I'm having good results using the free code course from K7QO (http://www.kkn.net/~k7qo/).  It's a set of over 100 MP3 files and a study manual and answer key.

I keep this course on my iPhone.

He recommends using a smooth gel tipped rolling pen and always use cursive writing as this is faster than printing.  The author is another accomplished CW champion.  First you copy with a pen.  After you become proficient, you repeat the course and copy by typing on your keyboard.  Finally you copy in your head.

You progress from hearing letters (not dits and dahs) to words then phrases.

73 de Jeff, W6UX

Wow excellent question and very helpful replies.

Is it good or bad to apply these same conventions to digital modes like RTTY and PSK31?

-Jeff

I use repeaterbook.com to find repeaters.  It has a proximity search function, and other advanced search features.  Their database is more up to date and comprehensive than the program I have for my iPhone.  Perhaps they offer an API service for app developers.

73 de Jeff W6UX

Just a followup to end the thread... Phil from HRO put on a great talk.  I've decided that ultimately I'd best be served using a Kenwood 710a and an AvMap GeoSat GPS/Display.

Thanks for the helpful feedback.

73 de Jeff, W6UX

Well, I can see how a graphical mapping is a "nice to have", but is it essential? I don't really need to track other hams on a map, but I'm interested in the ability to use the APRS system for messaging, e-mail, and letting others know where I am (for those that want to see my location on a map).

I'll be sure to ask about the benefits of seeing the APRS info on a map at our club's APRS seminar this week.

73 de Jeff, W6UX

I've got a really nice setup working on Windows XP with my K3 and MicroKeyer II.  I'd like to see if I can transition most of my ham software onto my MacBook Pro (2006 Core Duo model) using native Mac apps.  It's running Snow Leopard.

I also have a Yaesu 857D, and an ADMS-4BU programming cable for it.  I don't know if I can establish rig control under OS X using this cable, as there doesn't appear to be any drivers for Snow Leopard on the RT Systems website.  Getting rid of the Dell PC would free up a lot of space on the desk and I could finally remove an outdated OS from my shack.

I operate SSB, PSK31, RTTY, and occasionally WSPR and JT65.

Which mac programs should I get working first? There's RUMLog and MacLoggerDX for general logging, and Aether and RUMped for contesting, also I think something called Skookum Logger.  I guess for any digital modes I have to use cocoaModem? I believe I also may need a program called uH Router to get the MKII working, but I see there are Mac OS X drivers on the microHam website, so didn't know if that was needed.

Lots of questions...looking for a sane way to proceed one program at a time.  Suggestions?

73 de Jeff, W6UX

After doing a little bit of research on rigs, I concur, I think the Kenwood DM-710a is what I'd lean towards.  I'm leaning towards a Green Light Labs GPS-710 module for the GPS.  I'll look into the AvMap, but we already have a Garmin Nuvi 660 in the car.  If the D710a has an adequate display of APRS information to be useful, I think I prefer the minimal setup with the GPS-710.

What capabilities does an AvMap GPS give me that I can't get with a GPS-710 and DM-710a (other than a nicer graphical display of APRS info)?

73 de Jeff, W6UX

My priority is to get the most APRS features using the simplest setup (simplest meaning fewest pieces of hardware needed).  Based on just an hour of research, it seems a popular route is the Kenwood TM-D710 with the Green Light Labs GPS-710 to provide GPS receiving, or the Yaesu FTM-350R using one of their internal GPS receivers. 

Do these rigs provide an adequate display of APRS reports, or do you really need to go to the expense and complexity of a separate, dedicated GPS with a full color screen? I just want the information and ease of accessing it, it doesn't have to be the slickest, prettiest display.

Any other rigs I should research?

73 de Jeff, W6UX

A friend demo'd his mobile station's ability to show up on a tracking website, and I think this is pretty cool.  But I know APRS offers a lot more capabilities, like showing you a lot of what's going on around you.  I'm going on a long road trip from CA to CO in September.  Next week our club is having a guest speaker on APRS, and I'm hoping that will greatly bootstrap my understanding of what it takes to get a proper APRS mobile setup installed.

Was hoping the experts here can steer me in the direction of some capable hardware.  Presently I use a Yaesu 857-D, ATAS-120a HF, and Comet 2m/440 antennas.  Our GPS is a Garmin Nuvi 660.

I'm thinking I'd like to add a second mobile rig for dedicated APRS, either by using the existing dual band VHF antenna, or placing a 3rd antenna on the car.  For a rig, I'd like something that offers as much on screen info as possible, possibly eliminating the need for a fancy full screen GPS unit (in case my 660 doesn't offer the necessary outputs).  I have yet to look into the various rigs out there, but if you were going to start from scratch and add an APRS station to your car, what would you recommend for the hardware (rig and GPS)?

73 de Jeff, W6UX

Thanks everyone! I'll plan to take my spiderbeam mast and a few PAR end-fed dipoles with me.  Hopefully the weather cooperates!

Jeff W6UX

Yes I considered Pike's peak, as we can get up there without 4x4 (which we won't have).

Anacapa Island (NA-144) will be activated as W6UX/p with a team of 4 operators during the IOTA contest July 29-31. This will be a multi-op entry on both phone and CW.

• QSL via K6GEP
• Operators are W6UX, AE6RS, WA6WPG and K6GEP

Outside the contest 40-6M, including WARC will be activated. Outside the contest QSL via home calls.

I'll be taking a road trip from Southern California to Colorado in September.  We'll be stopping on our way in Utah (near Moab), and then on to Durango to do the train trip to Silverton.  After that we'll head to Ft. Collins.

I'd like to find a really high peak I can drive to, an area suitable for throwing up my Spiderbeam 12m mast and hanging a PAR end fez dipole on it.  The weather can get crazy this time of year so I'll have just a few hours (late morning to early afternoon) to operate.  I can run off the car or I have a 24Ah battery setup I can use.  Rig will be an 857-D @ 100w.

My Dad said there were a couple of peaks over 12k you can actually drive to the top and no hiking involved to find a place to operate.

Does anyone have some recommended Peaks to use, that are within 1-2 hours of Ft. Collins?

Thanks!

Jeff W6UX

Only been on HF since 2009 and today was the first time I have clearly heard Africa (TJ9PF) on SSB.  I even got through to them on 30m RTTY.  Wow.  I hope it lasts for a while! I confirmed this weekend I can work all continents on RTTY and 100 watts (except Antarctica...still have not heard a signal from there).  Lovin my inverted v dipole at just 43 feet!

Jeff W6UX

I have both a Spiderbeam mast and the much heavier duty Max Gain Systems fiberglass mast (MK-8-HD).  I use the Spiderbeam for portable operating, and it has 3 levels of guy ropes.  It is FLIMSY so you must guy it! I also guy my MK-8-HD because we get Santa Ana winds.

I feed both with 300 ohm ladder line from DX Engineering (coax is too heavy for the Spiderbeam, and you'll get more watts out with ladder line anyway).  I use a 1:1 current balun from DX Engineering inside my shack (the ladder line is fed into the attic, and down an interior wall into my shack.  Nice and clean, and at 100 watts there's no heating issues.  the dipoles I build are good for 10-40m using a tuner (SG-239 for portable ops, and my K3 has an internal tuner).

Based on your limitations, I think and inverted doublet would work well for you if you can tolerate the appearance of the mast and the required guy ropes (use 3/16" dacron).

You can find pictures of my setups on my QRZ profile page.

73 de Jeff, W6UX