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Author Topic: I need something to see what I've keyed after I have completed the word.  (Read 510 times)

KM3K

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  • Posts: 449

Hello,
I'm working toward making my first CW QSO.
Can copy with pen/paper at 13 wpm "somewhat pretty good".
Problem is in sending; using CT755 (single-lever-paddle) and display on Elecraft's KX3.
Prosigns are not an issue since they have only two or three letters.
My QTH is "Carlisle"; it is hard for me, so I practice that a lot since that's a typical item to send.
I need something to see what I've keyed after I have completed the word.
The KX3 does not do that for me.
I am not able to simultaneously concentrate on keying and also watch the display.
Sidecar was suggested but its $300 price-tag is a dead-end for this retired, limited-budget "no-code Extra".
Is there any other help for me?
TIA for any assistance.
73 jerry km3k
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KW1L

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  • Posts: 36

Try PRECISION CW Fistcheck
https://www.qsl.net/dj7hs/download.htm
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G4AON

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  • Posts: 2178

Jerry, the KX3 displays characters sent using the internal keyer. While the characters quickly scroll across the limited screen, it is sufficient to check that what you think you are sending is really what is going out.

See Text decode and display in the KX3 manual.

73 Dave
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KD9PQB

  • Posts: 26
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Go to eBay and type in "morse decoder" and you'll see a bunch of options.  I don't know how reliable the Chicom stuff is and I won't buy it, but it's there.  I have a Japanese made GHD decoder I use for monitoring my straight key code and it seems to be very accurate unless my speed varies too much but it was about $180.  It shows 26 characters - enough to show the entire alphabet or a string of text without having to look up each time I key a word.  It's really helped my accuracy.  MFJ sells one as well.

Oh, I saw an ad yesterday for a used "Morserino 32" on QRZ - look that one up.  It has a bunch of training features, but the one I liked was a feature that you have to key in what the unit sends you and it tells you whether you got it right or not.  I thought that would be cool, but someone snapped it up while I was researching it and they're out of stock.

Good luck and congrats on the copying - that's my weakest area.
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W7CXC

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  • Posts: 335

One of those cheap MFJ decoders might work but your sending needs to be quite precise for them to work correctly.
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W6MK

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Best to base your learning and understanding of Morse Code on sound only. If you can hear and learn the rhythm properly you can tell how well you are sending with a sidetone.

It's mostly a matter of more practice. Keep at it and you'll soon be able to send correctly and assure yourself by what you hear.
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NN2X

  • Posts: 458
    • HomeURL

Hello,
I'm working toward making my first CW QSO.
Can copy with pen/paper at 13 wpm "somewhat pretty good".
Problem is in sending; using CT755 (single-lever-paddle) and display on Elecraft's KX3.
Prosigns are not an issue since they have only two or three letters.
My QTH is "Carlisle"; it is hard for me, so I practice that a lot since that's a typical item to send.
I need something to see what I've keyed after I have completed the word.
The KX3 does not do that for me.
I am not able to simultaneously concentrate on keying and also watch the display.
Sidecar was suggested but its $300 price-tag is a dead-end for this retired, limited-budget "no-code Extra".
Is there any other help for me?
TIA for any assistance.
73 jerry km3k

I sent you an email (To your email address posted on QRZ)

DE NN2X
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W0CKI

  • Member
  • Posts: 637

What speed are you trying to send at? Have you ever tried a straight key?
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AE0Q

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  • Posts: 414
    • AE0Q Amateur Radio

Have you ever tried a straight key?

Well THAT won't teach him how to send correctly :-(
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NSGA Edzell 1974-77  CTM2  GM5BKC : NSGA Rota 1972-74   ZB2WZ, SV0WY
https://radioandtravels.blogspot.com/
http://www.qsl.net/ae0q/

W0CKI

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  • Posts: 637

Oh yes it will. Many ops myself included learned to properly use a straight key. Me in 1954. There are many ops that practice correctly sending with a straight key. It’s an art. Maybe you should learn it.
Gary W0CKI
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K8AXW

  • Posts: 7391
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I second W6MK.  Most people who want to learn the code start out with a straight key and oscillator because they're cheaper.  I could send perfect code before I was able to copy it. 

Sound to me that just a little more practice, perhaps using a tape recorder, will solve your problem.

As an aside, I wish more CW OP's would listen to themselves with a tape recorder along with a recording of W1AW's CW practice sessions. 
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A Pessimist is Never Disappointed!

ZL1BBW

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  • Posts: 1912

I second W6MK.  Most people who want to learn the code start out with a straight key and oscillator because they're cheaper.  I could send perfect code before I was able to copy it. 

Sound to me that just a little more practice, perhaps using a tape recorder, will solve your problem.

As an aside, I wish more CW OP's would listen to themselves with a tape recorder along with a recording of W1AW's CW practice sessions.

We were expected to be able to send along with the instructor, same speed spacing, and of course exactly the same text.  Normally something like the Daily Telegraph.

Woe and betide you if you got to the end of the paragraph even milliseconds before he did.

Mind you we could all send damn fine morse.  Thank you Mr Baker I think it was from memory.
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ex MN Radio Officer, Portishead Radio GKA, BT Radio Amateur Morse Tester.  Licensed as G3YCP ZL1DAB, now taken over my father (sk) call as ZL1BBW.

G8FXC

  • Member
  • Posts: 533

Hello,
...
My QTH is "Carlisle"....
...
73 jerry km3k

If you are planning on taking CW seriously, I would recommend moving house! :-)

Martin (G8FXC)
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K8AXW

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BBW: Gavin, Nothing like copying Morse from hundreds of operators, 40 hours a week to make one appreciate a good fist!

It's good to read of efforts to improve one's fist.  It indicates that they're aware that their sending needs improving. 

Sorry about your arthritic hands.  I've developed Parkinson's and can't send at all.  Proves once again that the "house" is the card dealer.

I like that: "A friendly voice on many a dark night." (Bennett)
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A Pessimist is Never Disappointed!

N6YWU

  • Posts: 362
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There are several Morse Decoder apps in the various App stores that will run on mobile phones (Android or iPhone).  Put one next to your code practice oscillator and see if it can decode what you think you are keying.
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