Get on air!

Firstly, the really best way to practice CW is to actually go on the air with it. Yes, it is good you do that after you have at least mastered the characters at a speed of 5 WPM or more, remember the advice that it is best to learn at higher character speeds of say 15 or 16 WPM but take time between letters. Anyway, most operators are happy to slow down for you, just send "QRS".

But with that out the way, here are some tips that you can make use of when you start going on air, specifically on 30m. 30m is not, contrary to what some may think, only for high speed or exerienced operators. There are specific parts of the band where you will be more than welcome.

Ditch the decoder

When starting out on air, please try to avoid using a decoder to "help" you along. It will not help you, it will have many errors when decoding CW, and it will confuse you. If it is built in and you cannot turn it off, then at least do not look at it!

Pen and paper

Also, a pen or pencil and notebook are very helpful. When copying the other station, try to write down exactly what they are sending, and when you are unsure of a character or missed one or more characters, just draw a line where you missed things. You can fill that in later, and try not to focus on what you missed, just draw that __ line and focus on the next character. And, don't try too hard, just relax, it is the best way to copy CW, try it and you'll see.

QSO Template preparation

Now, here is how you can prepare yourself nicely: write out a template of your QSO in advance, so you will know what to send, and not get into any stress. An example:

CQ CQ CQ DE G9ABC G9ABC PSE QRS K

Send the CQ at a speed not faster than you are happy to receive at.

If you want to call someone who is already calling CQ, send their callsign twice at the speed you want them to reply followed by DE followed by your own callsign then PSE QRS KN

When someone replies to you, on your first "over" here is a good template for you:

(Their CALLSIGN) DE G1XYZ (replace with your call) TNX FER QSO = RST 579 (keep the RST table handy so you can give a correct report) ES NAME IS [your first name or nickname) = QTH [name of your location] HW? (CALLSIGN) DE (YOUR CALLSIGN) PSE QRS KN

on your final over here is a possible template:

(Their CALLSIGN) DE (Your CALLSIGN) TNX DR (their name) FER FB QSO = MY PWR IS __ W = ANT IS ___ = QRU (if you have nothing more to say) VY 73 ES HPE CUAGN (their callsign) DE (yourcallsign) SK

That's all there is too it, modify those templates to suit the information you want to convey, the above general format is widely known and acceptable among radio amateurs.

Where on 30m?

So, now, where on 30m should you practice CW, without worrying about upsetting anyone (I mean, let's say you are really worried and do not want to do that under any circumstances, or be nervous around high speed operators)?

This is quite easy, here are some tips: use the area between 10121 kHz and 10129 kHz, and remember, you do not need to be on a "round .0 kHz" on the dial, you can be ANYWHERE in that range, but, if you are going to call CQ, check that there is no other signals heard within about 0.5 kHz of your frequency. There are a couple of places to avoid:

Avoid calling CQ on 10125 because this is used a lot by high speed club members (above 25 WPM), and avoid 10126 unless you are running 5W or less, as many QRP (low power) stations use this frequency.

Everywhere else is fair game, especially the region 10127 to 10129 if you want to be really cautious. There are no clubs using those frequencies for meetings, and it isn't any "centre of activity" for any groups.

Otherwise, you might like to try 10118 as this is where FISTS members often hang out, and they are very welcoming and helpful to new comers, I know, because I am a member of FISTS myself, whilst also a member of many other good and welcoming clubs such as CWOPS, and even a member of High Speed Club and as a high speed operator, always happy to do QRS too.

30m is a great place for you to get experience on air. It is not crowded in the area mentioned above, and offers great propagation, everything from a few hundred kilometers to DX depending on time of day and antenna.

Skeds

Another option is to set up skeds "on air meeting" with a friend or mentor, if you are truly nervous to plunge in the deep end. You can do that via some of those clubs such as FISTS and CWOPS, or even here on 30CW via this forum. Arrange to meet on a clear frequency say between 10127 and 10129, around 10128 plus or minus, this will truly not be in anyone's way, and out of the "deep end" of the lower part of the band where the faster ones seem to congregate, along with 10125.

And if you have any questions or need any help, just reply here.

77 DE AL, G4OJW

If you have any questions

anyway - do place some TX out there & see what happens.

More outdoor fun this Saturday and Sunday during International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend.

Some 400 lighthouses will be activated around the world including more than 50 from Australia.

On the Saturday, my club (Waverley Amateur Radio Society) will be running portable from Sydney's Macquarie Lighthouse - Australia's oldest - as VK2BV and from Endeavour Light at La Perouse with VK2GEL and others.

Most contacts are generally SSB but some of us will also be calling and listening on CW. The most active band will be 40M though I am also planning to hoist the 30M dipole and call CQLT around 10119.

Power is going to be QRP, though we may manage some QRO if the batteries hold out.

The activity is designed to highlight the history and significance of both amateur radio and lighthouses.

It is not a contest, so no exchange of serial numbers, however each lighthouse/lightship has been designated a number for those who like to collect them! Macquarie Light is AU0022; Endeavour is AU0052.

We will be operating from about 10am to 4pm local time on Saturday only.

Hope to contact as many of you as we can.

73 Laurie VK2GZ

Focus of the activation will be QRP CW on 30m.

Please lookout for activity spots on the SOTAwatch website: http://www.sotawatch.org/spots.php

73, Chris VK1CT

According to IARU recommendations operation should be avoided outside contest-preferred segments.
No operation to take place on:
CW : 3560-3800; 7040-7200; 14060-14350 kHz
SSB: 3650-3700; 7050-7060; 7100-7130; 14100-14125; 14300-14350 kHz.

So if you hear any WAEDX contesters above 3569, 7040 or 14060 report them to contest manager DF7ZS.

It is a pity the IARU did not at all consider those using QRP on weekends, with XTAL sets, and make the stop at 059kHz, and an advice to avoid 7030 on 40m. QRP and CW Clubs should be pressing for this!

If you are taking part in the contest, have fun, and good luck! Otherwise, have fun on 30m!

I especially hope to be active during Long Path opening to Europe, around 0500-0700 UTC.

73 de VK5EEE