The 599 Signal Report

In this episode of  The 599 Signal Report , host Ron (W2ELS) sits down with Ryan (AC4NK) for an energizing conversation about hitting the ground running in the amateur radio world. Ryan shares his rapid progression from getting licensed to diving headfirst into Morse code (CW) and the thrill of on-air Parks on the Air (POTA) activations. If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee:...

Join host Ron (W2ELS) for a deep dive into the  Long Island CW Club (LICW) . In this episode, Ron sits down with club founders and key members Howard (WB2UZE) and Mike (N1CC) to explore how the club grew from a small local initiative to a global community with over 8,000 members across 72 countries. In this episode, we discuss: Origins: How a shortage of CW operators at a Field Day inspired the cr...

In this episode of the 599 Signal Report, host Ron (W2ELS) kicks off the Year of the CW Club series — inspired by the ARRL naming 2026 the Year of the Club. The first spotlight shines on Ron's home club: the Rochester Amateur Radio Association (RARA) , callsign K2JD. Founded in 1931 with roots going back to 1913, RARA is one of the largest amateur radio organizations in North America, boasting...

In this episode of  The 599 Signal Report , host Ron W2ELS sits down with Caryn KD2GUT, the New York/NJ W2C coordinator for the 2026 World Soccer Tournament special event amateur radio station, to discuss all the excitement building around this massive global sporting event. Whether you're a seasoned CW operator or someone looking to get involved in your first special event, this conversation...

In this episode of  The 599 Signal Report , host Ron (W2ELS) sits down in the shack with YouTube creator and passionate CW operator TJ, K9KJ. From avoiding Morse code in the 80s to chasing adrenaline-fueled pileups today, TJ shares his journey, his unique "kitchen table" learning style, and why he chooses to leave the mistakes in his videos. TJ also shares the story behind "Big Time...

In this episode, host  Ron (W2ELS)  welcomes  Bryan (W1WC)  to discuss his rapid transition from a casual ham to a dedicated  CW (Morse Code)  and  POTA (Parks on the Air)  enthusiast. The "Insurmountable" Goal : A self-taught operator, Bryan mastered CW in just two weeks to meet a personal challenge: making 100 park contacts before buying his dream radio, the Elecraft KX2. POTA Every Da...

This episode is the final installment of a three-part series about starting a ham radio and CW (Morse code) journey from scratch, hosted by Ron W2ELS. After previously covering licensing and building an $800 station, this episode focuses on mastering Morse code itself. If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠  

In this episode 2 of a 3-part starting over series of the 599 Signal Report, host Ron W2ELS cuts through the gear hype and reveals his complete $800 "do it all" ham radio station—the exact setup he'd build if starting from zero today. Affiliate Link ⁠https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=599Signal⁠ Save $15 use coupon code: 599Signal If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coff...

In the first episode of the three-part "Start Over Guide" series, host Ron W2ELS shares key strategies for getting an FCC amateur radio license more efficiently. The episode emphasizes that practical on-air experience is where the real learning happens. If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/599signal  

Host Ron (W2ELS) interviews Tim (K5OHY), a West Texas ham radio operator who first got licensed at 13 with his father in 1996. After two hiatuses, Tim returned to the hobby in late 2020, diving into CW, Parks on the Air activations, antenna building, and YouTube content creation. He discusses QRP operating, HOA antenna challenges, and memorable activations. His advice: just have fun and don't worr...

In this episode of  The 599 Signal Report , Ron (W2ELS) sits down with Forrest (KI7QCF) to trace his rapid evolution from a dormant technician to a high-speed CW community leader. Forrest shares the "script method" that moved him from a practice oscillator to his first on-air contact in just 90 days, emphasizing the vital importance of getting on the frequency before you feel "ready...

In Part 2 of this collaboration between Host Ron W2ELS and Mike (N2MAK), the focus shifts from learning resources to actually getting on the air with CW. Ron walks through the structure of a typical POTA CW exchange — calling CQ, sending your call sign, exchanging signal reports — and emphasizes that POTA's predictable format makes it an ideal classroom for new CW operators. They discuss hunti...

Episode 16: Getting Started in CW (Part 1) Host Ron (W2ELS) of the 599 Signal Report podcast collaborates with Mike (N2MAK), a ham radio YouTuber, for a two-part series on learning Morse code (CW). Mike's 2026 goal is to complete a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation using CW only. Check out Mike N2MAK's YouTube Channel If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠ko-fi.com/...

In this episode of the 599 Signal Report, host Ron W2ELS, interviews Jim WB0RLJ, about his journey in amateur radio, starting from his childhood experiences with his father at Field Day, through his break and subsequent return to the hobby. Jim discusses his love for Morse code, detailing the learning process and the significance of code requirements. He shares his experiences building his own sha...

In this episode host Ron W2ELS interviews Ed W4EMB who was inspired by his Father and Gordon West's study materials to pursue amateur radio while in the military. He mastered Morse code through the Long Island CW Club, progressing from a student to an instructor to mentor others. Ed is a dedicated advocate for POTA, QRP operations, and antenna building, placing high value on community fellowsh...

In this episode of the 5 9 9 Signal Report, host Ron (W2ELS) sits down with special guest Stu (KM3STU), an instructor at the Long Island CW Club. They discuss Stu's journey into amateur radio and Morse code, overcoming "key fright," the supportive LICW community, and the excitement of Parks on the Air (POTA) activations. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting out, you'll find inspirat...

In this episode of the 599 Signal Report, host Ron (W2ELS) interviews Bruce (N9WKE), the inspiring host of the dit dit.fm podcast and a passionate CW (Morse code) operator. Bruce shares his journey into CW, the impact of organizations like CW Academy and the Long Island CW Club, and offers practical advice for newcomers. The conversation explores the sense of community in amateur radio, the rise o...

We all start with affordable, entry-level gear, but sometimes you crave excellence. In this episode, Ron ( W2ELS ) explores the "Buy Once, Cry Once" philosophy when it comes to building your CW station. We contrast inexpensive keys with investment-grade paddles like the Begali Pearl and Bencher paddles. We also look at the high-end rigs (like the K3) and extensive hardware used by top-tier operato...

In this episode of the 599 Signal Report, host Ron (W2ELS) welcomes his first guest, Cathy (W4CMG), for an in-depth conversation about her journey in amateur radio. Cathy shares how her interest in ham radio began in childhood, her experiences learning Morse code (CW), and her involvement with various radio clubs, including the Long Island CW Club and the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC). The disc...

Ready to become a Parks on the Air (POTA) activator? Ron ( W2ELS ) walks you through the practical steps of setting up and operating your first CW activation. Learn why CW is the most efficient mode for portable, low-power (QRP) operation, how to use simple gear like vertical antennas, and the best strategy for running a fast pile-up. We break down the simple exchange sequence you need to quickly...

You've made your first POTA contact—now learn how to master the pile-ups! Ron (W2ELS) shares expert CW advice from veteran activator Jim, WBØRLJ, whom he has worked over 30 times. Learn the crucial on-air etiquette, including how to avoid the dreaded "blob" by using split frequency (XIT), when to transmit your call sign, and the proper, clean exchange format. Get the insider knowledg...

CW doesn't have to be intimidating! Ron (W2ELS) breaks down the simple, fast, and formulaic exchange used by Parks on the Air (POTA) operators to prove that you can get on the air today. Learn the minimal information required (your call sign, 599, and your state), the standard three-part sequence for a successful QSO, and exactly what to send when the activator calls you back. If you can send...

You've got the key and the keyer—now get the training tools! Ron (W2ELS) walks through the essential apps and websites you need to master Instant Character Recognition. We cover gamified learning, structured training, and specialized real-world simulators like. Stop counting dits and dahs and start training like a pro with the right resources!

What's the secret to copying Morse code at high speeds? In this episode, Ron (W2ELS) reveals the most crucial learning technique for any aspiring CW operator: Instant Character Recognition. He breaks down why you should never count dits and dahs and instead train your brain to hear each character as a unique sound. Ron shares a practical guide on how to practice this method, proven in top CW s...

What makes your dits and dahs sound so perfect? In this episode, Ron (W2ELS) explains the technology that drives your key. We'll break down the difference between electronic keyers, both standalone and built-in, and the simple but essential practice oscillators, or "noise makers." Ron shares his personal setup, including his use of the CWHotline, and offers practical advice on these critical tools...