There has been a lot of interest in CW and CW practice within the group. Here are some online resource that I have found and have used to work on my CW proficiency (or lack thereof):

Learn CW Online:http://lcwo.net

This is a free website that features an entire koch-method course, as well as practice qso's word groups, random groups, callsign training. You can download mp3 practice files to put on your mp3 player as well. The site keeps stats that visualize your progress. It is a very effective tool. It is free to use.

G4FON koch trainer: http://www.g4fon.net/

This is a piece of software that runs on windows that utilizes the Koch method of teach CW. The koch method emphasis learning code at a usefull speed, where the mind recognizes the entire sound of a character instead of breaking it into dits and dahs. The makes learning code much faster and easier, without the speed plateus that are encountered when learning code at slow speed, and then trying to speed up.

Use of these tools, along with on-air practice sessions can help develop your CW skill quickly.

Post other resource you are aware of as comments to this post.

The NWMO ARES Group meeting is this Saturday 9am at the Cameron Public Safety building. Several items to discuss. This month’s program is “Bring your Project” day. Do you have an interesting project you’re working on or have completed and want to show it off or have a question? Bring it in !

Here is a link to a receiver kit from TenTec that I think would be a fun building project at an upcoming meeting. http://www.tentec.com/products/Regenerative-4%252dBand-SWL-Receiver.html

Tower number 3 at my place.

Wonder what would happen if I ran coax under the road and into the house?

This was my son and I's project today.

I will not post the comments I have received LOCALLY!!!

FEBRUARY M.V.A.R.C. meeting scheduled for MONDAY the 6Th. at the Red Cross. Plans will be finalized for FEB 29Th. SPECIAL EVENT. We will be ON THE AIR for special LEAP DAY event from 7 to 9 pm. We will plan on some good operating, good conversation and some snacks. This would be a great time to bring prospective hams to an event. Plan to be at this meeting and bring another… Special program will be “BOAT ANCHORS”.

Trevor has some interest and I believe Brian KC0YEJ is interested in learning or improving their morse code skills. I am curious if anyone would like to start doing some morse code practice sessions perhaps after the Sunday night net or some other time that might work for people in the area. I am thinking about using 80 meters and just get on and do informal code sessions to help build some morse talents. Comments here or on the Sunday night net would be appreciated.

George, KC0GP

The NWMO ARES ® Groups monthly meeting is Saturday January 14th 9am at the Cameron Public Safety building. Officer elections, meeting programs, and NWS Storm Spotter training will be discussed.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND You don’t have to be a member or a “HAM” to attend!

Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!

SKN is tonight. Ring in the New Year with CW!

Info at http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

The NWMO ARES® Group will have its annual party/potluck at 6pm at the Cameron Public Safety building Saturday Dec. 10th. All guests are asked to bring a side dish and table service. Main entree and drinks will be provided.

16 "HAMS" operated from the Turney Depot Saturday Nov. 19th 2011. Over 25 contacts were made over the 3 hour event. CW, SSB were used to make those contacts. 2 100W stations and 1 5W station were setup inside the depot all using temporary antennas strung up around the lot and verticals put in the ground. Everyone had a great time and the generators got a good workout as well. The Mo Valley ARC sponsored the event  and the NWMO ARES® Group was invited to participate as well. Look for more of these events in the future to help get the word out about Ham Raio and to help prepare for next years Field Day!