Quote Originally Posted by KC9MUK
in a good way. I don't know how many of you have been following my posts on the ZED, but I finally decided to take the CW plunge. I got everything together today to hook up a straight key to my IC-735 and did a little on air practice on 10 meters. So far, I know E, I, S, H, T, 5, and KC9MUK. I only practiced on the air for a few minutes. The rest has been off the air. I think I am catching the fever!!!!
CW is a lot of fun! I despised having to learn it to get my license, but after I did finally learn it, I really started to enjoy CW.

Copying on the air QSO's is absolutely the best way to get a handle on it. I used to spin the dial in the old novice part of 40 and 80 looking for slow speed QSO's I could practice copying.

The absolute best group for CW enthusiasts is the SKCC bunch, and although I have one of the lowest member numbers (007), I haven't been active in quite a while. I'd probably draw one hell of a pileup with that number having been rarely heard! Everyone uses either a straight key, or a "bug", both of which play very well at slower speeds - perfect for anyone learning the code.

The site is the brainchild of Tom, KC9ECI, and it took off beyond anyone's wildest expectations! Their home page: http://www.skccgroup.com/

When you're ready, Jim, let me know, and we'll make a sked on 30, 40, or 80 meters!