My First Key

I finally did it today, I was able to get to “the candy store” (HRO) and bought my first key in order to communicate using Morse code. While I am not fully proficient in CW (yet) I have been working each day to learn to recognize the dits and dahs that make the alphabet and numbers, as well as some pro signs.

After looking, reviewing and comparing I chose the Vibroplex Square Racer Deluxe. As you can see before it has a polished chromed base and parts with their signature red paddles, weighing 2 lbs.

While time is something I don’t have much of with everything else I am involved in, I will make it a point to hook up the paddles tonight and give it a quick test. I look forward to learning the key and increasing my ear to the world of CW. Some big contests will be going on this weekend as well for CW, including the NCCC Sprint Ladder, FISTS Summer Sprint and the IARU HF World Championship (CW & Phone). Many opportunities to make that first CW QSO.

For studying I have been using the Morse Machine, as well as G4FON CW Trainer. For those who might be a bit more “visual” in order to learn or retain Morse code, I have also been using this Morse code chart from MEGS (Morse Enthusiasts Group Scotland). So far I have had good copy on the practice sessions I have partaken in. But we know, real code is different than any training aid.