War of the Worlds... a bit differently

[Scuffy]

Hi all! I'm not sure if this would be the correct section of the forum to post such a thing but I'll give it a shot. Mods- if this by chance is not and if possible please move it.

I've attained my Technician and General class Amateur radio license over the past couple years in between studying for one oddball thing or another for my jobs. Haven't been on the air much until recently. Pearl Harbor Day sparked a new interest for me as it was possible to make a QSL (or a confirmed contact) with many decommissioned Navy ships, subs and even a plane or two! I got to talk with guys operating from the radio rooms of such vessels as the USS Kid, USS Missouri, the SS American Victory, and even the City of Savannah- a B-17 bomber! After this I decided I needed to attain my Extra class license and privileges.

Now it used to be that to gain higher classes of licenses one would not only have to learn more technical knowledge- working knowledge of electricity, radio waves/theory, and the like... but also learn Morse code. Each class or level of license requiring a faster pace in sending and receiving it. As of just a few short years ago the code portion of all of the tests was dropped. Being a fanatic of tradition... I wanted to pick up code. SO I started studying on my own. Still learning the alphabet and different abbreviations but I'm getting there. I digress though..

Anyway! In my search of different techniques and sources for learning Morse code I happened across an interesting website...

It contains each chapter of Welles' War of the Worlds as an mp3 file... in Morse! The first chapter starting off at 10 words-per-minute (wpm) and progressing at 1wpm in chapter increments up to 36wpm by the last. This is used as a tool to pick up your speed, comprehension and how comfortable you are at receiving code. Kinda nifty and definitely period related. Don't know how many of you have your ham license or know code but it might be an interesting way to pass some time this winter.

Here's the addy: http://elmering.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/war-of-the-worlds-cw-edition/

Hope you enjoy!!

-Scuffy
KD8LPQ

 

[Shawnie MacAlpine]

Oh that's neat! I'm going to get my license someday... but in the meantime I have sent your link to my grandpa!

 

[Scuffy]

It's not hard to get the Tech or the General. Much like many things- driver's license and other certifications... you go thru the practice tests and memorize the answers. Then take the test, pass it, and when you get on the air and have the chance to work with the radios and put things into use you really start to "understand" it. If you ever need help or advice feel free to pm me and I'll send you oodles of links!

 

[Shawnie MacAlpine]

Ooo! Thank you! That is a most generous offer and I'd love to take you up on it at some point. I've been dreaming of getting my license for a couple years, but school has kept me too busy. Perhaps I can do it after graduation this spring.