Michael,
Character 1 is the break sign. I heard them last night too and have no idea
why they sent it at the beginning of the text as it is normally used in
casual conversation to denote the end of a sentence. I don't know when or
why it took over for a period in that role but as long as I've been
listening to CW (more than 40 years,) it's been done that way.
Character 2 is the wait sign or stand by. They send it just before they
lower speeds. Hope this helps. Lou
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Ryan" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2011 12:06 PM
Subject: CW Characters
> Hi all:=20
>
> Started listening to the W1AW practice code this week and I'm not sure =
> what the following 2 characters represent.=20
> I will use a period to represent the dit and the dash for the da.=20
> These characters are sent during the QST preamble.=20
> Character 1: -...- =20
> Character 2: .-...=20
>
> TNX & 73:=20
>
> Michael De VO1RYN=20