Created Saturday 13 April 2024

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Motivation

Returning to the hobby after over a 22-year hiatus with the guidance of Rob Brownstein K6RB from CWops, I rediscovered my passion for CW, which I now use 99.9% of the time. While I've benefited from software like MORSE RUNNER and RUFZXP, I've felt the need for interactive CW practice. The concept of a quick 'ping-pong' style CW exercise on air to fills this void, yet such a tool seems absent from the market. Mark Bosma VK2KI has been central to the support of this concept with his active participation since it started.
To summarise: The concept of a quick 'ping-pong' style CW exercise on air may seem intriguing, while being a valuable addition to the market, especially for those looking for interactive CW practice.

What is ppCW?

• ppCW is an interactive and enjoyable method of practicing Morse code in real-world conditions, facilitating communication between two or more radio operators.
• Participants engage in a 'ping-pong' style exchange of Morse code messages, simulating real on-air communication scenarios.
• ppCW sessions provide valuable hands-on experience, allowing operators to refine their skills and adapt to varying operating conditions.
• The interactive nature of ppCW fosters camaraderie among operators and promotes skill development through engaging, real-time exchanges.
• Whether you're a seasoned Morse code enthusiast or a novice operator, ppCW offers a dynamic and immersive way to hone your skills and enjoy the art of radio communication.

Why ppCW?

• As a complement to the solitary and sterile nature of practicing Morse code alone, ppCW injects excitement, motivation, and adrenaline into the process.
• By engaging in a 'ping-pong' exchange of Morse code messages with other operators, participants experience the thrill of real-time communication in challenging and dynamic conditions.
• ppCW immerses operators in authentic on-air scenarios, providing valuable experience and preparing them for the unpredictable nature of radio communication.
• The interactive nature of ppCW fosters camaraderie and collaboration among operators, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
• Additionally, ppCW allows operators to adapt and refine their skills in response to varying operating conditions, further enhancing their proficiency in Morse code and radio communication.

Pros of ppCW?

• It offers an enjoyable and engaging way to practice Morse code, making learning more fun and motivating.
• The challenging aspect of ppCW can appeal to those seeking to push their skills and abilities to the limit, providing a rewarding experience.
• ppCW allows participants the freedom to customize and adapt the exercise to suit their preferences and skill levels, fostering creativity and experimentation.
• Its simplicity and ease of understanding make ppCW accessible to operators of all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
• Each session of ppCW can be tailored to accommodate different levels of competitiveness, allowing participants to set their own pace and goals.
• ppCW promotes teamwork and collaboration among operators, encouraging communication and camaraderie within the amateur radio community
• It provides a valuable opportunity for operators to improve their Morse code proficiency, enhance their communication skills, and build confidence in real-world scenarios.

Cons of ppCW?

• Finding a ppCW partner could sometimes not be as fast or straightforward as we wish, leading to delays or difficulties in scheduling sessions.
• Due to the reliance on real-world conditions, such as band conditions and operator availability, ppCW sessions may be subject to interruptions or cancellations.
• Participants may encounter technical issues, such as equipment malfunctions or interference, which can disrupt the flow of communication during ppCW sessions.
• The competitive nature of ppCW may inadvertently lead to stress or frustration for some participants, especially those who are less experienced or skilled.
• Maintaining consistent engagement and participation in ppCW sessions may require dedicated time and effort, which could be challenging for individuals with busy schedules or competing priorities.

Work in progress

If you wish you can send an email to... or ... to submit your comments and suggestions, as ppCW is a work in progress.

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How to ppCW?

• First, we can try to initiate as follows: QRV ppCW?
• The correspondent can simply answer Y or N.
• If Y, the maximum word Length, the number of Words, and the number of Repetitions for each word should be decided before the start of a ppCW session.
• The number of letters used per word can be between 1 and the maximum decided.

Example: LNR 321, which means in this case maximum 3-letter words, 2 Words sent in a row, each word sent once only.

• QRS or QRK can be used to adjust the transmission speed.
• QRX can be used if a pause is needed.
• All the usual Q codes can also be used as necessary.
• One of the correspondents can request to stop a running ppCW anytime with a QRU.

A session could be as follows:

That's about it!
There may be more to add or modify over time...