[/quote]

Well I made 3 successful QSO's in PA, TX and IL on 40m. It was terrifying, but I am now over my fear. As far as experienced operators wanting to understand our difficulties, I would have to say I had no issues with the ops that came back to me. They were very patient and wonderful.

My only gripe was having my frequency taken over. Naturally I would move, because I had no clue what they were saying at that speed. Only to have it taken over again. This kept happening the entire time I was on 40 meters. About 6-8 times in 45 minutes. I had a great signal too. Only 1 guy had the courtesy to send a question mark, the others did not. The one that did send a question mark, sent is so fast. By time I comprehended what he sent, he was already CQing. Perhaps when checking to see if a frequency is open everyone could send the question mark a bit slower, so every level CW operator has a chance to know what you sent and respond.  ~ Valerie 
[/quote]


Congrats ... !

Yeah, sometimes they can be pretty quick to start transmitting after QRL or ? .. 

I guess that sometimes its a matter of them simply not hearing me and/or others, since i am only putting 10w out, or because of my lousy antenna :-)
However, i suspect i will be better at handling these confusing situations as my speed gets better, but right now it sometimes feels like standing still in the middle of a freeway...  ha ha.

Anyway, congratulations with your first contacts, and hopes for many more...   

Vy 73 de
Dennis

Thanks Billy, i just might do that...:-)

Dennis

Good luck Valerie...!

I sent somewhat slower than i can copy. I think that was a very good idea. If i had sent as fast as i can copy,
i don't think i could have completed the qso. Better to have some margin i think. My counterpart did send a little faster than i did so...

But, best of luck. You will love it :-)

Dennis

Hi all...

Thanks for all the nice words and advice.

Yes. it was a great feeling. Incredibly cool !
I am hooked, thats for sure. 



73,
Dennis

Just had my very first CW QSO. If one could call that a QSO ha ha.. 

Didn't get the nice guys name right, and didn't get all jotted down right,
man was that a scary experience.

Suddenly i seemed to go completely blank, couldn't form letters right and so on.

Anyway managed to get the essentials and confirming QSL exchange.

The fellow UT5UIA , Serge was VERY patient. He must have laughed hard 

So, that was just my experience i wanted to share...


73 de OZ1LRI
Dennis

Thanks...

Dennis

Hi all....

I know there quite a few prosigns, but what is actually used ?

No need to put a lot of effort in to learning something i will
never hear on the bands....

73
Dennis
OZ1LRI