Improving Your CW Speed with Morse Runner

In this video, I show you how to configure Morse Runner and then I run a five-minute session so you can see how to use the software.
Morse Runner is a program for Microsoft Windows that turns copying morse code into a game! It is a contest simulator that will help you to improve your character recognition. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Get it here: www.dxatlas.com/morserunner/

[@eugenecbell]

I thought it was a simulator, but when you started running it I thought it was actual folks on the air or over then net, now I see it is actually a very good simulator. I can’t wait to get it running on my PC. This is just what I need to get ready for a contest without sucking on the air. It will be great for me learn the code well enough to feel comfortable on the air. Thank you for the demo.

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

One of my first CW contacts 24 years ago...I was nervously copying the words the sender was sending. I was reading back what I scribbled out on the paper. It read.... "So.......LID.... " I thought the operator was calling me a LID.... then I read the entire sentence..lol " So...LID Copy"......... Solid Copy. I still laugh about that....lolololol.

[@ksb2112]

That is really funny. It reminded me that I thought an actual contact send "lid" to me. I went back through my notebook (I'm new, it's not that big) and found the spot. Sure enough, I had made a space before "lid" and the previous two letters were "so."

[@javierbustamantedonas8668]

Hi Cliff, thank you for this beautiful video. it is wonderful to see the kind people one meets in this hobby. your way of doing ham radio is a source of inspiration. I hope to have the opportunity to make contact with you someday, it would be an honor and a pleasure. I wish you good health and all the best from Madrid, Spain!

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you for the kind words, Javier! I hope to work you someday, too. Take care - Cliff

[@WD1V]

Well done - thank you for being clear and concise.

[@rjwade00]

Just the type of game I've been looking for. Thanks for another great video!

[@ricshaner7019]

Cliff N4CCB, Nice instructional video, very helpful. I too noticed the Mac Keyboard - Go Mac! I am using Crossover to run Morse Runner. Ric AF7VT

[@shawnp6653]

Now I need to learn to type! Thanks for an excellent video, as usual. 73s.

[@Geewhiz811]

This is an awesome and very fun program to use. I have been looking for a good way to get my CW speed up without having to annoy people on the air. This program is nicely interactive with the "stations" asking for your NR again and forcing you to pay attention. Thanks for the video on this!

[@armanizayne2364]

sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow forgot the login password. I love any assistance you can offer me

[@henrikdrake1537]

@Armani Zayne instablaster =)

[@armanizayne2364]

@Henrik Drake Thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@armanizayne2364]

@Henrik Drake it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account!

[@henrikdrake1537]

@Armani Zayne you are welcome xD

[@Orvulum]

Best tutorial so far... The others ones leave out a lot, assuming that people already know. Thanks!

[@davidj.wilcox6053]

Thanks Cliff. Have to get off (or back on my butt at the CW station) my butt and get with the learning again. Found the instructions that came with the MR to be lacking and was having trouble using it. Now I have a better understanding and will get going again. Hope to see you at Dayton next year. 73. Dave K8WPE

[@QRPSchool]

Good to hear from you, Dave. I plan to be at FDIM again. It was really great last year, with Hans showing his QCX transceiver! If we can just get through winter... I'll see you soon. - Cliff

[@jimpainter9935]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Now that is a cool little program

[@AnthonyJones-vk6xq]

Cliff, thanks again for another good video, i use this 3-4 times per week, its pretty good.... I run normally 240 Qso's per hour, but in the real world, its not that easy !!! I max everything out (Alex did a damn good job, there was a program back in the 90's that did the same thing, but it was expensive from AEA i think) Noise, Lids, Qrm, Activity all max............. for a FREE program its damn good, i do 30-45 minutes at a time virtually every night if i am not on HF for real !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the military we had to do 50wpm NO errors for 3 minutes !! so this is a piece of cake ! Love your channel

[@QRPSchool]

I appreciate it, Anthony! - Cliff

[@MoTown44240]

Nice. Sounds like Field Day. I like to run a frequency. Always have a key next to keyboard though. I do use the key when I don't have a 'canned' response. Will download this and try it using Wine. UPDATE: I see from the GitHub that F8BQQ has verified this application runs on Linux using Wine.

[@G0NMY]

Morse Runner is a great help for contests. One thing I will add. sometimes if you look at the Green Pile-up number it may show 1 but you don#t hear any signal. If you have a narrow bandwidth set you can tune your pass-band up and down using the UP/Down cursor keys HTH cheers Mark G0NMY

[@QRPSchool]

+markg0nmy Thank you, Mark! There have been times when the simulated stations calling me have had a very high pitch. I didn't realize I could tune using the Up/Down cursor keys! Thanks for taking the time to post this great tip. - Cliff

[@kierenmoore3236]

Cool. I just learnt all the letters and numbers yesterday, so whilst I 'know' them, at speed my eyes are still glazing over at this point!! Though the numbers just then were easy even for me to pick out ... I can see this being a useful practice tool, for sure - but is it PC only (no Mac)?

[@globedimmer8286]

Thanks for great demo instructional video, very helpful. Awesome app to improve my cw speed up as rather into listening than sending that is easier. TU 73 DE AH0D

[@hl5bxw]

Thank you for letting me know this. This is a good ham game ;-)

[@danielgalt6194]

I use this program but am just starting to learn it. Many time the response is not R, but de (call sign) as is sent in regular QSO communication. I cannot get the Nr. out of the communications that are being sent in this type of communications. I need some more info on the types of responses and how to get the Nr. out of the response. For example I have found that sometimes the Nr. is sent as N for nine. Also, I need some help on how to get back to sending the RST if I hit the enter key while the other station is sending and I need to resend the info. Thanks. Dan KJ4TID

[@rwprime1]

I just downloaded Morse Runner - thank you for the video - can't wait to try it. Now a question for you. Do you know of a free small Windows 10 CW decoder program where I can see on my monitor what I'm sending (off air - just for practice)? You know, a program where I can 'wye' off my keyer's headphone jack (to get the sidetone into the PC mic/line in and still use my headphones) and then, whether I'm using my Bencher paddle or my straight key, see how well I'm doing especially with the straight key (to get ready for straight key night)(my dahs tend to be too long). I used to do this years ago but I can't remember how I did it. Maybe it was part of the DSP 232 or Pakratt 232 software. I just can't remember. I need to have it to decode CW and here's a second case. I really like listening to online SDR stations (CW)(tornado took out my antennas) and it would be neat when I have to leave the room for a minute or so to have like whatever W1AW is sending or even QSOs there on my screen when I get back to the PC (W1AW bulletins can get really long). In other words, it would be decoding the CW audio in my Chrome browser on these SDR websites. Again, no RF (radio) involved on my end. Thanks

[@QRPSchool]

I use the Ham Radio Deluxe software and its digital module "Digital Master" can decode CW. I expect most (if not all) digital mode software can do this. You might also consider downloading CW Skimmer and installing that. You can use CW Skimmer to decode multiple CW contacts at the same time. - Cliff

[@vaderknightrider]

Very informative. I just started playing with this software. I'm sure it will improve my speed, although I never use a PC to run CW (I always use a key). 73 DE KC8ZKD

[@eduardo.dilena]

yeah.. morse runner... wonderful soft !!

[@paulswarman]

Very helpful, thanks, Paul G0ODP

[@raymondl.3014]

Not sure if I understood correctly what was demonstrated in the video: after the session timer was set at 5:00, and the session began the contacts were just computer-generated, for practice purposes, and not actual 'on-the-air' contacts, correct? Sorry if dumb question, but wanted to clarify, to make sure I understand what the software is. Also, does it have a mode wherein it could be used to send/receive actual on-air signals? Will it decode in-coming CW, and transmit keyboard generated CW? Thank you for your time and assistance. Raymond - WF7BSR

[@QRPSchool]

Raymond L. This software is a simulator. It simulates a typical Morse code contest. You can set some of the parameters to increase the difficulty and push yourself to build your skills. It can't be used to send actual Morse code over the air or to decode Morse code. -Cliff

[@raymondl.3014]

Thank you!

[@glynnhm0lsg308]

Going thru your vids, just getting into data modes, jt65 seems the easiest. I also gonna start practicing cw with this software thx

[@QRPSchool]

+Glynn H Hey, Glynn. The computer to radio interface is the same for all digital modes so THAT PART is no harder or easier but, you're right... JT65 is not a conversation mode so it's just a matter of clicking on a station you wish to "talk to" and the computer generates the messages that are sent. In that respect, there's no typing so it IS easier than the other digital modes. Plus, with JT65 being a weak signal mode, you'll be surprised at the DX you can work with just 5 watts. Go for it and let me know how it goes! - Cliff

[@jimratter5561]

Good explanation. Thank you. I've been meaning to try Morse runner but it looked a bit scary. I feel I could try it now. GM0JDB

[@Tisropen]

Полезное видео спасибо

[@richardcorfield9926]

Tried it and got stuck when I mistyped a callsign and hit enter. Wonder if it's possible to get out of that situation

[@QRPSchool]

Hmmm... I think there must be more to it than that. I've mistyped callsigns thousands of times before hitting Enter and I don't remember it ever hanging on me like that. If you do it again, can you replicate it? - Cliff

[@richardcorfield9926]

@@QRPSchool I'll give it another go. Now I've seen other videos of how to use it I can see if I can work out what it's doing.

[@DeeegerD]

Nice program. I've never been much into contests - prefer a more relaxed pace and don't need proof of contacts as I don't go for awards either, but it certainly is a good program to practice on. I also don't like the use of keyboards lol. Straight key or Iambic. Showing my age lol. Old school.

[@QRPSchool]

+Digger D Same here. I don't have any awards and don't chase them. I'm not a contester but I do sometimes make some quick contacts during contests... but i never spend any serious time working a contest. My intro to CW via keyboard was working the CW station at our local Field Day. There are some very competent CW guys in our ARES group that like to rack up the points on Field Day. For high-volume, fast-paced, contest-like operating, using the keyboard makes perfect sense.

[@DeeegerD]

QRP School I used to copy with a keyboard (professionally) but never used one to send. Nothing against them, I just like to keep things old school. I used to also be a software developer (still a hobby) and can appreciate the program, it's well done.

[@steveg4iwr]

That was really helpful. 73’s de g4iwr

[@racoondiver]

Thanks for up upload, 73 de gi0ggy

[@yorkshirebikerbitsnbobs]

I've heard this fast morse... How the heck can you make that out?......

[@lambadalasse]

awesome and very helpfull - thanks / 73 de OV5P

[@CenturyofTerror]

Speed is critical for qrp

[@josealphonso2848]

Do you consider it cheating?

[@QRPSchool]

I'm not sure what you mean. This is a computer program that simulates Morse code operators during a contest. It isn't live. It doesn't decode the letters for you. It just simulates what you might hear during a contest and you can type their call signs to practice being able to log your contacts.

[@jamesstaley5611]

I am sure this will not be well received. Those of us that like to use a key or paddle have no chance in contests. People who have not even taken the time to learn CW send too fast. This is wrong. Standing by for all the people who where too lazy to learn CW to berate me.

[@QRPSchool]

+James Staley Hello, James. I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. The purpose of this video is to show people a tool (Morse Runner) that they can use to help them improve their ability to copy Morse Code. - Cliff

[@Notjordan1206]

well hey it's been a year, I think you're safe.

[@kennymanchester]

What the heck are you talking about? How can you say a guy copying code under simulated and realistic variable conditions is not knowing Morse code? If you think the computer is “copying” the code, that is NOT what’s happening here. If you don’t know the code, you cannot copy the calls or exchange. Keys, single-Paddles, and Iambic Paddles are wonderful tools but they are limited. Most accomplished code operators can copy code much much faster than they can send it with any type of traditional key or paddle, however. Dupe sheets were useful too, but I certainly don’t miss those now that we have computer logging. And since we’re logging, accurately and legibly, using the computer keyboard, doesn’t it make sense to go ahead and send most of our exchange with it?

[@brian.7966]

why send 599 when it's not, thats not being truthful.

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Brian. You're right... a perfunctory 599 isn't truthful. However, in a contest, the goal is to work as many stations as possible. Nobody in a contest cares about getting a true signal report. Their logging software defaults to 599 and taking the time to edit that field is seen as a nuisance. The only time you can expect a TRUE signal report is if/when you specifically ask for one. Even then, you may not get the truth if the other station doesn't want to hurt your feelings with a low number. (I'm guilty of that, myself.) While we're here... what does a signal report tell you about YOUR station? Nothing. It only tells you how loud you are to the receiving station. It's a number that can vary based on the propagation, the quality of the antenna system of the receiving ham, and the accuracy of their S-Meter (which are known to not be very accurate in nearly every radio). - Cliff

[@DennisMathias]

Loooooooks like an Apple keyboard ? I thought this was PC program.? de W0QR

[@QRPSchool]

Hey, Dennis. Good eyes! Yes, that was an Apple keyboard being used with the Morse Runner Windows application. I was running Windows on my Mac using VMWare Fusion. It works great, by the way. The company I work for has Mac and PC applications so I use a Mac to run OS X and Windows. -Cliff

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

If you run Linux Mint and want to use Wine to download Morse Runner....read this. ok1zia.nagano.cz/pokus/index.php?title=MorseRunner_under_Debian

[@tomnorthfell1643]

Excellent presentation. Tnx! W5XNA