UMARC/ARROW Useful Morse Code Information

Bill, AA8RW and Helen, KG8TQ

Element 1, the FCC code test uses the Farnsworth method, i.e., at a tone of 720 hertz using 15 wpm characters spaced to produce 5 wpm Morse Code. You should use these settings (or perhaps at spaced for 6 wpm) in all your practice sessions. It is STRONGLY recommended that you do not look at any text that defines the Morse Code as a series of dots (dits) and dashes (dahs). It is much better to learn the Code by listening to the sounds of each character instead.

A Morse Code practice aid that can help you learn the code is “Your Introduction to Morse Code”, available from ARRL directly or locally from Purchase Radio, 327 Hoover St., Ann Arbor, MI48104, (734) 668-8696, in either cassette tape or CD format (The content of both is identical, it’s just the playback medium that differs.)

It is highly recommended, however, that you use one of the many computer programs instead. If you search for “Morse Code” on Google it will bring up more sites than you’ll ever be willing to look at but here are a few you should find particularly helpful.

-- Daily practice code at various speeds. This can also be heard on the ham bands.

-- Consider MorseAcademy. It’s a good downloadable code practice program This will be demonstrated during class.

-- The Koch Trainer is an excellent downloadable code practice program. It also will be demonstrated.

-- CwType and its companion CwGet are great programs for generating and receiving code automatically when connected to a radio. CwType can also be used to generate code practice and will be used almost exclusively during the class practice sessions since it produces precisely timed and generated Morse Code characters like you will hear on the exam.

-- See CwType above.

-- A description of the above CwType and CwGet programs

-- DISABLED --Circuits for sending code over the Internet. Some computer savvy students might wish to build these and form group to practice Morse Code.

-- I have not checked this so I do not know if and how it works.

-- DISABLED --Australian Morse Code training software used by the USA Defense Force. That’s all I know about it.

-- A very complete set of links, references and programs for Morse Code.

No matter which practice method you choose, remember: Practice for short periods at a time (15 – 20 minute sessions) but be certain to faithfully do it every day. If you follow this procedure you will be ready for Element 1 before you know it.

GOOD LUCK!

23 Aug 2005 (rev 5 Aug 2009)