Morse Code at 35,000 ft using RufzXP
I’ve been using RufzXP from time to time in order to keep/build in CW copy speed. It’s a fun way to challenge yourself, build your Morse Code skills and track your progress along the way.
I typically fire up RufzXP (or another CW program), at least once during my lunch hour and run through a practice round. This is only about 5 minutes or so a day, but it’s been a good routine. Unfortunately, my desk is the home of many distractions - the phone inevitably rings during a round, an email arrives, a coworker stops by to ask a question… The results have not been good.
When I travel for work, my flights become like a long lunch hour… a mix of doing some work, reading something not related to work, and at least one run through RufzXP.
Today, I’m returning from Connecticut (my 11th trip there this year). During my obligatory run through RufzXP, I beat my high score by nearly 1000 points (about 10%). My score was 12,746 and a top speed of 216 CPM (which is 43 words per minute). Not a world record by any stretch, but a decent improvement for me. In fact, in the “senior males” category (men 40 years old and older!) that score moves me to #169 out of 349 participants.
This is the second time I’ve had an all-time high score while in-flight. It sounds strange, but I really get on a roll when I’m at 35,000 ft in an airplane.
I can’t account for this… I’m sure I’m more focused while on a plane. There are also fewer interruptions - and the possibility of an interruption is reduced (apart from the flight attendants and drink carts).
My only complaint about RufzXP - why is a 40 year old male considered “senior”? Ouch.