CW… Carrier Wave… Morse code… Call it what you will, it’s an incredibly popular mode that has the advantage of getting through where voice and data might not.
In Essex, we’re very fortunate to have an active club that promotes all aspects of CW operation, as well as excellent Morse classes in Danbury, and on this page, you’ll find some basic information on how to get started and where to look:
Essex CW Club
There’s no doubt that this page should be your first port of call. The club has been running since 2009 and at the time of writing has over 250 members – Their site lists their very busy events calendar, information on the modes, details of their regular nets, and information on CW contests and competitions. Find out more at www.essexcw.org.uk
In July 2013, Essex Ham’s Pete M0PSX caught up with Jonathan G0DVJ, one of the club’s founders, to find out more and to get some tips on how best to approach the challenge of learning Morse. We also caught up with Andy G0IBN, who runs the CW classes in Danbury. Take a look at the following video to learn more:
Morse Classes
Andy Kersey G0IBN, as featured in the video clip above, teaches the Morse classes here in Essex.
These are held at the Danbury Village Hall in Danbury on a Thursday night – To find out more, visit the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society’s training page
Andy’s an excellent (and patient) tutor, and although learning CW with the aid of a computer can be very helpful – there’s no substitute to getting hands-on one-to-one experience and guidance when you’re learning.
Foundation – Morse Appreciation
Foundation candidates are required to take a Morse Code Appreciation practical. If you’re interested to know what’s involved, check out the following YouTube clip:
More Information
We hope to add some links on useful programs and websites for those looking to get started. If you have any recommendations, please contact us
Went back on CW after 20 some years.Getting my speed up each day continue to practice.CW makes a person think.what is in your head transferred to your hand.Years ago I was taught by my friend to try and stay a letter or two behind when coping code in your head.I still have my old code book from AARL 1956 few pages are torn but still able to use it.
received my license December 9.!957.Got tired of all the talking on phone hi hi.will be 82 in a few months.
73 and God Bless Thank You.
Dr.William C.Knight PH.D K2ipx
I am 76 years old and was a wireless operator in the RAF from 1959 to 1964
being an ESSEX (pun) my self I was surprised to see your ESSEX CW CLUB
and glad to see you keeping the old skill going, I still practice regularly.
Norman Essex
Hi I have read the comments and I do appreciate the experiences all of you have had, I learned Morse in Portugal 5 years ago but now I am very interested in revise it again and practice but the only thing that makes me sad is that I live very far ( Tottenham) from a place to train anyway I will do my best to improve in this so exciting subject.
73′ God bless you all.
Valmir Oliveira
Hello,
I have written a blogsite, to compliment a program called CWCOM written by an Australian Radio Ham, for windows 95, but can be used on Linux and MAC macines. ( see relevant pages of the blog ! )
CWCOM is free to download and free to use, we use the same procedure as Ham Radio CW operators, and many hams from around the world use it. You can connect an external key to your computer or laptop… ( see relevant page ) .. and enjoy 599 LIVE qso`s on line, so no need to send signal reports !… just get on there, and chat and practice… ideal for those who cannot use a rig, or antenna, due to housing restrictions… no licence required no login… no registration… also ideal for those who need to gain “key confidence” before going live on air ! ! ..
https://morsepower.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
Thanks
Gerry