MorseRunner
An excellent morse-code CW Contest Simulator is a program created by Alex Shovkoplyas (VE3NEA) called MorseRunner.
After you set your own callsign and the speed at which you want to send CW you're set to go. I normally set a duration for 15 minutes and then click on the green Run button to kick it off.
The software is surprisingly good at realistically simulating various types of contacts; some slow, some fast, sometimes fading, with crackles and pops in the background.
Below are a few hints to help me better understand how the program works.
F1 - sends your callsign to initiate making new contacts
The outgoing format is always CQ <YOURCALL> TEST
When a contact sends their call, it is usually in one of these formats:
<THEIRCALL> DE <THEIRCALL> <THEIRCALL> <THEIRCALL>
simply enter it in the 'Call' field and press ENTER. The software will then send:
<THEIRCALL> 599 <NR>
where <NR> is your sequential contact number (001, 002, etc..)
After this, the contact can respond in several ways
- R <THEIRCALL> acknowledged (roger) of your numbers, after which they'll send their SNR and NR
- ? [..--..] not heard correctly, please send again. Press F2 to re-send my number again
Incoming contact formats:
<THEIRCALL> 599 <NR>
where <NR> can be:
- normal digits (e.g. 001)
- replacing a zero with a T (e.g. TT4)
If you get their contest serial number wrong it will show as NR in the list of contacts.
TIPS:
- don't wait too long after the contact's call to send your
Sometimes contacts will prefix their callsign with 'DE', so make sure to listen carefully
Resources: