[BVARC] Vband & GIVING BACK

[Mark]

I use Vband sitting in a recliner; my wife is watching TV.

I used the decoder  to identify and improve sending; I was running words 
together when sending.

On Vband I have chatted with individuals that
         not able to have an hf station, and enjoy chatting on CW. (One 
is a Chicken Fat Operator)
         does not have a license to operate, but enjoys chatting on CW.
         are in foreign countries; chat with no QSB OR QRM

This is not to replace getting on the air - I use wire antennas.
When I am waiting - I can pull out my phone and chat on Vband!

Phil you are right about key fright - some individuals are afraid of 
getting on the air.
POTA, (Parks On The Air); K1USN SST, Slow speed Test; are opportunities 
that did not exist many years ago.

I have two groups of students that I am helping each to improve his CW 
skill; giving back!

Mark
K5GQ

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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:33:18 +0000
 From: Mark <mark at k5gq.net>
To: bvarc <bvarc at bvarc.org>
Subject: [BVARC] CW - for those who are learning
Message-ID: <c36ee9492f22629e4309c504e601ab8c at k5gq.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"; Format="flowed"

Start with going to

this works best with chrome browser
https://hamradio.solutions/vband/

look in channels 1-4; do you see anyone there?

if no one is there go to the practice channel.
Depress and release the right or left "ctrl" keys

this site has a decoder for each channel.

I have chatted with different people in different countries.
You do not need to have a HAM license to participate.

More for those that are interested.  LATER

Mark K5GQ
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Message: 2
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:18:30 -0500
 From: Philip Bartash <w2ozb73 at gmail.com>
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc at bvarc.org>
Subject: Re: [BVARC] CW - for those who are learning
Message-ID:
     <CALk=TtKt7+0kD9ErMbVbdMXC24h3R7GdneMoxDj=ESyFBmO45A at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

A nice attempt to reinvent the wheel  to try to aid in a novice 
condition
called "key fright".  However, you must purchase devices to connect to
systems that already exist and without additional costs of buying extra
gear.  I consider this a masterful marketing strategy.  I'm impressed
with the attempt.

Fortunately there are somewhat cheaper alternatives that have been 
around
for years.  Chuck Broadwell's iCW  site has been active for over ten 
years
that I know of and costs nothing.  iCW (Internet CW) is a site that has
numerous channels to various clubs and keys (yes even for bugs and 
cootie
lovers) It is accessed through Mumble, a common game server..  Also 
there
is Sonobus, a peer to peer site that costs nothing as well. Mainly,
musicians use this site to hook up other musicians to work with each 
other
all over the world.  Many CW operators use this site as well.  Both are
solutions that cost nothing and one need not buy any additional gear.

But, what I have found that really works, is just get on the air.....

The decoder is also a terrible idea.

If anyone is interested in more info on these options, or to discuss 
other
options like the numerous nets on various bands, the programs created by
SKCC and others clubs that help stair-step new ops to competence, please
feel free to contact me.  I'm good on QRZ.

73,
Phil
W2OZB

:"I only drop words that give the sentence meaning."
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