How to Study Morse Code
Morse code consists of two distinct sounds that can be combined to form letters, numbers and other characters. Thousands of ham radio operators use it to communicate every day.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- 2 Blank Cassettes
- HF Receiver Ham Radio Equipment
- Cassette Tape Recorders
- Ham Radio - Amateur Radio Equipment
- Pencils
- Spiral Notebooks
- Morse-code Instruction Software
- Morse-code Sounders
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Basic Comprehension
-
1
Find a Morse code practice audiotape or a Morse code tutorial program for your computer.
-
2
Study code by sound (listening) rather than by sight (reading).
-
3
Practice twice daily for 15 to 30 minutes.
-
4
Write characters as you hear them.
-
5
Perceive whole characters rather than listening for individual dots and dashes.
-
6
Listen to characters sent at a rate equal to 15 words per minute.
-
7
Listen to characters sent with spacing between characters equal to a speed of 5 words per minute.
-
8
Learn letters in groups related by sound. For example, A, W, J and 1 are formed by a dot and sequential dashes.
-
9
Refresh your knowledge before moving to new letters.
-
10
Enhance your memorization by translating signs, billboards and other written material into Morse characters as an exercise.
-
11
Put off sending Morse code until you can identify all letters by sound.
-
12
After learning all letters, increase your comprehension speed by using a sounder to send Morse code into a tape recorder.
-
13
Set aside each tape you make for two to three days, then play it and attempt to copy it.
-
14
Repeat all exercises. Repetition is the key to success.
Real Signal Practice
-
1
Begin to listen to Morse via a radio receiver once you can copy machine-generated code.
-
2
Choose band according to reception conditions and time of day.
-
3
Monitor ARRL code practice transmissions at scheduled times.
-
4
Tune receiver and filters for best reception.
-
5
Enhance knowledge by copying routine ham operator's conversations.
-
6
Repetition is the key. Listen to Morse code for a few minutes every day.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When ham radio operators listen to and translate Morse code, they are said to "copy" code.
Practice relaxation techniques before attempting to copy Morse code.
Concentrate on the sound of the character as a whole.
Use cursive script. As speeds increase, you will find it easier to use cursive to write down characters than to print.
Morse code practice generated by a computer has the advantage of sending characters at random.
Select a receiver or transceiver with a good receiver-filtering system.
Overpracticing can lead to frustration.
Avoid listening to Morse code characters sent at a slow speed. Copying code characters at "conversational" speeds will require hearing the entire character rather than its parts.
Beware of memorizing tapes. Vary those you use in practice.
Remember that you cannot transmit on your radio until you have received your license.
