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General Category => General Radio Discussion => Topic started by: K5KNT on December 26, 2015, 1502 UTC

Title: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: K5KNT on December 26, 2015, 1502 UTC
I have finally decided that I need to learn Morse code.

Any suggestions on a trainer/tutorial? Mac, Windows or online.

Thanks,

Kent
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: ChrisSmolinski on December 26, 2015, 1551 UTC
Here's a shameless plug for Morse Mania, my CW tutor app for the Mac: http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/morse-code-practice-software.html

Also for the iPad/iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/morse-mania/id369359680?mt=8
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: autovon on December 27, 2015, 1136 UTC
Long read, but some good tools/suggestions to learn CW
http://morse-rss-news.sourceforge.net/zenart.pdf
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: Chanter on December 27, 2015, 1857 UTC
I confess, I learned CW by keeping a webpage with a simple listing of letters/numbers/punctuation marks and prosigns handy, then copying a whole lot of LW and 10 meter beacons, plus as many slow speed QSOs on the ham bands as I could manage.  Beaconeering really does help when you're starting out, or at least, it did for me. 
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: K5KNT on December 27, 2015, 2006 UTC
Thanks for the replies.
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: Pigmeat on December 31, 2015, 1748 UTC
I confess, I learned CW by keeping a webpage with a simple listing of letters/numbers/punctuation marks and prosigns handy, then copying a whole lot of LW and 10 meter beacons, plus as many slow speed QSOs on the ham bands as I could manage.  Beaconeering really does help when you're starting out, or at least, it did for me. 


It was the LW beacons for me. I'm not great at copying CW these days, but I was slightly above half-assed when I put some effort into it. I'd picked up a bunch of Gordon West's old tapes at a hamfest for a quarter apiece.

I wonder how Gordo makes his money since he no longer has CW to rely on?
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: Fansome on December 31, 2015, 2246 UTC
I learned using a DOS program called "Super Morse". I see that it is still available, but it may not run under Windows.

I also spent a lot of time copying Morse practice on 40 meters, particularly the ARRL's station W1AW: http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule

The Rajneesh Ashram in Oregon used to transmit code practice on 40 meters. The text was was taken from his teachings. I was living on the Left Coast at the time; the signal was excellent, and the content enlightening. Unfortunately the ashram is long gone. Besides its code practice, it was also known for being the source of the largest bioterror attack in US history.
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: Pigmeat on January 01, 2016, 1419 UTC
I learned using a DOS program called "Super Morse". I see that it is still available, but it may not run under Windows.

I also spent a lot of time copying Morse practice on 40 meters, particularly the ARRL's station W1AW: http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule

The Rajneesh Ashram in Oregon used to transmit code practice on 40 meters. The text was was taken from his teachings. I was living on the Left Coast at the time; the signal was excellent, and the content enlightening. Unfortunately the ashram is long gone. Besides its code practice, it was also known for being the source of the largest bioterror attack in US history.

Did you get the Sri Rajneesh's Rolls at the govt. auction? I'm getting tired of riding to Winterfest in your old Chevette.
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: autovon on March 23, 2017, 1527 UTC
A number of different ways.  Online, computer, smartphone.
http://www.w5nor.org/morse/index.html
http://lcwo.net/
http://www.cwops.org/cwacademy.html
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: Josh on March 23, 2017, 1852 UTC
Next thing you know you're picking out rtty letters at 50Bd, independently flexing each butt cheek to mark and space.
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: Terry on March 24, 2017, 0129 UTC
If you have fldigi you can always copy some text into it and tell it to transmit. Just be sure you have it hooked to a speaker and not keying the rig..
And RYRYRYRYRY is east to copy in your heat at 50 bd.
Title: Re: Morse Code Trainer
Post by: Terry on March 24, 2017, 1304 UTC
I can also recommend the free book "The Art and Skill of Radio Telegraphy". It is available as a free download here: http://cw.hfradio.org/cw_resources/The_Art_and_Skill_of_Radio_Telegraphy-3rd-edition.pdf