Why CW

Why CW?  Over the past couple of weeks, I have been operating CW as a POTA Hunter.  Many times, the contacts I made were at the S1 level or just above the noise floor.  Making the contact would not have been possible using Voice SSB.  Also, it takes less power than voice.  I normally operate CW between 5-65 watts.  During EmComm this means less battery drain.  Other digital modes require a computer of some sort to operate with.  Computers require power, and that means more power that must be consumed.  This is okay when there is plenty of power available, but when you’re in the middle of a disaster, with one battery, that power becomes finite.  Even doing a POTA/SOTA activation, draining the battery too fast could mean an early trip home.

How CW?  When I first started CW as a Tech+ in the mid 90’s, we had cassette tapes that you would play over and over.  Eventually you would good enough to pass the 5 wpm and 13 wpm code test. Back then I maxed out at about 18 wpm.

Today there is so much more available websites, and apps on your phone or computer that generate random sequences to help you along.  I had dropped CW for about 20 years, while I was working, raising kids, and going to school.  When I got back into CW, I tried several different methods.  I used a phone app called Ham Morse to get the code back into my head.  I then used the resources at CWops.org.  I didn’t sign up for one of their classes, but I did use their resources which can be found here: https://cwops.org/cw-academy/cw-academy-student-resources/

That helped me quite a bit and got me back to around 15 wpm.  The real way to improve is get on the air and make contacts.  You will mistakes, I made mistakes, I made lots of mistakes.  As I got better, I started making less mistakes.  I still make mistakes but, they are fewer.  On POTA anyhow, the CW ops are very forgiving of your blunders.  Why? Because they like every other CW op they had to go through the same process.  I had paddle fright.  It took a little courage to make that first contact.  One day I let my reptile brain take over and sent my call out.  I am glad I did.  I’m still no speed demon, but I am at least in what I call an acceptable range now at about 18 wpm.

One of the other benefits of getting on the air, is receiving.  My copy skills have increased rapidly, listening to ops that are running from 16-25 wpm.  I’m not a 100% copy at the faster speeds, but each day I can understand a little more.  So, get out there and do it!   Hope to work you on CW.

 

 

EmComm HF Nets

Many of us in the amateur radio world have at one time or another, checked into a 2 meter or HF net.  The Net Control Station (NCS), calls the net, takes check-ins and then may either have training or a round-table of comments.  He then thanks everyone and closes the net.  For the members of the net, their participation is rather benign.  Give their call sign for a check in and may make a comment about the weather.  Boom Baby!

EmComm nets are different.  An EmComm net can cover a State, a region and even CONUS (Continental United States).  I have been an NCS for State, regional, and CONUS nets, and it can be a challenge.  In the case of an EmComm net, net members are not spectators any longer.  Your diligence in performing your duties and your discipline in following protocol is critical.  With a wide area net, the NCS may not be able to hear all of its members.  This is especially true, when one or some of the members are operating portable in a disaster area with low power and compromised antennas.

As a member of an EmComm net, you should be listening and copying down call-signs.  You may hear a station, but the NCS may not.  Sometimes the NCS will ask for a “Relay” which means if someone else can hear that station, to please relay the call sign and any traffic to the NCS.  Now that doesn’t turn the net into a wild west shoot out.  If the NCS calls for a relay, you should respond with “Relay”.  The NCS will then reply with “Go Ahead relay”, at which time you pass the information.

If you feel you heard a call sign that no one else heard (this happens).  At an appropriate pause in the NCS’ rhythm, call out “Relay”.  When the NCS acknowledges you, respond with something like. “This is KK4Z, I have a relay for ID1OT with (no) traffic”.  The NCS will except the relay and once any traffic is passed will thank you and move back to his normal routine.  Care must be taken not to disrupt the flow of the net.

How do you know how the net flows?  It takes practice and participation.  You should check into a net as often as possible.  That way you get a feel for how the NCS operates and you get to know how other members participate.  A net has an ebb and flow not unlike a symphony orchestra.  Through practice, a musician learns the nuances of the conductor’s wand and the individuals learn how to operate as a group. 

In one net I participate in, it is a CONUS net with approx. 100 members.  We can roll through it in under 30 minutes.