In most contests like the
ARRL DX CW contest, I copy by ear, and send mostly by rig keyer.
If needed, I use a single paddle key with the Icom rig's internal keyer to answer unique questions and so on.
Below is a quick demo of using the internal Morse code keyer in my
Icom IC-7610 transceiver, before using any software like
N1MM.
V47T, in the
Saint Kitts and Nevis Island in the Caribbean, is calling
CQ TEST in the
ARRL DX CW contest.
Using the programmable internal Icom IC-7610 virtual buttons in which I programmed my callsign (
NW7US) and other info, I answer and make a complete contest QSO. My answer is just a touch on the transceiver touchscreen, where the button is drawn.
In activity like the
Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) yearly special event,
K3Y, my receiving and sending is all manual. I send with a WWII Navy Flameproof Signal Key, and decode with my ears. See, it is contextual for me.
How about you? During contests: In what manner do you decode CW Morse code? How do you send it?
Quick Demo: IC-7610 Internal Morse Code Keyer in ARRL DX CW Contest 2020
73 de
NW7US dit dit