On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 06:52:49 -0700, K7MEM wrote:


Years ago, the only way to pass the CW tests was to have one full
minute of solid copy on your copy sheet. Now, you can pass the CW
test two ways. If you have one full minute of solid copy, your done.
However if you don't, you can take the 10 question test. You may have
copied enough characters to guess at the answers. The process of
elimination will help you on many of them. Get a copy of Morse
Academy, if you don't already have it. The built in sample tests
are exactly the same as the real test. If I remember correctly, you
only have to get 7 out of 10 to pass. The odds are in your favor.

I have seen people pass the 13 and 20 WPM tests with only a smattering
of characters on their copy sheet. For me, The key was to be able to
copy a little bit faster than the required speed. That way I was
comfortable with the testing speed. Some people come by CW naturally,
but for me, it took a long time to get to the needed speeds. But
then, no one has to worry about the 13 and 20 WPM tests any more.

Just try to be calm and realize that it's not the end of the world
if you fail. Get the certificates for the tests you do pass and
go back the next testing session. Some testing stations will even
let you try again, after a short rest to collect your thoughts.

And don't discount using CW, when you finally get your license. It's
a fun mode to use, just like any other mode. The more you use it,
the better you get at it, and the more fun you have. And that's what
it's all about, having fun.


I am using morse academy. I have passed the practice tests for tech, no problem.
The General, I got 19 out of 35, without once even looking at a book. If I could
somehow pass morse and get 7 more correct answers in general. Otherwise, I will
just wait. Thanks !

Vinnie S.

Vinnie from one who has taught Morse code to many students:

FOR MANY -- studying EVERY day for 15 to 30 minutes is successful. Leaving
long periods between study sessions is usually counter-productive. Studying
for long periods at a session - frazzles many a brain.

Most people's problems with the code stem from trying to learn it too fast
without sufficient drilling before they move on to each new letter. The
average person needs about 30 hours of study and practice on the code to hit
5 wpm. Now this is an average. Some will take longer and some will take
less." So a half hour in the morning, a half hour in the evening and in a
month -- you should have it.

Good Luck and kudos on your dedication -- it will be worth while.


--
Lamont Cranston



"Vinnie S." wrote in message
...
On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 06:52:49 -0700, K7MEM
wrote:


I am using morse academy. I have passed the practice tests for tech, no
problem.
The General, I got 19 out of 35, without once even looking at a book. If I
could
somehow pass morse and get 7 more correct answers in general. Otherwise, I
will
just wait. Thanks !

Vinnie S.

I took a little bit different approach. First of all, I learned the letters
A to Z and 1 through 0. Next, I had a computer generate the letters from A
to Z and 1 through 0 at 20, 25, and 30WPM. After about 3 minutes at each
speed, I had the computer generate random characters at 25WPM. I eliminated
one step of the learning process by not trying to write the characters down;
this allowed my brain to have the sounds imprinted in me.
After this, I took the advice of a 30WPM fellow...........as I would be
driving down the highway, I would pronounce the names of the different road
signs in Morse Code. I would only do this by myself, so that somebody
wouldn't have me carted off to some unpleasant place!
Anyway, two weeks later, I took my 5WPM test and passed it. Five weeks after
that, I took my 13WPM test. After using this learning technique, the 13WPM
test sounded like it was going in slow motion............my copy speed was
more in the 18WPM range, but not quite 20WPM. Give this technique a try and
you will be amazed at the results. Good luck!

Pete

I took my 5WPM test two weeks later............5 weeks after that, I passed
my 13WPM test for the General class license.
"Señor Sombra" wrote in message
news:nW_Vd.43987$xt.16268@fed1read07...
Vinnie from one who has taught Morse code to many students:

FOR MANY -- studying EVERY day for 15 to 30 minutes is successful. Leaving
long periods between study sessions is usually counter-productive.
Studying for long periods at a session - frazzles many a brain.

Most people's problems with the code stem from trying to learn it too fast
without sufficient drilling before they move on to each new letter. The
average person needs about 30 hours of study and practice on the code to
hit 5 wpm. Now this is an average. Some will take longer and some will
take less." So a half hour in the morning, a half hour in the evening and
in a month -- you should have it.

Good Luck and kudos on your dedication -- it will be worth while.


--
Lamont Cranston



"Vinnie S." wrote in message
...
On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 06:52:49 -0700, K7MEM
wrote:


I am using morse academy. I have passed the practice tests for tech, no
problem.
The General, I got 19 out of 35, without once even looking at a book. If
I could
somehow pass morse and get 7 more correct answers in general. Otherwise,
I will
just wait. Thanks !

Vinnie S.

Like Pete, I suggest similar... DO road signs, hell... do the shampoo bottle
label, ingredients and all - in code - as taking a shower. I do not suggest
any more than 15 minutes a day, it can drive you bonkers or bore you - which
ever out look you take. Read a magazine in "code". You'll be humming right
along before you know it.
cl

"Pete KE9OA" wrote in message
...
I took a little bit different approach. First of all, I learned the letters
A to Z and 1 through 0. Next, I had a computer generate the letters from A
to Z and 1 through 0 at 20, 25, and 30WPM. After about 3 minutes at each
speed, I had the computer generate random characters at 25WPM. I eliminated
one step of the learning process by not trying to write the characters
down; this allowed my brain to have the sounds imprinted in me.
After this, I took the advice of a 30WPM fellow...........as I would be
driving down the highway, I would pronounce the names of the different
road signs in Morse Code. I would only do this by myself, so that somebody
wouldn't have me carted off to some unpleasant place!
Anyway, two weeks later, I took my 5WPM test and passed it. Five weeks
after that, I took my 13WPM test. After using this learning technique, the
13WPM test sounded like it was going in slow motion............my copy
speed was more in the 18WPM range, but not quite 20WPM. Give this
technique a try and you will be amazed at the results. Good luck!

Pete

I took my 5WPM test two weeks later............5 weeks after that, I
passed my 13WPM test for the General class license.
"Señor Sombra" wrote in message
news:nW_Vd.43987$xt.16268@fed1read07...
Vinnie from one who has taught Morse code to many students:

FOR MANY -- studying EVERY day for 15 to 30 minutes is successful.
Leaving long periods between study sessions is usually
counter-productive. Studying for long periods at a session - frazzles
many a brain.

Most people's problems with the code stem from trying to learn it too
fast without sufficient drilling before they move on to each new letter.
The average person needs about 30 hours of study and practice on the code
to hit 5 wpm. Now this is an average. Some will take longer and some
will take less." So a half hour in the morning, a half hour in the
evening and in a month -- you should have it.

Good Luck and kudos on your dedication -- it will be worth while.


--
Lamont Cranston



"Vinnie S." wrote in message
...
On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 06:52:49 -0700, K7MEM
wrote:


I am using morse academy. I have passed the practice tests for tech, no
problem.
The General, I got 19 out of 35, without once even looking at a book. If
I could
somehow pass morse and get 7 more correct answers in general. Otherwise,
I will
just wait. Thanks !

Vinnie S.

Vinnie S. wrote:
The General, I got 19 out of 35, without once even
looking at a book.

cb/freebander attitude; "i won't make any effort to study, i want it
handed to me"