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<p>I use Vband sitting in a recliner; my wife is watching TV.<br /><br />I used the decoder to identify and improve sending; I was running words together when sending. <br /><br />On Vband I have chatted with individuals that <br /> not able to have an hf station, and enjoy chatting on CW. (One is a Chicken Fat Operator)<br /> does not have a license to operate, but enjoys chatting on CW. <br /> are in foreign countries; chat with no QSB OR QRM<br /><br />This is not to replace getting on the air - I use wire antennas. <br />When I am waiting - I can pull out my phone and chat on Vband!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Phil you are right about key fright - some individuals are afraid of getting on the air. <br />POTA, (Parks On The Air); K1USN SST, Slow speed Test; are opportunities that did not exist many years ago.<br /><br /><br />I have two groups of students that I am helping each to improve his CW skill; giving back! <br /><br /><br />Mark<br />K5GQ<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
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<div class="pre" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace">----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Message: 1<br />Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:33:18 +0000<br />From: Mark <<a href="mailto:mark@k5gq.net">mark@k5gq.net</a>><br />To: bvarc <<a href="mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org">bvarc@bvarc.org</a>><br />Subject: [BVARC] CW - for those who are learning<br />Message-ID: <<a href="mailto:c36ee9492f22629e4309c504e601ab8c@k5gq.net">c36ee9492f22629e4309c504e601ab8c@k5gq.net</a>><br />Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"; Format="flowed"<br /><br />Start with going to<br /><br />this works best with chrome browser<br /><a href="https://hamradio.solutions/vband/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://hamradio.solutions/vband/</a><br /><br />look in channels 1-4; do you see anyone there?<br /><br />if no one is there go to the practice channel.<br />Depress and release the right or left "ctrl" keys<br /><br />this site has a decoder for each channel.<br /><br />I have chatted with different people in different countries.<br />You do not need to have a HAM license to participate.<br /><br />More for those that are interested. LATER<br /><br />Mark K5GQ<br />-------------- next part --------------<br /><br />Message: 2<br />Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:18:30 -0500<br />From: Philip Bartash <<a href="mailto:w2ozb73@gmail.com">w2ozb73@gmail.com</a>><br />To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <<a href="mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org">bvarc@bvarc.org</a>><br />Subject: Re: [BVARC] CW - for those who are learning<br />Message-ID:<br /> <<a href="mailto:CALk=TtKt7+0kD9ErMbVbdMXC24h3R7GdneMoxDj=ESyFBmO45A@mail.gmail.com">CALk=TtKt7+0kD9ErMbVbdMXC24h3R7GdneMoxDj=ESyFBmO45A@mail.gmail.com</a>><br />Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"<br /><br />A nice attempt to reinvent the wheel to try to aid in a novice condition<br />called "key fright". However, you must purchase devices to connect to<br />systems that already exist and without additional costs of buying extra<br />gear. I consider this a masterful marketing strategy. I'm impressed<br />with the attempt.<br /><br />Fortunately there are somewhat cheaper alternatives that have been around<br />for years. Chuck Broadwell's iCW site has been active for over ten years<br />that I know of and costs nothing. iCW (Internet CW) is a site that has<br />numerous channels to various clubs and keys (yes even for bugs and cootie<br />lovers) It is accessed through Mumble, a common game server.. Also there<br />is Sonobus, a peer to peer site that costs nothing as well. Mainly,<br />musicians use this site to hook up other musicians to work with each other<br />all over the world. Many CW operators use this site as well. Both are<br />solutions that cost nothing and one need not buy any additional gear.<br /><br />But, what I have found that really works, is just get on the air.....<br /><br />The decoder is also a terrible idea.<br /><br />If anyone is interested in more info on these options, or to discuss other<br />options like the numerous nets on various bands, the programs created by<br />SKCC and others clubs that help stair-step new ops to competence, please<br />feel free to contact me. I'm good on QRZ.<br /><br />73,<br />Phil<br />W2OZB<br /><br />:"I only drop words that give the sentence meaning."<br /><br /><br /></div>
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