Don’t wait for the CW test to be eliminated to upgrade. It’s really not that tough, and you can do it. On the SolidCpyCW mailing list, Greg O’Brien, NE1OB, a Volunteer Examiner, offered the following tips:
- Things to remember:
- The format of the code sent is an exchange in a typical QSO.
- After VVV VVV, the test will begin with callsign de callsign.
- It will end with callsign de callsign plus appropriate prosigns. So, you will have two chances to get the callsigns correctly.
- Usually one callsign will contain a “/”, for instance k1pid/7 or ne1ob/m.
- Each exam will contain all 40 characters(A-Z, 0-9 ‘/’, ‘?’, ‘.’, ‘,’) and prosigns (‘AR’, ‘SK’, and sometimes ‘BT’).
- You need 25 characters in a row BUT numbers and punctuation and prosigns count as two characters.
- Spaces do not count.
- Other elements commonly included in the QSO exchange:
- rig (so know the common manufacturers, including Icom, Yaesu, and Kenwood),
- power (this is where the digits are used so it probably wont be 100),
- type of antenna (dipole, loop, vee, yagi etc.),
- antenna height (digits here),
- QTH (Don’t count on the state matching the town, and the comma will probably be between the city and state),
- caller and called ham’s names.
- The above elements plus the callsigns will be the basis of the 10 questions. When you answer the questions, enter the answer exactly like it was sent. If “California” was sent, don’t write “CA” or “Calif” as the answer.
- Things to study before the exam:
- Practice numbers and punctuation and prosigns to death. They count double, you cannot usually figure them out from context, and you probably spent more time on the letters.
- Practice callsigns – callsigns are hard. They contain numbers and ‘/’. They come at the beginning of the transmission and if you have trouble with them, it may wreck you confidence for a while.
- Learn the common manufacturers and models.
- Review the common antenna types.
- Key advice for the exam:
- Relax. Take a deep breath. Shake it out. Just imagine you are in your normal practice environment. (I know that it’s easier to say then do
.) - There will be a one minute warm-up before the 5 minute transmission. Make sure the volume is comfortable for you. Copy the warm-up to get loose.
- When you miss a character, just leave a space or an underline. Don’t try to replay it in your mind. You can fill it in later.
- At the end of the code sending, you will have time to review your copy and fill in those blanks you left. Use all your puzzle solving skills.
- Do your best on the 10 questions even if you think there is no way.
- Relax. Take a deep breath. Shake it out. Just imagine you are in your normal practice environment. (I know that it’s easier to say then do
- Remember, the VEs want you to pass.
Greg also notes, “for a detailed look at a sample exam and more tips see the AC6V website.”
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