waited for ever to actually get a ham license because of the Morse code requirements (like 30 years) and now that I have a license I decided I want to learn CW after all.
I've got NOTHIN' to say about the main questions, and I'll take a look at the web app later this week when I have some spare time. But I wanted to say you're on the RIGHT track as far as having fun. :-) I wanted to get my ticket when I was a lad, but waited until I was in my 30s because the one-year nonrenewable Novice license at the time scared me. :-/ I finally got a first license in 1991, when they had rearranged the rules, but I then spent my first year working 10 and 15-m CW, and having a hoot!
Didn't do much morse after that first year, until 3 years ago, when I started having a neuromuscular problem that limits my ability to send by hand. And also started doing a lot of portable and QRP work, using CW, despite the problems. Doesn't matter! CW is still FUN! RTTY is FUN! And PSK is FUN! I'm embarrassed when I can't say something using the memories in my keyer, because my muscles don't work very well .. but I'm having a WORLD of fun with CW even at my advanced age. And it sounds like you've got the RIGHT attitude to having FUN with your new ham license, too!
One bit of "Old Phart" advice, if you'll forgive me: Once you have the letters learned, you'll learn MUCH faster if you actually get on the air and USE CW. It's not practice when you do that, it's PLAY. :-) And it's a world of fun. Give it a try, and you'll have a great time! Almost all hams will be GLAD to slow down to your speed, and we'll be delighted to have you joining the fraternity! :-) So when you feel halfway ready, fire up the rig and answer a CQ--answer at the speed YOU are comfortable with. The other ham will reply, 99 times out of 100!
Have fun, OM, and congratulations for giving it a try! 73 de ken ac4rd!
