7
Press
04#4
04#4
04#4
and note that the letter "Q" appears approximately 50 % (percent) of the time
in relation to F, K, and B that are also being sent.
Now press
04*4
04*4
04*4
and note that the letter "Q" does not appear any more or less frequently
(on the average) than the other characters, F, K, or B. Press
#
#
#
to halt.
This completes the check-out procedure for your BT-1 or BT-1P. If all steps have been verified
as working properly, you are now ready to begin your Morse code training.
ABOUT OUR TEACHING METHOD
The AEA Basic Trainer Models BT-1 and BT-1P are computerized Morse code instructors.
Character speeds are given at 20 WPM, with a three second interval between letters or letter
groups. This ideal method of learning characters at a higher speed to begin with, eliminates the
learning plateau so many Morse code students encounter at 10–12 WPM. Educational Technology
and Service, Inc., of St. Louis, Missouri has pioneered this teaching methodology in cooperation
with research at a prominent mid-western university. The ETS system does not encourage the stu-
dent to learn dot dot dash dot for F, but rather one cohesive sound of dididahdit (at the character
speed of 20 WPM). As a result, a student does not have to unlearn bad habits such as counting
dots and dashes in order to copy the code. When you begin learning the code at 20 WPM charac-
ter speed, the sound of any given letter will not change from 0–20 WPM, thereby making it so
much easier for the student to increase his (her) copying speed. To facilitate this learning tech-
nique, the minimum programmable speed on the Basic Trainer is as 18 WPM character speed.
Each character is taught separately by repetition. The student progresses only after he is confi-
dent he knows the letters being presented by the BT-1.
After the first letter (F, in this case) is learned, a student may progress to the letter K. Upon
learning K, the student activates the computer to present the letter F and K in random sequence at
a 20 WPM character speed. This technique continues as the student learns each subsequent let-
ter in the alphabet.
The sequence of characters has been selected to minimize confusion with previous characters.
For this reason you will find the alphabet presentation quite different from typical code training pro-
grams. When a new character is practiced along with all previous characters learned, the new
character appears fifty percent of the time (50 % weighting).
RECOMMENDED LEARNING PROCEDURE
If at all possible, devote at least two 20–30 minute sessions a day to studying with your BT-1 or
BT-1P. Each time you miss a day, you will find you have suffered a noticeable setback in your
learning of the (Continental) Morse code. Avoid all interruptions or outside interference so you can
be assured of maximum concentration.
There are generally two ways of copying Morse code. Some students use a typewriter (mill) for
copy while others use a pencil and paper for writing down the copy. The obvious advantage of a
typewriter is that it allows the student to ultimately reach higher speeds because most people sim-
ply cannot write faster than 25 WPM.
When copying with a pencil and paper avoid printing as you will find that it limits your copying
speed.
