Learning Morse Code - An Introduction

AA4OO hamradioqrp.com Introduces Morse Code to those curious or interested in learning. Provides some historical background, tips for learning along with examples for why learning is best performed according to ARRL recommendation, and possibly humor.

[@aperson.7585]

I need to fit about 8 hours of sleep into the 4 hours I have and I'm here learning more code for no reason

[@alexjohnsen4756]

a person. the powers rsgb and offcom decides it was too hard, so rubbed out the need to speak to all countries in a standard language known worldwide, fools.

[@julietgolf3331]

a person. Feel ya

[@aestheticphilippines8187]

I feel you bruh😅😂🤣

[@Fx_Explains]

Lol me 2 and its 2:40am

[@MineXplousion]

Same

[@F-Man]

I have no practical use for Morse Code, but I kinda wanna learn it just for my own satisfaction or as a party trick 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RussianBot69420]

Ferrariman601 AT WHAT PARTY

[@HyouMix]

Idk i learnt morse code and it was satisfying, but I WANT MORE

[@xmxawemothrip7618]

Ummm but no one will understand u because ur going to be at a party 😐so

[@frankocean8691]

based on his pfp it’s probably a french resistance party

[@sprucible1534]

The most important use for Morse code is one word SURVIVAL

[@Sola-Scriptura444]

Very informative. Recognizing as a language, stead of counting and involving nonsense relations that only contaminate recognition. Thanks.

[@HamRadioQRP]

Indeed !

[@thegreatgoatking.kingofall4001]

Its 3 in the morning, and I’m watching a man teach me Morse code. What is life

[@HamRadioQRP]

Full of mysteries and new things to learn

[@Javier_Flores4]

It’s currently 3:06 when I’m watching this, what are the odds!

[@daddytoaster5357]

Javier Flores lol why did i click that time stamp

[@seradin8029]

Congratulations on your poor choices.

[@Dreamskater100]

But that's great.

[@saltytech5546]

I didn't have a sheet of morse code so I had to print one just to shred it.

[@marcosmecatronikify]

hahaha

[@HamRadioQRP]

#BestComment

[@Zoidberg227]

I had a browser tab open with it and made shredder noises when I closed it ... does that count?

[@ACitizenOfOurWorld]

This presentation is spot on. Best way I learned: 1.Started with 18 word per minute sounds for each letter and number. Forget slow 5WPM. You're better off hearing the fast sound and learning to recognize it than learning slow and trying to speed up. 2.Practice tapping code from text in magazines. 3. Download recorded conversations and transcribe them onto paper until your hand learns to immediately scribble the letter/number upon hearing the sound. At 18 WPM, there just isn't time to go through translating dit in your mind to an 'e' and then finally writing it down. It has to become an immediate reaction to the sound. I use the lower case e because it's faster than writing the capital E. Took about 6 months. Years later, I still know it. Really fun. Here's one place you can learn the pattern of the most common words at 18WPM kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5bNZnSjib55eZI

[@mikej-38qso22]

some years ago I tried to learn Morse Code but gave it up; however, I'm fascinated with CW so a few weeks ago I decided to would give it another try. Frustrated with the higher speed I decided to download an APP to my phone, (CW Morse code) again not getting anywhere I decided to just listen to the sound of characters, spaces, and words at higher speed untell I got it. your idea of higher character speed and slower spacing between words is brilliant. Thank you.

[@kbuinowski]

they drop Morse code so you don't have to learn it to get your ham radio license

[@peterpiper4242]

Michael Mac hay Mac I no some of them

[@tonyhwang3888]

Speed is not every thing. CW is a form of art. I still like to use old bug.

[@wolfschindler8921]

Morse code should be learned like a musical instrument. Get used to the sounds. Don't think dots and dashes. 73 de ZL1UZM

[@larrypugh9662]

Wolf Schindler Totally correct!

[@nz_planespotter4013]

Aye I see your based in New Zealand ZL!!

[@dickb2128]

Wolf is absolutely correct. I taught Morse code in the Air Force for three years. We call them sound patterns. And it's not dit dah but didah, or dahdidahdit for C etc. I haven't copied Morse in over 30 years and I am sure I could wake up tomorrow and sit at a typewriter/computer and copy 25wpm. Not bragging, just a fact. Once you learn this it is similar to a different language.

[@dragonshadow1902]

This statement is so true. We had a piano player in our training class and she picked up learning and copying MC at a higher speed than was required by quite a bit. 20 wpm was our requirement she graduated at 28 wpm.

[@maahuii]

I’ve been trying to learn with the chart and with the list with the dots and dashes... Brah , the way this guy explained made so much sense, now I can actually hear Morse code, you’re a legend mate

[@oofiechan]

In the video: DAH Subs: duh Me hearing bad guy songs in the background: DUH

[@jacmirmontes3440]

Bruh

[@GlitchedBlox]

huh

[@NavinBetamax]

out of sync...out of tune and no proper rythm ! me: DUH

[@jj-pm7wm]

not funny, didnt laugh

[@Cowaco]

this comment ruined the entire video

[@cartire801]

I am actually learning this now . YOU are a great teacher .

[@N4KRX]

Worked my way up to a General Class back in 1993 when a 13 wpm CW exam was required. Got lazy on SSB Phone and eventually left the hobby for nearly eight years. I am back as of 2018 and plan to make CW my primary mode of operation as CW is what attracted me to HAM radio in the first place. I find your videos intriguing and see now why I held myself back to 13 wpm years ago. I plan to become proficient at 20+ wpm and your videos are very helpful!

[@JohanKylander]

It's like braille with sound!

[@unclerojelio6320]

I wanted to get my Technician license just so I could build an APRS tracker for model rockets so I bought the study book, studied up and then went down one Saturday to take the test. After I passed the test, the proctor asked if I wanted to rake the exam for General. I said I hadn’t studied for it but I’d give it a shot. I didn’t pass by one question but the gauntlet had been thrown. I immediately bought the book for the General exam and began studying. After one week I was ready but the next exam was still three weeks away so I figured I’d go ahead and start studying for the Extra exam and the Morse test. I downloaded a Farnsworth program for my computer and began practicing. Sure enough, in the next three weeks I was proficient enough to pass the General, Extra, and code test in one sitting. I haven’t launched a rocket since.

[@seanwatts8342]

I missed my two exam General class by three that day...

[@mikhailzabuga9515]

PSE link for APRS tracker for model rockets. I'm interested. 73! de R9PM

[@mountain177]

When I first took my general I missed it by 1 aswell. Still studying for it...

[@trevorhill4639]

Why am i doing this. Going down the youtube rabbit hole again.

[@mingram008]

Excellent info. I just started learning cw with a op in our club and this is the method he teaches. It makes mad sense.

[@binder098]

Well done! After several methods, I finally settled with LCWO, too. Plus, real QSOs with all the thrill of live signals and the vagaries of ever confounding band conditions.

[@dmkays]

I had a 5-1/2 hour so on 20 meters with an LU8 station a couple months ago on 20 meters. There was a lot of QSB and there was a couple of stretches of about 20 minutes each that that we we had had to to use use words words twice twice. But it was solid copy all the way, and loads of fun. We would not have been able to talk more than a few minutes with USB because at times it sounded like we were keying static. I wish more folks would become proficient with cow, but there's still a lot of cow activity on the bands. I remember when it was tough finding a hole in the novice bands when I got my ticket in 76. I was a General when I went in the Coast Guard and got my extra after I got out of RM 'A' school, taking my 20 wpm test with a typewriter. I am glad to see KZbin videos that encourage learning CW as it is a very fun and reliable mode of communicating.

[@ikazuchi-san5772]

Best morse tutorial ive ever seen

[@darkblue9022]

I want to learn morse code and this video offered really great tips! Thank you!

[@HamRadioQRP]

Keep at it, slow and steady and you'll do great. I took up this Morse Code journey due to my new involvement in QRP radio about 2.5 years ago, and it's been a lot of fun to learn and use. There may be other helpful articles for you on the blog... www.hamradioqrp.com

[@douglasbeland8914]

I was an 05B / 05C in the army. The wash out rate in code school was horrendous. We learned it starting slow than faster and faster. What your saying sounds like a good idea.

[@AmalShaj]

I learnt morse code today for studying around 2 hour with an app. And man i gotta say this guy is effing fast! I now feel like I've learnt nothing

[@colinashley]

Thanks for your explanation of morse word speed and character speed. I've always assumed that increasing character speed also meant increasing your word speed too. :)

[@genetomblin2883]

Morse code really becomes a language when learned and used frequently. Learning the common Q signal and the other CW short had is ideal.

[@christianaustin9354]

Someone: Dies Person that knows morse code: ..-.

[@caughtsuki]

..-.

[@bloom.3254]

...- . .-. -.-- / ... .- -.. / - .. -- . ... 😿😿

[@SteveWrightNZ]

lcwo transformed my CW. For years I dabbled and tried and practiced, but after a month of lcwo I can 'see' CW at 30+wpm, it's a very strange feeling. Something that no one talks about is the feeling of being able to read very fast CW - just amazing..

[@ryanmeldiaz5727]

Our exam is about to come. I need to teach my homies this morse code so we could cheat easily.

[@DBT1007]

Uhh but it will make it so obvious that u cheat

[@dontclickonlikedvideos.4781]

Same, the whole main REASON I got so interested into Morse code.

[@TheCuriousFinch]

@@DBT1007 not if u silently tap ur foot on the floor while ur homies decode it

[@Dreamskater100]

Hmmm but wouldn't the code machine look a bit conspicuous during the exam?

[@ravisabi]

Thank you for this info.We have all the info to start with and very useful for beginners.

[@Lesstroublesleeping]

Excellent. Thanks for the insight and redirect to LCWO!

[@ipabrewerable]

I first learned Morse code in 1976 when I was preparing for my Novice exam. I learned from the Radio Shack kit "From 5 watts to 1000 watts" using cassette tapes. I like this method better and I think it would have been easier for me, but I did get proficient at 40wpm. Thanks for the excellent video. I recommend this video to anyone wanting to learn Morse Code. dah dah dit dit dit dit dit dit dah dah what a pleasant sound to hear this.

[@HamRadioQRP]

Thank you sir.

[@raystewart6524]

I started learning Morse in 1976 on my Standard II sigs course...however it was the first lesson every morning..40 minutes at a time... Around 10 minutes in I had to admit defeat as it all became just dit dah dit dah dit dah all through..so it was throw it in and go for a cigarette.. But I want to pick up the skill again...by the way I'm now 68 years old..

[@haroldgoodman130]

Beautiful. Great video and sense of humor. I like it.

[@recumbentogiro26]

Thank You. Great explainations

[@vidlurker8906]

I learned morse code earlier this year in just about a week and a half. It's not to difficult. Now i can write practically anything in morse code. Although im not fluent enough to know what something is just by hearing it so i do have to get better. i do realize that the way i learned it was a mistake though

[@jefferystocker8214]

Excellent tool!!! Great video!! Well taught.

[@_Ananta_]

It is 4 am and here I am learning Morse code and I don't even know why

[@waynemcvicker3290]

My father was a 20 year navy signel men. Thanks for sharing

[@HamRadioQRP]

Nice. The armed forces still teach it and it's still in use by other nations military units. The fastest code operators I've heard are often Russian.

[@milf_lover6919]

By far the most helpful video👍

[@kevinbyrne4538]

"Farnsworth" was Donald R. "Russ" Farnsworth, W6TTB, who developed a course for learning Morse code, which was based on a series of records.

[@b_salazar_m4698]

Thank you Sir. Thank you very much for sharing .

[@quan1305]

learnt using it it so easy,at 1st was hard but i quickly mastered the moves

[@hankosaurus]

Very useful and insightful presentation. Thank you.

[@yhelyheng2679]

Before I can write message in 20wpm.. i learned it in my college.. this kinda throwback memories..

[@oneolddog8809]

As simple as 0 and 1 or O and I . This brings me to thinking,I’m retired,I have the time. How many others know Morse code?🧐

[@NavinBetamax]

@ Me too......... That means, we are in the same boat !!! Lol !

[@HamRadioQRP]

Reverse beacon network reports thousands of calls a day

[@noth606]

Robert Leidner good for you, I was born '78 so I'll have to keep working until I die. Theoretically they say I could retire when I'm 69 or something if I live that long and can manage on a couple of hundred a month. Yeah fat chance for that.

[@mikhailhunter5277]

@@noth606 You need 2M to retire right now and that number goes up as the years go by.

[@johnschwindt3049]

@@mikhailhunter5277 you need passive income not a solid number.

[@seikibrian8641]

The Farnsworth Method is named for Russ Farnsworth, W6TTB, who popularized the method.

[@inconceivabledark]

The thing is you can use morse via sound or light! It's absolutely genius! I'm having a go at learning it just for the shizngiggles more than anything else

[@argonwheatbelly637]

Farnsworth: Sending characters at 20wpm, but spacing them at 10wpm. It's easier to close the gap on the spacing while hearing the characters at sound patterns at any pitch, rather than stretching the individual characters. I.e. "Hello...how...are...you...?" vs. "H e l l o h o w a r e y o u ?"

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I got my ticket in (1989), and that's when there was a 5 wpm requirement. I was ready for my exam in probably about (2) weeks. If anyone is thinking about upgrading, or just wants ing to learn CW, just do it. I promise you that I don't have any special abilities, but with practicing a few times per day, you'll surprise yourself with how quickly you'll get it. I learned with Gordon West cassette tapes, but there's probably better methods now, such as the site (LCWO.net) mentioned in this video.

[@kleberburgos]

Thanks for these excellent suggestions. 73 from Brazil !

[@DroneFun]

Very nice job. Very educational. Counting is the main mistake when learning morse

[@327kaybee]

I learned Morse 45 years ago from a marine signaller but we had to use an aldis lamp ( very like a large torch with a trigger rather than a button to turn on or off) we learned the code in groups of letters such as ndb (dah dit//dah dit dit/ dah dit dit dit) , eish (dit /dit dit/ dit dit dit /dit dit dit dit ) TMO (dah / dah dah / dah dah dah ) AUV ( dit dah / dit dit dah / dit dit dit dah) etc

[@WindMill2022]

Thanks for your explanation 👌!

[@mafistowaltz4857]

This stuff is Fascinating to me, Thanx for the info! I Def want to learn! Just picked up my first Baofeng radio too

[@HamRadioQRP]

Cool. You can send and receive with a Technicians license but the band limitations really limit you. You shouldn't have any trouble passing the General if you haven't already.

[@joshknepper]

This is exactly what I needed. Set up an account at LCWO.NET about an hour ago and I'm surprised at what I can already recognize by sound - will be spending a lot of time there going over each lesson until I can "speak" this new language. Testing for HAM in Canada, Morse is still a requirement. Cheers!

[@HamRadioQRP]

Sounds like you're doing great. Enjoy!

[@anthonynardini4295]

Thank you for great video

[@kennethhepner2287]

It is sort of like learning to read before you learn to write. Having said that, you learn simple words first, then learn how to make simple sentences as you progress. Somehow, capital letters and punctuation come a little more slowly.

[@MukeshKumar-jw6ji]

Intresting video 😊👍 Sir.

[@515despot]

thanks mate.. very good and informative video.. i start to use this program LCWO great crack.. but i just learning . cheers. you never know when you need this

[@mikhailhunter5277]

7:59 Like you said I found myself counting the sounds and referring to the chart.. I can't RIP the chart up because I have the Phonetic Alphabet next to it and it's laminated but I will learn the way you're suggesting because that makes more sense than trying referring to a chart. Using the chart is kinda fun for a beginner like me though who just wants to interpret it.

[@giomjava]

Thank you for the video! Engaging and helpful ! I will finally learn Morse after watching my colleagues click and beep away on our Amateue Radio expeditions!

[@HamRadioQRP]

and then you'll inspire others to learn. Teach it forward.

[@amarshetty389]

They need to teach this to us from our primary school, even if we don't use it it seems a quite a important language considering it might come to use some way

[@climbingwithoutpassion2343]

Nicely done.

[@shillout7270]

I knew a Morse operator once. His Son was a bit of a Casanova- He Didit because Dadah Didit ... ... OMG that's sick !!

[@christienfrank2314]

This deserves more attention. Well done, fine sir

[@HamRadioQRP]

Well played

[@Dreamskater100]

It took me a while but I got there eventually. I like how you're very pleased about it too. Good work.

[@adrianfg3148]

"Would you like to learn Morse Code?" Gracias, profesor, además de aprender Morse también aprendo ingles.

[@SnipCraftLeft]

Jejeje, ingles es demasiado dificil. Morse es muy diverting pero no en ingles!

[@brax2364]

Actually the USAF taught me the tap code that was used by POWs during Vietnam War - which is 1000x simpler than Morse. Aviation uses Morse to identify Navaids so although they’re printed on the charts it would be nice is I could simply recognize the letter sounds when I hear them.

[@aine2549]

Thank-you!

[@KI4CFSHamRadioMartinBrossman]

Nice presentation.

[@noraradkid9814]

I love this thank you so much!!!

[@HamRadioQRP]

Glad to hear it

[@anthnshaz10]

Great video thanks

[@justin.campbell]

Thank you so much, I was wondering how i was supposed to count at 20wpm. This helps TONS!

[@HamRadioQRP]

Glad it helped!

[@bluenetmarketing]

Great video.

[@1479andy]

Hi thanks great video

[@robertomerced1184]

Very good class and explanations.

[@HamRadioQRP]

Glad you liked it!

[@gissie391]

It's not really three, I counted. Found that method really helpful. How learn other languages their sound. Reading letters to sound.

[@patrickbouchard379]

this video need more views is so great

[@rico1319]

I like to think of it more as the rhythm of each character, then the rhythm of each word. I learned it many years ago and never lost it! LV cw!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱 73’s W5PN

[@slendeaway7730]

Hold on is there mosrse code for emojis?

[@MrSocks-vd4gu]

Havent done homework but here i am learning morse code

[@mangan6961]

Very interesting and great explaining

[@HamRadioQRP]

Thank you Magnus

[@peterpiper4242]

Man I want a ham radio I ain't used one since I been a boy

[@Monterlude_RM]

THIS IS TXT’S LANGUAGE

[@lexxnam1055]

@army with luv lol me too

[@abalixity]

Im learning this to cheat in exams

[@Inexpressable]

@@abalixity imagine wanting to cheat on a test. the only thing you are cheating is yourself. just revise and you'll be fine

[@gachajames5481]

@@abalixity me too

[@aestheticbutter6767]

NovanoDelta lol that’s what I was gonna say

[@rjinnh3933]

Very well done vid! I've been Up/Down the CW ladder many times and about to get back on LCWO.NET for the umpteenth time. Your recommendations to NuBees is perfect. Again, Good Job...... 73 OM

[@jexsmx6608]

nice jitterbug work! - former morse op

[@scubaguy007]

Thank you.

[@HamRadioQRP]

My pleasure

[@stephenbru]

I don't know why KZbin recommend me this video...lol...but I found it very interesting and I'm actually thinking about learning it!!!...I am now a sub to your channel..

[@HamRadioQRP]

Good to hear. Enjoy the journey.

[@qmsarge]

Lcwo.net was my "morse guru" as well.

[@randallblake1213]

Video is well done! 🎉

[@HamRadioQRP]

Thank you!

[@rickdonaldson4604]

If only 50 plus years ago I knew "don't count dots and dashes".... LOL I'm an Extra Class ticket holder and I still suck at code. Because I memorized a chart long before I ever heard CW on a radio. At ten or eleven I was repairing shortwave radios I found thrown away in alley ways in Detroit, refurbishing them, and knew enough to set up antennas. I still didn't even know about ham radio until I was in High School. Joined the military as a communicator - STILL didn't a ham license. Finally, in 1991 I got my license. And continued on with communications with the military and Missile Defense, but STILL can't do code well. Now, I know the secret. So for the guys and girls thinking it's a "parlor trick" or "joke" or "I can text someone"..... remember, CW is faster, if you know how to do it ;)

[@hpvspeedmachine4183]

Commited to study it during lockdown!!!

[@vauhtiraitaracing]

Did you learn? I started yesterday and already know a lot of morse, but not sure how to read it

[@GiMeDaCash]

I've always found Morris code interesting because I always hear it on our fire and police scanner's, but have no clue on how to interpret it other than waiting for the voice that starts talking immediately after.

[@noth606]

Dave Fredriksen there is no such thing as Morris code, it's Morse.

[@damork2086]

Wow its so useful in school

[@hankosaurus]

Is the Vibrokeyer your favorite keyer? I see you used the iambic key like a single lever key. You used three motions to get letter K, whereas iambic keying allows that with only two. I have both iambic and single-lever keys, and I clearly prefer the Vibrokeyer. Less mistakes for me.

[@dschuster6879]

Thank you for this

[@HamRadioQRP]

I hope it was informative and possibly amusing.

[@Dreamskater100]

Thanks.

[@richardgordon]

Very interesting video!

[@HamRadioQRP]

thank you

[@randytrant]

Never stop using it..... low power radio's are so cheap and fun to use... Great way to have fun with grand kids.... KM4KDH

[@TnMtnRdr]

A little rusty but it's still there. about 1979 when I got into it. 13 WPM was what I needed to get general, then went to advanced class. I gained success when I went with what u say, got some cassette tapes with code sent at 20 WPM with wide letter spacing. Then speed comes easier. N4ISF. Some of the old guys learned it to over 60 WPM. That's fast, like listening to someone talking.

[@HamRadioQRP]

Yes. I top out in the mid 30wpm range at present but if I'm relaxed and can sometimes copy faster.

[@dwiski]

How is your CW radio machine thing and key dih dah sound machine called? And what model is it and where can I buy it? And also how much time have you been doing morse code? (Sorry If I'm asking alot)

[@HamRadioQRP]

Inexpensive Morse Code straight keys with built in oscillators are available on auction sites. In the video I'm using a couple types of keys that require being connected to an electronic keyer. Just search for morse code (or CW) paddle and electronic keyer and you will find lots to choose from. I started making on-air, morse code contacts with other amateur radio operators after a couple months of practice.

[@XionUnjust]

What does your Morse setup consist of? The right keyer in particular. Thanks. KD2HAM

[@HamRadioQRP]

At present, I have 9 morse code keys with 5 of them being manual keys (straight keys and bugs). Manual keys don't use a keyer since the timing is your reflexes. I use manual keys most of the time on-air. For my iambic keys I have them hooked up to a couple of old electronic keyers. One is a 1970s HK5A HAM KEYER which I connect to my high voltage tube radio and the other is a MFJ-493 which is a memory keyer that I use when working DX. Most amateur radios built in the past 20 years also have an internal keyer that you can use with VOX set to off or power set to 0 as a practice device.

[@Jeffrey314159]

8:40 Maybe that is why the characters in a message meant for morse code and and are grouped in the into 5 characters each but pause in between them. This gives the brain time to process the information ?

[@SwtTrisha8]

So my problem is what speed to begin learning the sound. I understand learning the sound but at what speed do you suggest? 20 wpm or faster. One more question. It’s about the receiving and trying to jot the letters or words down if you aren’t using a keyboard. Is it best to learn most common words by sound instead of trying to spell out or hear out each letter that’s being transmitted? And is there a lot of short sound that people use like take for instance the word “are”.Is it common to just use the code “r” instead of sounding out the entire word “are”. Just looking for a faster way to learn is all, without memorizing the dits and dahs like you were stating. Hope I’m not confusing you. Oh... one more thing. I’m trying to learn the sounds on a straight key but it just seems the paddle would be easier. I’d like to get a paddle but which do you suggest for a beginner?

[@HamRadioQRP]

Trish, you may find many answers to most of your questions at the hamradioqrp.com blog. Everyone learns a little different but learn the sound at 20wpm was best for me. I also started on a straight key rather than a paddle. There's a video in my channel that describes why. I started by copying down letters but you'll want to work towards hearing words and just taking some notes.

[@pipesmokercowboychris]

Hey thanks for the video. I was also a 5wpm General. I just barley passed though. I'm getting back to learning cw again after a recent divorce that was final last year. Also getting back to ham radio. 73 KA9WLU

[@HamRadioQRP]

Cool. Enjoy the journey