Texas
telegraph key image courtesy FCIT
The Texas Slow Net meets daily at 8:00 PM local time, on 3552 KHz +/- QRM. The net control station normally begins calling for early stations at about 7:45 PM.
TSN is a dual-purpose net, for traffic handling and training. TSN is well suited for operators who are interested in building proficiency in the International Morse Code and learning about handling procedures in CW traffic nets. During each session, a traffic handling lesson in the form of a radiogram is sent to all participants.
TSN is a member of the National Traffic System. Stations that participate in TEX, TTN, OTN, and ARTS nets are often available for relay to those nets, so please bring your traffic to the net.
TSN's sister training net in the ARRL West Gulf Division is the Oklahoma Training Net, which meets daily at 5:20 PM local time on 7120.6 KHz.
All stations are welcome to check in to both TSN and OTN.
Tips for Learning the Morse Code
- It is most important to learn Morse Code by sound, and not visually as a series of dots and dashes.
- For your benefit, it is better if characters are sent rapidly, at about 15 words per minute, with the spacing between characters adjusted to lower the speed. This prevents you from trying to count dots and dashes, and is the most effective way to learn the code by sound.
- Many more tips are available from the American Radio Relay League.
Suggestions for Building Proficiency
- Listen to the Code Practice transmissions on W1AW.
- Set tangible goals for yourself using the W1AW Qualifying Runs in the ARRL's Code Proficiency Program.
- Participate regularly in NTS traffic nets, like this one and OTN. As your speed increases, try the Texas CW Traffic Net.
- Take part in contests and
operating events using CW, such as the November Sweepstakes, Field Day,
Straight Key Night, and the
CW Operating
- Your Novice Accent - And What to Do About It - Reprinted with permission, copyright November 1956 QST
Traffic Handling Aids
- CW Traffic Net Procedures.
- ARRL Field Services Forms. Among the most useful are the standard Radiogram form, the numbered Radiograms (FSD-3), the Amateur Message Form (FSD-218), and the aptly named Handy Operating Aid (FSD-220).
- It's worthwhile to read the ARRL's Public Service Communications Manual, particularly Section 2, which describes the National Traffic System.
- Slow Net Training Course
West Gulf
- Oklahoma CW Net - 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. daily 3552 KHz
- Texas CW Traffic Net - 7 and 10 p.m. daily 3541 KHz
TSN Corner
TSN Corner - May 2009
TSN Corner - April 2009
TSN Corner - March 2009
TSN Corner - February 2009