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Author Topic: Morse Code Trainer  (Read 3461 times)

Offline K5KNT

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Morse Code Trainer
« 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
K5KNT

Offline ChrisSmolinski

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #1 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
Chris Smolinski
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eQSLs appreciated! csmolinski@blackcatsystems.com
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Offline autovon

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2015, 1136 UTC »
Long read, but some good tools/suggestions to learn CW
http://morse-rss-news.sourceforge.net/zenart.pdf
Default RX location is Wisconsin using various wire antennas. Other RX will be noted.

Offline Chanter

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #3 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. 
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Offline K5KNT

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2015, 2006 UTC »
Thanks for the replies.
K5KNT

Offline Pigmeat

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #5 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?

Fansome

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #6 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.

Offline Pigmeat

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #7 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.

Offline autovon

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #8 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
Default RX location is Wisconsin using various wire antennas. Other RX will be noted.

Offline Josh

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #9 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.
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Offline Terry

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #10 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.
QTH Florida's Treasure Coast, near Stuart 100 mi N of Miami Grid locator EL97uf
Equipment: Kenwood TS-480SAT, R-600, Yaesu FT-857D, R. S. SW portable (Sangean), R.S. Pro-106 Scanner 25-1300 MHz, HyGain 18AVQII, M2 6M 3 el beam, Misc verticals and dipoles
73,
Terry

Offline Terry

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Re: Morse Code Trainer
« Reply #11 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
QTH Florida's Treasure Coast, near Stuart 100 mi N of Miami Grid locator EL97uf
Equipment: Kenwood TS-480SAT, R-600, Yaesu FT-857D, R. S. SW portable (Sangean), R.S. Pro-106 Scanner 25-1300 MHz, HyGain 18AVQII, M2 6M 3 el beam, Misc verticals and dipoles
73,
Terry