A Modern Method To Learn The Morse Code

A Modern Method to Learn
the Morse Code

Larry Gagnon, VE7EA, August 2019.
(for the Westcoast Amateur Radio Association)
mailto:[email protected]
Why Learn the Morse Code?
● Enable low power, poor antenna, long distance contacts not available via voice modes
● Build or purchase very low cost CW transceivers
● Join a friendly cadre of highly skilled and experienced radio operators
● Participate in CW contests, CW nets, CW QSO’s, SOTA
● Utilize a large additional part of the amateur radio spectrum that other modes cannot use
● Personal edification, achievement and a challenge, i.e. keep your brain ticking over!
Common Morse Code misunderstandings
● It is not difficult to learn - anyone can learn the Morse Code - but it does take a 3 month effort
● Learning it is NOT like learning a new language - it is MUCH easier. It is only a sound to represent
an English character, punctuation or numeral
● Morse Code usage is not dying in amateur radio - have a listen to the CW bands during any major
CW contest or field day
● Morse Code is not too slow: using Q codes and abbreviations a QSO at 25 WPM is the equivalent
of speaking to a Texan!
Basic Learning Principles
● Consistency applied daily, but you can pass the test with 3 months or less of studying
● Learn the SOUND of Morse Code, not the mechanics of dots and dashes - if you use the Koch
method
● You can only learn the SOUND at speeds higher than 12 words per minute (WPM)
● Reduce the time taken to get to QSO speed levels
● Enable easier, more accurate sending : use iambic paddles with an electronic keyer
● Access an HF transceiver to practise sending receiving and using Morse code in realistic conditions
Summary of Best Morse Learning Practices
1) Dedicate 15-30 minutes daily, for <= 3 months
2) Use the “Koch Method” and Koch style software only
3) Learn at a speed of 15-18 wpm
4) Try not to use Farnsworth spacings unless you really get stuck
5) Use iambic paddles, an electronic keyer and code practice oscillator for sending practice
6) Have access to an HF receiver for W1AW (and other) code practice sessions
7) Obtain or use a Code Practice Oscillator
● The following seven pages expand on each point above

1) Dedicate 15-30 mins daily, for 3 months
● Morse code can only be learned by consistent repetition to learn its sound
● If you cannot dedicate this time requirement now, dedicate a starting month and stick to it.
● Analyze how much time you spend daily on the Internet/Social Media/TV - try reducing it ??
● You could even do this over ⅓ of your work lunch hour
● Do not give up after the first week. This is a critical period.
● Anyone can learn the Morse code (8 years olds have passed their Morse exams)
2) Use the Koch Method and its software
● Basis is: 2-4 characters learned per week at 15-18 WPM
● Each week adds 2-3 characters and reviews previous 3
● Slightly steeper learning curve initially compared to other methods
● Teaches the Morse Code sounds, not its mechanics (dots-dashes)
● Enables learner to more quickly participate in Morse Code QSO’s at reasonable speeds
● Teaches PROPER Morse Code spacings
● Promotes “head copy” ability
3) Learn at a Speed of 15-18 WPM
● Having a conversation in Morse at speeds < 15 WPM is painful
● This speed range promotes learning of the SOUND, not the dits and dahs
● This speed promotes ability to “head copy”
● You will not need another 3 months to get to QSO level speed
4) Do not use “Farnsworth” spacings
● This method increases spacings between characters and words to give the learner ?more
confidence and possibly reduce an initial steep learning curve
● Popular in the 80’s and 90’s with the advent of PC Morse training software
● The problem is it does not teach proper Morse code sound
● Requires a re-learning of the code prior to exam time and prior to on air QSO’s
● (For a few learners it may be necessary to use this method to get over a “hurdle”)
5) Use Iambic Paddles with Electronic Keyer
● Electronic keyers will produce correct dot-dash spacings
● You will get more QSO’s by sending proper Morse code
● Iambic (dual) paddles enable you to easily send good Morse at higher speeds than other key/paddle
types (other than a keyboard)
● An iambic paddle is able to complete characters for you where a single paddle cannot
(Once you have passed the exam and attained a speed of 20 WPM then and only then feel free to
experiment with either a straight key, a semi-automatic “bug” or a keyboard).
6) Use an HF receiver for code practise
● Beg, borrow or steal an HF receiver with exterior wire antenna to receive HF CW signals
● W1AW has daily Morse practise sessions for real time, real conditions Morse
● You need to continue your Morse after passing your exam or you will lose it
● Any HF transceiver can also be used as a Morse code practice oscillator
● Learning Morse in this manner improves real life reception abilities
● If unable to access an HF receiver some software will simulate radio conditions
7) Obtain a code practise oscillator
● Not required if you have an HF transceiver (use its CW sidetone with no break-in)
● Can be homebrewed for < $10 or purchased for $25-$40
● Absolutely essential to be able to practice for your Morse sending exam segment
Helpful Hints
● Soundwise think of a dash as a “dah” and a dot as a “dit”
● As you commute daily read a sign and convert it in your head to Morse, using the above sounds
● If possible whisper these sound to yourself quietly
● Sending: set your Morse software to send a few characters and pause. Repeat this sequence on
your code oscillator a few times. Then try doing it at exactly the same time and with the correct
spacing.
● If you are really stuck on some aspect I could be a part-time, ad hoc mentor for WARA members
only - contact me via email: [email protected] . This means I am happy to infrequently assist you
when you get stuck on an aspect, or wish to check your progress before taking the exam.
Software for Koch Method Morse
● MS Windows: G4FON Koch CW Trainer:
○ http://www.g4fon.net/
● Linux: KochMorse
○ https://dm3mat.darc.de/kochmorse/
● Android: IZ2UUF Morse Koch CW:
○ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.iz2uuf.cwkoch
● iPhone: Pignology Koch CW:
○ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/koch-trainer/id405137883
● Apple iOS: Morse Elmer:
○ https://Morseelmer.blogspot.com/p/what-is-Morse-elmer.html
NOTE: ignore Farnsworth settings in some of the above software, if at all possible.
Hardware Sources
● Oscillators
○ https://qrpguys.com/qrpguys-code-trainer
○ http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Morse-Code-Oscillator-Kit/
○ https://www.electronics-project-design.com/CodePracticeOscillator.html
● Keyers
○ https://www.k1elsystems.com/WKmini.html
○ https://www.radioworld.ca/mfj-401e
● Iambic Paddles
○ From inexpensive to very expensive ($35-$500), although they are simply SPDT switches!
○ Can be constructed from an old hacksaw blade for $0 (see Youtube)
○ Weighted base or mount is required to disable movement while keying
● Iambic Paddle-Keyer-Oscillator Combo (for those without modern HF transceiver - best value!)
○ https://qrpguys.com/kd1jv-dual-lever-combo-cw-trainer
Online Morse Code Practice and Audio Files
● Real time Koch Method CW generator/practice: https://epxx.co/Morse/koch.html
● W1AW 15wpm files: http://www.arrl.org/15-wpm-code-archive
● W1AW 15 and 18 wpm on air schedule: http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule
Other useful links:
● CW Ops Morse Academy Lessons: https://cwops.org/cw-academy/

● ARRL Morse Code Pages: http://www.arrl.org/learning-Morse-code
...your exam
From RIC-3: (5.2 Morse Code Qualification Examination)
The examination for this qualification consists of sending and receiving Morse code at a speed of not less than 5 words per minute (w.p.m.)
for three consecutive minutes. The Morse code examination is in plain language and may include the twenty-six letters, the ten numbers,
comma, period, question mark, dash, fraction bar, Q-signals and emergency signals. In both the sending and receiving examinations, each
character omitted or incorrectly sent or received is counted as one error. A mark of 100% is awarded for five errors or less, 99% for six
errors, 98% for seven errors, 97% for eight errors, etc. The examiner will allow candidates two minutes to review and correct their copy
before it is graded. The pass mark is 100%.)
More exam details:
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01007.html#TOC1_9
The Morse Code Mechanics
● Each “dah” is three times longer than a “dit”
● The spacing between each dit or dah is the equivalent of one dit
● The spacing between each character is the equivalent of one dah
● The spacing between each word is the equivalent of 7 dits
● The standard “timing” for speed determination is the word “PARIS”, i.e. if you can send 15 “PARIS”
words in one minute then you have been sending at 15 WPM
● (an electronic keyer takes care of the first two points above)

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A Modern Method to Learn

the Morse Code

● The following seven pages expand on each point above

Other useful links:

● CW Ops Morse Academy Lessons: https://cwops.org/cw-academy/

More exam details:

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