How to Study Morse Code

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

• 15

  Begin to listen to Morse via a radio receiver once you can copy machine-generated code.

• 16

  Choose band according to reception conditions and time of day.

• 17

  Monitor ARRL code practice transmissions at scheduled times.

• 18

  Tune receiver and filters for best reception.

• 19

  Enhance knowledge by copying routine ham operator's conversations.

• 20

  Repetition is the key. Listen to Morse code for a few minutes every day.