03-04-2014, 11:53 PM
I got my Novice in '88 although I started in 1968. I'm a slow learner. The code was the hang up for me too. In '68 I used 33rpm records to learn the code but I didn't quite get it.
Finally made the commitment to study hard in the fall of '88. Was granted the call KA3TSY in Oct. Upgraded to tech by Feb '89 and got the GTE call. Back then I upgraded you code learning method to using a R/S Color Computer. Someone had written a Morse program that would send the character you typed. With that and a cassette recorder I made up my own practice tapes. Could even use them in the car! That RSCC really had an awful tone very raspy. 4 years later passed the 13wpm in the spring '93 and picked up the general ticket. Funny thing I never did any cw work till after I got the general ticket. On one hand I didn't really like it but on the other it really gave me a sense of accomplishment to use a different language to communicate via the radio.About 9 months later I passed the advanced test with flying colors. Never thought about getting the extra, privilege wise I don't gain enough to make it worth while. Never change calls as this one is really pretty short in cw.
Every once in a while I'll flip on the old SW-3 crank up the regeneration and listen to '1AW code practice. So did you get your ticket here in the states?? Or did you get a foreign call sign?
Terry N3GTE
Finally made the commitment to study hard in the fall of '88. Was granted the call KA3TSY in Oct. Upgraded to tech by Feb '89 and got the GTE call. Back then I upgraded you code learning method to using a R/S Color Computer. Someone had written a Morse program that would send the character you typed. With that and a cassette recorder I made up my own practice tapes. Could even use them in the car! That RSCC really had an awful tone very raspy. 4 years later passed the 13wpm in the spring '93 and picked up the general ticket. Funny thing I never did any cw work till after I got the general ticket. On one hand I didn't really like it but on the other it really gave me a sense of accomplishment to use a different language to communicate via the radio.About 9 months later I passed the advanced test with flying colors. Never thought about getting the extra, privilege wise I don't gain enough to make it worth while. Never change calls as this one is really pretty short in cw.
Every once in a while I'll flip on the old SW-3 crank up the regeneration and listen to '1AW code practice. So did you get your ticket here in the states?? Or did you get a foreign call sign?
Terry N3GTE
