I absolutely agree with CodeQuick. I passed my Tech test October 27 of this year. I started on CodeQuick the next week. I can currently do the entire alphabet at 6wpm, and half the numbers as well. I study religiously for an hour a day (any less you don't learn, any more you burn out). I'm shooting for my code test on 12/15.

I remember (way) back in Boy Scouts having plans for a homemade Morse Code key. Of course you needed two and a dry cell battery in between. Anyway, are there plans out there for a homemade CW key? I'd love to make one just for the experience and nostalgia.

I can remember back in the 1970s when we were going through the energy crunch, researching a way to generate DC power by means of a stationary bike. Being new to the Ham arena, this thought cropped up again for me (no long term memory problems here!). In a true emergency, even batteries and generators will run out of power, but we'll always have good old fashioned elbow grease. Is there information/plans out there for this type of set up?

     In anticipation of passing my general test in a couple of weeks, I am beginning to gather information for building an antenna(s) for 10m and/or 20m. It will have to go in the attic of my townhouse, so from what little I have learned so far, I was thinking of ladder line.
     So, I am looking for *very detailed* information about all aspects of this project. I have no background in this type of activity except wiring stereo sound systems. Therefore, I need specifics on connecting the coax feed to the wire, testing the length of the wire, hanging the antenna correctly, and probably a thousand things I don't even know that I don't know yet!
     Is there an "Antennas for Dummies" book out there?

I am also a status "2" on my request, what exactly does that mean, and what are the different status levels?

One quick suggestion about stud finding if you don't want to spend any money; look on the baseboard for the nail marks. All you have to do is find one near the middle of the wall and all the other studs will be 16" on center away from there. I'm an old fashioned/cheap carpenter ;-)

I'm as new as new can be to CW, (3.5wpm - hope to pass the code test in a couple months). In anticipation of that, and becasue of the content of this thread, is there somewhere that I can learn the rules of etiquete, either written or unwritten "gentlemen's agreement" ones?

I am in the middle of studying for my Tech+, and can receive pretty accurately at 3.5wpm, so I'm about half way there. I started thinking that there is no way I could send at that rate. I seem to be able to recognize code by the sounds, but I really need a way to practice sending. Is there a computer program (I'm using CodeQuick to learn) that you can key in code (either through the keyboard, or an external key) and it translates to type so you can see your accuracy and speed?

I'm in the exact same boat as you, just got my call sign yesterday. I've been studying for both the General test and the code test since I passed the Tech test. I downloaded a bunch of the free programs and wasn't getting anywhere with them. I finally bit the bullet and bought CodeQuick. I absolutely love it. As mentioned, a half hour a day is ideal (whether split into one, two or three sessions). Don't do more, you'll get overloaded, don't do less, you won't progress.
My suggestion is to to work on accuracy first, then speed (this is the theory in any sport, and specifically what we teach in competitive shooting). It is much easier to increase your speed when you are getting all letters. I'm getting 100% accuracy, although I'm only at 2wpm. Good luck, and don't give up when it gets a little difficult.

I am planning to build a platform in my attic to utilize a mag mount antenna (that I will swap from my truck) for my 2 meter HT. My idea was to have a half sheet of plywood with sheet metal attached to it. My questions are:
1. Do I need a sheet of steel, or will aluminum work?
2. Someone suggested using Reynolds Wrap instead. Is that feasable?
3. What size should it be; 2'x2', 3'x3' or 4'x4'?

Thanks.