What changed
CW and Morse code — edited Aug 31, 2026 by Unknown editor
This is the first recorded version, so every line is shown as added. Note: Imported from content/wiki
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Morse code has not been an exam requirement in the US since 2007. It remains popular because a CW
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signal occupies about 100 Hz, punches through noise that would obliterate voice, and needs the
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simplest possible transmitter.
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## Learning it
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- Learn by **sound, not by chart**. Never memorize dots and dashes visually — it creates a
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translation step you will spend years unlearning.
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- Use the **Koch method at full character speed** (20+ WPM) with long gaps, adding one character at
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a time. LCWO.net and the Morse Code Ninja recordings are free.
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- 15 minutes a day beats an hour on Sundays.
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- Expect a few months to conversational speed. Most people plateau around 10 WPM and push through
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it by listening to code faster than they can send.
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## Equipment
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A straight key is fine to start. Most operators move to an **iambic paddle with an electronic keyer**,
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which produces perfectly timed elements and is far easier on the wrist.
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## On the air
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Call `CQ CQ CQ DE KX4XYZ KX4XYZ K`. A standard exchange is RST, name, location — `RST 599 NAME SAM
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QTH TN`. Q-codes and abbreviations carry most of the traffic; see
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[Q-codes](/wiki/reference/q-codes).
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Slow-speed calling frequencies and the SKCC/QRS communities exist specifically to give beginners
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patient contacts.
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## The Alfred Vail 20-20 Young Keyers Award
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NARA recognizes young operators who demonstrate proficiency at the key. See the
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[award page](https://usnara.org/awards/alfred-vail-20-20).