CW Player v.2.8

Gabriel F6DQM is the author of several freely distributable programs, of which I would like to introduce you to CW Player today, currently in version 2.8. CW Player is a computer science teacher and trainer. Requires W95 and newer plus PC with sound card and approximately 1MB on hard drive.

The installation of the program consists in extracting the compressed ZIP file in a suitable program (WinZIP, ZIPGenius, WinRAR,…). When started, the welcome screen will appear. Moving the mouse over the active area brings up a short hint, which greatly facilitates orientation in the program, which at first glance seems relatively simple….
CW Player teaches Morse code by playing characters (letters and numbers), Q-codes, It is possible to use a radio station, random series of characters and entire text files at a speed of 5 do 50WPM. In addition, it is possible to define twenty own lessons. Deciphering random series of characters can be made more difficult by adding noise and QSB. An unusual feature is the quiz, where the ability to receive can be tested. CW Player will play the character and wait for you for a set time, that you type it on the keyboard.

An even more unusual function is to monitor your own signals. If you bring a signal from the generator to the sound card input, the program will check the purity of the broadcast. However, I did not try this option in more detail.

As I indicated, program control is relatively simple. The possibility to choose one of the four languages ​​also helps – English, French, Italian and German. It sometimes happens a small inattention of the author, that you will also come across a French word in the English environment.

The right part of the program screen changes according to the selection on the switch on the left. You also adjust the speed and volume. There is a free box above them. If you write something to it, CW Player broadcasts immediately.

There are other additional functions in the menu, such as the possibility of setting the comma / dot ratio, transmit only certain characters when playing random series, keying port. The curriculum can also be saved in a WAV file, which, say, students can take home and train without a CW Player.

From my almost lay view of CW Player, I would appreciate it as a fairly good tutorial for beginners.. In addition to Morse code, it can also be improved in the area of ​​Q-codes, abbreviations and foreign language. Mixing noise and QSB into the signal will improve reduce the difference between multivibrator training and actual in-band operation.

You can download it in the section “For download” CQ.sk.