Endurance trials send characters or words continuously until the student
errors. The (S)tarting, (F)inal maximum speed, and (C)haracter speeds can be
set before each session. The (U)se key selects the mode desired. Code is
sent as continuous random characters, in random length groups of random
characters, or as short English words. The (W)eight key selects the desired
weighting. Use the ENTER key to start the session. A complete session is
fourteen trials but it can be ended at any time by pressing ESC.
During a trial the number of characters received correctly is continuously
displayed. At the end of a trial the characters sent just before an error
are displayed, followed by a character in reverse video showing the expected
correct one that caused the trial to stop. During an Endurance trial the
reason for an error is often not the last character sent, but one of those
preceding the error. A character that causes the student to pause and think
can be the real reason for an error even if it is correctly copied. So much
time passes trying to recall a problem character that even a simple one
following will be missed. Examining the characters preceding the error will
give the student information about the characters requiring more work.
The computer displays the incorrect response in reverse video in the last
column (either the character input or the phrase TIMED OUT indicating a
failure to respond within the time allowed.) The expected character is also
shown in reverse video. By comparing the reverse video columns and examining
preceding characters, the student can determine the reason for the error.
For every 20 correct inputs, Morse Academy increases the sending speed by 1
WPM up tp the (F)inal mamimum speed so the student is made to advance. This
challenge helps develop skills. Don't be concerned with the mistakes made
when using the Endurance session. Mistakes are a natural part of learning.
A candidate for an FCC Amateur Radio license can copy one minute of code
without error as an alternative to passing a quiz on the contents of a Morse
transmission (70% is required) . This game will help you perfect the skills
to do that. To pass in this way a candidate would have to copy:
Prosigns, punctuation, and numbers count as two characters when you sit the
real examination. You have an advantage when copying the English text of a
QSO style examination. Before submitting your test paper, you can go over
the text and correct obvious errors from context, e.g. TSE RIG to THE RIG;
CLEVLAND, O5IO to CLEVELAND, OHIO.
Figure 5. Endurance Trials Menu
5 WPM - 25 characters
13 WPM - 65 characters
20 wpm - 100 characters
By Joe Speroni
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