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How to Build a Morse Code Setup

Morse code has remained in active use in modern times by ham radio operators and the U.S. Coast Guard. Although the Coast Guard has recently stopped using it in favor of other digital forms of communication, ham radio operators still make heavy use of the international Morse code. If you desire to communicate with these ham radio operators who still use the code, you will need to receive a ham radio license and then obtain equipment necessary for your Morse code setup. The most modern radios have Morse code circuitry built in, while older radios will require you to obtain external equipment.

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a ham radio license. This will permit you to communicate via Morse code to the remaining individuals throughout the world who use Morse code. Purchase a license training manual from the American Radio Relay League and practice the study questions in the back of the book until you feel confident you can pass the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) test. Contact the nearest ham radio club to find out when the next test session is (see Resource 1 for ARRL club search).
- 2
  Decide what kind of Morse code setup you desire to use. Your budget capabilities will be your only limiting factor. Ham radio transceivers designed for only Morse code communication are the least expensive, while radio transceivers designed for voice, data and Morse code combined are the more expensive units. You will also have to choose between a more modern radio and an older used radio. If you will be using an older radio, you may have to purchase an electronic Morse code key to connect to that radio for doing Morse code, as many don't have built-in Morse code oscillators within them.
- 3
  Purchase your Morse code key. If you are using a modern radio that has a built-in Morse code oscillator, choose a standard straight Morse code key that has no electronic oscillation circuitry on it. The radio will take care of converting your key movements into "dots" and "dashes" as they are being transmitted. If you are using an older radio without this capability, choose a Morse code oscillator with a jack that allows output to the input jack of your radio. Some of these oscillators have a built-in key, while others may require that you still purchase a standard straight key to work with them as well.
- 4
  Set up your Morse code system. This includes erecting an antenna designed for use on your chosen frequency range in the ham radio bands, connecting the radio to that antenna and finally hooking up your Morse key or Morse oscillator system. For modern radios with built-in Morse oscillators, insert the plug of the straight key into the jack on the radio labeled "CW" (Continuous Wave) for Morse code operation. For older radios, connect the plug of the Morse code oscillation unit into the jack labeled "CW" on the radio. If your oscillator has no Morse key on it, connect the plug of a straight Morse code key into the "KEY" input jack of your oscillator unit.
- 5
  Turn on your radio and tune it to the frequency you want to use on any given ham radio band. Follow your ham radio training by keeping your Morse code communications within the frequency segments where the Federal Communications Commission has allowed for them to be performed.

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