QRP Club

Ham Radio Activity => Telegraphy => Topic started by: m0jha on December 06, 2013, 10:37:03 UTC

Title: how many cw ops?
Post by: m0jha on December 06, 2013, 10:37:03 UTC
I know the site is new but how many members use cw ? Myself am cw only and have been for the last few years ..

billy
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: IZ5ZCO on December 06, 2013, 10:45:07 UTC
I know the site is new but how many members use cw ? Myself am cw only and have been for the last few years ..

billy


Hi, I use cw with this paddles:

(http://www.qrpproject.de/Media/paddlefrontweb.jpg)

(http://files.qrz.com/o/iz5zco/by_1.jpg)

72 de
Nicola
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: W1SFR on December 06, 2013, 18:18:11 UTC
I've been all QRP/CW since I got my ticket a couple of years ago.

72 Steve
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: f8wbd on December 06, 2013, 21:27:11 UTC
I have been exclusively CW since 1980 and QRP from about 1982. A number of rigs over the years but now only an OHR100A for 20M and a FT-817. Straight key only. Looking at the TT Argonaut but a bit expensive, The TT Rebel looks interesting as it can be a simple but "different"  2 band QRP CW rig, if you aren't immediately  into programming.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: m3KXZ on December 07, 2013, 08:37:05 UTC
CW here almost exclusively since realising some time back that it enables QSOs when they're just not possible with SSB. Absolutely loving it and continually gaining in confidence. So much fun and relaxation!

I use a Racal leg strap key (mil surplus) nearly all the time now, with occasional use of a Larkspur key and Palm Mini paddle.

73
Pete M3KXZ
GQRP 11767
SKCC 10219
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: m0jha on December 07, 2013, 11:01:13 UTC
My main paddle is a vibroplex code warrior with magnetic return ,I was a bit "worried" as to how well the mags would work but can say they feel good and work UFB .. I use a Kent twin paddle with my Argosy ..
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: AA2JZ on December 08, 2013, 06:39:03 UTC
I,ve been using CW since 1959 or so.....rarely on phone, and maybe some digital sometimes. Like working DX CW, it gets thru when the QRN/M is there. And you dont need a lot of power either. Like 30 WPM, but will QRS when asked....
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: je1trv on December 09, 2013, 00:11:20 UTC
Hi Folks!
I'm new here. I registered just few min ago hi.
I have no microphone on my rig.
I'm not QRP only but CW only anyway.
I think CW is must thing for QRP.
See you on the bands!

Atsu, JE1TRV from Tokyo
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: LU6DO on December 09, 2013, 05:16:30 UTC
Hello...
I learned CW in 1982 when run 15 years old :).- Currently working in CW and JT65A, here in the south we are so far and there is little activity, so this new way (JT65A) allows me to entertain myself when no chance in CW. With 500MW I worked many Dx is a great thing.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: SM5JAB on December 09, 2013, 08:49:03 UTC
Mostly CW here too. Got my ticket in 1979, age 14. Main key is a Vibroplex bug. More on http://www.da.isy.liu.se/~mj/HAM/index.html (http://www.da.isy.liu.se/~mj/HAM/index.html)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: GM0HKS on December 09, 2013, 10:20:00 UTC
It's CW for me only. Running an Elecraft K1, home brew 40m CW rig and a K8RA twin brass paddle key


Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ve3lyx on December 09, 2013, 12:56:28 UTC
I use CW mostly but have just added AM to most of my rigs using a forgotten 90 year old technology.
Don
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: VE3YT on December 09, 2013, 16:41:11 UTC
Hi, I just joined this club and want to say thanks to Nicola.  I learned Morse in Boy Scouts from a ham, back in the 60s, then had an English teacher who helped a couple of us in high school to get better at cw.  My high school buddy and I both got our licences in 1969 and became addicted to cw contests working 40m cw at our local club's Field Day.  There was an old-timer navy guy there who used to work 80m cw at Field Day with a Hammarlund HQ-170 and a Viking Valiant, and he was smooth. 

I've had hiatuses of ten years or more, while raising kids and focusing on my career, but got back to ham radio two years ago with a K3 and now a KX3.  Just worked the CQ WW DX cw contest and had a great time Saturday night in the ARRL 160m contest, doing cw on my inverted L with two radials!  Mostly I used the K3, but spent an hour working people on the KX3.  I've never actually made an SSB contact on the KX3, it's been cw only.

I've got a couple of Bencher paddles and I just bought an old used Kent twin paddle at a hamfest.  It's smoooooth.  M0JHA mentioned he has a Kent.  I need something smaller for the KX3 when out for a walk.  Should I splurge on the Begali Adventure?  It looks wonderful.  Or should I get the Palm Pico?  Or perhaps try to build my own maybe by taking the bearings out of the old Kent? 

I'm amazed that it's not that hard to hit Europe on 40m with a KX3, 30 feet of wire in a tree and 30 feet of wire on the ground as a counterpoise.

Vic
VE3YT
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: m0jha on December 09, 2013, 17:53:56 UTC
Vic , the PALM mini paddles are fine and having a magnetic base ( removable) stick to many rigs .. I have one and it's a nice little paddle . The MFJ mini portable paddle is an option , cheap as chips and can be manipulated to fell "ok" I have one of those also ,it's very small and lightweight but must be held in the hand or if using on a table using one hand to keep it still..
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: m0jha on December 09, 2013, 19:46:57 UTC
http://m0jha.com/index.html (http://m0jha.com/index.html)

my website BTW
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: PA1FOX on December 09, 2013, 20:44:11 UTC
Hmm. As I read all the messages above...

I must be an out-of-the-way operator, having done all modes except CW for more than 25 years, but only learned CW just recently.

But hey, as they say, better late than never...
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: DF5WW on December 10, 2013, 11:45:18 UTC
Hi OM,

got my first license in 1982 and the first shortwave lic. in May 1983 (DF5WW since 12/1983). From this time on CW was my favourite mode. My transceivers to this time are 10W transceivers and a FT-7B (50W) for a short time. So CW was the best mode to collect some new ones.

At the moment my qso are 60% CW, 39% Digitals and 1% SSB (only from time to time).

But yo say it right: "Better late starting with CW than never" ;-) ;-)

cu in the bands .....

B.t.w.: Would be nice if everybody has a signature with his name. Woulf be nicer to writr Hello "name" than Hello OM ;-)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: PA1FOX on December 10, 2013, 13:30:08 UTC

B.t.w.: Would be nice if everybody has a signature with his name. Woulf be nicer to writr Hello "name" than Hello OM ;-)

Oops, sorry, just registered yesterday and had not taken the time to fill my profile.

73, Alex
:)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ea1aer on December 10, 2013, 15:05:28 UTC
Hi all. I am a user almost exclusivament cw

72
  Juan
  EA1AER
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: oh9nb on December 11, 2013, 11:36:41 UTC
QRP and CW is for gentlemen !
DXCC 200 / 5W / 15 months.

Benny
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: m0ser on December 11, 2013, 23:13:15 UTC
Hi folks,

I'm a relative newbie to radio (last 10 years) and I'm exclusively CW on HF. I find it the OPs to be generally very polite and I enjoy the excitement of using a 'skill' to decode a cypher in real time.

I've been enjoying some QRP /P with my KX3 recently.

72 de Carl M0SER
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: XQ3WD on December 12, 2013, 12:52:53 UTC
Hi guys

Im Fred, XQ3WD, before CE3WDD, Im cw ops since 2001, I have a MFJ-9020 with extras, and also I biult my QRPp, 500mw to 40m, and I built a sw-40 from SWL, great QRP..., I'm no expert just a fan of electronic and ham

Today I will calling CQ on 20m several times at the day testing the propagations I hope contact with any member of this group

thanks Nicola for your invitation

regards all

73dx's from FRED, XQ3WD
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: G4COE on December 12, 2013, 17:33:53 UTC
Hi all, my first post here, joined a few day's ago.

Count me in, I've always operated cw since being licensed, first with a 'pump handle',  then an el key then a Vibroplex bug and now a Vibroplex  twin paddle....  these Iambics take a lot of work out of sending once they're mastered.

Trouble with El keys they are capable of sending 'perfect cw' depending on the user.... but they don't give a signature like the pump handle and the mechanical bug keys.

With mechanical keys you can tell if it's Joe, Bob or Sue with out having to wait for an ident.

Dave
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: M3MQR on December 12, 2013, 20:49:47 UTC
When I did the foundation, my tutor insisted that I learned cw, 90% of my contacts are cw. I doubt that my log book would have the contacts if I had used voice 73 David
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ka4rur on December 12, 2013, 23:49:58 UTC
I have been a cw for over 40 yrs -- 100 percent QRP station can be found on the calling freqs ....ka4rur/qrp
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: VE1MAM on December 13, 2013, 20:39:39 UTC
Hi guys i am a 95% cw operator i also hold an other call sign ve9icw. I think it speaks for its self
72 gl de Marc
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: G3VGR on December 14, 2013, 09:13:06 UTC

http://www.qsl.net/g3vgr/cw.html (http://www.qsl.net/g3vgr/cw.html)
and
http://www.qsl.net/g3vgr/k2_ssb_mod.html (http://www.qsl.net/g3vgr/k2_ssb_mod.html)

73, Dave
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: m0jha on December 14, 2013, 18:29:47 UTC
love the coin over the mic socket .. even saying the word brings me out in hives :)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: GM6HGF on December 14, 2013, 22:43:26 UTC
I have a Palm Mini paddle for my FT-857D & FT-817ND. Superb little paddle and very neat for portable but the 3 pin connector that plugs into the rear of the paddle is very fragile. I think now they come in a self contained plastic storage box for portability. I use original cardboard box to protect it all. Kent twin paddle at home.

I really like CW (i'm not that good at it, I must say) and have a 'shaky paw' (medical) that sometimes doesn't obey what the head is saying. I do try but make mistakes so please be patient and forgiving if you hear me :-)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: G4GIY on December 15, 2013, 11:49:43 UTC
I have only used CW for many years because I enjoy it.  I choose to use only QRP and CW - with these the most amazing results can be achieved.  I also struggle with home brew and CW provides plenty of challenges to my construction.  Robin
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: K2MIJ on December 16, 2013, 18:07:29 UTC
I am both CW and Phone, I started out as a Code requirement Novice and was CW exclusively until I discovered QRP(p) SSB by accident and found out all the nonsense about QRP being a CW "only" mode was just that, nonsense!

Yes, I am a CW operator and love it!

 Although, I use only a straight key...I must be the only person on earth who just cannot coordinate his fingers with his brain! I just can't get the hang of paddles but I vow as my 2014 New Years resolution to master the paddles once and for all!

Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: BA4WI on December 16, 2013, 22:13:49 UTC
I am a CW operator,straight key.my radio is FT817 with 5band DP ANT(80'40'20'15'10),I like the DX contest ,cqww&cqwpx ect.

来自我的 MOT-XT788 上的 Tapatalk

Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: HA5DI on December 18, 2013, 12:37:32 UTC
My prefered mode is CW with an elkey. It is not only fun, requires attention. It is relaxing, not taling about other advantages in QRP operation. Being an engineer I like digital modes from technical point of view, but do not like making QSO just pressing F1, F2, F2, F8 on my keyboard :)

So long live CW!
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: GM0LVI on December 20, 2013, 00:06:51 UTC
Now about 90% cw. I bought a KX3 back in June as I'd become really disenchanted with the awful operating standards of many QRO DX chasers and my time on air had declined to almost zero over the last 6 or 7 years. I've been astounded by how much DX I can work with just 5 or 10 Watts and delighted by the manners and courtesy of the QRP community.
FT-1000MP is gathering dust!
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: N2DVD on December 23, 2013, 13:56:02 UTC
I've been QRP and CW since obtaining my Novice Ticket in 1979. I use the same CW Straight Key I had as a Novice!

72/73 John N2DVD
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: KG4KGL on December 23, 2013, 18:49:28 UTC
I use CW with a navy flame proof straight key.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: UR3LCM on December 23, 2013, 23:46:57 UTC
I use a straight key also. From Soviet military equipment.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: OM6AD on December 28, 2013, 18:34:43 UTC
Hi, I use home made paddle.

Best 73's   Alain
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: EA8BVP on December 29, 2013, 23:58:12 UTC
Hello QRP fans,

Here also only QRP+CW+HF for all my entire amateur life (except some events). I don't know how to make a SSB QSO indeed (seriously) but it doesn't mean I'm a top notch operator, more like an average operator.
Lately I'm more inclined to mechanical generated morse code (straight key, cootie/sideswiper, bug).
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ea5blp on December 30, 2013, 13:57:11 UTC
I work also exclusively cw. Last times I went back to the calm pleasure of the vertical key.
happy new year!

Juan
EA5BLP
http://www.youtube.com/user/ea5blp (http://www.youtube.com/user/ea5blp)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: VE2TH on December 30, 2013, 17:27:06 UTC
Hello QRP fans,

Here also only QRP+CW+HF+ VHF (only on six meters),  for all my entire amateur life (50 years). I use an old marine straight keyJ-38, a J.W.Bunnell,straight key,  a Bencher BY-1 paddle and a Vibroplex single paddle vibrokeyer. 

72/73 Michel VE2TH QRP
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ce3op on December 31, 2013, 15:30:18 UTC
I'm a beginner on CW mode.

27 year on Hamradio, the first 3 years using CW , and the lasrt year working it again.

Best regards.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ON6ZK on January 01, 2014, 12:53:11 UTC
I'm a CW operator for 90 % of my time and mostly QRP !

Have been a Ham since 1993 and love CW with my straight key  ( old German WW2 - Key ) , but I have a dozen of other keys as well !

Hope to cu on the air !

73's

Hans
ON6ZK/QRP
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: KK4LPG on January 08, 2014, 17:37:02 UTC
m0jha,
Here is my QRP / CW station, HW8 and 1940 bug,
set up for weak signal CW ops on 20M. 
This circuit has allowed me to pull out S1 CW signals.

(http://files.qrz.com/g/kk4lpg/45127a0a5e8252420eba9c4730143a46.JPG)

http://files.qrz.com/g/kk4lpg/45127a0a5e8252420eba9c4730143a46.JPG (http://files.qrz.com/g/kk4lpg/45127a0a5e8252420eba9c4730143a46.JPG)

website at GeoCities/WS/glene77is
Bio at QRZ.com

Glen Ellis, KK4LPG
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: M0ggk on January 08, 2014, 18:25:59 UTC
Hi all
        I am 95% CW the other five per cent I listen! Lol only kidding I do use the dreaded mike but that is so my kids have a chat and I can try and turn the other op from the dark side!

Dave M0GGK
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: UA9OTW on January 09, 2014, 06:30:09 UTC
Hi All.
 I am Fifty-Fifty CW and digital PSK, QPSK, RTTY. Very rarely SSB.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: PG4I on January 09, 2014, 07:02:29 UTC
I am 100% CW. Made one SSB QSO in the past 20 years on 80 meters and did not like it  ;D

For CW I am using a bencher paddle with a keyer designed by K3NG around the arduino platform, see http://blog.radioartisan.com/arduino-cw-keyer (http://blog.radioartisan.com/arduino-cw-keyer)

I really enjoy operating contests in CW with my QRP rig.

I also own a straight key, which is a Junker. I have planned to use this straight key a lot the coming year, because my straight keying is a bit rusty....
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: G0BVZ on January 10, 2014, 17:57:44 UTC
On HF, I am 100% CW at the moment.   I am pretty deaf: I think I will be able to read CW by bone conduction even if I become very deaf but in case I can not, I am slowly becoming familiar with setting up for PSK, which I can read on screen now (I must have done something right!!) but so far I have not transmitted PSK.

I came back to the bands late last year after a long QRT: my CW is pretty QLF but it slowly improves. Some words I can read immediately as entire words, others I have to copy on paper, which slows me down. I love morse but I have much work to do.  I do have bencher paddles but I'm not going back to them until I'm sending good relaxed CW at 20 wpm on a straight key: this will take a few more months.  I can't imagine sending CW from a keyboard, I'd be faster on a straight key! -That's how bad my typing is. :-[

I'm not going to apologise for owning microphones, for 2m FM and 4m FM. These two rigs monitor who's around in my neighbourhood. I've made two 4m fone QSOs -ever.

Am I a cw op? Yes, I think so. Does it matter I also operate fone above 30MHz? -No, no more than it matters I use  a mobile phone: I choose the tool for the task in hand.  ;D

Vic
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: HA5UY on January 13, 2014, 21:07:33 UTC
I prefer CW, on top bands: http://eqsl.cc/Member.cfm?HA5UY (http://eqsl.cc/Member.cfm?HA5UY)

Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: pa9cw on January 22, 2014, 17:16:53 UTC
Since 2000 I use only CW. In 2011/2012 I made some QSO's in digital mode for the 30MDG awards. But now it's all CW. Since 2014 I try as much as possible < 5 W.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: vo1bb on January 28, 2014, 23:22:11 UTC
My set up for the past few years has been, the  ft817 or a Ten Tec 509,  and I use a J 38 straight key with these rigs. My antenna is a hf9v ground mounted with abt 30 radials. A dell laptop for my logging. And all this is powered by 4, 15 watt solar panels. 
 Bill   
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: VE2TH on January 28, 2014, 23:47:34 UTC
Good evening Bill,

First of all, thank you very much to accept my invitation to the group, and thank you also for your registration.

Yes here it is a bunch of QRP maniac!!  ;D And I'm very glad you are here, and sure you will like it. 

You have a very nice set-up, nice radios, One day I would like to make another QSO with you but with your argonaut, this is a very nice classic QRP of the 70's.

My XYL VE2RH, Georgette use a FT-817ND, she's also loving QRP. We share the same antennas ::)

I also use my J-38 straight key along with my paddle, both are hook-up to my KX3 from Elecraft.
and I use the Icom IC-703 + for 6 & ten meters to a vertical antenna. on ten, and a 2 or 3 elements beam built from Buddipole parts during the summer. Other antennas are simple wire @ 32 ft, in inverted vee configuration.

See you on the air soon, and keep on QRP'ing

72/73 Michel VE2TH  QRP & QRPp

- P.S,
4 X 15 watts panel is a very good idea, next time tell me if you are using a solar charge controler ? make & model ? and what kind of batteries ?

Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: GM0LVI on January 29, 2014, 00:07:51 UTC
My set up for the past few years has been, the  ft817 or a Ten Tec 509,  and I use a J 38 straight key with these rigs. My antenna is a hf9v ground mounted with abt 30 radials. A dell laptop for my logging. And all this is powered by 4, 15 watt solar panels. 
 Bill   

Congratulations on your minimalistic station Bill. I'm very impressed by your solar power !
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: vo1bb on January 29, 2014, 00:09:39 UTC
Hey Michel
 The controller is made by mastercraft and is rated for 7 amps. And the batteries are deep cycle marine. with about 690 amp and a reserve of 140 each. It runs the station with no problems. Also the inverter for the laptop is 75w.  I am still improving the setup. The charge control only has 2 leds. One for charging and one for complete charge. So  I am making a led voltage meter to monitor the volts of my system. 
 I would also like to have another qso with you soon. Our first one was back in 2005 and I still have the card to prove it hi hi.
72
Bill
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: VE2TH on January 29, 2014, 02:15:41 UTC
Thanks Bill  for the infos, It is really a very impressive back-up power.

I think your system is from IPC and the charge controller, is yellow with a red and green leds on it.

You can operate for weeks without Electricity. The fun with electricity outage, you have no noise at all, just clean signals on the radio.

With a good wood stove, during the bad storms you have these days, you are in business.

Yes, good idea to have other QSO soon, I'm regularly around ,morning and afternoon  the QRP frequencies on 40/30/20/17/15 meters, with simple wire antennas.

On 15 and 10 meters I have a vertical antenna.

Oh by the way, we had QSO on january 5, 2010, and the other one december 8, 2012. So we are due to another one, one every to years or so Hi! Hi! I also have the QSL card.

See you,

72 Michel
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: VA2SG on February 05, 2014, 15:15:06 UTC
CW rocks !
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: sm5mek on February 05, 2014, 15:54:11 UTC
CW only, now for this year only 120 qrp cw. Like a truth Polar Bear i am. Nice to see other bear on the den, have a flipper to chew while operating cw. (Shew wee) ::)
Say hello from me to the Goat man WG0AT if you hear him over there. ;D
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: VA2SG on February 05, 2014, 16:54:23 UTC
CW only, now for this year only 120 qrp cw. Like a truth Polar Bear i am. Nice to see other bear on the den, have a flipper to chew while operating cw. (Shew wee) ::)
Say hello from me to the Goat man WG0AT if you hear him over there. ;D

I will Grrrr;-)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: f5gsk on February 05, 2014, 21:59:24 UTC
hello all,
i'm licenced since 1982 but i praticed cw since only 3 years about...i'm still a newbie on this mode....
100 % cw qrp with an flex-1500 sdr and longwire antenna (16,20 m long). My keys are  cwtouchkeyer , are fun for me !
72 73 Pierre - f5gsk
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: KQ8X on July 30, 2014, 14:55:13 UTC
I know this topic is a bit aged, but I wanted to proudly respond.  I use CW with one of these:
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: M0KCP on October 11, 2014, 13:13:37 UTC
Hi

Just joined the forum. Hello to all.
I'm 100% CW when working QRP.
I use a Palm Radio mini paddle (http://www.palm-radio.de/english/empaddle.html (http://www.palm-radio.de/english/empaddle.html)), Ft-817 and a Buddistick as my 'go kit'. 

Cheers
Rob M0KCP

Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: DF5WW on October 11, 2014, 15:44:39 UTC
Not 100 % CW but near 90 % .... Like QRP DX´ing in CW and make the most contacts in that nice mode (also ragchews) but also a bit digitals (last QSO more than 1 year ago) and a bit SSB at 10 meters when the band is open and my monoband TRX is running  :))

Welcome abboard es hpe 2 cu in cw ... gl es fb dx .. 72´s  8)
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: KG5WOY on March 05, 2021, 04:25:35 UTC
I'm fairly new to cw but it's my go to mode besides the digital modes.  Digital doesn't excite me like cw does.  I honestly can't remember my last ssb contact.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ve2th on April 09, 2021, 00:17:07 UTC
Hi! all,

Believe it or not, , I've been all QRP/CW since I got my ticket 58 years ago.

I don't know if I'm the oldest woodpecker... Hi! Hi!  ;D

So much fun and relaxation!!

I use the Palm Mini Paddle, or the vibrokeyer (single lever») from Vibroplex, + a bencher paddle and an old  marine straight key (J.W.BUNNELL dating back from the WWII era.

I can't wait for the new cycle 25, it is really low to come alive...

Best to all, stay safe
See you on the bands. 

72/73 Mike VE2TH   The QRP'er
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: Kw4wa on April 09, 2021, 12:27:53 UTC
Welcome all to this ancient forum and thank you for giving it life back.
I also do only CW QRP.  Yes, I own a microphone but would have a tough time finding it somewhere in the garage.
My station runs on a 100 watt solar panel with a Renogy controller into a 20 ah battery.  I'm completely independent of the A/C power.
My main rig is a TenTec Eagle that I keep at 5 watts.  My key is a Vibroplex Racer bug and the antenna is a Butternut HF6V.
I enjoy doing Parks on the Air (POTA), and for that I use a Mountain Topper MTR-5b to a home brew portable vertical (aluminum tent poles + Wolf River coil + extendable 102" whip antenna).

I'm a member of the NAQCC, which is dedicated to QRP activities, and to the CWOPS which is dedicated to CW.

73 to y'all.



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Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ac9xh on February 13, 2022, 00:38:19 UTC
ive been CW since late 80s. In fact most of all my rigs are CW only and some ive disabled the ssb sections.
Using CW is a second language which covers all continents and cultures.
what language can you speak where everyone on the planet can understand you with just a weeks worth of studying?

CW

DAvid ac9xh
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ac9xh on February 13, 2022, 00:51:21 UTC
I use CW mostly  and have once or twice used qrp ssb but when you need to build a simple rig to get a message out, Cw rig comes thru 100%.
2 to 3 transistors a crystal and variable cap to pull it a little ,or varicap diodes with a potentiometer for full bandwidth.
no need for a bunch of chips. Now if you are using chips, 2 can build a nice little transceiver. ne602 oscillator chip and a lm386 audio output chip. add some parts,wala!!!.Also if a ham is just starting out, CW QRP is the way to go.

73
David
ac9xh
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: ac9xh on February 13, 2022, 00:55:19 UTC
Does everyone have a problem sometimes counting the dits and dahs?
even after 30 some years i still do it off and on and it slows me down.
it usually hits me after 25 wpm.

73
David
ac9xh
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: KB7PWJ on February 15, 2022, 17:31:52 UTC
All CW for 30 years. Never operated anything else. (Though I'd like to try PSK if I can figure it out.) Recently ditched my paddles and went back to the old Novice straight key, plus a few others I've picked up along the way. Just more fun.

Also getting into simple rockbound kits that I expect to upgrade gradually with use. (VFO being an early target.) And that's the real CW. Closest we can get to spark gap today. 

Being in touch with the past is a major part of the fun of ham radio for me.
Title: Re: how many cw ops?
Post by: f8wbd on February 16, 2022, 17:50:07 UTC
With over 40 years as an amateur, I believe that I may have, possibly, 3 or 4 hours with a mic in hand. Only to test the transceiver. So I guess I qualify as 100 percent cw.