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