RufzXP: Rufzeichen-Hören 

This article expands on the original article which appeared in January 2007 QST.  The title, Rufzeichen-Hören supposedly means "Listening to Callsigns" in German.  I'll have to take the author's word for that.  For those Hams that are interested in building code speed this appears to be a pretty good way to do it.  The title of the QST article  is "RufzXP, the road to CW speed 200 WPM".  I remain skeptical, at least for myself, because like anything else, that kind of performance requires a goodly amount of practice.  But RufzXP appears to be constructed to force the student to practice in such a way that increasing speed is practically guaranteed.  I downloaded and installed the program (free) and gave it a test drive.

Installation:

One thing in the original article that may be overlooked because it is barely mentioned is the need to have Microsoft's NET Framework installed prior to running RufzXP. This program is available at Microsoft's download site for free and is very quick to install.  Before you go there though, check your computer using the Control Panel/Add or Remove programs feature;  you may already have it. RufzXP installation is very straightforward. It works just like any other program you might download from the internet and the file is very small so it goes quickly.

Getting Started:

Here are the Short Instructions for running a session:

RufzXP sends a chosen number of random selected true amateur radio calls (50 by default) to be typed into the keyboard. After the Enter key has been pressed, the computer gives it's next call.  If the call has been copied correctly, the transmitting speed increases.  If not, it decreases.  Every last call can be heard once again by pressing the F6 key (50% penalty).  The number of points for each call is primarily related to the CW speed sent, the number of errors and the length of the call.  In addition typing time exerts a minor influence but it is helpful to think about whether the heard call is useful or not.  Tone settings and other options can be modified using the Option menu, F2/F12.

When you start you will be asked to enter your callsign.  Then you will be asked to select a speed between 40 WPM and 4018 WPM. Yes, you read that right!  I suggest you start with the slowest setting: 40 WPM  Once you start you will hear the first call sent painfully slow...probably 7 or 8 WPM and not by the Farnsworth method.  At first you will probably want to type the letters as you hear them but as things speed up you should begin copying the call in your head, then typing it immediately after the sending stops.  This is called "copying behind" and is very important to speed building.  If you typed the call heard correctly, the computer will immediately send you another one, slightly faster.

As you approach your current speed limit you will begin missing characters and as you enter the call, the incorrect characters will be shown in a different color and your score is adjusted accordingly.  If you blow the entire call, you can hit F6 to hear it again but you will also be penalized slightly.  Another thing to remember is don't wait too long to type in the call heard after you hear it...the clock is running and your score will reflect how quickly you input what you heard.

Conclusion:

The learning benefits are quite clear.  First you will learn to copy behind, which is the starting point for copying an entire conversation in your head.  Experienced ops don't write anything down that they hear in a conversation anymore than a phone operator would.  You will want to take notes as you listen during a CW conversation, just as you should during a Phone QSO so you will have a basis to respond.  But as you gain experience you will find it is unnecessary to write the copy down. (after all, if you do, you will have to read it before you can respond and the other station may think you were lost in the fade.)

The second benefit is the one that really builds speed.  Each session will stretch your ability to the breaking point but unlike weight training, you won't be stiff and sore in the morning!  You won't find a speed where you will be comfortable all the way to the end unless you are already solid at 40 WPM, and the nice thing about this program is it keeps track of your progress so you can see your improvement on the screen each time you run.  Keep in mind, like any personal improvement program, you will hit plateaus periodically.  Don't expect to see an improvement each and every time.  In fact you may hit a spell where you actually slow down but keep at it and before you know it you'll be copying like a pro.

73, John N6XN

Net Framework:  Microsoft Downloads  Enter NET Framework into the search box

RufzXP:  Rufz.net