I like to listen to W1AW code practice. Not only because it helps me in my never ending battle to improve my code speed; but also it helps me with sending at the code speed I am at right now.
"Whoa! What's that now? How can listening to code practice help improve sending?" you might be asking yourself (and me).
By listening to the timing gents (and ladies) ...... it's all in the timing - and the spaces.
Too many times I get carried away and ignore my spacing. Spacing between individual characters and spacing between words and even spacing between sentences is critical. Ignore spacing and I'll bet you dollars to donuts that you leave others scratching their heads trying to figure out what you're sending. You probably run into a lot of "Gotta QRT now" scenarios, too.
By paying attention to your timing and spaces, and you'll be that guy that everyone wants to QSO with - you'll be that guy with the "good fist". Run on sentences and run on words are not only hard to read - they're also hard to hear.
So I listen to W1AW to remind myself from time to time what perfect code sounds like. The more often I hear perfect code, the better I am equipped to emulate it. Oh, and this doesn't apply only to the QRQ guys, although I suspects it's more important for them. Proper spacing applies to the QRS guys as well - no one is exempt.
Do yourself a favor and tune into W1AW every now and then - especially if you feel you don't need to.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!
Good afternoon Larry, just catching up on my blog reading and this was a great point you bring out. I am at times guilty of running letters together. Just last night there was a station from Denmark on 18Mhz and he was managing a very good run of those who wanted to contact him. (side note….my QRP signal did not seem to make it) when a fellow ham sent his call and it was all run together letters! I was amazed the Denmark station was able to read his call. The the report and his name and other info was sent and boy did the contact rhythm ever slow down. I had no idea what was being sent and the Denmark station had to ask for many repeats. Very good advice Larry with regards to W1AW code listening!
ReplyDelete73 Mike