The time you spent in the scouts learning slow code is, sorry to say, time wasted. Code is not the easiest thing to learn, properly. The key is learning it properly. My recommendation is to faithfully use one of the software programs by G4FON or K7QO. You can find them at no cost on the Internet.

First start here:
http://www.qsl.net/n1irz/finley.morse.html

Use one of the courses here:
http://www.athm.net/andreas/K7QO_codecourse/  

http://www.g4fon.net/CW%20Trainer.htm

When you get a little comfortable with code check out the new FISTS code buddy program. They will match you up to someone on the air to learn or improve your CW skills. You don’t have to be a member, but you may want to join.
http://www.codebuddy.org/

As to the type of “key” to use, I would recommend a plane, simple, straight key for starters. You can always move up to keyers later.

72,73,
Jim/N9ESH

You find some great ideas and some good pointers here.

http://www.netcom.army.mil/mars/training/docs/DOCUMENT%20NUMBER%201%202007%20REV%201.pdf

It’s the Army Antenna Seminar.

73,
Jim

I’ve had real good luck with end fed halfwaves. For 40M, it consists of 66.6 ft. of 22 GA wire and a simple matching circuit. You can use a PAR matching box and substitute your own 22 GA wire such as the Teflon coated stuff. The substituted wire fits better in a backpack. A good matching circuit description can be found here and built into an Altoids tin if you don’t want to use the PAR box:  

http://www.natworld.com/www/ars/pages/back_issues/2007_text/0107_text/KI6SN.html

I’ve used this antenna in the back woods of Yellowstone with my KX1 with good success.

For use at the beach, use a Parafoil kite to hold up the end fed halfwave. Here is a description of a Parafoil kite from the Adventure Radio Society.

http://www.natworld.com/www/ars/pages/back_issues/2001_text/0601_text/kite.html

I like end fed halfwaves because they are easy to put up and take down and don’t take much room in a backpack.

Jim/N9ESH

What I've found that works pretty well is WD-40.

You are probably thinking of the "Navy flameproof" keys. (XXX-26003A) These were very popular. I was introduced to them in 1970 as a Navy air crewman. Every P2V7(SP2H)Neptune antisubmarine aircraft had one, as did the P3 Orions. They are common on E-Bay.

Jean Shepherd, K2ORS. Too bad he is a silent key.

Jaclyn Smith and Sally Field. Together. Knowing they weren't going to be there, I decided not to go.

Ed

Ed, you forgot Sela Ward! Too bad she is not a Ham!

Jim

Has anyone been able to operate a PK232 using MIXW software? I can get the sound card modes to work just fine but the ARQ modes just won't work.

For PACTOR, Airmail works with the PK232 just fine but not the MIXW. I'm feeling really stupid here. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

Jim N9ESH

 Satellites might be a bit extreme in the back woods, but if it works, let us know you did it.  
My personal favorite is to use a small QRP transceiver such as the NorCal40A or DSWII for 40 Meters. I’ve used them with great success in the backwoods of Yellowstone using AA batteries and simple end fed wires tossed into trees. It all fits nicely in a corner of my backpack. You should have no trouble communicating with your brother several hundred miles or more away.  
Whatever method you use, try it out in the backyard first. This will give you an idea as to what you are in for.


Jim/N9ESH

…Say it aint so, Joe! (Dave)

It looks like I got one of the last 3 rigs shipped. And what a great little rig it is. Waited 5 ½ months for it to arrive. But it’s worth the wait.

Also built the NorCal-40A. That too is a nice radio. But, the DSW-II beats it hands down.

Here’s hoping Dave has a change of heart and brings back this little classic.

73, Jim N9ESH

Oldies are usually goodies. Look around for some clasic CW rigs at hamfests. Might I suggest Icom-735 or the older tube Heathkit HW-16? Both are good rigs. There are lots of others out there sitting in closets of Ham stations and just gathering dust. Ask around. You'll be surprised what you will come up with.

I still have my AEA Hot-rod antenna. It has a red sleeve cover over the coil and is about 39 inches fully extended. It is a half wave for 2-meters.

73, Jim

Also, aboard an aircraft, the shorting bar was to be switched on prior to ditching (after the location was sent).  When rescuers heard the transmission stop, they knew you went in.

Jim (old SP-2H Neptune sailor)

Check the 3v memory "keep alive" battery. It's located on the back. If that dosen't help, the radio is probably history.

Had the same problem with a Toshiba Satellite 1135-S155.

Takes only one screw. The one that holds the CD/DVD drive. Pull (slide)out the drive and the hard drive is there.

The hard drive is held in by 6 screws. You will see them. Don't take the entire case apart, no need.

73, Jim