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Basic Morse setup

T

Terry David

Member
Feb 3, 2013
7
0
11
Gold Coast Australia
So now that I kinda know Morse, been practicing forever actually interpreting the Di/Dah's at speed???
So now I been thinking??? maybe I should get on the Air and have a go communicating?
So I know nothing about what I need, besides a key and a bit of help with some "Info" with a setup to get me started would be of great help. Don't need to be able to communicate with Mars, but around the corner or a bit further would be most excellent.
Many thanks in advance:thumbup:
 

You would need a transmitter capable of doing CW, a key of some sort, and a receiver capable of hearing CW (SSB would work fine). And then you would need an antenna that will work on the band you will use. Then it's just a matter of tuning a station in till you can hear it (making sure your transmitter is in the same place). Basically the same as a voice mode except you're listening to those 'di/dah's.
Specifically which radio? I won't even touch that, too many possibilities.
- 'Doc
 
Like Doc said: so many options.

No need to be discouraged though. If we knew your minimum budget it would help tremendously.

Also, how do you wish to operate? Simple portable battery powered unit or a stationary base? You can make many CW contacts with an inexpensive low power (QRP) setup, but you'll need patience at times.

Hard for me to recommend anything until I know your budget. Myself, I currently use a Kenwood TS 590 with a cheap Chinese paddle and an old Hi Mound HK-708
straight key. My paddles are uniHAM UNI-730 double paddles. I absolutely love them paddles. My antennas are wires.

What state do you live in? There's quite a few CW guys on here that would enjoy helping you on air. I'm in Southeast Ohio.
We'll be glad to help you spend your money.
 
Thanks heaps.
So as I read it a couple of extras and I'm away.
The system will be stuff I can put on the table, and when not in use thrown in a box, so it has to be like super duper portable and not as big as a Cadillac. An aerials not a problem cause all it has is a lead that can stay in place?
Checked out "m42dusters" setup with a Google search and now I kinda have a good idea of whats required to get a start at it so most excellent help gentleman.
"Oh" and an offer from a male to help spend my money?????????? Only had that offer from women??? so don't care how good the sex change was, just not going to work
And I'm on the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia.
 
The Elecraft KX3 would fit your requirements. It's small, can operate on batteries and even has an optional paddle that screws right onto the case. BTW, it's just about the best receiver on the market, too.
 
Thanks heaps for all the help.
I checked out the Elecraft KX3 and it looks like its the go. Seen a heap of You Tube vids on it and read a lot and it offers everything that I want to enter the world of Di/Dah so look out ????
 
Thanks for that mate and I'm all for saving a few dollars?
Now straight after I sort out getting Tick Tacs out of the box without spilling em all over the floor? not getting a certain appendage trapped in a zipper, not wearing my T-shirts inside out and stop P*****G into the wind, I'll get started?
 
Just one other thing?
If you take the option to assemble the KX3 yourself and save some dollars, do you still have a warranty??????
Me thinks not. Think the dollars you save is not worth the loss of a warranty.
$1000 for the unit with a warranty, assemble it yourself, save a $100???, no warranty????
Just asking?
 
You still get a warranty on a build. If you make an error and screw it up they will still fix you up, but will likely charge a fee.
If you built it to spec and have a defect, they will have your back and fix you up.
 
IMO, Elecraft has the best warranty policy and best customer service in the industry. They stand behind their products 100% and actually listen to their customers needs, concerns, and wants.
 

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