DitDit.fm

DitDit.fm is a podcast celebrating morse code, the CW operating mode and amateur radio. The show is hosted by Bruce Pea, N9WKE, and features conversations with interesting CW operators, offers useful CW operating tips, and encourages amateur radio operators at all levels to get on the air, have fun and enjoy operating CW!

Episode #35 - Mark Tyler, K5GQ 10/07/2022

Episode #35 - Mark Tyler, K5GQ There are a lot of great advisors and instructors who teach Morse Code and CW. I think Mark Tyler, K5GQ, is one of the greatest CW teachers there has ever been! If you ever get the opportunity to take Mark’s class, don’t pass it up! You will become a much better CW operator and the joy you will get from your CW will be compounded beyond your wildest dreams. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/24622896

QRQ, When You Want To Go Fast! 06/27/2022

QRQ, When You Want To Go Fast! Terry Jackson spent eight to ten hours a day head copying Morse code at 50 words-per-minute... and got paid to do it! His job as a Naval Communications Officer was to intercept coded messages being sent from Russian ships during the Cold War. Today, Terry teaches Amateur Radio operators how to send and receive high speed Morse code, or QRQ as it's called by Morse code operators. But what is QRQ? The idea of high speed is relative to each of us. High speed operating can mean 70 words-per-minute to one person, and be 30 words-per-minute to another. No matter what your definition of high speed QRQ operating is, going fast is a lot of fun and can be done by virtually anyone. We invite you to enjoy this very interesting conversation with Terry Jackson, WB0JRH. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/23543264

A Conversation With KB6NU 06/10/2022

A Conversation With KB6NU Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, is a well known CW operator that is not only active on the air, but has been active with numerous organizations and Amateur Radio events over the years. He is the author of a popular series of Amateur Radio license exam study guides and other Amateur Radio and Morse code related books. Dan teaches a popular one-day license exam preparation course, made ten-of-thousands of QSOs, and is a regular speaker at the annual Dayton Hamvention. Join us as we listen to Dan discuss a wide range of Amateur Radio and CW topics. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/23392820

The Long Island CW Club 06/27/2020

The Long Island CW Club We first heard about the Long Island CW Club back in the fall of 2018. After talking with the club’s founders, Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE and Rich Collins, K2UPS, we featured the club in Episode #23 in January 2019. The club (actually it’s a community of CW operators) is so unique and different in their approach to teaching Morse code and CW we thought we’d check in a year or so later to see what they’ve been up to. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/14988980

CW Traffic Nets 05/20/2020

CW Traffic Nets Listen as Carl Davis, W8WZ, explains the National Traffic System, how it works with other networks, and why you need to participate as a traffic handler. This is an interesting and fascinating discussion. Carl shares his unique insight, experience, and information on CW traffic nets you won’t want to miss! /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/14500979

Episode #30 - The Key Maker 04/24/2020

Episode #30 - The Key Maker Steve Roberts, W1SFR, is a key maker in Vermont who produces a unique torsion bar key/paddle. His keys are a delight to the eye and a joy to use. Join us as Steve talks about where the idea came from, making keys, how they are unique, and thoughts about customer service. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/14131406

Morse Code Ninja 03/19/2020

Morse Code Ninja Kurt Zoglmann, AD0WE, created Morse Code Ninja, a very comprehensive Morse code/CW training program using learning theory and techniques not used in other programs until now. There are more than 979 Youtube videos and over 2000 hours of Morse code teaching content available in Kurt’s course. There is something for everyone in this course. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/13615109

The Ship's Radio Officer 02/24/2020

The Ship's Radio Officer In this episode we hear what it was like to be the ship’s radio officer who depended on and communicated with coastal maritime radio stations. For decades, ships cruised the great seas using Morse code and a key to stay safe and move cargo from one port to another. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/13281071

Coastal Maritime Station KPH 01/21/2020

Coastal Maritime Station KPH There was a time when the airways bristled with Morse Code. There were commercial radio stations all around the world whose business was sending and receiving Morse Code messages to ships at sea. Coast station KPH, located at Point Reyes National Seashore near San Francisco, is one of those stations. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/12816467

CW Ragchewing 101 01/03/2020

CW Ragchewing 101 CW ragchewing… the idea makes some CW operators weak in the knees. The good news is it’s a lot easier than most CW operators think it is. Gary Stone, N5PHT, would like you to go beyond the basic QSO and start having more CW conversations. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/12598856

Episode #25 - A Conversation With N9EP 12/08/2019

Episode #25 - A Conversation With N9EP Ed Picha, N9EP, is a CW operator who enjoys talking about CW and loves training and mentoring new CW ops. He’s been teaching code classes for 40+ years, while helping and encouraging a whole new generation of CW operators. Over the years Ed has garnered a lot of insight and practical advice about learning the code and operating CW. Listen as Ed shares his experience and ideas on teaching, learning the code, and operating CW! /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/12322391

World Wide Flora and Fauna 04/09/2019

World Wide Flora and Fauna We talk with KA2LHO, Kraig Pritts, W0PHX George Burger, and KD0IRW, Tanner Colvin about the WWFF program, activating parks, chasing activators, why this program is so great for new CW ops, logging DX, “Make Nature Your Shack”, and having tons of fun! /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/9328970

The New Elmers 01/26/2019

The New Elmers In this episode, Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE and Richard Collins, K2UPS, co-founders of the Long Island CW Club explain how the club got started, their unique less structured, more relaxed approach to teaching the code, and the classes available to anyone wanting to learn the code and have fun. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/8400524

Jitters, Anxiety, and your first QSO 11/22/2018

Jitters, Anxiety, and your first QSO ‘Key Fright’ - The feeling of anxiety, nervousness, and excessive worry about making mistakes sending and receiving Morse code. Most often afflicting new CW operators immediately before attempting their first QSO. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/7648964

Episode #21 - The North American QRP CW Club (NAQCC) 09/27/2018

Episode #21 - The North American QRP CW Club (NAQCC) The North American QRP CW Club (NAQCC) is the world’s largest organization of it’s kind with thousands of members in over 140 countries around the globe. All of the organization’s events are operated QRP and CW mode. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/7094826

Episode #20 - Pay It Forward 07/19/2018

Episode #20 - Pay It Forward Amateur radio has a long tradition of giving back and Elmering new radio operators. Anyone who has ever received the generous and patient attention from an Elmer is ever so thankful and appreciative for that help. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/6828799

Episode #19 - The Straight Key Century Club 06/22/2018

Episode #19 - The Straight Key Century Club The SKCC offers one of the broadest assortments of awards, contests and activities available for every level of CW operator to participate in. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/6727036

Episode #18 - Gettin' Schooled! 04/25/2018

Episode #18 - Gettin' Schooled! Tom Parish, KB5RF, had the rare opportunity to take all three CW Academy courses in a twelve-month period. He began his Level 1 course hardly knowing anything about Morse code and completed the advanced Level 3 course twelve months later as a skilled CW operator capable of sending and receiving Morse code at 20+ word-per-minute. Listen as Tom shares helpful insights and experiences as a CW Academy student and follow him along on his unusual and intense journey to learn Morse code! /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/6517979

Episode #17 - Alpha Antenna! 03/27/2018

Episode #17 - Alpha Antenna! No matter if your operating QRP or QRO, having the right antenna for the job depends on what your target is. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/6410918

Episode #16 - Better Ways To Learn The Code! 03/16/2018

Episode #16 - Better Ways To Learn The Code! There are many ways to learn Morse code. People often take the leap and try learning on their own. That what Roland Simmons, K7FOP, did... until he found a better way! /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/6366354

Episode 15 - Grab Your Gear And Go! 03/07/2018

Episode 15 - Grab Your Gear And Go! Cabin fever making you crazy... had enough of winter!? Spring is almost here, it's time to check your gear and head out into the fresh air. Find a comfy spot, throw a wire up in a tree and get on the air. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/6336992

Episode #14 - The Other Side Of The Mountain 10/25/2017

Episode #14 - The Other Side Of The Mountain For every successful SOTA activation, it takes a SOTA Activator who's willing to face the elements and haul gear to the top of a mountain and a radio op someplace else to complete the exchange. More often than not, the other radio op is a SOTA Chaser who completes the QSO and participates in a successful activation. And it turns out that being a SOTA Chaser is a super easy way for new and seasoned CW ops to have a lot of fun, participate in an exciting and interesting activity and develop their CW skills. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5876044

Episode #13 - A 112 Year HAM Legacy! 10/11/2017

Episode #13 - A 112 Year HAM Legacy! There probably is no other piece of HAM equipment more ubiquitous than the Vibroplex key. For more than a 100 years, hundreds of thousands of Vibroplex keys have been produced and used on ships at sea, by railroads across continents, militaries and countless amateur radio operators. The most well known Vibroplex key being an odd-looking contraption called a 'bug'! /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5831041

Episode #12 - The CW Op's Guide To Contesting 101 09/25/2017

Episode #12 - The CW Op's Guide To Contesting 101 If you're a CW op looking for something new to do, contesting maybe just what you are looking for. There are literally hundreds of contests each year. They are a great way to take your CW skills to the next level. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5774344

Episode #11 - Point The Beam... Crank It Up... Let It Fly! 09/11/2017

Episode #11 - Point The Beam... Crank It Up... Let It Fly! Cody Codianni, KC2LSD, holds an Amateur Extra license, is a FISTS North America Board Member and manager of the FISTS North America club call, KN0WCW. He has achieved DXCC on numerous bands, including the very challenging 160M DXCC in 2017. Not only has Cody chased DX and accumulated a large collection of awards, he has also been the DX operator, operating occasionally from South America. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5728751

Episode #10 - Fox Hunts and Metronomes 08/28/2017

Episode #10 - Fox Hunts and Metronomes All of us have most certainly begun our CW adventure with the basic QSO. But after you have mastered the QSO, you're ready for another challenge. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5682926

Episode #9 - 0 to 20 WPM in Nine Months 08/14/2017

Episode #9 - 0 to 20 WPM in Nine Months Many amateur radio operators share a common experience. They become interested in the hobby, get licensed then, for any number of good reasons, take a break from their radio activities. Sometime later (sometimes years later), amateur radio catches their interest again and they jump back in. More often than not, when people come back to amateur radio they do amazing things... and Richard Carpenter, AA4OO, is a great example of someone doing amazing things! /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5640541

Episode #8 - Mind Melding With A Morse Code Instructor 08/01/2017

Episode #8 - Mind Melding With A Morse Code Instructor Joe Galicic, N3HEE, is a highly regarded and sought after CW Ops Academy advisor and instructor who has helped students succeed far beyond their goals and become highly proficient with the code. He has been a licensed amateur radio operator for over forty years, builds a telegraph key from time-to-time and is just an overall nice guy. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5584778

Episode #7 - "The Bedtime Story Net" & Statue of Liberty 07/20/2017

Episode #7 - "The Bedtime Story Net" & Statue of Liberty Emily Saldana, KB3VVE, was first licensed in 2011 and currently holds an Amateur Extra license. She is both a SOTA activator and chaser, actively participates in National Parks On The Air where she has achieved 53 national parks so far, was a member of the second team ever allowed to activate the Statute of Liberty and has soloed and operated from the Appalachian Trail numerous times. Emily is a member of a Search and Rescue Team (Cumberland County SAR Team 400, Carlisle PA) where she holds the position of Radio Communications and Assist Chief. She is also a paramedic supervisor at a rural fire company run ambulance company. Emily began learning Morse code in 2016. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5558276

Episode #6 - Bedsprings and QSOs 07/07/2017

Episode #6 - Bedsprings and QSOs Stan Levandowski, WB2LQF, was first licensed in the early 1960s and currently holds both an Amateur Extra license and Commercial Second Class Radiotelegraph Certificate. He has been doing more with less for over 50 years. He is a dedicated low power enthusiast who operates 100% CW using only simple wire antennas. Besides publishing articles in QST, QRP Quarterly and a number of club and amateur radio organization publications, where he provides many helpful and instructive videos on Amateur Radio topics. Hosted by Bruce Pea N9WKE. /episode/index/show/ditdit/id/5516204

DitDit.fm

TOPICS