Learning Morse Code
Morse code. No other subject has generated as much polarization and division within the ham radio community over the past decade. There seems to be a rift in the community and the elimination of the Element 1 requirement by the FCC has only served to widen the gulf. I have stayed out of the debate for the most part simply because I could care less.
My first taste of amateur radio was not the dits and dahs of Morse code, but the warbly voice of single sideband. I knew that Morse code was used by amateur radio operators, but I believed that I could never learn the code and that was fine, I was more interested in working VHF FM and SSB, not CW (Morse code). Well, a funny thing happened after a few months on the air on 2m and 6m - I got bored and wanted to upgrade my license so I could explore the HF bands. To upgrade, I needed to learn Morse code and pass a seemingly unsurmountable 5 word per minute code test.
Being determined to pass the test, I set out to find as many tools to learn the code as possible. I settled on 3 methods that allowed me some flexibility while maintaining some structure. The first method was to use the ARRL’s code practice audio CD set. The first disk introduces the code in a specific sequence that in theory enables one to learn the code easily. The second disk contains several practice QSO’s like those found on the test as well as some typical words and shortcuts found on the air. The problem with this method is memorization - after listening to the CD a few times, you have the routine down and aren’t really progressing. Putting the player on shuffle helps, but after a few times in this mode, the CD quickly looses it’s usefulness as a learning tool.
The second method I employed to get past the 5wpm test was the use of computer software, specifically G4FON’s Koch method Morse Trainer. This is a free program that not only enables one to learn the code for the code test, but also allows one to master the code by increase code copy speed. Recent versions of the program have added QRM, LIDS, noise, QSB, and a host of other items to simulate the on-air experience. The program starts with 2 characters (K and M) and as these are mastered, the user adds another and another until all 40 characters have been mastered. Once the code is mastered, the program can generate and play sample QSO’s much like those on the FCC code test. This program is a must have for learning and mastering the code.
The final tool I used to learn the code was the MFJ Code Tutor. About the size of an iPod, this portable code tutor has an LCD that displays the character played. This device really helped me since I can take it just about everywhere. The G4FON program can be setup to follow the sequence used in the MFJ Code Tutor, making learning the code a uniform process. I would recommend the MFJ Code Tutor for those with busy schedules or who find they have time to kill away from a computer. I do a fair amount of backpacking and the MFJ Code Tutor usually is in my pack.
Once the code has been mastered, the next step is learning to copy on the air. I’m interested in contesting, so I need to be able to copy signals in pileups and luckily there is a very good free pileup trainer - Morse Runner. Like the G4FON program, Morse Runner has a variety of options to make it a more realistic experience. Don’t feel bad if you can’t copy a single callsign, this is designed to simulate a DX contest and it takes some patience and concentration to latch onto a callsign in the mess. There are parameters that can be adjusted to reduce the number of stations calling to boost your confidence.
My suggestion for someone looking to not only learn the code but to become proficent would be to use the G4FON/MFJ Code Tutor combo to learn the code and to increase code copy skills. Start off with just K and M with a character speed of 15wpm and an overall speed of 6wpm. Gradually increase the overall speed until you reach 15wpm. Then increase the character speed to 20wpm and gradually increase the overall speed from 15 to 20wpm. Once you are in the 15wpm range, I would suggest using Morse Runner and getting on the air during some of the major DX contests and seeing how you do.
You should be practing on the air as well by having as many QSO’s as you can. Start out with a goal to make three 5 minute QSO’s each weekend. Then increase it to five and then ten QSO’s. The goal is to become proficient in the use of code. If it’s too much like work, relax and shift gears, ham radio is supposed to be fun.