CW Question
 

Ok so im new to code, still learning in fact.
My question is this, I need a dedicate CW rig are there any suggestions on what to get. Also I have seen some really cool Keys but not sure which one to start with. Paddle, bug, or straight. Anyone have any insight on my puzzling predicament.

I don't know what to tell you about a CW dedicated rig. I use my Kenwood ts-2000 for CW with a straight key. I'm still just getting the hang of it. I can do 5 to 7 wpm. Calvin or one of the other guys should be able to tell you a good dedicated CW rig.

73

Chris

well maybe I should specify I dont need a rig that does cw only.
Im just going to use it for cw only as I already have multiple radios dedicated to ssb.
I was just wondering what rigs are best suited for cw operation.

Sorry for not posting in here sooner, I've been busy.

As for a good CW rig... anything works. It really depends on your style of CW. If you want to contest a lot or do some DXing I'd suggest something with good QSK (full break in).

Otherwise you can do good with any rig. I myself simply use a IC-706 (all I have :arf2:) But I will soon sell that to get a new radio (Probably a 746PRO)

Anyways, I would simply pick out a rig that you like and read reviews on eham or other sites. Then if they are good think about buying the rig. If not, pick a new rig.

I'm always open to questions, send me an email or a PM if you have one.

73, I hope things work out and you find a nice rig.

Hi OM,
Much depends upon what rig you have now. Questions..
What brand and model is your rig?
Does your rig have a cw filter or a place to put one in?
Does it have a built in keyer?
A little more information will help the group help you out.
73,
Rob WA9UAA :)

well I have quite a few rigs but I want one more:arf2: .
I want a new rig that I will use for cw purposes only.
My question is what will do the best all around job.
I hear that the ProIII is a bad choice for example.
I dont need an electronic key unless I have to use one.
I kinda wanted it to be a simple straight key.
Thx and 73

Thanks for the update. For smooth CW I'd go with Ten Tec. For strictly CW they don't get much better. The next questions involves what your operating conditions and location are like. Do you need/ want extra bells and whistles or a more simplistic rig?
Do you feel the need for crystal filters vs. DSP filtering etc.? Are you dealing with a high noise environment?
73,
Rob WA9UAA

I would suggest a rig that lets you vary the width of the filters in it. That can really help when trying to cut out noise or extra QRM. I also think that DSP would be a nice extra option, same with a preamp.

Well they only band I seem to have a high noise level is 75m which I dont plan on running cw there, lol.
As for filters I like them on SSB as well as my dsp.
But when it comes to cw I dont know?
Im still using my code cds and a practice oscillator.
Now when it comes to ten tec man those look nice, but that price tag ouch.
But if thats what it takes Ill get one.
What about the K3 I hear they are great for cw.
Thx

Hi Again,
Can't tell you about the K3 except it and all the rigs in that performance class have lots of menu settings to set them up for CW or SSB etc. i.e. They're more complex to operate well because of the understanding needed to get the most out of the hardware. I noticed you haven't mentioned what rig you have. Perhaps you ought to get a CW filter for it and get your feet wet in CW operation before you spend any money.
73,
Rob WA9UAA
:streichel:

I guess I could do it that way.

For my primary rig I run an IC-7000.
Also have a IC-706MKII, IC-730, FT-920, and FT-100d.
The 7000 has all filters included and the original owner of the 100 informed that it has a cw filter but hes not sure which one it is.

However each one of these rigs have a specific use with a antenna cut to one specific band. Thats kinda why I wanted to get a rig to dedicate to cw.

But for now I guess I could throw up my 80-10m vertical and setup the 7000 for cw use.

If you have the money, I would suggest a 746PRO. They are falling in price because of the K3, but they are a very great radio. (I used one at my grandpa's house and I loved it)

However, BEWARE OF THE USED 746PRO'S!!! A few years ago they had some problems, something was wrong with the software. I wouldn't buy one used that is over a year old.

Ok now that iv decided that Im just going to use my 7000 for cw, I have a new question.

Settings for receive are not to bad to setup, and sending on my practice oscillator is getting better but im a little confused on how to get started sending over the air. There are many settings on the radio like full brake, semi brake, and no brake. There are also pitch settings and other misc settings. So where do I start? And also cw enthusiasts seem to have a lingo all of their own with many codes that iv never heard on voice, is there a list of translations somewhere on the net. And no I dont mean "Q" codes. Oh and if anyone knows of a good book to read that will point me in the right direction that would be great. Sorry if Im making a simple operating mode seem so confusing to me.
Unfortunately my elmer learned code and never used it after so he has no clue what im talking about when i ask him a question. I just want to know exactly what im doing before I get on the air.

Thank you all
73