How to Learn CW (and why)

I think that every amateur radio operator should at least try to learn CW.  I know that it is no longer required and I think that is the correct way to handle licenses.  Nobody should be required to learn code as that would defeat the progressive and experimental nature of amateur radio.  But everyone really should try.  If it's not for you, then move on, but if you can learn it really can be quite amazing.

CW Paddle

As you most likely know, CW requires far less power than phone operation does.  You can also fit many more CW signal into a given bandwidth.  Learning and using Morse also helps us to maintain some of our heritage.  I find that I get much more satisfaction from making a contact over long distance or through difficult conditions using CW than SSB.  And of course it also happens much more often because of the increased range and decreased bandwidth.  It also feels more skillful than simply keying a mic.

The two dominate strategies of learning Morse are the Farnsworth and Koch methods.  With both methods you learn the code by listening at your full target speed.  While starting, you generally decrease the effective WPM (word per minute) rating but DO NOT TOUCH the actual code speed.  This way your brain will learn the characters by sound at the target speed but you will have some extra space between characters in order to recognize and write the character.  As you get better you gradually decrease the pause between characters until the effective WPM is the same as the actual code speed.  That was the Farnsworth method which has now blended into the Koch method which is starting with just a few characters and gradually adding new characters once you can copy the code with 90% or greater accuracy.  Most people and software use a blend of these two methods.  Always remember, never set the actual code speed slower than 15 WPM but instead adjust the effective speed so that you are constantly being challenged.  Try to learn a letter a day at least and maybe try to go up 1 or 2 WPM a week.  Never associate the sounds with any form of visual representation.  Your goal is to hear a character and instantly recognize and write/type it.

As far as the various keying methods (straight, iambic, bug) go, I prefer Iambic.  I greatly respect amateurs who have the incredible skill required for mechanical bug use or the determination required to use a straight key for any extended period of time.  However, an iambic paddle is so much easier to make actual QSO's with.  Some people say that you should learn with a straight key but I think that it doesn't really matter.  If you think you will be using an iambic, you might as well learn with one.  If you are learning the sounds instead of the dot/dash patterns it is trivial to use a straight key anyways.

A invaluable tool to use while learning is to keep a practice log.  Keep track of every time you practice and be proud of it.  Record the date, time and which letters/characters you are working on.  Grade yourself with a colored pen so that you can easily see your progress.  Keeping a log is analogous to keeping a log of all your contacts.  The log will also keep you motivated as you can see how much time you have spent and if you start skipping.

Tools to Use

K7QO has created a set of downloadable MP3 files that are very similar to the old method of learning from prerecorded tapes.  He has several different files on his website but you can get the original files for free here.  I used the K7QO files for a while and really liked them because I could put them on my MP3 player for use anywhere.  I had a one hour break between two of my classes and it wasn't practical to go back to my dorm so I would do my code practice then.

G4FON has made some excellent software that utilizes the Koch Method but can also handle Farnsworth Method as well.  It is nice because it has options to add in QRM, QRN, QSB and for varying the strength of the signal and the skill of the virtual operator.  I use the software as a final test about once a week.  From listening to the K7QO files several times I always seem to memorize some of the character strings.  K7QO provides a longer practice session with added difficulties.

LCWO.net is an excellent online resource for learning CW.  It provides online logging and allows you to change both the actual and effective speeds.  I also prefer the order the letters are introduced to that used by the K7QO files.  Another plus is the competitive aspect.  Your scores are published online to compare with others.  You can even start a group as a club to see who can do the best.  LCWO is my favorite tool for learning.

CWCom is an instant messaging program that uses Morse instead of regular typing (of course it also lets you type, but don't cheat!).  I think it is fun to use every now and then although occasionally there is nobody online to talk to.  It is a valuable tool if you have a friend that you are learning with.

About NV1K

I am an Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science student at Iowa State University. I was first license in September 2009 as an Amateur Extra. My primary interests are DX, CW and experimenting. You can find me primarily on the upper bands with SSB and PSK31. Check out my personal site