Fuzzy stickers on F keys

Over the years, I have learned that with touch typing, it is very important to use the same finger for the same key. Changing up which finger you use only confuses the learning curve, and touch typing will not happen. 
Let's get back to the F keys and my "method" I use, but before that, my preferred keyboard is the XT keyboard. This is a full-sized keyboard, with mechanical keys and the F keys have spaces between the escape key and F1key, space between F4-F5 and between F8-F9. Let me explain why these spaces help me out with touch typing. Without looking at the keyboard, my left hand ring finger moves up to the F key area and finds the space between the escape key and F1, the CQ macro key. When I do that, I move my ring finger on top of the F1 CQ key. 

If I want the F2 exchange key again, my ring finger moves up to the space, then onto the F1 key. My middle finger is now over the F2 key and will drop on top of the F2 exchange key. For the F4, my call macro key, again, my left hand moves up and my pointer finger finds the space between the F4 and F5 key. This finger moves to the left to the F4 key. 

It's the right hand's turn to get an F key workout.  This is where the warm fuzzies come into play. In the heat of the contest battle, there are times I need to send a partial call due to fading or multiple callers coming back to my CQ CONTEST call. This is the job of the F5 key and a key I am still learning its position regarding my pointer finger on my right hand. What I do is, on the F5 key, I put a nice fuzzy furniture sticker there. Without looking, I can place my pointer finger close to the F5 key and move it along, and when I feel the fuzzy sticker, I am there. I do the same for the F10 log key as well. By always using the same finger over time, I can remove the fuzzy sticker and hit the desired key each time. I used this method to learn the F1, F2 and F4 keys. 

There is then the lonely pause key that swaps between VFOA and B for SO2V operation. It also has a fuzzy on it, and the key is at the end of a row with a large space on the right. I feel for the space and then move my hand to the left and find the fuzzy. 

In conclusion, it takes some time for your brain and fingers to figure out the F key adventure. If you want to learn this, it's very important to stick with the same finger, understand that you're going to mess up and as with everything, practice.  
 

Hello and welcome to Episode #589 of Linux in the Ham Shack. in this short topics episode, the hosts discuss the return of HamTV to the ISS, AST SpaceMobile and hijacking ham radio bands, rats in the AUR, "better" flatpaks, updates to the latest Linux kernel and much more. Thanks for listening and have a great week.

73 de The LHS Crew

 This summer, we have had great weather, and I have had more than my normal share of projects around the house to get done. These have not been minor projects but ones such as replacing all the flooring in the house, renovating the kitchen and so on. For me, these jobs are fun and I very much enjoy them as I am retired, so I don't have to rush around on weekends and evenings to get them done. BUT my radio time takes up time as well, and something has to give. It is time to take a break from doing all the weekly and weekend contesting. I can fit in some contesting here and there, but not the normal full-on effort that I have been doing. I still am able to sneak in the occasional blog post, but for now, it's time to take a break from my contesting. 

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG, and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Service Aids.

We would like to thank Charles Carter (AA0RI), John A. D. Andrea Snr (AA5JD), Roy Jones (VK6RR) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

• A Lightweight M17 Hotspot
• Joint India-Us Satellite Eyes Natural Disasters
• Two WW2-Era Code-Related Events - One For Navajo Code Talkers, Another For Enigma Machine
• Pakistan Hikes Radio-Related Fees
• HamTV is Active on the International Space Station
• Radio Alpha, the ARRL Museum and Research Library
• India, Sweden Introduce New Callsign Suffixes, Prefixes
• RSGB National Radio Centre Tourist Award
• PRESENTER OPINION : Go to Church on Sept 13th 2025…and Bring an HF Radio!

Hello and welcome to the 588th installment of Linux in the Ham Shack. In this episode, the hosts discuss using SDR receivers from a remote location or hosting them on web enabled sites. Several options are discussed including downloading, configuration, hosting, operation, technical specifications and more. Thanks for listening and have a great week.

73 de The LHS Crew

The Tri-Lakes Monument Radio Association in Monument, Colorado, is offering another ham radio license class. This time, we are doing it for Amateur Extra, which involves a lot more material and higher technical content. We are using a hybrid approach that blends live training sessions with online learning using the Ham Radio School online course.

We have used this approach with our Technician and General classes, but this will be the first time we’ve applied it to the Extra license class. The basic strategy is to provide the students with access to the online videos and ebook from Ham Radio School, supplemented with an in-person kick-off session and weekly review sessions via Zoom. This provides a high degree of flexibility for the students because they can view the excellent instruction videos on their own schedule. But they still have personal interaction with the instructor team to fill in any gaps. One of the key elements of our approach is to assign an experienced Elmer (mentor) to each student, to check in with them, provide encouragement, and answer any questions that come up.

The in-person kick-off session is in Monument on Oct 4th, and the class ends with the exam session on Nov 15th.

The Extra License is the top FCC amateur radio license, providing full access to all Amateur Radio Service band allocations.
• Upgrade from General to Extra Class radio privileges
• Pass your FCC Extra Class amateur license exam
• Expand your HF ops on 15-, 20-, 40-, & 80-meter bands
• Gain a deeper understanding of radio electronics and theory
• Take the next step with antennas, amplifiers, digital modes

Course Overview:

• A ~30-hour, paced course of study preparing you to pass the Extra exam.
• Online lessons on demand, with personal Elmer support from WØTLM.
• Video lessons, ebook, depth media, quizzes & practice exams, all provided.
• In-person initial session (Oct 4) & license exam session (Nov 15)
• Weekly live class reviews via remote meeting (Zoom).

Registration fee: $65 (Proceeds support the Tri-Lakes Monument Radio Association)
Students will receive a subscription to the online course: Ham Radio School Extra License Course
A current FCC General License is required for registration.

The Extra Class exam is much more difficult than the Technician and General exams. It is important to start with a good understanding of the Tech & General material as a foundation for the Extra material. You may want to spend some time reviewing the Tech and General topics before attending the Extra license class.

More information and registration page are here:
https://w0tlm.com/radio-classes/extra-registration

Download our one-page flyer here:
Extra License Class Flyer – Oct 2025

73 Bob K0NR

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