CW Operations @ WB4IUY/AC4QD

CW was the first mode of operation for me back in 1974 as Amateur Radio Station WN4IUY. At that time, the entry level license was [NOVICE CLASS]. It allowed the holder of license to operate in the Novice Class band segments with CW only... no voice was allowed. I also think I remember the power level being limited to 75 watts INPUT to the final amp, and crystal control for the transmitter was a requirement. The novice license was non-renewable, and good for only 2 years. So, I worked CW...lots of CW. Why? I had to upgrade before the 2 year period was up, else I'd loose my prized license!


At first I hated it...but then it got to be fun. Eventually, my speed increased more and more, and I began to hear letters. As time moved on, I got even faster, and now I hear words and phrases. CW is fun, and I can't imagine not being able to operate that mode. It is my favorite mode of all, and I spend lots of my on-the-air time in that mode.

CW Related Posts on WB4IUY.BLOGSPOT.COM

- A CW Keying Control for the Shack!

Speed-X Straight Key

This is an old Speed-X straight key that was given to me many years ago by friend and ham Peter N4SXG (now SK). I use it from time to time on straight key night, and keep it connected to my 2m SSB rig most of the time.

Chinese Army (PLA) Key

This is is the famous K7 key that was used as a training tool in Chinese Army (PLA) for new Morse operators. Sometimes called the 'Big John', these made their way into the states as Chinese military surplus items. This unit was given to me by Ronnie WA4MJF, and was brand new in the box. These have been out of production for some time, and no longer available.

Bencher Paddles

I love these Iambic paddles. They are usually connected to the IC-756, but I also use them on the other rigs from time to time. They have a great feel and are easy to use. They were a parting gift from a company I used to work for, and were picked out by then co-worker and still friend and ham Garry KG4D.

Hal Telereader Interface

This Oldie-but-Goodie is a beautiful RTTY and CW interface. It has it's own vacuum tube monochrome display built-in, and still works great today. It has a place in my primary station position, due to it's dependability! I use this for CW operation quite often whie interfaced to my Yaesu FT-901DE.

Using HRD's DM-780 on CW

Sometimes I use DM-780 (built into Ham Radio Deluxe) to work CW. It's great for contests as it has a QSO counter and and some other quick-turnover features built in. It can also work MCW, which is handy on quiet bands as you can QSY within about 3khz without having to spin the vfo.

Buxcomm Rascal Interface on CW

I've said this before, but I'll say it again... the best $50 I've _EVER_ spent on my shack was when I bought a Rascal Soundcard/Rig Interface from Buxcomm. I had never even heard PSK31 or other digital modes of that sort... When the Rascal came in the mail to me, I had it opened, installed, and making my first contact on the air in less than 30 minutes. It was a beautifully simple plug and play operation, and came with all cables and software needed to get it up in running in just minutes. You can find it on Buxcomm Communications' website at http://www.buxcomm.com/. It doesn't get any easier or less expensive to get on the digital modes than this! I've also made a mod to the Rascal for keyed CW, so I wouldn't have to change cables when I operated in CW (not MCW) mode. I've posted info and a drawing about this on the site, and you can see it by clicking HERE.

Buxcomm Related Posts on WB4IUY.BLOGSPOT.COM

- Lightning Damage to the Buxcomm

For the Rascal CW Mod, click HERE. For the Rascal Remote Operation, click HERE.