The 599 Signal Report

Ron-W2ELS

Welcome to The 599 Signal Report, the definitive podcast for the world of Morse code, aka CW.

Join your host, Ron W2ELS, as we bring you a perfect "599" signal report of information—perfectly readable, strong, and with a crystal-clear tone.

We'll cover everything from the fundamentals of learning CW and key operating techniques to interviews with legendary operators and the latest gear for your shack. Whether you're a seasoned CW veteran or a curious newcomer.

Subscribe now and join the conversation!

Keep our signal 599! Support the shack at https://ko-fi.com/599signal

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21 episodes
Avg 23 min
English

Episodes 21

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S1 · E32
Saturday · 25 min
Episode 32: Ragchew with Zeus K8CES
In this episode, host Ron (W2ELS) sits down with Zeus (K8CES) for an action-packed ragchew on everything Morse code, portable operations, and homebrewing! Here is a quick preview of what is in store: From picking up a casual walkie-talkie on a cabin trip to diving headfirst into CW and earning a General license, Zeus shares his fast-paced journey into the hobby. Discover how Zeus turned years of 3D-printing experience into designing the "Zippy"—a budget-friendly, smooth ball-bearing CW paddle anchored by heavy-duty N52 magnets. Get the inside track on field gear secrets, from favorite QRP rigs like the QMX and K1 to setting up an EFHW antenna with a "Little Dude Stick" mast. Find out where Zeus stands in a fast-paced rapid-fire round covering 35 WPM speeds, bug keys, and chasing the morning gray line on 30 meters. Tune in to hear all this, plus great advice for both new and experienced operators! If you find value in this podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/599signal
S1 · E31
August 15 · 4 min
Episode 31: My Favorite Things – The Rig
In this episode, Ron (W2ELS) continues the "My Favorite Things" series by diving into the heartbeat of the amateur radio setup: the transceiver. He compares his go-to gear for different operating environments, breaking down why the Yaesu FT-710 serves as his refined high-performance SDR home base station and why the rugged Yaesu FT-891 is his compact workhorse of choice for Parks on the Air (POTA) activations and field work. Whether you are looking to pull weak signals out of the noise at your home desk or slice through pileups from a park picnic table, discover how matching your equipment to your mission can elevate your operating style. If you find value in this podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/599signal
S1 · E30
August 1 · 34 min
Episode 30: Ragchew with Jack, W3CT
In this episode, Ron (W2ELS) sits down for an engaging ragchew with 35-year amateur radio veteran & YouTube Creator Jack (W3CT). Discover how Jack mastered Morse code using cassette tapes, why a cheap Baofeng and Parks on the Air brought him back after a 20-year break. Plus, hear how he acts as a club Elmer teaching new operators and listen in on the touching story of his most memorable QSO with a 71-year-old blind operator! If you find value in this podcast, buy Ron a cup of coffee: ⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠
S1 · E29
July 18 · 4 min
Episode 29: My Favorite Things – Choosing the Right Antenna for POTA
In this episode, Ron (W2ELS) kicks off the new "My Favorite Things" series by breaking down the backbone of any portable setup: the antenna. He shares his favorite antenna and compares the rapid deployment of a vertical antenna against the multi-band flexibility of an end-fed half-wave (EFHW). Whether you are looking to anchor a single-band pile-up or hunt across bands efficiently, learn which setup best fits your Parks on the Air (POTA) workflow. If you find value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
S1 · E28
July 4 · 28 min
Episode 28: Ragchew with Ryan, AC4NK
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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠⁠⁠⁠
June 20 · 36 min
Episode 27: Year of the Club Series: Long Island CW Club (LICW)
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 creation of the club, and how it successfully transitioned to a virtual, inclusive community. The "Secret Sauce": Insights into the club's flexible, science-based approach to teaching Morse code, designed to accommodate all learning styles. More Than Just Code: A look at the 182+ forums and classes held weekly, covering everything from antique "boat anchor" gear and antenna building to satellite communications. Commitment to Inclusion: How LICW supports youth, women (YLs), and individuals with disabilities, including the development of a patented haptic device to help the deaf and hearing-impaired learn CW. Field Day & The Future: Details on the club's public-facing, free Field Day training program and the exciting technology roadmap ahead, including a new student portal and member-connecting tools. Whether you are a newcomer looking to learn CW, an experienced operator wanting to get involved, or simply interested in how to build a thriving, member-driven amateur radio community, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, education, and the power of connection. Find out more about LICW here: https://longislandcwclub.org/
S1 · E26
June 13 · 5 min
Episode 26: Year of the Club Series: Rochester Amateur Radio Assoc (RaRa)
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 over 500 members across Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. Ron highlights the club's three core pillars — provide, promote, and encourage — covering: Education Community service CW & social connection Tune in to future episodes as Ron continues the tour of CW clubs that are keeping Morse code and amateur radio alive. https://www.rochesterham.org/
S1 · E25
June 3 · 24 min
Episode 25: Getting Ready for the 2026 World Soccer Tournament Special Event with KD2GUT
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 is packed with enthusiasm for what's coming to the airwaves. In this episode, we cover: The Special Event: An inside look at the planning and the significance of the upcoming W2C special event station for the 2026 World Soccer Tournament. Advice for Operators: If you’ve hit a plateau in your CW journey, Caryn shares her best, practical advice: relax, have fun, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and remember—CW is the friendly mode! Tune in and join the conversation! ⁠http://wc2026ses.org/⁠ OMIK CW Net #AmateurRadio #HamRadio #CW #MorseCode #W2C #SpecialEventStation #599SignalReport #OMIK #RadioSport #Soccer2026
S1 · E24
May 30 · 24 min
Episode 24: Keeping it Real with TJ, K9KJ
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 DXer" Whether you are a seasoned DXer, a POTA enthusiast, or just trying to get your head around the dit-and-dah landscape, TJ’s down-to-earth advice and infectious enthusiasm will inspire you to keep chipping away at the code If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠⁠⁠
S1 · E23
May 23 · 35 min
Episode 23:Ragchew with Bryan W1WC
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 Day: Originally from Michigan and now in Alabama, Bryan has activated parks nearly every day of the year, preferring the Yaesu FT-710 and the MC-750 antenna. Family Operations: Bryan frequently activates with his wife, Anna (KM4QNA), and his friend Ken (KDPZU), often performing unique dual-op CW activations. Pileup Mastery: Bryan shares expert tips on controlling the chaos, such as varying who you pick from a pileup to keep hunters from "tail-ending" and turning down power to improve copy quality. The Workbench: Beyond operating, Bryan is into 3D printing radio cases and experimenting with "off the wall" antenna designs like terminated dipoles. Look at the big steps and not the small stumbles. Record your activations and review them months later to truly see your progress. Catch Bryan at the Huntsville Hamfest this year! If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠⁠
S1 · E22
May 16 · 4 min
Episode 22:Starting Over: Learn CW
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
S1 · E21
May 9 · 6 min
Episode 21: Starting Over: $800 do it all Ham Radio Shack
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 coffee: ⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠
S1 · E20
May 2 · 4 min
Episode 20: Start Over Guide:Ham Radio Licensing
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
S1 · E19
April 25 · 28 min
Episode 19: Interview with Tim K5OHY
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 worry about mistakes. He also shouts out his 83-year-old father (AE0YM), now active daily on POTA. Checkout Tim K5OHY's YouTube Channel If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠⁠
S1 · E18
April 11 · 33 min
Episode 18: Ragchew with Forrest KI7QCF
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." The conversation dives into his passion for vintage Vibroplex bugs, the satisfaction of building his own gear, and his work fostering global camaraderie through the QRQ Crew and the Brass Knuckle Gang. Packed with tactical advice for breaking through plateaus, this episode is an inspiring look at how consistent practice and a welcoming community can transform the Morse code experience for operators at any level. Check out Forrest KI7QCF's ⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠ If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠⁠⁠
S1 · E17
April 4 · 33 min
Episode 17: Get Started in CW with Mike N2MAK Part #2
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 hunting versus activating strategies, including tips like going slightly off-frequency to stand out in a pileup, and Ron shares the story of his nerve-wracking first CW QSO. The episode also covers CW contests like the K1USN Slow Speed Test as low-pressure practice opportunities, community organizations like SKCC and CW Ops, practical advice on using radio memory keyers as a safety net, the pros and cons of CW decoders, and headphone preferences — all reinforcing the core message: get on the air as soon as possible, because that's where the real learning happens. Check out Mike N2MAK's ⁠YouTube Channel⁠ If you found value in this Podcast, buy me a cup of coffee: ⁠⁠ko-fi.com/599signal⁠⁠
S1 · E16
March 28 · 42 min
Episode 16: Get Started in CW with Mike N2MAK Part #1
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/599signal⁠
S1 · E15
March 18 · 28 min
Episode 15c: Interview with Jim WB0RLJ
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 shack and participating in CW (Morse Code) operations, including his consistent daily activations through the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. The discussion covers CW clubs, the growing interest in CW, and homebrewing radio equipment. Jim provides valuable advice for new CW operators and hunters, highlighting the importance of listening and best practices during operations. The episode wraps up with Jim’s rapid-fire responses about his preferences in the world of amateur radio and advice for new CW enthusiasts.
February 28 · 34 min
Episode 14: Interview with Ed W4EMB
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 fellowship and providing practical advice to beginners. CW Corner Podcast W4EMB YouTube W4EMB QRZ
S1 · E13
February 14 · 22 min
Episode 13: Interview with Stu KM3STU
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 inspiration and practical tips for getting on the air and making the most of your ham radio experience. Tune in for stories, advice, and a celebration of the CW community!

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