I’m a licensed Ham (amateur radio operator), and even though our morse code requirement has been removed, I learned the code years ago, but now I need to refresh what I still remember.
What’s the best way to learn (or re-learn) morse code and get up to speed?
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The best way to learn (or re-learn) Morse code is to assign yourself several time periods a week and just sit down and listen to c.w. broadcasts or tapes while you write down the characters you can understand.
If you are starting from scratch, there are many free computer programs you can get that will teach you Morse code, a few characters at a time. It is normal to start with the alpha characters (A B C etc) and then learn the numerals ( 1 2 3 etc) and finally the prosigns and punctuation characters.
If you already know them, but just wish to increase your speed, all you have to do is listen and write down, again and again and again. The skill comes from reading the morse code.
Sending ‘charley whiskey’ (c.w. – ‘continuous wave’ signals = Morse Code) is much easier than reading it, and can be learned after you can read c.w.
Whatever you do, DO NOT learn to send fast – like with a paddle or bug key – before you can copy at least that fast. Otherwise you will go on the air and folks will answer you back at a speed you cannot yet handle. That will kill your confidence very fast; and it is a hard hurdle to get past after that.
The best way to get your practice and first few live QSOs (two-way contacts) is with a helpful and patient ‘Elmer’, or a morse code Buddy from the FISTS organization. They do their best to promote Morse Code and help newcomers. FISTS Morse Code Preservation Society:
http://www.fists.org/
I have been a licensed ham since 1985. I had a CW Morse code only transceiver my first 10 years in the hobby and still am almost exclusively on CW.
The best way to learn Morse code is opposite the way usually recommended. Learn by SENDING. Print out the alphabet with its corresponding Morse dot/dash equivalent. Put a printed page from a book or newspaper in front of you and begin “sending” with something that makes a tone whenever you push down the button. I learned using a kids walkie talkie that had a code button. You can purchase a code practice oscillator for this if you need to. As you learn the code you will look at the chart less and less until you are not looking at it at all. Now that you have learned the code, THEN increase your speed of recognition by listening to a radio receiver that receives code or to tapes or mp3 files from the computer made for that purpose. I’m past 20 words per minute comfortably and have never attended a code class in my life. Good luck with the hobby.