So you've learn Morse Code (CW)! Now What?

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So you've learn Morse Code (CW)


The graphic above depicts of what I think some look like after they decide to place their fingers on the straight key, paddle, cootie, or bug and send their first Morse Code characters. 

The cold weather of winter has taken its grip on most of the northern hemisphere and there's "No better time than the present" than to fire up that rig and quall your Morse Code fears and get "ON THE AIR".

Parks on the Air (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA) have proven to be incredible instruments in bringing more and new Morse Code operators into the fold. However, "OLD MAN WINTER" has put a "FREEZE" on the number of Morse Code activators.

Maybe you have become accustomed to the predictable format of POTA  and SOTA QSOs.  Don't fret.  There is another organization which lends to the same short predictable format to fill the void of the shortage of POTA/SOTA Morse Code activators this winter.


http://www.k1usn.com/


The K1USN website states "Members of the K1USN Radio Club, who are members of the CW Operators' Club (CWops), run a one-hour slow speed CW 'contest' called the SST.  For those who prefer a more leisurely CW pace or are new CW operators or contesters, this just might be what you're looking for."

K1USN SST features

  • Slower speeds (up to 20 WPM) SSTs helps build Morse Code skills and confidence with short easy exchanges
  • Frequency list: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 meters
  • N1MM Logger + Call History
  • K1USN QSO Certificate

The "SST" format is simple: Name & State: Here's one of my exchanges with K1SM Bill: 

Bill, K1SM sends:
Jim, N4JAW replies with:
Bill, K1SM replies with:
Jim, N4JAW replies with:
Bill, K1SM: replies with:		CQ SST K1SM
N4JAW
N4JAW Bill MA
GE Bill Jim KY
GL Jim TU K1SM SST

It's that SIMPLE.  Tune in and get started twice weekly.

  • Fridays 20:00-21:00 UTC 3-4pm EST
  • Mondays 00:00-01:00 UTC 7-8 pm Sunday



If you are willing to take on a little more, may I suggest you get a number. What number? Your number for the SKCC group Straight Key Century Club group.  

https://www.skccgroup.com/

This group offers all types of activities to wet your Morse Code whistle to sharpening or improve your skills.  From several monthly contest to many daily opportunities to connect with other group members to providing a SKED Page where you can connect with other members to schedule a QSO or let everyone know you are available for a QSO. 



This screenshot from my logon to the SKED Page show I'm listening on 20 meters and I am available for a QSO.  And you may notice where a few operators have sent direct messages concerning what frequency we might meet on.

One GREAT thing about using the SKED Page, you can leave a message on the page that you are new, what speed you feel comfortable with and what frequencies you can work. You can have a QSO using the SKCC minimum QSO format of:

RST, SPC, Operator Name, SKCC Number,or NONE for No Number
(Get That SKCC NUMBER)

Or if you would to delve deeper in your Morse Code journey, Marathon QSOs are welcome and even awarded. This group is loaded with activities for the new or even seasoned Morse Code operator, from their "Morse" Elmers, to their monthly contests (Slow Speed Saunter, Weekend Sprintathon, EuroSprint, AsiaSprint, and the Monthly Brag)

There's quite a lot more but it is best you look at the website: 
https://www.skccgroup.com/




So you're a QRP Morse Code operator, there's something for you. The NAQCC, North American QRP CW Club.



This group has a monthly sprint and challenges which are fun and easy.  Dave, W4JL, regularly completes the NAQCC monthly challenge.

Take a look at this YouTube video from the NAQCC and how to join.  


http://www.naqcc.info/




Another group which is more contest driven is the FIST CLUB.  There are American and European chapters of the International Morse Preservation Society FIST CLUB.



Give the FIST CLUB a look at: https://www.fistsna.org/









And finally, if you're really want to just jump in and grab the brass ring, the CWops offers a twice weekly hour-long opportunities for interested non-members to garner the required nominations for membership which encourages operators to be mindful and slow down when called at a slower speed so everyone will feel welcome. 

The CWops CWT exchange is as follows: 
 
Bill, K1SM sends:
Jim, N4JAW replies with:
Bill, K1SM replies with:
Jim, N4JAW replies with:
Bill, K1SM: replies with:		CQ SST K1SM
N4JAW
N4JAW Bill CWops#
GE Bill Jim KY
GL Jim TU K1SM SST

Non members send their STATE.


During my 2024 Summer Early Bird POTA activations, my operating would sometimes run after the 1300 Wednesday CWT start time. Instead of stopping my POTA activation, I would jump in and work some those operators sending at speeds above my comfort level. It sure helped me in my receiving. 



Every Wednesday at 1300 – 1400z and 1900 – 2000z, 
Every Thursday at 0300 – 0400z and  0700 – 0800z.

Here is the 2025 Calendar for the CWops CWT


So you've learned Morse Code. Now What?   

GET ON THE AIR!





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