringing this up? Didn't we just have this discussion on this forum a month or so ago? My (and remember it is MY reason - please no personal attacks) are the same for "Why Johnny Can't Learn Code -Part II" as they were for "Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part I" !!!!! Nothing has changed !!!!!
Here it is, verbatim: (Now make sure to read all the way through - and don't miss out on my closing statements!)
I am personally of the opinion that the reason Johnny Can't Learn Code, is because Johnny Refuses To Dedicate The Time And Effort Necessary To Learn Morse Code.
There is nothing mysterious about Morse Code. There is nothing magical, there is no Voodoo involved, and it does not require any special talents. It requires practice, practice, and more practice. I practiced for hours a day - day in and day out, and guess what? I learned the code. And then I decided to become proficient at Morse Code, which required practice, practice, and more practice. I did this because I wanted to, (and wanted the additional bandwidth on HF) and I dedicated a LOT of time and effort to it.
Before I knew the code, I NEVER made any excuses, nor did I formulate any theories as to why I don't know it. I didn't know it, because I didn't (at the time) dedicate the time and effort necessary to learn it. No if's and's or but's.
Please don't get me wrong - if a ham is not interested in dedicating the time and effort to learn Morse Code, fine - there are plenty of other modes to have fun with on the Amateur Bands. But please, I am so tired of hearing excuses (even if they are in the form of theories) as to why individuals do not know the code. Give me a break - ANYONE could learn 5 WPM. (In my humble opinion)
73 to all !
Bob / AA8YO
Now please don't go and start telling us about your six figure salary, and your conquests as a high school athlete, or your sucessful marriage, or your blah, blah, blah, blah .....
If anything, you should have at this point, been telling everyone how you have been successfully making hundreds of CW QSO's at 20 WPM + . My God, you certainly have had enough time to practice ! Ooops, I said the P word again .....
Good Luck and 73
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AB9EH on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You are all partially right. Motivation and dedication is a requirement but it is not enough. If you have the motivation to drive a nail but you are using a screwdriver instead of a hammer, the results will be poor. I am a highly motivated, but VERY tone deaf ham. I tried to learn with several of the different tools available and could not make progress for whatever reason. It was not due to a lack of effort or desire, I gave it at least one 30-45 minute practice every day. My conclusion is that the tools I had tried did not work for my style of learning.
I starting trying alternatives and found NuMorse Pro, which uses many different learning styles. It displays dots and dashes, displays the character, shows a mnemonic phrase, shows a picture that links to the phrase, flashes a semaphore beacon, animates the keypresses on a keyboard, and will play the phonetic character. None of these, by themselves, worked for me, but the combination of approaches did wonders. I learned some characters by sound, others by the phrase, others by the picture. After the first six or eight characters it got easier, and in about five weeks I could copy at close to 10WPM and passed my test.
I think the goal is to find the solution that works for you. There are so many great tools available, try several different approaches and then settle on the one that fits your style. You can nail the code, but you have to put down the screwdriver and pick up a hammer.
73,
Jim
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KD6MDO on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Just another observation: while I agree with all the motivation/learning style comments that have been made and agree as well that code can be learned by pretty much anyone, my personal experience showed me an interesting side of myself. I got my no-code ticket 10 years ago and a couple of years or so later I decided to add 5WPM code. It wasn't all that tough, but I did have to work on it. After I passed, I was able to borrow a rig or two from different friends (thanks, guys!)and had a ball on CW. All fired up, I worked on upgrading to General, but found 13 WPM not coming easily. I passed the written and failed the code, and "never got around" to passing the 13WPM. Now it's time to renew my license, and I'm all fired up about passing the General written. While I would still like to get back into CW, I just don't feel I would have "gotten around" to studying for the 13WPM. So my conclusion is that I will become at least a General due to the 13WPM code requirement being dropped. I'll leave this to somebody else to decide if this is a good thing or not. I'm just happy to be excited about ham radio again.
73 de Andy, KD6MDO
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KE4ARH on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Robert,
I do this just to annoy you. Just remember that eham.net exists for more than just your personal perusal. Others seem to enjoy reading my theories and have benefitted. If it is all just a little above your head, just click the back button and ignore me.
Jeff
AG4PM
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AA8YO on March 14, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hi Jeff,
First of all, congratulations on your upgrade! I (as I'm sure a lot of others who frequent eham.net) knew you could do it! You are to be commended for all your hard work, diligence, and perseverence.
Secondly, I apologize for not fully understanding what a public forum is all about, and you're right, your theories are a little over my head. What can I say?
Thirdly, thank you for bringing to my (as well as I'm sure thousands of others who frequent this, and other forums with regularity) attention, the purpose of the "Back" button on our Web Browsers. You are truly an intellectual giant
Finally, I sincerely hope to run into you on the air one of these days. Now that you have rightfully earned the priveledge to all of the coveted HF spectrum, I'm confident it will only be a matter of time.
Take care and 73,
Bob / AA8YO
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by K4PDM on March 15, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
WRC2003 will likely remove the international requirement. It is not certain when individual countries will remove their own requirements.
Automated CW will not be fun, any more than setting up two computers to voice your words on SSB would be fun. The fun of CW is as much in the process as the communication.
In all my CW contacts, if I have ever worked an automated station, they did not inform me of the fact that they were sending by computer.
Having said all this, let me add that I am in favor of further decreasing or eliminating the code requirement. If it were not for that requirement I would have gotten into ham radio much sooner. Unfortunately, I would likely have missed out on the fun of all my CW contacts, slow and fast, and the sense of accomplishment of passing the 20 WPM exam. But, to each his own!
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KF9VH on March 15, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
What a waste of cyber space!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give it a break boys.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AE4TK on March 15, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
It's a good thing the medical profession does not change the requirements for becoming a medical doctor just because the learning path is difficult. "We need more doctors so let's make it easy for anyone who wants to be one to join" might not be the most sane approach. Why should we Hams be any different? Why should we warmly welcome any new member to our "elitist fraternity" who declares the admission requirements too hard, outmoded and useless because all he wants to do is talk on two meters?
I agree with AA8YO: Johnny doesn't want to become a Ham enough to put in the work to sit down and actually practice and learn the code. I have run out of sympathy for the prospective Hams who don't want to work for their ticket. Quit whining and do something about it, for Pete's sake! There are hundreds of thousands of us who learned CW and it was not easy for most of us. We wanted it so we did it. If you can learn to speak English, you can certainly learn CW. You didn't learn English overnight and you won't learn CW without practice.
Now that that's off my chest...
Learning method does have a lot to do with success. Everyone is right: you have to listen to the sound and hear it as a letter without doing a mental "table lookup". I appreciate the difficulty of learning by listening to 5 WPM CW because that is agonizingly slow. Imagine trying to learn a spoken language by listening to words that take 12 seconds to speak! I would lose interest before the second sentence.
Learning is much easier if you use Farnsworth spacing when the letters are formed at 12 or 15 words per minute and the code sent at five. You hear a compact set of tones that quickly begins to sound like an A or a Z or a period and there is enough time for your brain to absorb the sound in the relative eternity before the next set of tones. Your brain becomes conditioned from the beginning to hearing a compact set of sounds and does not have to wait forever to listen to the loooong tones and then reassemble them into something that truly needs a lookup table by then. Decreasing the spacing is easy and you don't have to learn new sounds each time you increase another WPM.
Regardless of whether a person learns visually or aurally, practice is the only way to make the hurdle. Learning CW is not like a video game or TV commercial that is over quickly with instant gratification. Instead, learning CW means that you have put in the time it takes and have learned how to do something that qualifies you to join a fraternity of some really great folks who know how to do more than memorize answers and operate an appliance.
Yeah, CW is a big stumbling block and a tall hurdle for most folks and always has been. However, the success of having made it over the CW hurdle feels great and there is not a CW-qualified Ham out there who wouldn't agree with that. It's a good feeling to say "I made it!"
Constructively submitted. I think.
Bill
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KA3DWW on March 15, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
K4HC said "I have followed this thread, and have to agree with Jeff. Inability to learn Morse code boils down to two things:
1. Self-fulfilling prophecy - "I can't do this"...
2. Lack of practice."
You didn't really read what Jeff said else you'd know your translation thereof was unfounded; rather you "read" what you want to hear.
I believed I could learn Morse, and still do, yet I had to spend 3 - 4 hours a night every night for two weeks to pass the 5WPM novice exam. Then, having aced the General written test, I practiced almost every night for months but never did pass a FCC 13WPM exam. After several tries, in a day when I had to take 2 days off work, drive 100 miles and stay in a motel just to take the exam at an FCC office, I gave up. Having profound hearing loss from tinnitis didn't help either. Right now I am "hearing" 3 tones each louder than a Morse signal, that come and go unpredictably and intermodulate with real sounds to create a warble. But I still believe I can learn Morse well enough to enjoy it and plan to do so once I retire and have the time.
It's always easy to assign perjorative reasons like yours to folks who find something more difficult than you do. I suppose I Should I ascribe your poor reading comprehension to lack of confidence and practice???
KA3DWW
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by NE0P on March 15, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
OK, so lets get rid of the code because it is unfair to some, and it keeps some off of the air. It promotes an "eliteist mentality" among hams.
While we are at it, lets get rid of the written test, because it is unfair to some, and it keeps some off of the air. After all, look how well this has worked for the Citizen's band.
THink how many hams we would have if everyone was just given a license with their birth certificate. We would definitely keep our bands then!!
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N3BSZ on March 15, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I am a broadcast engineer for 6 radio stations in a large market. I am technically a wiz, however I can not learn code after 2 characters. I never thought about the "visual learner" but now that it has been brought up, I have realized that I am one. I have always pictured things, and I guess that is why my spelling is so bad (kept imagining the spelling). With that off my chest I would like the code kept as an optional requirement. If you can not copy the code then you have another element of theory. This way we can keep our bands clean of the "C.B" want to be's. Yes I was also one of them.
73,
Tom, N3BSZ
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KD5PDA on March 15, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Ah this is CRAP! Go back to reviewing your books and find some cure for FINDING OUT THAT YOUR FULL OF CRAP!
For the real hammerz out there, Kd5pda
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
Anonymous post on March 16, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Will this listing ever go away. Nobody cares why "Johnny can't learn code". Maybe Johnny doesn't care either.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AB8JZ on March 16, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Of course Johnny doesn't care if he learns code or not? Why? Because instead of explaining to Johnny what the benifits of code are, and why he should learn it (besides frequency priviledges), most hams have just told Johnny what a lid he his, and that he is not a REAL ham, because he doesn't know code. If you are Johnny and guys are sitting around downing you because you don't know code, and telling you that you aren't a REAL ham like they are because you have a code-free ticket, why on God's green Earth would you want to go through the effort of learning code, just to turn around and talk to these same guys who put you down? I know I wouldn't.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AD6WL on March 16, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
He dosn't want to learn code. So please end this subject and we can get on to the new subject: "Why Johnny Can't Learn Code-Part III" Better than Rocky.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AC7FB on March 16, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I find it interesting the idea that it's just lack of motivation that prevents one from learning code. I've been working on it for over 3 years, tried all the tapes,CodeQuick,portable code generators, etc. I still have a very difficult time with code. I've tried straight keys, bugs, and Iambic keys. So just because you find it easy don't make it your virtue and others a personality flaw. Just be happy you can do it and don't judge others by yourself.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W5HTW on March 17, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
AC7FB -- Lock your microphone away, store your two meter rig in the closet, and get on HF CW. There are no miracles, but as you spend a few minutes a night having an actual QSO with other hams, you will find it progressing. Might take a few months, sure. Took me the full year of almost nightly work as a Novice to get to the 13 WPM. But it came, and it came because I had no voice capabilities as a Novice, so it was ham on CW or not ham at all. Apparently you have learned enough of it to get past the 5 WPM, so saying you can't learn it is actually misleading - you DID learn it, or so your call sign suggests. So now you need to increase your speed? You won't do it on the internet, not on this forum, and you won't do it on 20 meters SSB and you won't do it on 2 meter FM. I'm not being cute; that's just the way it is. You won't do it with code practice tapes, either. Unless, that is, you are prepared to do it the military way, of at least 4 hours a day of solid pounding practice, and none of us hams are willing to do that. When I went to government radio school I had to know 15 wpm to get into the school. And that's where the code practice tapes are great - if you really 'know' the code, then they are excellent for increasing speed. My guess is you learned, even if you aren't aware of it, to count dots and dashes, and that ain't gonna work, no way! You'll never get past 6 wpm, tops. Gotta hear the sound, just as you hear the sound of the spoken letter "A" - you don't confuse it with "W" - you "hear" it. You don't confuse the word "cat" with "sandwich." You "hear" them. And so it goes with the code.
You can learn to type at 25 wpm in high school typing class. But if you then never touch another keyboard, a year or two later you'll be typing at 5 wpm.
In summary, you have it now - use it and it will get better. Don't, and it won't. That's what is meant by motivation. Get on the air and have fun, at 3 wpm, 5 wpm, or 8 wpm, and eventually -- not tomorrow, not next month -- you'll be at 13 wpm. And 20 wpm, and maybe 30 wpm.
Good luck -- you CAN do it. You just need the right guidance, and assistance from someone nearby who can help you do it right. You'll be there soon, amigo. Get on the air and enjoy!
Ed
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by K9SLED on March 17, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
why all this ... .... .. - again,and again and again,over and over, encore ... .... .. - ?
sure seems as though these elitest, are bigmouthed, overbearing, self centered, stuffedshirt bigoted, blowhards, who want everybody to do what "I" say do because "I" know what you should like, not what "you" would like, because "you don't have enough sience to know .
k9sled
|
| |
|
Johnny's just plain lazy
|
|
|
by N0TONE on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
For goodness' sake, in the amount of time and effort it takes for Johnny to figure out his "learning style" he could have code licked.
I remember a colleage who "couldn't learn code". He argued about how much effort it was, how he couldn't hear a dot from a dash, and all that. Well, he was drafted. He had a choice - radio operator from behind the lines, or soldier on the front lines. He said he wanted to be a radio op, and they said he had to learn code at 30 words per minute. So, this guy who had spent 10 years previous claiming he was unable, got 30 wpm in a matter of one week.
If Johnny seems unable to learn code, it's nothing to do with learning style - it's just not important to him.
Metaphorically, look at all the fat people in the world, and in ham radio. Why aren't they healthy? All you have to do is eat less, right? That costs no money, and takes no time. So why are they fat? Because being a healthy weight simply isn't important enough for it to be on their minds when they make that decision of whether or not to add cheese to the burger.
For what it's worth, your little new-age "it isn't my fault" theory suggests that I'm a purely visual learner. No surprise there, I have always known that I really don't understand things until I "see" them. I learned 5wpm in about four days. How? I listened to the code, and began visualizing what the letters looked like in my head. Same way I learned how to read and write. No nonsense like writing out "dots" and "dashes". You make the transition in your head. Hell, visual learners learned how to speak and listen, right? Are you claiming that they hear a sentence, then somehow translate it into pictures of words in their heads? Nonsense.
Get over it. A half hour a day, two weeks, you've got it. Done. Less time than it takes to write all these excuses.
And for those who might think I'm elitist - yes, I got my Extra class ticket by passing a 20wpm test. That's what it required in those days. If it required 5wpm, that's what I'd have taken. If it took nothing, that's what I'd have taken. I wanted the bottom 25kHz of 40 meters for DXing, and I did what it required to get that 25kHz. I welcome those who got it via 5wpm tests - good for you. You'll be welcomed if you show up after having taken no code test at all.
Just quit accusing me of being elitist just because I took the test I was required to take. I did what you did, no more and no less.
Both sides in this debate need to get a grip.
AM
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KR2F on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Bob
Doncha know we're just a buncha ELITISTS? Just like all those elitist toilet trained folks who snub their noses at the pants pissers. Not to mention all those Elitists who know something about geography because they learned about it before our spoon-fed society stopped teaching it in school since, after all, who needs it? All you need is the remote and a beer!
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KB2GMX on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Jeff:
Nice Article. I agree with your comment about 'Learning Code is the objective'.
Okay, so Let's Learn Code.
How to overcome frustration. There are 26 letters, ten numbers and a few pro-signs. That’s about 40 symbols in all.
Letters. I always start out with the letter 'L' as it has a very good rhythm to it and Rhythm is the key (at least for me it is). Dih-Dah-dih-dit it almost sounds like writing a script 'L'. You rise up (Dih-Dah) and then you drop down (dih-dit). The next is the letter 'F'. Dih-dee-Dah-Dit. Associate the dih-dee-Dah with the up-ward line and hook of a Lowercase 'f' and the last dit as the cross.
Check it out we learned 2 letters... 24 more to go.
I believe Association is the key to learning code. I mouth-out the letters as hear them and copy the message that way.
Numbers have there own rhythm and you have to listen, listen and listen some more to get it.
Let's overcome frustration. Frustration is a state of mind. If you look at a calendar you see 30 days give or take. Therefore if you learn one letter a day, one month is all it should take. ('Should' he says). Johnny must feel good about learning code. If he does not feel good, he will NOT LEARN.
One letter a day is do-able. It can be done. Start today. But you must feel good about learning code even if it is one letter a day.
Budget your time. Give yourself one hour a day. Get to a quiet part of your home and learn one letter.
Smile to yourself. Felling good comes from the inside and works its way out.
If you feel frustrated about learning a letter, confine yourself for that hour. Stop after that hour and come back to it the following day. If you feel good and want to go on do so. Just like physical work you can over do it. Take your time and feel good.
If you cannot get a letter feel good about knowing where you are having trouble.
Here is something you can do in your free time. Listen to your favorite music. Try to pick out one instrument and follow it through the song. I like to listen to Jackson 5 songs and follow the Piano. Mentally ignoring the rest of the sounds will help Johnny pick the code out of the static.
This technique got me to learn code in 6 weeks. I took weekends off.
Johnny, I home this helps.
-Dave KB2GMX
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AE4TK on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
One of the facts of life is that everyone can't do everything. Live with it.
Some people will be able to meet the license requirements and others will not. Some people will work hard like the rest of us did and other people will not be willing to put in the hours it takes. Some will plod away and do what has to be done and the others will whine about it being too hard.
The whiners will complain about the test being outdated, about CW being useless and how times have changed and how CW-qualified Hams are elitist and dogmatic and all the other things they invent to justify not working hard enough to qualify. A little work does not justify a guaranteed reward, fellas!
I worked hard. I got mine and I have helped others get theirs.
To quote Yoda: "Do or not do; there is no try."
To the working group: keep at it and you will make it.
To Johnny with the bad grammar and bad manners: I don't particularly care about your opinion and I doubt you will ever have the drive to buckle down and work hard enough to succeed. Name-calling is a bit childish, does not contribute anything to the discussion and tells a lot more about why you are not successful than you probably want us to know.
|
| |
|
RE: Johnny's just plain lazy
|
|
|
by KG4RNE on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
To N0TONE -
Your comment reminds me of the kids back in school who were able to pass every class without studying one bit, and then sitting there wondering (out loud, usually) why everyone wasn't as smart as them.
In 1985, I was part of a high-school radio club. After school, a bunch of us would get together and study for our Novice tickets. After a few weeks, I was able to pass the written exams, but couldn't pass the code. I studied for a MINIMUM of 20 minutes each day - I used tapes, W1AW code practice, practice with my classmates (who had since breezed through the 5 wpm exam). I took the test a total of 5 times, failing each time. Finally, the school year ended, and so did the radio club - I never did pass the exam. Laziness? I don't think so. I put at LEAST 60 hours into learning the code, over those 4 months.
Fast forward 17 years. I decided to take the no-code Technician exam back in January, which I easily passed. I immediately set to studying for the code test - one hour a night for 6 weeks, using Ham University, NuMorse, practice exams generated on AA9PW's web page, and over-the-air practice from W1AW. This past Saturday, I took the Element 1 exam - and failed it again. I didn't even come close to passing - I think I strung about 11 characters together. I also took the General theory exam, which I passed with flying colors.
So - you want to chalk that up to laziness? I far exceeded your "half hour a day for 2 weeks" guideline (six times over, as a matter of fact), and still flunked.
Call it whatever you want, but it's not always laziness. Some people just can't learn code, and I genuinely believe that I am one of those people. Personally, I want to operate on HF badly enough (HF is the ONLY reason I was interested in becoming a ham) that I'm going to keep banging my head into the CW brick wall for a while, in the hopes of maybe getting lucky on an exam one of these days. For all I know, it might take another 6 tries. Heck, it might take another 60 tries, for all I know.
So how about this: I won't call you elitist if you won't call me lazy. I busted my butt trying to learn the code (by your standards), and I WILL pass that test one of these days. I just have to work a lot harder than you to do it.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
how many more times must we hash this out, please?
one such article isn't over, and another starts. don't you get tired of the same "old" stuff over, and over? I mean do you all really get that much out of banging and bashing someone because they don't know morse code and probably really and truly likes something else, why is it you think they are less a ham than those who like hf and code? does it really make that much difference in your enjoyment of the code, if they don't enjoy it, but like the digital modes better? i know it surely doesn't make one iota of difference in my enjoyment of the frequencies. does it really matter if they like vhf/uhf/shf? isn;t there room for those who like expermenting with the (as i've heard them called) flashlight frequencies.
for whatever reason johnny does or does-not learn the code, does it really matter,or hurt your operating any? even if johnny has his excuses?
i don't care one way or the other, if johnny does or does-not learn the code, it wont hurt me any and he certainly is a ham according to the fcc and they are happy(fcc). so, why in this good green earth are you all worked up about wheather or not johnny does or does-not care about code? you enjoy it. or do you enjoy ripping and raring about his not caring one way or the other, more? i will enjoy it soon enough, and isn't that all that really matters. if he misses out; So be it, his fault, you've done your best, now its' up to him. i would like some concrete answers as to why it is so all-fired important to you,that johnny does-not learn the code, and how does it effect your operating, please, please lets don't act like the judge prosecuter and executioner. and lets not seem like a bunch of channel 19 c.b ers (PLEASE!)about it < yea! i still remember, have got cussed more times than i got fingers and toes, about the"truckers channel"... If you keep hollering, he may learn code and qrm one of your qso's and then you'll have something else to yell about. the frequencies aren't crowded now, so why mess up a good thing?hah?
73 and have a good week
willie ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
w3dcg,
man you've got to be kidding. cw while driving? hoo boooay somebody is riding with diaster, don't ya think?
ag4hy
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KC8SKX on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This discussion about learning code is a somewhat mute point. The code requirement is going to go by the wayside in the next year or so. With that the use of morse code will cease to exist over the next few years as no new hams will attempt to learn it since it will not be required.
This is the real fear of the 5 percent or so of hams that actually send code over the air. They will not have anyone to play with. This is a plus to the hobby since they (the code senders) will be forced to move on to more modern and efficient means of communication.
Of course this is what the FCC wants and it will certainly be in full support of the removal of the requirement.
Time to bury the code and move on.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 18, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
ae4tk;
in reading your opinions; i have noticed that you take exception to some johnny calling names.I
have a very serious question to ask and want you to really think about your answer,ok?
what would you think if you were on the receiving end of the way those who don't know the code or doesn't care about it, being called lazy,lids, and sundry names that you and others call them.
question 2 Do you all really think that calling the no-code hams, names like that is really going to do any good or help anything? now really think about it...
question 3 would it help to motivate you; if you didn't know the code, by calling you lazy or stupid or a lid, would it really help? or would you do just what they (the ones who don't know code) are appearantly doing, balking; just because of the names they are called?
you didn't like it when names were called, so why should they? you all have done your best to get the word out, it is now up to them. they will see it one day and change, hopefully, maybe..
and calling them lazy and lids etc. doesn't add to the topic of discussion any more than what you said about some johnny and it is just as childish of you all.
now really give this some serious thought and lets all put this to rest once and for all. let others do what interest them.and let us do what interest us..i'm not trying to put you down, or poke fun at you or things like that. and i'm not defending anyone either.
have a good week and 73
willie ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 19, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
AG4HY,
Hey there Willie!
What, CW-mobile- dangerous? Hmmmmmmmm, I think it depends, some CW ops probably "talk" & hear better via Morse and Paddle than speaking into a cell-phone.
I would not recommend it during inclement weather with traffic, crowded lane-changes, in those cases I say I am hoping the driver will send didahdididit, I promise I'll understand!
For many, mobile CW would be- pushing the envelope and riding on the edge safely given proper applied discretion. For some it may well be a guaranteed fender bender at least.
So, as far as is mobile CW being a hazard to society, I think no more than cell phones or phone mobile operation. Only the most DIE HARD PROFICIENT CW operator is likely to try such a thing, don't you think?
I mean, I'd rather not unless it's a long straight road where my risk of falling asleep is greater... and yet- I do still aspire. Given I had the equipment in my vehicles, it just means I'd be saying, "Oh babe, most beautiful female on Earth, sassy and extremely intelligent Super Mom/Wife- would you mind driving?" hi hi.
But likely this is a scene that will never play in reality until my nest is empty, and by then I'll drive and do CW at the same time. Figure I should have a good 10 years for that by the grace of God.
Otherwise, NO COMMENT.
73,
w3dcg :P
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 19, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
w3dcg.
om i do ooo think i'll leave that to someone else. admit i aint that brave.
good luck and 73
willie ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AE4TK on March 19, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Willy, AG4HY,
First off, I don't think I called anyone a lid. I know three codeless, licensed Hams who whine constantly about the "too-hard" requirements and spend more time complaining than they do practicing CW. After memorizing the questions and answers in the pool, they also don't know a phase angle from a peanut and don't care and I find that a little demeaning to the long line of Hams who built the tradition we all enjoy.
In many ways, I'm a traditionalist and I feel like they are missing the attitude that historically has made a good Ham. I don't feel comfortable being grouped with people who trash the basis of what makes us a fraternity.
I also know a Ham who took the CW test and passed his 13 WPM on the 23rd try. He is a more dedicated soul than I and I admire him for his years of trying. I learned CW and did my 20 with much less work but I consider him a better example of a Ham than myself.
I do indeed understand the frustration of being called names. and I do understand your viewpoint. In too many cases, though, lazy is still lazy. My problem with the "Johnny" who is lazy is that it is HIS problem and not the body of licensed Hams who worked through personal limitations and made the grade.
Lacking CW interest does not make one a lid. Behaving boorishly, not following established protocols and not caring about the rights of others is what makes one a lid. Demonstrating those talents before gaining a higher license level doesn't do much to recommend Johnny to the rest of us, does it?
Cheers!
Bill
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by K9WLF on March 19, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
To AE4TK, Bill, thanks for your definition of LID and for not including CW skills in it! Yes, I barely passed my CW, though I did very well on my written General and Extra exams. My motivation to muddle through code was to become a VE and help other people get their license, not just for HF privilages. Maybe it is childish on my part, but I resent being called a low code Extra or an Extra-Lite because I am not proficient at code. This, of course, being done by people who would rather sit back and complain. I don't have time to do that. I would rather be out proctoring a testing session, attending club meetings, attending ARES/RACES functions and being a communications volunteer for the charity walk-a-thons. Maybe I do have a motivation problem, though I managed to get my 5WPM. Maybe I am lazy, even though I work a full time job and spend a lot of free time trying to get Amateur Radio out in front of the public. At the risk of offending, we make our choices every day. We make a choice to have a good day or not. We make a choice to study code or not. We make the choice to be proficient at code or not. It simply boils down to- WE MAKE THE CHOICE!! Look at the posts of those with real obstacles to overcome. They may not have passed the test yet, but it is not for lack of trying. THEY MAKE THE CHOICE to keep trying. You can't rationalize why Johnny can't learn code. Please don't, that offends my sensibilities. If Johnny wants it, he will get it, period. He will make the choice to do what it takes to overcome any personal barriers to accomplish what he wants or he won't. He is not lazy, he is not a lid, he just hasn't made the choice to do. For the record, I want to say for the record that I have all the respect, and stand in awe of those who can send and receive 30WPM, while having a conversation with someone in the shack with them. Sorry guys, that is just not me, because I have not made my choice to be like you. For those who feel the need to flame and trash and denigrate those who can't do as they,especially those who have problems with grammer and spelling, remember one thing: it is not the class of the license the man holds, but the class of the man who holds the license. It is time to put the bickering aside and pull together to grow the hobby.
73 to all and catch you on SSB,
Tom, K9WLF/4
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 19, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
bill ae4tk,
you have your point, true it is a tradition, but it shouldn't be an obsession either, i still believe you and the rest have done your best,and if they don't want to learn the code,they don't need to be whinning, about how hard it is,just enjoy what they earned, but the insinuations and slurring that typically goes on in this kind of mess is not helping tradition a whole lot either, it is very counter productive at best. take me ag4hy for example: when someone starts slurring me and insinuating that i'm this or that then we got trouble i wouldn't do it. (if that place froze solid and i don't think that it has started to even cool..) tradition be hanged, i could care less, course that is me; and i'm afraid a lot of others too. there is a post on qrz about a fellow that had a relative that said ham was like cb and he blew up, and was told that hams are snobbish. and that is true was some of the replies.
coming out right and calling names doesn't add any thing, neither does insinuations,and throwing slurrs, which is a big part of most all these articles, and if i hadn't passed what was required of me by the rules at the time,then all this would certainly be the end of my trying.i'm not into code as yet, because there is so much to do and "I" am going to try it all if at all possible. don't know about johnny, nor care, sincerely am not going to let his learn or not learn code, screw up my enjoyment i'll do my thing and he can do his, just don't come whining to me, as he'll get told "i'm sorry, but you chose what you were going to work for, now enjoy that, or break out the tapes, cds', nu-morse, and get busy. no pain no gain.
bill, i got my ticket, right by myself, no help from anybody, not a soul, novice/tech, five words minute code, pneumonia for two weeks, when 13 word test was given, and didn't get to finish that,, so done what was required,
general, and extra. I wouldn't know an elmer if i fell over one, never had one,, and it isn't easy that way. i struggled to get mine,, and that is why no "johnny" learning or not learning the code, is <"NOT"> repeat is "NOT" going to hinder my enjoyment of the frequencies i have earned the priviledge to use and am NOT going to let; OM, OF, or any body else ruin it for me, for that matter... Bill the johnnies isn't what is tearing this great servece down; it is all this squabbling and slurring ans in-fighting that is. not the code /no coders!!!!!
as you say cheers
willie ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by K9WLF on March 20, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
AMEN Willie,AG4HY. You hit the nail on the head. Let us not worry about what other hams are doing, ignore the whinning of those who make the choice not to try and enjoy this great hobby. Let us each promote and grow the hobby as we can and stop the bickering!
73, Tom, K9WLF/4
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KN0YNE on March 20, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I think they should keep code as a requirement forever, and raise it from 5wpm to 10wpm. And if j
Johnny can't copy, who cares. There always has been Johnnies and will always be. I suggest raising the
code speed back to 20wpm extra, 13wpm general and 5 wpm technician. That will thin out the crowd
and ham radio will still survive. 73
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W5UX on March 20, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I find it offensive to refer to restructuring as welfare and affirmative action radio. these people are doing the best that they can and should not be criticized.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 20, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
yeah uh-huh, don't hold your breath, please! that has been brought up for F.C.C's re-consideration, and they turned it down, so i don't really think that anyone will see 13 and 20 words a minute again, because the ones ( i forget their names right off ) were told that it served no purpose and that restructuring would stand. there were three of them, i believe one was a fellow named, Learned, or something like that,was a name i never heard before.
So i really don't see any prospects of it ever being again and 5 words minute don't look to steady either, from what i can read on the , web site of the, irau, i believe thats' the right name for the orginization, it is on the arrl site.
oh yeah i think that it was tried twice, not real sure but i think thats' right.
73 and have a good week
willie ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 20, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hey ya'll:
Live Long and Prosper,
Nanu Nanu,
and whether you like CW or not, May The Force Be With You.
Jedi forever...:p
Blessed Be,
w3dcg.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KF9VH on March 21, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Who gives a damn why Johnny can't learn the code? Sound like a personal problem to me.
How about a more constructive topic children.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W4XKE on March 21, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Reading some of the comments about the ease of learning Morse code reminds me of a program that was presented at our high school a few years ago. A fellow asked for all the students of the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes to line up, walk past him and tell him their names. After having done this, he then asked them to "mill around" and get back into line, in no particular order and walk past him again. With very few exceptions, he greeted each person and called them by their correct names.
After the demonstration, he explained how easy it is to do this and how anyone who isn't an absolute idiot shouldn't have any problem doing the exercise. Johnny W4XKE (I still have trouble with names and faces)
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by JOHNNY on March 21, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Listen up all you GOM! Amateur radio is dead to youth! With cell phones and the internet, why in heck would anyone bother beating their head against the wall trying to learn morse code, just to join with a bunch of bigots? Anything below 30Mhz is DC. Leave or I shall be forced to taunt you a second time.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by WB6VIC on March 21, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
barring a learning disability, you gotta' really WANT to learn it; I increased my speed just because my brother in law's CW was faster than mine; Maybe those with difficulty should make it a competitive goal
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W5HTW on March 21, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
A True Story
A few months ago I heard a fellow on 14300 (Maritime Net, USB) announcing to the net his location and it wasn't far from me. This is a very rural area, with only a few active hams. I was busy and didn't respond to him.
Today, March 21, I was out in my yard, when a truck pulled up. Strangers. The man got out and we started talking. He was a ham, and he was, in fact, the same fellow I had heard last year on 14300. We chatted about ham radio. He had ridden by, had seen my junior antenna farm (vertical and some dipoles) and had wanted to stop in the past, but this was the first time he saw anyone outdoors.
During the course of the conversation, I mentioned I had been on 20 meter CW earlier this morning. He made the remark, "You know, I just can't seem to get my code where I want it."
Later in the conversation, I pointed out that some of the fellows in the mountains west of me had been doing code practice on 146.52 simplex FM, using a tone oscillator into the microphones. Then I said to this visitor, who it appears has now moved closer to me, "If you'd like, we can get on 80 or 40 CW some night and I can give you some practice." He had told me had had three HF radios, plus one in his truck, with a hamstick for 20 meters, and that he had a dipole and a vertical for lower bands at his home.
His response? "I can't. I don't have a key. When I moved, I left my J38 behind."
Enough said.
73
Ed W5HTW
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 21, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
well Ed,
i suppose you "really know" that the fellow was lying, huh? my, my! or is it just more insinuations?
ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W5HTW on March 21, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
AG4HY, if your comment made sense, I'd try to respond. But I am lost as to what "lying" you mean, so I really can't respond to that. Let me try to think as I type, here, doing two things at once.
Maybe you know something I missed. Doesn't seem he was lying about having the radios, hmmm. No, I've heard him on the air, and I saw the mobile HF rig in his truck. I know he wasn't lying about being a ham. I've looked him up in the call book. Ah, what was it? Was he lying about leaving his key behind when he moved? Now why would he lie about that? I think I accepted that as fact. I don't think he lied to me at all. Maybe he did. Sorry I missed it.
Insinuations? Well, it does leave me wondering just where he "wants his code to be," if he doesn't even own a key. My guess would have to be maybe he has it exactly where he wants it to be, at zero, but then why bother to say, "I can't get the code where I want it to be?" That would be a lie, I suppose, since it apparently IS where he wants it to be. Ah ha!! Is that what you mean? I got it!
Yes, of course, the point is here is another man saying "I can't do the code" and, yes, here is a man who doesn't even own a key with which to practice. Another man who shuns the advice to listen to the 146.52 code practice group. And isn't interested in practicing with another ham. Another person assisting us in believing "I can't" is synonymous with "I don't wanta." I'd much rather hear and see (and we see it here, and that's fine) the honesty in "I don't wanta," instead of "I can't." He should have the courage of his convictions to say "I don't wanta." Not "I can't do it." And THAT is the point of this entire thread.
I really don't care if we keep code or not. I can use it, many can't. Not a problem for me. If you don't like code, that doesn't stop me from using it. And soon it will go away as a testing requirement and I really don't mind that, either. (Nor could I change it if I did!) Read this month's QST, Letters. .
Ah well, having decided to comment further, I should add the conversation then turned to radios in general. His thrill of recent weeks had been to pick up some CB radios at a flea market, including some "linears." He also found a Cobra that had two switches on it, and when he fipped them both up, he found he could go all the way into ten meters with them. He then asked if I listened to CB, or more accurately, below and above CB. I said that I did not. He said "those guys sound just like hams, and they have some really decent equipment." He briefed me on the models of CB (Cobra) that could be easily "peaked out" and put above the CB 40 channels, and he was glad to get his hands on one.
By then I'm beginning to wonder, amigo, if I'm speaking with a ham or a CBer or a Freebander. I guess actually it was a three-in-one, and I find myself wondering if that IS our future.
Your comments were appreciated. Thanks! Even if I had a hard time figuring out what the lie was. But I got it now.
73
Ed W5HTW
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W4FED on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
i have read this article and also read other articles why code is hard to learn. here is my opinion (based on educational experiences), i am a retired fire officer and a fire service instructor for several fire academies. i teach instructor methodology. while learning to be an instructor we are taught about the (3) domains of learning. these are the (3) ways that we as learners, learn. the (3) domains of learning are cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. cognitive is the basic skill of learning information, psychomotor is associated manipulative skill learning, and the affective domain is the attitude toward the learning of information. motivation is the key to learning. if the affective domain is not reached, the information will not be retained well enough to be recalled from memory. some type of motivation has to occur to bridge the gap to the affective learning domain. when this occurs, the learner can then use the cogitive and psychomotor domains to improve the code speed and then can recall from memory the characters needed to make code contacts and to pass the code tests when needed.
this information is not the only information available on why johnny cant learn code, but i bet it is one that many can relate to. think about what motivation it will take for johnny to bridge the gap to the "affective domain" and he/she will make it...
not only do i instruct this information, but i can testify from personal experience that it is real and the affective domain was the stumbling block for me for several years...
thanks for reading, and stay motivated for the things you really want to learn in life...
w4fed
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
ED
your paragraph 4.
i can use the code too, but have <chosen> to parouse the other modes as of yet.
code test, no code test, i'm certain that it isn't going to, hamper my operating, cause i'm going after what i want in what ever mode/way i can, BY the rules..
maybe i did misunderstand,your thread if so, my appoligies,PLEASE.
these war starters are getting so boring that i've gotten to deep in this 3dits, 4dits, 2dits, dah, and it rankles the hell out of me to keep seeing people, being put down called names and the like, for not particularly liking, one communications mode, over another, i most certainly would tell someone where to put it, if it were me, that the insinuations and slurs were aimed at, and i do take exception to it whether or not it is me or someone else, they are just as much a ham as the ones who are downing them. it seems to be that the ones who like something else don't have any aptitude, brains ot sense enough to pour P out of a boot with the directions on the bottom of rhe heel, when "it is" the ones who are doing the slurring and insinusting and downing the "one", that is being harranged,
one mentioned tradition, as the reason, also tradition, says that hams help one another, well when i got interested in amateur radio, i went to some hams and ask for information about the tech licens and got cussed at, and two three years later i decided to try again i ask for help, and was told "just get a book thats' all you need. ok i got a book studied for a year and half, took both test, novice and tech, (maybe i should rip and rare,a nd throw slurrs and insinuate that the ones who don't have to take but one test aren't hams) passed them with as was said "flying colors" then came the code i ask for help, same deal get a tape. then came, 13 words, same deal. test time came and a week before the last test of thirteen words came and 2 weeks in the hospital, diagnosis, pneumonia, and the 13 word test was gone, oh well, i shouldn't have gotten pneumonia, according to these h.s threads, then came general, and extra same deal, it has been ME, all the way; i was my elmer; (what ever that is) and too tradition says that hams help with antennas, uh-huh, yeah rii-ghtt, so much for the tradition balogna.
about the c.b it serves a nitch, and true there are some atrocious talk on there and then again there are a bunch of good operators whether any one believes me or not, been there, and talked with some of them. as far as skip on cb, with my set up, if i talk to anyone, skip really is good for that time.
a linear is not really what is needed, maybe just some more channels is needed,maybe on 39 MHz, i find a really good antenna enough, don't need a len-yar, don't even use one on HF,either.
what was the need for a radio with the switches, who knows. maybe he was a ham-free-bander.. Ed, as i stated before,in another reply, it isn't the ones who do or don't learn the code or care one way or the other about it, or want to practice, that is, tearing down this great service; it is all this un-productive, in-fighting, ripping, and rarring among ourselves, that, my friend, is what is destroying our frequencies.. these that start this crap, it seems to me, just "love" to get a fight started,and sit back and laugh at us fighting among ourselves.they know it will happen,again and again.. around here they are called "trouble makers" and are thought as much of as one thinks of a rattle snake in a ladies social.( if any one of you are such, don't come whinning on here or e-mail to me, all you will get is the offer of a piece of cheese, to go with the whine)
73
willie ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by AG4HY on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
HEY!!! e-HAM, posters (O_ff topic, i know)
Lets start a thread where some other things, can be discussed without the rantting and raving and insinuations, put downs and the like. some thing where we can all come to gether, and discuss, with some clearity and congeniallity, about, say, what it is, we would like to see in the next 5 years to happen in amateur redio, yea, yea, i know "elmers" i'm not talking about that topic...
maybe for instance: "I'd like to see done in ham radio, the following, things" (and leave out this "damned code war crap").ok! i'll conceed to, l'd like to see more people interested in learning, and using the code, "if you are interested meet me on,xxxxx frequency and i'll try and help you. like Ed did with the fellow he met. not: if you don't like code, or want to learn it you are dumb, lazy, stupid , ignorant,and we don't want or need, you to be on the bands,kind of trashy insinuations..it makes you look like Brother, "Whoopingdilla, and Sister, "betterthanyou"...I don't know how to write it, so some of you who are more elequant of word,start it off.. elequant of word, IS_NOT! meant to be a slurr or put down, in this case it is meant to be a compliment....
73 and have a good weekend bundle up, its gonna get cold again..
willie ag4hy
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KN0YNE on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
If Johnny can't learn the code, he's not working at it hard enough. I believe you could teach a parrot how to copy code. If Roys Trigger can count by taping his hoof, most anyone should be able to copy code. I myself am sorry that the FCC has lowered the CW requirements. It has always been a meaningful way of communicating. I knew an old railroad depot agent who could carry on a conversation and copy code at the same time. Neat trick but I can't do it. I don't copy much faster than 20wpm, but I do like to get on the cw bands for a change. Some of the new comers are 2 meter and that is it. They are missing a lot, if they don't excercise the HF bands. You can practice code from tapes as you drive around, going to work, whenever an opportunity arises. Now all of you no coders, go after the difficult things. It may surprise you how good you can get when you sail over 10wpm and then on to 20 and 30wpm. 73
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by JOHNNY on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Lets move into the late 20th century! Even Roy's horse is outdated, Mr. Ed could talk.
As per "the difficult things", you say that even a horse could use code... well ok. But why be a horse? Ban commercially available rigs and force everyone to build their own equiptment!
Just keep banging the rocks together guys.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by RADIOWEENIE on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
As some of you may be aware, i have played this song before. If you are a visual learner, you probably already know it. You can learn Morse Code visually by flashing light. All Merchant Mariners have done this because all have passed the required CG standard of 6 wpm by flashing light. The flashing light is not at all difficult and any mariner can pass it provided that he (a) truly has the desire to do so and (b) expends the necessary effort. YES, it can be frustrating looking at that light all day just to bring your speed up to proficiency. The flashing light (in and of itself) is not a particularly fascinating thing. But everyone reading this article has succeeded in doing things that are either boring or are something not especially enticing in the first place. Doing things that one does not want to do is part of growing up and what every child must become acclimated to by the time he reaches the 2nd grade. So, Visualizers of the world, see the light! You have nothing to lose but your complexes! -73 de Radioweenie--
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by JOHNNY on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The US Coast Guard ended morse use in '93. MARS ended it in '96. The Merchant Marines ending it in '99.
To those who like to play "way back", have fun!
But don't look down your nose at those who could care less about it.
Sevens to ya' there good buddy.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hey Johnny-
We don't bang rocks together, they are contact switches- now that's the cool thing about Morse- you COULD use Rocks, or bang on the wall if say, you found yourself in the equivalent of the Hanoi Hilton of modern error.
You could use two wires...you could use car horn, flashlight, and you need not have with you any fancy modulation-encoding-decoding (or equivalent) device/circuitry.
You could use eye blinks. Really, it could be useful, and it goes where ever your brain is, regardless of whether or not that includes a transceiver.
It is Ancient.
Perhaps some say it is dying, the CW op the last of a dying breed- just like a Knight.
A Jedi Knight.
73,
Excellence to All,
W3DCG.
|
| |
|
RE: Johnny's just plain lazy
|
|
|
by N0TONE on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
To KG4RNE, congratulations on the amount of time you've put into trying to learn code. I realized after my comment that "just plain lazy" was painted with a brush too broad. In the text of my comment, I also referred to motivation. A more accurate title for my topic would have been "Johnny's just plain lazy, or he has not decided to motivate himself adequately." My point was that "learning style" is not nearly as important as some other topics.
Your posting makes me realize yet another way to fail, and that is to approach the topic without thinking. You really took and failed the exam in 1985 five times? One great little rule that people try to follow, in ALL pursuits in life, is to not take an exam until your regular performance is at least 10% better than what the exam will cover. Did you actually take any practice exams beforehand? If you took them and failed, then you chose to waste your time by taking a "real" exam. If you passed the practice exams, but failed the "real" exam, then the problem is elsewhere - nervousness or something like that. Clearly, somebody who is serious about studying, and serious about choosing whether or not to take an exam, will be taking those practice tests and won't sign up for a genuine test until you're competent with the practice.
And, having failed five times, have you attempted any other approach to learning code? Do you have a local elmer with whom you have discussions and practice sessions?
If you're not able to learn something by doing the same approach repeatedly, try a different approach. Common sense, really.
Methinks you really need to hook up with a local ham who likes to teach CW. All good CW ops know a dozen ways to teach CW. If they just point you to software, they're the wrong elmer. You want someone who really cares about helping - not just some elitist who's learned code and is unwilling to "pass the baton".
AM
|
| |
|
RE: Johnny's just plain lazy
|
|
|
by N0TONE on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
KG4RNE said:
"Some people just can't learn code, and I genuinely believe that I am one of those people."
Merely by saying that, you have guaranteed that it is true. You will definitely not be able to learn code until you believe it is possible. This is not laziness, it's self-defeating behaviour. Any further time you spend with tapes, practice programs, etc, will be a waste until you change your belief.
Remember:
"I'll believe it when I see it" is not nearly as accurate as
"I'll see it when I believe it."
If you believe you can't do something, you've doomed yourself to fail. Fix that first before you spend another minute practicing.
AM
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N0TONE on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Johnny,
Do you like music? How long ago did mankind first begin putting melody and rhythm together? I'm no musicologist, but I do know that the Bible speaks of musical instruments and music, and the old Babylonian culture's documents describe music in terms that today mean music - e.g., repeating rhythms, chord progressions, melody and harmony.
Music is many thousands of years older than code, but you probably still enjoy it, right? Do music groups who play your favorite music still use drums, or possibly synthesizers imitating drum noises? Banging on a rock, indeed.
I like code. I enjoy ham radio. I do the two of them together. I like hams who don't know code, and I like hams who do know code.
Frankly, Johnny, what mode DO you like? SSB? Just how much "younger" than code is that? FM? Same question. Unless you're proposing to do all your hamming via wireless 10 Gigabit per second data, you're using technology that, in essence, is at least 30 years old.
AM
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N0TONE on March 22, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
W4FED, you have hit the nail on the head. The initial article on learning styles was really about a small part of learning contained completely within the "cognitive" sphere. You are correct, that the "affective" sphere is FAR more important. With proper motivation (which includes believing you can do it), you can overcome cognitive and psychomotor difficulties for something as easy as code.
Yes, there are things that are such a physical challenge that motivation and practice is not enough. I had a client once who wanted to compete in figure skating. He had motivation galore and he really believed in himself, but his muscle control was awful, and that seemed to be hereditary. I did not discourage him, but I did advise that in his case, he did not need a pscychological counselor, but instead a skating coach who could help him with the muscle control. He never did become a competitive skater, but he got better, having found his weak spot. But code is no where NEAR the complexity of skating!
AM
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KC0KOC on March 23, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Damn code. The code stopped me from being a ham in the
1980's. I only became a ham when I learned I did not need it. But HF is where I wanted to go and I struggled with learning the code. Everyday for 4 months
I passed and yahoo I said on to PSk31 and ssb.
Within a month I was bored. I went back to code
and I love it. Its a challenge. Its an accomplishment.
When I make a contact on cw I feel I have actually
done something. I continue to study it.
Code QSO's are different. More precise and thought out
more technical. I love it.
Just remember this the more you work for something
the more you will appreciate it. If
we just start handing out ham tickets to everybody who
can afford a radio it will eventually degrade
like every other form of media and communication
that we take for granted now.
Long live Code and those that have the discipline
to take the time and learn it.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by RobertKoernerExAE7G on March 23, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Seems as if the Title is incomplete. The titles should have read, Part I of III; Part II of III.
"Please keep in mind that article size is limited on eham." As a result, it takes eHam three articles to convey the author's thoughts.
It just might be that everyone will have to read part III to fully understand what the author has written.
And, it sure is amuzin' to read the responses which have nothing to do with the 2/3 of the article.
Maybe the author can follow up with "Why Johnny can't comprehend what he reads." People can then post about their visual learning difficulties; and they listen to ham radio communications instead of reading them, so why take a written test?
In the interim, people will be in YA5, VP6D, XR0X CW pile ups at about 28WPM; and reading about how to make better antennas, and if P5 can get written documents.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by K9SLED on March 23, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
to all posters and comenters;
thanks so much for helping us decide NOT to become hams. the club in which we are members THOUGHT, that we would like to get into amateur Radio for the service part of it, but since you people want to class other people as less than animals, re: trigger, parrots, dogs, that you can teach code etc. we do not want any thing to do with such as you are. we are a club of 300 and are not going to even try to get into this orginization, IF it is an orginazation, we do not recognise any one who tries, and wants to controll, what other people might like to do, certainly is not for this club. If all of the rest of the amateurs are like you, then if is indeed in trouble, and our previous post stills seems right.
goog bye and hope you are happy, that this 300 people will not be cluttering up your frequencies as you have so elequently have infered.you site "tradition" it surely isn't much of a tradition if this is how it is meant to be.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KC0KOC on March 23, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
WELL K9SLED
YOU HAVE OBVIOUSLY SPOKEN FOR YOUR
300 MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION. I AM GLAD THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION IS IN SUCH HARMONY.
YES WE ARE IN DEBATE OVER A HOT ISSUE THAT AFFECTS
MOST OF US. SOME OF US GET CARRIED AWAY BY THE TOPIC
AND GO TOO FAR. BUT IN ALMOST EACH CASE WE SPEAK
AS A SINGLE VOICE. NONE OF US HAS THE POWER TO SPEAK FOR SUCH A LARGE GROUP AS YOURS.
YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY VERY FORTUNATE THAT ALL YOUR MEMBER
SEE ALONG YOUR LINE OF THINKING.
NOW IF I HAVE OFFENDED ANYBODY BY STATING THAT
WE SHOULD NOT JUST OUT LICENSES TO PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY CAN AFFORD THEM. I AM SORRY, BUT I BELIEVE IN THE WRITTEN TEST AND THE CW TEST.
I DON'T CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE A GENIUS SO I WORKED HARD TO PASS MY WRITTEN AND CW TEST AND I FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS TRUE OF MOST PEOPLE.
BUT THEN AGAIN I SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE NOT 300 AS YOURSELF.
OH BY THE WAY MY NAME AND DATA IS ON PUBLIC RECORD.
YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME.
YOU SIR HAVE NOT MADE YOUR E-MAIL KNOWN, SO
YOU SIR ARE APPARENTLY IN CONTROL OF THIS CONVERSATION
AND YOUR 300 MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION
IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND AND BECOME A HAM
I WILL HELP YOU PASS YOUR TEST IN ANYWAY I CAN
STEVE 73 KC0KOC
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by ZL2TCR on March 23, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This article is a inspritation to those who say they "CARNT" lean code. even at 5 wpm. I am not saying this to put anyone down.. because i am on of them.. but now i believe that if i can copy good 3 wpm[ which i dedicated my self to learn] then i can go the extra bit it takes and get the 5wpm. the article has made me realize that i am the reason why i carn't learn code.But now[ even though i work 15 hours a day] i can still get the licence that i dream of.
i am a visual learner and find it hard.. but it gets eazer with every letter recieved... i just havent noticed it.. to heck with say i carn't do it... i am now saying that i can do it. and to heck with sitting here typing. i am to recieve code.
73s to all
ZL2TCR [ to be upgraded soon]
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by JOHNNY on March 26, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
to W3DCG
You _almost_ got it.... :)
But any "rock banging" could NOT be in international morse, as there is no way to produce a long "smash"; you'd have to use only dits, and group two of more short ones for a "dash".
No true Jedi would ever use a rig with a computer, either for frequency synthesis or, the force forbid it, digital filtering. Once you put a computer in the rig, you might as well let it do the coding and decoding.... all the "advantages of the simplicity of morse" go right out the window with the added complexity.
Remember, a true Jedi must build his own light saber. No store bought stuff allowed.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by RICKH on March 26, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Thanks for the great article, only a few months to late! ,having just passed the Tech and 5 wpm code test last week (3/19/02), I can tell you, it is tough, but looking back I would not want to see it any other way. Yes you have to study and make a commitment, and yes you have to have the desire, but it is worth it. Does these criterias not help to keep the 11 meter bunch where it is? Everyone has thier own reasons for choosing to become a Ham Operator, for me, I was tired of hearing the @*&#*& on 11 meters, having to turn the radio off because my kids entered the room, the list goes on.
If it seems like I am knocking 11 meters, it is because I am. I waited quite a few years to attempt the Ham test until the code changed to 5 wpm and I still can not evision learning 10 or 13 to start with! My hat goes ff to those that did it.
I think that the 5 wpm should stay and if someone wants to use a decoder (after passing the test by ear), fine, to each his own. As I look back through the process I just went through, some of my frustration was from the VE's style and delivery. No blame though, I am a big boy and know what it takes for me to lean!
73,
Rick H (call sign pending....)
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 26, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
RICKH, Congratulations!
Johnny, The True Jedi utilizes whatever tool is available in a given moment. If that meant a Jedi was stranded somewhere and had the most basic communication device such as fire for smoke, or a transponder that could be operated in CW mode then that is what the Jedi would use.
The Jedi will not shy away from a way that is Ancient and so intricate to the Tradition of Jedi as Morse is to HF Amateur radio. The Jedi respects Ancient ways. The Jedi eventually, does not look for excuses, as it has been stated there is no Try.
The Jedi also flys whatever is available, Tie, X-wing, Falcon, Cargo Carrier. The Jedi takes advantage of what technology has to offer while recognizing an Ancient way that others would pawn off as being ancient and out-dated/out-moded and not worth learning. Are these things Home Brew?
The Jedi Elders are never really gone, even when they have passed from one plane of existence to another.
They are always watching. :)
Having said that, I need to do more than just only CW, I'll admit that. Other modes are also excellent!
73!
w3dcg.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W6RLF on March 26, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I've found these articles to be fascinating! They certainly explain why I'm stuck at about 13 WPM or a bit above; it's about the fastest at least I can "read" CW with the left, analytical side of my brain, i.e., hearing the dits and dahs and converting them to the letters. I wish I could copy it with the right side of my brain, as a language, which is clearly what the folks who operate at much higher speeds do.
FYI, I've been a ham for 40 years (I'm now 52.) I learned the code at age 11. At that age had no problem with it, at least at 5 WPM. 13 WPM for my General was a real stretch, but I just barely managed to pass. I enjoyed CW as a teenager, at about the 10 WPM level.
I've remained a ham, but was fairly inactive for a number of years. When I got the bug again two years ago, I went back to CW. As I said, I'm at the 13 WPM +- speed, and would love to "break through" to the faster speeds.
Paul
W6RLF
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KD7EZE on March 27, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I can relate to Johnny. The dits and dahs all sound the same to me, I cannot copy a discernable difference between them. I always thought ham radio was to provide for the advancement of the art. As long as there is a code requirement, the art is dying an unnecessary death. Why should I have to pass a code test to operate voice on HF? This makes absolutely no sense. If there are actually people out there that enjoy code, fine, let them take the test. As for the rest of us who don't give a rats ass about this hinderance, eliminate it. The military and several other nations have figured out that this is a dead language, so why is the US the last one to adopt these principles? I too was kept out of the "ham society" in the 70's because of the code. Thankfully there was CB; just because I don't understand a dit or a dah shouldn't prevent me from making voice communications to other countries. I still enjoy CB SSB communications as there's no limits to what you can do. I'm a very disappointed ham radio operator, but keep my license in hopes that some day the FCC will get their heads out of their asses, and eliminate the code requirement for HF voice communications. There, I've said it, and it feels good!!
'73 to all
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by WA4DOU on March 27, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
The only thing dead(dead language) in this thread is the dead thinking process between the ears of the purveyors of nonsense in this thread.The writer immediately before my post is an excellent example. The only truth that has developed in this thread is that "those who don't want to, can't."
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by JOHNNY on March 27, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
To WA4DOU
There are some people who can't distinguish the length of monotonic square envelope tones. Yet rather that recognizing that they could had much to the service through technical expertise or public service, they are treated as sub-human by some of the rock-bangers.
Go cry in your cold 807.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 27, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
What is a cold 807? Probably not a warm 807, Okay
Johnny teach me something please,
What is an 807?
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by JOHNNY on March 27, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
An 807 is an old transmitter tube. There were available by the boxful after the war... not all of them worked, so you had to sort through them, and get rid of the "cold" ones...
Somewhere along the line, a "cold 807" became slang for a beer. Likely because one would hide from the XYL in the shack, and take care of a few cold 807's.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N7XB on March 28, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I went from no license to my Extra ticket in 15 months. While I am proud of this, I can humbly say it was the result of all of the following: desire, motivation, self-discipline and commitment toward a goal.
In my relatively brief ham career I have met a wide range of operators - at one end are the lifetime 2 meter FM rag chewers who tie up an urban repeater every night, at the same time, talking about the same things, including how hard it is for them to learn code (hint: get off the repeater and practice). At the other end is the ham who sends a 3 minute brag file on psk like, "BEEN A HAM SINCE 1847, INVENTED DIGITAL MODES WITH AL GORE, BEEN OPERATING RTTY SINCE WORLD WAR I AND STILL CAN'T FIND THE CAPS LOCK KEY. RIG HERE IS A HOMEBREWED . . . . ."
In between are thousands of wonderful operators I consider honored and privileged to have met.
73 de N7XB
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by RobertKoernerExAE7G on March 28, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"The dits and dahs all sound the same to me, I cannot copy a discernable difference between them."
I had the same problem when I first started out. But, with practice, I learned how to distinguish between a - and a .
I was one of the last in my Novice class to pass the code test. By the time my license arrived, 8 weeks later, I had to learn 5WPM all over again to get on the air friends who had passed their test around the same time.
Don't give up.
I made up all the same excuses I've read on the internet--CW is out dated; it doesn't prove my ability to be a good operator; let those who like it use it, but don't require me to learn it.
I don't remember ever denigrating the ARRL though--I had to much respect for what they did.
I much prefer getting into CW pile ups vrs phone, and I have a lot of fun on 30 and 40 CW.
Hope you have as much fun as I've had playing radio.
Bob
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W3DCG on March 28, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Thanks Johnny- I appreciate that!
History as such is very intriguing to me...you know, Johnny I am no prude- believe it- but I never was an alcoholic either. Oh how I used to love to relax with a nice glass of Cabernet... partake in the occasional Margarita... but since returning to ham radio recently-I have not even had the slightest notion or desire to have any of it- too excited to do CW instead! :)
A beer no matter how cold would just slow me down!
Thanks again for sharing,
Cheerio!
Cy.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KB9YFI on March 31, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I just tried to do the writing down the dits and dahs method and found that I can't even do that with more than a 75% accuracy rate even at slower than 5WPM speeds. Those little bleepers are really hard to hear. I had hoped that I could "hear" each letter as a whole and overcome this problem but I have to face the fact that I need some professional help with my hearing. I can do ok with voice communications as long as I have a good speaker with clean audio. I mounted a speaker in my car on the headliner because I was really hard to get good solid voice copy while the vehicle was in motion. I'm going to schedule an appointment to check out my hearing but I don't want to have to wear a hearing aid! I'm only 36 and anyone wearing one under the age of 60 looks like a mongoloid. I guess I should not care anymore since I'm married and don't need to impress the women.
Jim - KB9YFI
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KE4ZKC on April 2, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
you know ive heard all the hype about the code.my opinion is that it should not be required for testing.
it should be a choice rather than a requirement.from all the statements ive read 85 percent of the hams dont use code other than to pass or upgrade so in lite of this the fcc should regulate code as a choice rather than requirement.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KC0KOC on April 2, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Yeah and I think that eye test should not be required
for driving, because 85% of drivers don't look before
they turn.
Oh I am just funning.
Don't you think we should all know basic code just in case we need to use it someday esp for emergency
use. You can't take your laptop everywhere for psk-31
and sometimes voice conditions are not good.
What is wrong with having a mental challenge required
for our test. Why do we continue to do away with
things that become alittle tuff? Is it the desire
of Americans to have a complete push button
society? Will our challenges all boil
down to how easy we can make everything.
Doesn't anybody get satisfaction of accomplishing something hard.
Johnny can't learn code because its too hard ?
How much effort did Johnny put in his learning
process?
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N2DAN on April 3, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
well, well, well.
Johnny hasn't learned code because of a million reasons - he didn't want to, couldn't do it, or had medical excuses. Whatever…
I don’t know code. I’d like to learn code. I’ve invested plenty of time into trying to learn code, but it has never seemed to click for me. I've listed to tapes (cds actually) for 30 minutes a night for 3 days a week for 3 months and still can't copy accurate code.
Maybe I'm lazy – hell, maybe I'm stupid. Either way I'm frustrated as all get out and think the requirement is antiquated. The discussion around learning styles is interesting – Although I’ve always been a “hands-on” type of learner – “bookwork” hasn’t really been that much of a challenge for me. What then? Perhaps auditory challenges? Who knows. All I know is that CW has proven to be exceptionally challenging for me. I’m not making excuses or asking for a pass – I’ll play within the rules, but I think it a damn stupid requirement.
What I do know is that the CW requirement is keeping me out of HF – and, perhaps, keeping out one of the very people who will keep Amateur Radio alive for future generations. I see red whenever I really dwell upon this requirement because I suspect it’s keeping thousands of people out of the hobby. Do we really want to alienate those that have expressed an interest in Amateur Radio? Code doesn’t make me a better ham – it doesn’t make me a better operator and doesn’t magically confer some special knowledge granted only to those who can key. Code doesn’t make me more professional, nor does it make me more interesting. What code allows me to do is to operate on HF. Heck, if I really wanted to operate on CW, I could rig up a system that transmits and decodes CW from my keyboard.
What I find amazing is that somebody hasn’t slapped the FCC with an ADA lawsuit claiming discrimination and non-compliance with the ADA laws – perhaps someone has, who knows?
I have one final question – and I’ll pay $1000 to anyone who can answer this question to my satisfaction (of course you know you won’t be able to do this…):
Why is code proficiency required for non-CW operation on HF? What if I wanted to do phone operation on 40, 80, or 160 meters? How does CW proficiency make me a better voice operator?
There are already relatively large (for CW) segments of the band dedicated to CW – based upon license rating – 144.0-144.1 MHz, 50.0-50.1 MHz (both 2 & 6 meters have a dedicated range for CW), 21.1-21.2 kHz, 7.100-7.150 kHz, and 3.675-3.725 kHz (everything else has an optional range for CW based upon rating). What’s wrong with saying, “ok, in order to operate CW in those segments of the band, you’ve got to have a CW rating?” You’re taking nothing away from those that are already CW operators and you retain the CW-only areas of 2/6 meters.
My $0.02.
N2DAN
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by JOHNNY on April 3, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
to N2DAN
Code is (hopefully was) required for all the HF band because it is a common code whereby any official of any government can tell anyone who is interring with urgent communication to shut down without a language barrier. Given the behavior I've heard in some pileups, I don't think it would work <sigh>, but that was the intent. The requirement is by international agreement. As almost everyone is not using morse code anymore for official emergency communications, the international requirement is likely to go away the next time the agreements are undated (2003).
OK, where's my $1000?
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KF9VH on April 5, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
To N2DAN, the code crowd is a CULT. The " I had to learn it crowd" are the only ones that want to keep it.
It seems all rather childish to me.
While I had to learn it I don't use it anymore. I find zero enjoyment pounding a key. But it is what ever floats your boat.
The big risk here is over crowding on the ham bands which all ready exists. Refarming is needed and can't come soon enough for me. Try to find a spot on 75 meters between 6:00 pm through 10:00 pm. If you are lucky enough to find a spot some idiot will come on and ask you to move because they have been meeting there for the past 300 years. They need to review the rules.
Hang around long enough and it will be done away with. It is all about money and the code is keeping people from spending. The powers to be will take care of the code.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by W5UX on April 7, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
It has been determined that most hams are republicans. I thought that republicans believed in working for what they wanted instead of standing in a welfare line with outstretched hands hoping for a hand-out. Yes, cw is old but so are wood, leather and concrete and they still are useful. I will keep my cw and the 16db gain over ssb. just think, the apparent power doubles with each 3 db. Do the math.
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N5GF on April 7, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Congratulations, Jerry. You are proof of what I have always thought, ie; the human sprit is such that whatever one wants to achieve, if they want it bad enough, they can achieve it. If this is not true, how did we ever produce all the wonders we see around us daily? It was all done by people who did not "know" that it could not be done. Like frosting a light bulb on the inside. It was generally accepted by MIT and other prestigious school grads that it was 'impossible'. A young engineer from some obscure midwestern college didn't "know" that it couldn't be done so he did it, much to all those other's surprise.
Learning Morse is the same...you must believe that you can do it and if you do, soon you will. Much to your own surprise.
This belief and desire is the same when applied to anything else you encounter in life that may be slightly difficult.
Thanks for your post on this subject. You command great respect.
de N5GF Tom
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by K1ZW on April 10, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Please , do we have to have more pysco-babble about "why cw cannot be learned" ? Anyone that cannot learn 5wpm code needs to find another hobby , stay on 2 meters or wait until the cw requirement is removed.There has been a no code ticket for years and if if you cant learn cw just be happy with the no code.
|
| |
|
RE: Johnny's just plain lazy
|
|
|
by KC8PSA on April 10, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
KG4RNE:
I was intimidated for years in learning code because my Dad was faster than a RTTY and my older brother (11 years older) just graduated from Naval Communications School when I was thinking about learning. Add to that, my Dad wanted me to learn it from records that also taught touch-typing.
Since I was an "artistic" guy, not a geek, I was more interested in learning the typing, and went on to make my living writing. I always felt bad that I never learned CW and had that bond with my Dad and my brother.
A couple of years ago I turned 48 and decided that one of the things I wanted to do yet in life was learn CW. I wasn't especially interested in radios, I just felt it was a challenge--like doing the N.Y. Times crossword puzzle in ink for once in your life. You could call it a true mid-life crisis.
I made the worst mistake right off the bat: I memorized a dots and dashes chart. I didn't hear until months after I passed the 5 wpm test (barely) that this was a crucial handicap to progress.
That almost destroyed me--not the mistake I'd seemingly made--but someone telling me it was a mistake. I became terrified that I had ingested a poison that would prevent me from maturing as a ham. Hell, I don't know what I was worried about; I didn't even own a rig to go with my general class licence. No ships were going to be lost at sea unless I mastered their faint distress signal above the QRN.
No, it was the concept of the "plateau," the concept of the "fatal flaw" in my learning technique--this negative thinking would creep up on me while I was trying to get faster... and distract me. That's all you need to wreck a subconscious process like CW, or counting the turns on a toroid for that matter. Just start thinking about screwing up and you might as well go help the wife with the dishes. Do something useful that will pay off for sure.
As I progressed slowly over the past two years, one thing has struck me about Morse that seems too coincidental not to be planned. I used to think of all the characters as pretty much randomly selected and assigned a certain rhythm. I had the impression that if you misidentifed a character you were really out to lunch. But it seems that someone (Morse?) saw around this problem.
When I would be trying to copy "without thinking about it" I would get caught up, say, not identifying "H" from "B" for a while, then "6" from "B" a while later. Then I couldn't keep "G" and "D" apart. I was again thrown into self-doubts until I noticed that all these characters were related in a subtle way. You start writing a B or a D with an oval and put a vertical line on one side or the other. If you mixed them up in the middle of a word like, well, "middle," would be "mibble," which you could see later was nonsense. Instead of obsessing about getting perfect copy, I began to feel confident that I would be able to read my copy back--even if I thought the "B" was a "6." In fact, in that case, the word "ni66le" isn't all that far from "nibble." I guess it depends on your handwriting. Likewise, a "D" and a "G" could be confused, but both start with an oval and the vertical bar either goes up or down. You start writing either character and you've already ruled out that it might turn into an "X" or an "S"--letters that would be totally unrelated.
One place you are supposed to get things right, however, is copying a guy's call sign. But this is just trying to make a good first impression. They will keep after you in a QSO until you've got it right anyway. So, what's the sweat? (I've never had a ham "hang up" on me or cop an attitude, CW or voice. The only place I see animosity it when they are writing in a forum about the Code requirement.)
Anyway, this thought that Morse itself already filters out most bad guessing gave me a boost of confidence and instead of worrying about mistakes, I just tried to see how long I could go with my writing hand automatically copying characters. I started making fewer mistakes as well.
Then I found out I wasn't supposed to be able to copy CW at over 17 wpm by hand. (I was already copying with about 80% accuracy at 22.) Unbelievably, the perception that it was not possible to do something I was already doing goofed me up!
The same helpful ham told me that I should have started trying to "head copy" back at 13 wpm (for some obscure psychological reason he couldn't elaborate upon at the moment). I got a huge phobia about being able to head copy--then I realized that most of the time I was hand copying CW, I knew the conversation without having to look at the page. I was, afterall, automatically jotting down characters and had for a long time only scanning the infernal page occasionally for the guy's call or name.
In short, once again, I was already doing something and disbelieving that I was able to do it. Then, having been convinced I couldn't be doing what I was manifestly doing, I almost (thank God ALMOST) lost the ability to do it.
That could well be Johnny's biggest problem when he does have the interest and still can't master the code.
The obstacles to learning and improving my code speed, right from the beginning, have always been
1. Distrusting the ability of the subconscious mind to master CW,
2. Accepting that some other guy's experience with CW or learning style was normative for all hams, including espcecially a 50-year-old neophyte like myself,
3. Believing that I was uniquely challenged in some way concerning this delightfully quaint and totally antique skill.
In short, anything that gets you thinking about failure, thinking about the process itself, or thinking PERIOD, is going to foul up your code copying.
The goal is to be one of those nerve-less, veteran CW ops at Field Day who can copy 30 wpm across the tent while telling you about the Reds game he's following on his earpiece, and hunting around for a church key to open your Corona. I don't know what earthly good that is as a goal in life, but it's so damned cool!
Throughout the whole two years I've been learning CW, I never thought about the HF privileges I'd be entitled to. They meant less to me (since I didn't own a radio anyway) than cultivating this skill. When I got my first radio together (a Ten Tec qrp kit), I already had an Extra class ticket and all the privileges. That was nice, but I still couldn't copy in my head like my Dad or my older brother. Somehow I think that will take me a long, wonderfully long, time to master. I hope it does.
In all this discussion, I don't think it would hurt to stop talking about how Johnny needs motivation to learn, and do some motivating! Not in the sense of "If you learn this you can be cool and put down other hams," which I've never heard a CW op do on the air. No, motivation as in "This is a great way to communicate with people all over the world at absolutely miond-blowing distances--regardless of the sunspot cycle-- and with ridiculously low power requirements!"
Whether you needed 5 wpm to get your yacking privileges at the top of the band, if you want to stretch the limits of DXing, you need to decipher the bottom edge of the band. I just hope they'll reserve some part of some HF band where we can do that without interference from digital modes, foreign SW broadcasts, cell phones, and CBers. In a way, it's like EME. VHF guys will need code to perform that wonderful stunt via Morse because you just can't pull it off on SSB, AM, or FM. Maybe they use a computer cause they never learned CW, but nothing beats the human ear at listening when it hears a wondrous, captivating sound.
I love CW so much, that I sit on the porch sometimes and try to copy the random messages the crickets send on a summer evening. They are the definition of unoriginality, most of the time. But when I go inside and flip on the rig, hear some guy's HW 101 chirping out a rudimentary QSO, it is not random, and you need to know CW to appreciate the difference.
At these times it becomes less of a mystery why I became fascinated with CW 40 years too late. I've spent my adult life writing, editing, communicating--and I took it all for granted. CW has taught me what a glorious thing it is to be able to communicate. I can't get over the simple joy of it, when you send your name to some QTH 8000 or 800 or 80 miles away and hear it come skipping back. Making my first ad libbed ragchews, I found myself tongue-tied, virtually illiterate and warmly embraced by a fraternity of genuinely nice guys--God, are they in short supply in this world!
Having to fashion my thoughbts into the simple, direct sentences demanded by this mode has refined my writing style appreciably. It is good to be reduced to fundamentals every once in a while, no matter how sophisticated you've become at something. It's like an artist deciding to mix his own oils instead of buying them from the Grumbacher catalog, or a mechanic restoring a old Indian on his day off. I would recommend that anyone in communications, broadcast or amateur, could benefit from coming down to CW land and learning what the ears are for.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by KG4SGN on April 12, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I did pass my 5 wpm - barely. I pulled all the
whistles, Quickcode, arrl, and still I have trouble.
I want to learn code well and am still going at it,
but it will not be easy for me. I dedicated a hour
each day for three weeks to get to pass the test.
I know my dad wanted desparately to be a ham (he was
an electrical engineer), even building a radio from scratch, but couldn't do the code. I
remember him practicing diglently. On the other hand
the exams are not hard for me. I believe I will get
to that magical goal of being able to CW on the radio.
However, don't just assume the reason people have such
problems is because of lack of motivation or lack of
practice, or lack of that special program. I am excellent at math but I do understand some folks do not have or have not developed the mental pathways that enable them to do it well. I think it is the same for morse code.
|
| |
|
Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II- The time is
|
|
|
by AD5FG on April 12, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As a new ham who learned CW for HF, I would like to add a couple of comments.
I am probably a pretty good auditory learner, since I come from a pretty musical family, so I can't say much about the visual learning issue -- I found seeing dots and dashes an impediment. It may be that some people also segregate their learning styles -- I am visual in other learning domains.
I have since become addicted to CW, even though I am 40 yrs old and wish I had learned it earlier.
Several things:
-PATIENCE. It helps to practice a little (not too much! be patient) twice each day. Don't try to bang away for eight hours a day right before the test. I teach college students and they try this too. It usually doesn't work, and often if it does it becomes a bad habit.
-Computers are the way to go. I used NuMorse, and the old DOS Morse Code Machine program. The ARRL code practice is also good because you can here it on a radio with real QRM/QRN.
-If you are interested in operating and start before you are solid at 8 wpm or so, ignore the embarrasment. FISTS slochat at 21.158 on Sunday afternoons (US times) is a good place to start.
Your first contacts may be a disaster. So what. This is a hobby.
-get a copy of "The Art and Skill of Radio Telegraphy" off the web at:
http://www.qsl.net/n9bor/n0hff.htm
|
| |
|
RE: Why Johnny Can't Learn Code - Part II
|
|
|
by N9ACQ on April 12, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
If my wife can learn CW at 5WPM any one can, if they reaally want to, and they start learning the right way.
Now most of you are normal people with normal mental and physical shills, but try beeing a slow learner and then add parkinsons to the list. 5WPM was required and 5WPM she could do.
I wanted to fly fighters for the NAVY but 20/40 eyesight was required, to bad kid but no flight school for you (corrected eyesight did not count).
I would like to go to law school, sorry but you do not have a BS or BA.
If you ar serious about learning CW I can teach any one 5 WPM in one week, but I need to control your life now and for the next 2 years. ( yes johnny motivation is a requirement we just need to find your hot button).
I did 1A, 2 ans 3 in 1978, then 1B and 4A in 1979 befor an FCC examiner. And yes they did require CW sending as well as receiving back then.
I have not useed CW in about 20 years but if necessary I could proably copy at 5 WMP. Keep the code requirement for HF, or have our bands go the way of 11 meters.
|
| |
|
RE: Johnny's just plain lazy
|
|
|
by W3DCG on April 13, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
KC8PSA, you paint an absolutely beautiful rendition of the wonderful thoughts in your mind. I for one enjoyed it thoroughly. Before your post I had not realized the magnitude of the simplistic brilliance present in Breeze's code.
Refreshingly, a different light is shed on the subject of Morse Code, reflecting that CW is not about efficiency (although it certainly is unless it's versus PSK-31 + a computer). Nor is CW about usefulness (although in many dire cases it may be the only possibility of communicating). Nor is it about being a significant factor in the qualitative difference between Citizens' Band and HF Amateur Radio, although the commitment the Code requirement presents may be a most significant factor in preserving quality.
CW is about much more than only these things- CW is about earning it in a way soon to be lost to POINT AND CLICK. CW is about Tradition and historical relevence. CW is about making the most out of the least- values which seem to have been lost by current society. CW is about earning your way fair and square. CW is about realizing that something old has value and worth... perhaps not in this day and age- after all, cars and houses are not made like they once were, neither is clothing, and/or everything else of the current error- I mean era. No one FIXES or REPAIRS a computer anymore! The closest one might come to that is replacing the entire Mother Board. No current automobiles seem worth restoring, not like a 57 Chevy which actually has a FOUNDATION worth the effort though insurance companies will have you believe it's not worth the EFFORT. Enter the Age of Disposable everything. Chances are no one is reading this on anything less than a Pentium II and how ancient is that? Even still, when anyone says MORSE CODE, to all non hams two things come to mind: Boy Scouts and Ham Radio. Boy Scouts only because of the existence of Ham Radio. That leaves Ham Radio. Ham Radio leaves CW. That leaves no CW. Where does that leave Ham Radio? Who cares anyway, as long as we can POINT and CLICK? Who cares about the PAST, all that matters is the FUTURE. Let us build current requirements to teach our future that when something is no longer useful it cannot possibly have worth- and should be discarded. Let's teach our present so that in the future we can be assured that we may extrapolate that the notion and idea of Logan's Run is not an abomination, but rather- expedient, efficient, output maximizing, and is a concept they should seriously consider ;)
|
| |
|
RE: Johnny's just plain lazy
|
|
|
by K6NTL on July 5, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Whoa. What about Omega Man, and that other C. Heston movie where they make people crackers. I'd say more but I might actually miss a band opening.
Cheers!
|
| |
|
RE: Johnny Can't Learn Code [???], revisited.
|
|
|
by W3DCG on August 9, 2002
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
HA! That's about 70% of the reason why although there are 4 computers in the house [two of which are truly ancient 486s], none are at my station!
The other 10% is, I'm too lazy [undermotivated] to hook-up the machine I bought exclusively for the station...so much for Johnny being too lazy to learn Morse.
The other 20% is my rig is PTO, not to be confused with a GTO which I'd love to have as well...so there's no interface, and I keep saying that by the time I get around to a sound card interface for PSK 31/other digital, I'll have obtained a Jupiter or comparably priced radio of the 21st Century! Then I'll have a healthy incentive to have both worlds available at the same time!
I love computers as much as I hate them.
73...
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to discussions on this article.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Other Opinion Articles
How Social Networking Can Help Ham Radio
Don't Knock It!
Knobs and SDRs (Software Defined Radios)
EMP a Real Threat to Hams and the USA
High Speed Packet?
|
|
|
