CWops and More
Roger Cooke G3LDI has an update on CWops, some interesting keys and an anecdote relating to Morsum Magnificat.
Last time I mentioned that prospective members of CWops should be able demonstrate their ability to hold conversational QSOs at 25wpm. There has been some discussion on this very subject and now the requirements have changed slightly. That particular requirement still exists for FOC membership but for CWops, just a couple of contacts at 25wpm will suffice. In other words working somebody in the CWT activity periods would be fine. Those exchanges are merely a name and membership number or if not a member, the country prefix.
Jim N3JT is the founder of CWops, hence his membership number of 1. We affectionately refer to him locally here in Norwich as Jim One, Fig. 2.
This is what he recently posted about possible nominations:
“There are a zillion excellent CW operators out there who have never heard of CWops. Maybe you’ve had ragchews with some of them. And, of course, in CWT sessions and other contests there are many non-members who demonstrate skill worthy of membership and would be happy to join us if asked. Our new-member nominee list is currently very short, so let me ask: Have you worked guys at least twice in the last year at 25wpm or faster who you think would like to support CW by becoming a CWops member?
“The reality is that many reading this message have not yet nominated somebody for CWops membership! If you are one of those, might you consider it? Here is the step by step procedure:
1. Identify from your log or memory (egad!) somebody who qualifies, i.e., you’ve spoken with through two QSOs at 25wpm or faster over the last year. Our rules require being capable of carrying on a conversation in English, but we have finessed that because excellent CW operators often display their excellence in environments where chatting is not involved. In other words, we invite anybody who is a good CW operator, whatever the activity that interests them, and with no language requirement.
2. Go to QRZ.COM (or ask your prospective nominee) for an e-mail address. It is not possible to have a CWops membership without an e-mail address because we are fully online and communicate solely by e-mail. But, truth be told, not every ham has an e-mail address listed on QRZ.
COM. Sometimes Dr. Google can help. Sometimes not.
3. Drop your prospective nominee a note via e-mail or ask on the air if he or she would like to be a CWops member. Mention that the CW Academy has taught many hundreds of former and new CW operators the fun of CW. We are the only CW club that actively works hard to preserve, indeed expand use of CW in ham radio. Mention that, too. Tell them that we sponsor many on-air activities, like CWO, CWT, and we underwrite many domestic and international CW contest awards sponsored by ARRL and other organizations. Importantly, we issue an annual award for advancing the art of CW. We also give money where needed to support CW training.
We do everything we can think of to support and expand the use of CW. Tell them that, if it fits your writing style. If in response they show an interest, proceed to step 4, below.
4. Go to cwops.org and click on MEMBERSHIP and then click on MEMBERS ONLY. The password is morse8.
5. Find the nomination page and fill it out. You don’t have to give a 500-word justification for your nomination. A few words is enough. Submit it. The nomination will appear on the STATUS page for others to see and support by submitting sponsorship forms.
“Note: Before you nominate somebody, check the STATUS page to see if they are already nominated. Where is the STATUS page? Go to www.cwops.org, click on MEMBERSHIP, then click on MEMBERS ONLY. The password is morse8. Scroll down until you see the link that says “To check the nominees click here” and you will see who is currently nominated and now many sponsors there are. Only four are needed (nominator plus three sponsors). Oh, and make sure your prospective nominee is not already a member! Click on ROSTER on the MEMBERSHIP page. (I have invited a few guys who are already members so now I am sure to check both the ROSTER and STATUS pages first!)
“If you would like to sponsor somebody already nominated, the process is the same as for nomination except you pick the sponsorship page per step 5, above.
“How about it? Look through your logs, your memory, too! New members are needed!”
Obviously this all applies to CWops members, but if you are a keen CW operator, you would enjoy participating in the Wednesday sessions I am sure. Operators in England would use (NAME) G as the exchange. Take part in a number of these and you will find yourself being nominated.
As a member, if you take part in the Wednesday sessions, you get a point for a basic ten QSOs in each session, 1300, 1900 and 0300UTC. You could get three points each week, depending how good you are at rising at 0300UTC, but at least two points are easy peasy. At the end of the year adding up all the points will entitle you to a medallion, bronze 36, silver 60 or gold 90.
The photo, Fig. 3, shows the pile of medallions before mailing them from the USA.
Where does this Key originate?
John G0RDO owns this key, Fig. 5, and wonders if anybody can shed any life on its origin.
Base is 4¼ by 2 7⁄8in (110mm x 73mm) so quite a large key.
Threads = BA, and knob & skirt very British.
If you can identify it or know anything about it please e-mail John direct:
Morsum Magnificat
Following on from my recent reference to
Morsum Magnifcat (MM), I received this e-mail from Albert G3ZHE:
“Three members of the Warrington ARC took MM. I have 36, 46, 47, 58 and from 85 to 89. About three years ago Serendipity Books in Australia had a book called Coming Round The Bend and other Verse by Frank Spruhan (SPRU). The poem was in issue 58 of MM. I bought the book and when I opened it SPRU had signed it with Christmas wishes in 1955. I am 85 and think this small book will end up in a skip before long. It might be good to get it into a museum. Spru was not an amateur but spent his working life as a Morse operator using wires, sounders and radio. These days I sometimes give points away in CW contests and have fun on QRP. Thanks for your article I think it will be well received. 73 Albert.”
And More Keys
in this condition about 15 years ago, works very well.
“The Twin Paddle is a Grimmeisen, a late version of the Schurr paddle designed to fit into ETM twin paddle bodies. I put finger pieces from a Katsumi 150 keyer onto the beastie as it had very flexible clear plastic jobs and not too good.
“The Vibroplex Original Deluxe was missing the dot contact and a weight, so not too expensive. I found a suitable contact on a relay; I keep meaning to spruce it up. However, it always seems there is something else to do. The weight is of course intended for fishing”.
If you have any interesting keys and would like to share them, please e-mail photos to me,