I started to learn Morse back in 2004, on a local 2m Simplex net from G3AQM(SK) and prepped for the Morse Class A exam to be taken at the FRARS Hamfest in Aug 2004. The IARU change in 2003 was then implemented by the Radiocommunications Agency, predecessor of OFCOM so I had my RSGB exam fee returned and I could get onto the HF Bands !

In 2019, I decided to start again as as I had a 2hr each way commute thought a good use of my time would be to use the K7QO MP3 Files in the car to learn the letters. I found this quite difficult and was not disciplined enough to complete this. I did get the alphabet done at a reasonable speed for receive, but no work on transmitting !

In the end of December 2022, I decided that I needed to finally do this so after seeing a post about CW Ops, I signed up for their beginners course, initially thinking that it was over subscribed for January and I'd take part in May. That would give me time to get a paddle key and get familiar with all things CW. WRONG !!

I got onto the January Course, starting in 2 weeks and I'd not even looked at what key to buy ! Then ensued a urgent email to Bruna at Begali to order a Begali Sculpture for delivery ASAP ! Between Bruna and FedEx, I had my paddle in 17 hours from dispatch in Italy. I tracked it via the website and was very surprised when it arrived so soon !

K1USN Certificate

Begali Sculpture Paddle Key with a Yaesu FH-2 Remote, connected to the Yaesu FT-2000 HF Radio

After 16 sessions, over 8 weeks I'm now on-air with CW, just as I always wanted to do. It's still hard work, and I'm still learning, but CW operators have been very patient and the Slow Speed morse contests and nets are good fun too.

I'll keep working on CW, alongside my favourite digital modes. It would be nice to get to 25wpm but that seems a long way off at the moment !

Custom 3d Printed Begali Sculpture Cover in Creality Black and Amazon Silver Silk PLA.