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Thanks for stopping by! Below you will find some
FREE tips
taught in Code Quick which have helped lots of people get through their code
challenge.
Hope they help you too!
HERE'S A PROCEDURE TO GET YOU OVER THE TOP!
Try this if you are nearly at 20wpm but just can't quite make it over the top. It
takes practice, but you can master it!
Writing the letters at 20wpm requires that you copy 100 characters in a minute.
That's pretty fast. Try this instead! Before you go for your test, practice
with this list enough to memorize it. Since every test is a "simulated"
QSO, certain elements will be on almost every test. When you arrive at the VE test,
in plain sight of the VE, make a list like this:
(Of course, you can't make this list before you arrive at the test and then use it!
Tell the VE what you want to do. It is perfectly legal!) Get it done before
the test starts. Making this slate will also help you relax.
When the test is administered, just pop your pen or pencil to the correct spot as you
hear each element and copy what is sent there. That way you will not have to write
all of this stuff as the code is sent. This will give you more time to focus on the
important data being sent. You will also be less likely to fall behind or get
razzle-dazzled.
When you copy code, don't let your concentration be interrupted. If possible, use
headphones to cut distractions. If you write the code on a piece of paper, cover
your work with a 3X5 card. As you write a letter, let your left hand slide the card
along. If you miss a letter, just make a dash and slide the card. This way you
will be much less likely to loose your place while trying to see what you just wrote.
You will have plenty of time to do that after the code is finished. Remember
the gambler song, "Never count your money while you're at the table, they'll be time
enough for contain' when the gambling's done!" This applies to copying code
also. Best when you are first learning code, you can't use this idea and the one
above at the same time!!!
AVOID BRAIN FRY!
You probably have experienced lock up when you are copying code.
All of a sudden you realize that you missed a letter or can't quite remember.
Your brain frantically searches for the correct sound and you miss 6 letters only
to wake up totally lost!
You can learn to dodge the bullet by practicing, missing letters
on purpose. Try this. Pick code faster than you think you can copy.
Decide at the beginning that you will miss some letters and that you will make a dash for
each letter missed. Next, as you copy, only copy every other letter. Put a
dash for the one you skip. When you are through copying, go over the text and see
just how much you can fill in. You will amaze yourself! It is not necessary to
get 100% copy to get 100% on the test! Can you read this message?
I _i_e _n
_m_r_c_.
(Missed every other letter)
How about now?
I l_ve _n
A_er_ca.
(Missed every 3rd letter.
How about now?
I li_e in
_mer_ca.
(Missed every 4th letter)
Is this easier?
I liv_ in
Am_rica_ (Missed every 5th letter)
It is most important to pay good attention when numbers are sent since you will not be
able to guess very well. If you miss the numbers in the call signs, they will be
sent again at the end of the transmission when the QSO signs over. Don't miss the
numbers if you can help it.
Tell us some things which have helped you and we will include them here!
cq2kcom@yahoo.com
A ham at recent Hamcon in Long Beach just gave me a fabulous idea. He said that he
always had trouble holding to a schedule. He would procrastinate and put off the
study and then would lie to himself that he had actually done more work than he actually
had. The solution: He made up a time card like one from work and made himself
sign in and out at the beginning and end of each practice session and then added up the
time spent on code at the end of each week. Result: Within a couple of months
he was an Extra Class. Great idea. Give it a try!
During your QSOs, each piece of required
information will be preceded by the word IS! Note these examples:
- Name IS.....
- QTH IS....
- Ham call IS.....
- WX IS.....
Pay special attention to everything that is sent
following the word IS. Learn to recognize the word by practicing with it
over and over until it comes easily. It is like a pointer to
important stuff!
From Greg Tillman N4VAD
Steven Gillis suggests
that you can make small letters much faster than larger ones. Write small
and save valuable time! Thanks Steven!
GOOD LUCK & 73s
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