KB6NU's Ham Radio Blog

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Operating Notes: Be an on-air CW Elmer

Posted: 20 Aug 2016 08:28 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/kb6nu...m_medium=email


This morning, I got the following e-mail from Ruben, AC2RJ:

I am Ruben, AC2RJ, we just had a contact on 7.027 MHz. I just wantedÂ*to say
thanks for the contactÂ*and Â*let you know I saw one of your interviews on
YouTube about CW months ago, and it was very important in my decision of
getting in the air in CW even when I was not ready at all Everything
turned okay, and now, its my favorite mode!! Who new!?!?Â*
Thanks again for the contact, and hopefully we will contact again soon.
73,Â*Ruben, AC2RJ

I was calling CQ about 25 wpmÂ*when Ruben called me. He didnt send my call,
but somewhat shakily and somewhat slowly only sent his callsign. From the
tone of his call, I guessed that hed been able to copy CQ but not my
callsign. So, I cranked it down, and sent my call again several times. This
time, he was able to copy myÂ*call and we had a nice conversation, until the
band changed and we started getting some QRM. At any rate, Im glad we made
contact, and Im looking forward to working Ruben again.
I had another experience with a new CW operator last night. Every once in a
while, I get on the #redditnet IRC channel and chat with the guys there.
One of them asked, So, where is everyone hanging out tonight.
I replied, Im on 40m CW, 7027 kHz. He said, I think I can do that. Give me
a minute.
A short time later, I heard him call. We had a short, somewhatÂ*disjointed
QSO. After we signed, he texted me on #redditnet, Sorry, but Im not very
good at ragchewing. I replied, No worries. It just takes practice. I also
said that next time well have a smoother, longer contact.
Indeed, it does take practice. So, if you happen to make one of these
contacts, dont just blow off the other guy as being a poor operator. He or
she may just be a newcomer getting used to ragchewing.
We should be encouraging these operators to become regulars on the CW
bands. Be prepared to help them through a QSO by asking them some
questions. Send slowly and cleanly. Follow the proper operating protocols.
Follow up by sending a QSL card thanking them for the contact, noting that
you look forward to the next one. All of these will help turn these
newcomers into great CW ops.

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