The GCARC Basic CW course is just about finished, with just 2 classes out of 8 to go as of this writing. Since the last article, there were a total of 6 classes held. Attempting to gain superiority on CW from nothing to 13 WPM in just 8 weeks is monumental to most, putting to rest the idea that 8 weeks of a CW class was just too long. Most of the studying and work had to be completed at home, with online files to review and to master.
But everyone learns at their own speed these days, and I must admit trying to keep a dozen people together in this class on the same learning curve was just as impossible as it was to keep the moon from covering up the sun in Monday’s eclipse. But I’m just tickled pink that people are actually showing up to learn the mode of CW. I’ll really be happy when the younger generation discovers the mode of CW once again and also attends class.
To start using this mode requires a purchase right up front, actually even before attending the class. It was discovered in week 4 that there were some students in this class that still did not own a keyer paddle. For that, I must squarely put the blame on myself. Yes, there were no prerequisites for the course, but there should have been the prerequisite of purchasing a paddle before attending the class. It’s just a small investment to make if you really plan to operate the mode of CW.
It’s difficult enough to try and tackle the memorization and instant recall, which is the method everyone takes to learn CW. Then in the middle of all that, to go out and to become familiar with the mechanics and the intricacies of your paddle is just another stumbling block that presents itself to the learner.
But even with all the hangups you can still experience learning this mode of operation. Most of the class stuck it out and attended, and did their best in learning the code.
In the end, which is just a week or two away now, the attendees of this class know what it takes to learn the code. To become proficient at it relies entirely on the student to put in the time it takes to study, practice and master what they set out to do.
Even before the Basic Class ends, I want to congratulate everyone who has gone through this class. For me, I enjoyed every minute of it as an instructor, but also very proud that there are even still a few of us that are willing to try and take this hobby back to the level it once was before the requirement of being proficient in CW at a certain level for the different class licenses was eliminated all together.
Again, congratulations to all that took that special step!
73,
James – KW5CW
GCARC Basic CW Course Instructor