FOG - Fast Operator Group
We're hams interested in high-speed CW ragchewing


(click on image for closeup view)
From left to right are FOG regulars Fred, W3NJZ; Rick, WA2TDL;
Joe, KF7CX; and Ken (Ole Foggy), W9LRV

Who Are We, and What Is the FOG?
We are a group of radio amateurs interested in promoting high-speed (QRQ) morse code (CW) operation. Our Fast Operator Group, generally meets on the air at least two times a week. We use morse keyboards to send, but copy the CW by ear. The FOG is one in a succession of QRQ CW groups encouraging hams to improve their CW skills.

Current members of the FOG, fast operator's group are:

FOG # CALL NAME
1 W9LRV KEN
2 KF7CX JOE
3 W5SKD HARRY
4 WA2TDL RICK
5 W3NJZ FRED
6 K0RU ROB
7 K3TF TOM
8 K5TO WALLY
9 W9FCX LYLE
10 WA2GJU CHUCK
11 W4BQF TOM
12 KT2E MIKE
13 W5UX BOB

Some History About QRQ CW Groups
In the mid-1970s, a QRQ CW group known as the 5-Star Club was formed. It had a very small membership because it required sending and receiving at over 80 wpm. Several years later, the CFO, or Chicken Fat Organization was formed. It's membership numbered in the hundreds because it only required a top sending and receiving speed of about 45 wpm. CFO members were easily identified on the air by the clucking sound they made to end a QSO. In more recent years, the SOB, or Speed Operators Bunch, has been active with members capable of sending and receiving at over 70wpm. The FOG, started by Ole Foggy in 2000, wants its members to at least be capable of sending and receiving CW at 60 wpm.

Why We Use a Morse Keyboard
Even with an iambic keyer, it becomes very difficult to send good CW at speeds exceeding 50 wpm. Without constant practice, many hams will become frustrated even when trying to send at only 35 or 40 wpm. A CW keyboard makes sending at these speeds much easier so you can focus more on the conversation you're having. While some CW purists might frown on the use of a keyboard, those able to touch-type who try a keyboard for the first time quickly understand the increased enjoyment it can provide. The picture shows a K4KN keyboard like the one used by FOG members Rick and Ken.

How to Become a FOG Member
Any ham who can send and receive CW at over 45 wpm and wants to improve is encouraged to join our QSOs and become a FOG. Most of the time, our sending will be between 50 and 60 wpm, so you should be able to copy most of what we're sending. Even if you don't have a morse keyboard, you're encouraged to drop by if you can copy us. We're always glad to answer any questions you might have about keyboards and rigs best-suited for QRQ CW. If you're interested in becoming a regular with our group, you'll be encouraged to achieve a 60 wpm sending and receiving speed. At that point, a numbered certificate will be issued to you. If you're interested in even higher speeds, Fred will probably want to schedule additional QSOs with you.

Building Your Code Speed
If your code speed is too slow to consider joining our group, we encourage you to spend some time working to improve it. If you've been stuck at 30 wpm for years, it's probably because you're not pushing yourself to try to copy higher speeds. You'll find some useful ideas for improving your speed in the book The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy by Bill Pierpoint N0HFF (SK). This excellent book is a free download. You'll also be interested in reading Fred's FISTS article, Sending High-Speed Code (Keynote, Issue 3, 2004). Contact Fred for a copy.

The Secret Ingredient for Fast Sending


This is a picture of the operating position at W3NJZ. Fred is really into QRQ CW and considers anything under 80 wpm to be on the slow side. To send at high speeds, he stresses the importance of being properly relaxed. If you look closely at the desktop, you'll see the secret ingredient that allows Fred to send so well at high speeds.

                   (click on image for closeup)

Where to Find Us
If your code speed is high enough to work us, you've probably heard our group or worked some of its members. In addition to the FOG regulars shown above, other members include W5SKD, K0RU, K3TF, K5TO, W9FCX, WA2GJU, and W4BQF.

We operate presently on Tuesdays and Thursdays near 7.032 or 3.532 MHz depending on band conditions, at 8:PM Eastern time.

Other QRQ active groups meet on Saturdays near 7.024 MHz at 2:30 PM Eastern time. They are a high speed group that operates from 70 to 100+ WPM. If you’d like a challenge and don't mind hard work, join in. Operators who commonly come around are AA0HW, W2UP, W3NJZ, and K8IF.

Also active is a high speed group operating on the internet. The advantage to doing this is to allow West Coast operators to join in and eliminates QRM, QRN, and bad band conditions.
This is particularly valuable for those working on improving their speed. Please contact AA0HW - Chuck via QRZ.COM to get information on how to operate on this mode.