As a long time high speed CW op, let me pass on an few of what I feel are the keys to learning to receive effortlessly at QRQ levels. The goal is to get to the point where listening to CW is exactly like listening to a conversation; that is, there is no conscious translation from dits and dahs into letters, words, and ultimately, phrases.
The first thing do to do is throw away your pencil. Learn early to copy in you heard, even if it initially lowers your copying speed. As you work through this stage, you will be amazed how quickly you begin to hear words instead of letters. This approach will get you to at least 15 WPM if you stick with it. For higher speeds, you must train your brain always hear words and phrases. I found that the best way to do this, is to scan, and later, read some printed material while youare copying CW. Again, this may require you to cut back your copying speed as the process sinks in. What this does is to permit you to "parallel process" two things-one of which is hearing the CW and unconsciously turning it into words at the same time you are doing something else. When you reach this stage, you have the tools to take your CW copying to any level of speed you wish. Once you are over the 20 WPM barrier, speeds of up to 45 or can be achieved by anyone. You say you can't parallel process?? Sure you can--you do it every time you are, for example, reading the paper and the XYL is talking to you ( and you are answering her ) at the same time!! Bill N6FB ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
