Host: Greg (W3DIB) | Focus: CW Speed, Learning, and Classic Features like AutoPatch

This week’s Monday Night Workbench was part Q&A, part nostalgia trip, and part CW masterclass. Operators shared updates from their shacks — from drone-assisted dipole installs and antenna coax upgrades to prepping for Winter Field Day and even chasing DX into New Zealand and Australia on 10 meters.

The main discussion centered around Morse code (CW) — particularly operator comfort speeds and how to improve. Most agreed that 20–25 WPM is a sweet spot for field events, though some ops operate much faster in contests. Newer CW learners shared their struggles and tips, including online training tools like morsel.fun and LCWO.net, plus simple listening practice on 40 meters or via WebSDR and ARRL bulletins. Veterans stressed that speed comes naturally with practice and that events like POTA, Straight Key Century Club, and Field Day are ideal low-pressure environments for improving skills.

The group also revisited AutoPatch — an old-school feature allowing hams to make phone calls through a repeater using DTMF tones. While largely obsolete today thanks to cell phones and VoIP, it was once vital for emergencies and roadside calls. A few repeaters still support it, but usage is rare.

Other highlights included discussions on tower projects, Winter Field Day planning, and a deep dive into repeater etiquette and digital access. As always, the net wrapped with thanks to Joe (W3GMS) and a reminder to join the Thursday night Roundtable.