Morse Code for the Radio Amateur

Introduction

This site provides Morse code class resources and aims to teach Morse code for Amateur Radio.

May 2021 represents 50 years since I first upgraded my Novice license to Advanced Class, meeting the FCC in Detroit for my 13 WPM code test, sending and receiving. I’d had my first successful Novice CW contact in January 1970, while a Junior in high school. Hi. My name is Larry, callsign WB7C.

These days, I listen to the bands from the worldwide network of web SDRs. A Web SDR is a software-defined radio that lets each visitor to its website tune around and listen to ham radio as heard in that part of the world.

“I Love You” in Morse Code

Just to whet your appetite, here is some Morse code that a number of web searches ask for: “I love you.” in Morse code. First, sent at 18 words per minute:

Now listen at 5 words per minute, with character speed still 18:

About these audio players

Thanks to the JavaScript Morse Code Library written and maintained by Fabian Kurz, DJ1YFK, under a liberal MIT License, I can set up an audio player to generate Morse code from text. lcwo.net hosts the JavaScript backend, which generates the player’s Morse code and provides the file for download. I hereby thank Fabian for this permitted use of his website resources.

The settings gear icon on each player opens a Settings dialog to allow you to set the pitch of the Morse code from 300 to 1500 Hz, depending on your needs. I have left the pitch at 600 Hz by default. To close the Settings dialog, just hit the settings icon again.

Controls from left-to-right are: Stop, Play, Download MP3, Settings.

Lesson Plan

The site is broken down into nine chapters, including a video and audiophiles — I mean audio files.

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Table of Contents

  1. Chapter 1: Learn the fastest way to print
  2. Chapter 2: A Language Of SOUND!
  3. Chapter 3: Timing Counts.
    • With attention paid to timing perfection and practice, you can receive compliments on your hand-sent code: "I thought you were using a keyboard!"
  4. Chapter 4: Practice, Practice, Practice!
    • Get some Practice guidance to gain confidence in your new language.
  5. Chapter 5: Amateur Radio Q Signals.
    • Please download Q-Signals (PDF). Q-signals are 3-letter groups that carry the same meaning in every language to help break the language barrier.
  6. Chapter 6: The minimum character set for good CW operation
    • Includes audio samples.
  7. Chapter 7: Operating Procedure
    • A good starting point, from which you can differ after you have some experience. I urge both beginners and experienced operators working with beginners to stick to a well-defined procedure.
  8. Chapter 8: U.S. Navy Video: Technique of sending Morse code by hand
    • using a straight key, with a coin on his wrist! It addresses a proper technique drilled into our World War II Veterans back in 1944. It is as good today as it was over 75 years ago.
  9. Chapter 9: Morse code audio files
    • All of the Morse code characters covered are right here!

→ Next page: Chapter 1: Learn the Fastest Way to Print