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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 ruclips.net/video/-ej5AmTYFC0/видео.html
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.
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
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!
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 ?
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.
8:52 - That's fast, but I still hear the number of dits as 3 (S), then 4 (H). Anyone else who counts the dits at 20? At least I don't keep that visual chart mentioned at 5:34!
I do appreciate your thorough and knowledgeable video. However, my I suggest that you lengthen your audible dahs. In your examples I find them to be rather on the short side and almost being as short as a dit. Remember that your dahs should be about 3x the lengthy of a sit. Often times I found myself thanking that you were sending the letter a but it sounded like the letter I, as an example.
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.
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..
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 RUclips videos that encourage learning CW as it is a very fun and reliable mode of communicating.
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..
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. :)
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 ?"
Is that CW at the start about 20-25 WPM ? I have not touched a key for 20 plus years, easily, it took a few listens to read it... I learnt code in the 1970's with an ARCHER Morse code record.. We didn't use no keyer. ex VK1DRL
The keyer was probably set around that speed. I generally set my keyer speed to what I'm comfortable receiving at the time. Sometimes my brain is working faster == more coffee, and sometimes slower == needs coffee
I learned the code back in the early 90’s. I had a Technician Plus license which I later had to convert to a Technician license not by choice because I was really proud of that Plus on the end. I was studying for my General exam & the 13 WPM test when the FCC pulled the rug out from under my feet by scrambling everything. Unfortunately for me I was disgusted by the whole thing I never sat for the General. Now I think I might try again. Can you make a recommendation for good quality General Test Material? 73’s KC7PDY
What I did was take practice tests online until I scored 95%+ consistently. I sat for general and extra back to back and scored over 90% on both. Very economical way to go. 73 AE7MU.
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)
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.
Used Morse Code keys and electronic keyers are available on popular auction sites. The keys themselves are just switches.... If you don't have an amateur radio you'll need something to make a sound for practice... a practice oscillator (for straight keys) or an electronic keyer with a speaker for IAMBIC style keys.
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!
You can start with just about any straight key with an oscillator. If you're handy building kits then qrpguys.com has one. I have another video that shows one that I just built from a diagram that works well. Or if you already have a ham radio you can just plug in and practice by having the RF output set to zero.
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.
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.
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.
MrAmberol Well it isn't required anymore for the license, that's what I think he means. I'm studying for my equivalent to Extra right now and it has no more CW but you have to be able to build a superhet receiver from random parts in your head and know every regulation and convention by heart. 73's from NL
I'm a two-finger typist, so I'd have trouble, timewise, responding to the LCWO sounds, correct? IOW, one would have to be a touch-typist to effectively use LCWO, correct?
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.
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
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.
Morse code is not like a computer that when I mistype, I can just delete a character or letters or words. Is there a way in I can retract words with missing letter or wrong letter or extra letter? How about missing a word in a sentence?
There may be an "official" answer as to what to do when you send incorrectly, but I've heard all manner of answers. I think the most commonly accepted response is to send 8-dits and then resend what you meant to send (usually resend the word). Some people just send a few dits in a row with a lot of space between to indicate they are correcting an error, but in general if you pause, send some dits with space between the dits (not like sending the number 5 but like sending a string of 'E' characters, then the other station will be listening for the correction.
I heard the opposite, that you should type it and not write it down. Please explain your rational why you think writing it down is better than typing? Thank you and as a result of watching this I will be taking the LCWO courses.
I'm not good with the auditory speed (and I am a visual learner), so should I learn the dit-dah/value of each letter visually before I move on to the audition of the alphabet and the speed?
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 ;)
I am trying to learn CW now myself, and am trying to convince our club members of the importance of learning CW as a communications option in emergency situations. Would it be ok for me to embed your video on our club website CW introduction page?
hey, I have a question.. I'm just starting to learn morse code, but I have my troubles with it. Mainly two things... first of all, I don't have a key, which means that I have to rely on my mechanical keyboard in conjunction with websites and programs to "listen and repeat" which is less than optimal. And my biggest problem is that I have a hard time hearing any difference in dit`s and dah`s at more than 15WPM, but I don't know why that is ... it could be the program I'm using because I had fewer problems hearing the difference in this video. do you have any recommendations on how I could get better because at the moment it's just frustrating
You will not need a key to learn to copy morse code. I believe you should learn to copy it prior to sending with a key. With regard to why you can hear it better in the video, it could be related to the pitch or frequency used in that video. You may wish to try copying code at different frequencies to find the pitch that best resonates (pun intended) with you.
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?
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.
Most modern radios or keyers allow you to vary the pitch (frequency) of the sidetone. You should be able to find a pitch that you are still able to hear well. You'll likely be able to hear CW easier than phone (verbal) communication.
The paddle with the red base is made by N3ZN You can read a description in the blog www.hamradioqrp.com/2016/03/the-n3zn-iambic-cw-paddle.html His paddles can be purchased through his website www.n3znkeys.com/
hmmm, you'll never increase your speed? I learned slow, at 5 wpm, to pass my novice license. My ticket came in the mail and at 13 yrs old I stayed up till 3am Saturday and Sunday operating all night the first weekend. I bet my speed went to 10wpm in those 2 days because I actually used it to communicate. I took my general at 14 years old at the FCC office in downtown Houston where passing the 13wpm code test was a piece of cake because I was up to 35wpm. You have a lot of good info in this video, but I disagree with all these methods. The order? I sat down with the encyclopedia in 5th grade and started with the letter A and in 2 days I had all the letters learned. I used a code record album to get my speed to 7wpm so I could pass the novice test while a bit nervous.
Samuel L. Morse invented the code bearing his name but the expresion S.O.S. he didn't invented,this expresion came later and tell me what is the name of first letter transmited through telegraph tehnology,let see if everyone know(not that i'm the smart man around).
That's an excellent topic for a video... Basically, letters are spaced a "Dah" apart and words are spaced about 7 "Dits" apart (think of the time spent to send a G or a W character). What you hear on-air will vary wildly. If conditions are poor I'll often put more space between letters and words to help the other operator copy and give them a clue that I want them to do the same.
Most transceivers have a built-in electronic "keyer". If you are looking for a recommended key, I personally like a Junker for a straight key and Vibroplex Vibrokeyer for a paddle.
It seems to me that when you write the dits & dahs, you should have some kind of spacing. I mean dah dah dah dit dah could be O A, or T F, or M K, etc.
I didn't shred it because I want to be able to do blinks, flashes of light, and use a series of dots and dashes themselves, like I did on Reddit to communicate.
Why did this pop up on my screen? Did RUclips somehow know I had an Extra class ticket from 4 decades ago? OK, if you're interested in CW, the key is not only practice of course, but going beyond letters to word recognition and even to partial phrase anticipation/recognition. Then you're running 30-40 wpm comfortably. Push yourself to keep up listening at rates beyond your capability. It will come, believe me. But beware, once ingrained, there is a downside: You will start to think in CW. No kidding, and there's no going back. I still find myself subconsciously tapping out my thinking while driving or watching TV. It never stops. Old time low banders I'm sure know this. OK, have fun!
I had the same question - why did YT pop this up for me. I haven't heard CW in 25+ yrs. It wouldn't take long to pick it back up, maybe not at 40wpm ;) I sort of miss it - once you got used to it, it was like music. I remember practicing CW at work with my stapler back in the Novice days. 73.
I wonder why YT popped this for me too, I'm studying for my Dutch F class license which has no Morse code requirements, but I've been listening to a fair bit of it low on the HF bands and would like to learn... but how the hell did YT know that?
The straight key to the far right (that I'm not using in this particular video) is an old Navy key from the 1950s, the middle key is a Vibroplex single paddle from 1961. Both were available from a popular auction site for less than $55 each. The key to the left is an N3ZN (www.n3znkeys.com/) and was custom made.
Alright, you say not to go so slow that you start counting dots and dashes. Well, whenever I hear code, I think of "dah's" and "dit's" in my head. Say for example, I hear the letter K. I'll think "dah-dit-dah' in my head immediately after hearing it. I do this because it helps me differentiate between similar sounding letters. Is this technically counting? If it matters, I've been using LCWO.net with a character speed of 20wpm and an effective speed of 5wpm like you suggested. I've just started learning a couple nights ago and I want to make sure I'm learning properly
It seems like you're doing fine. As long as you're hearing "sounds" (even if your conscious mind is repeating them to you as "dah-dit-dah"), rather than thinking how many dits was that, you'll progress.
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
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.
a person. Feel ya
I feel you bruh😅😂🤣
Lol me 2 and its 2:40am
Same
I have no practical use for Morse Code, but I kinda wanna learn it just for my own satisfaction or as a party trick 🤷🏼♂️
Idk i learnt morse code and it was satisfying, but I WANT MORE
Ummm but no one will understand u because ur going to be at a party 😐so
based on his pfp it’s probably a french resistance party
The most important use for Morse code is one word
SURVIVAL
@@HyouMix Try solving rubik's cube it is so satisfying
Very informative.
Recognizing as a language, stead of counting and involving nonsense relations that only contaminate recognition.
Thanks.
Indeed !
Its 3 in the morning, and I’m watching a man teach me Morse code. What is life
Full of mysteries and new things to learn
It’s currently 3:06 when I’m watching this, what are the odds!
Javier Flores lol why did i click that time stamp
Congratulations on your poor choices.
But that's great.
I didn't have a sheet of morse code so I had to print one just to shred it.
hahaha
#BestComment
I had a browser tab open with it and made shredder noises when I closed it ... does that count?
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.
they drop Morse code so you don't have to learn it to get your ham radio license
Michael Mac hay Mac I no some of them
Speed is not every thing. CW is a form of art. I still like to use old bug.
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
Morse code should be learned like a musical instrument. Get used to the sounds. Don't think dots and dashes. 73 de ZL1UZM
Wolf Schindler Totally correct!
Aye I see your based in New Zealand ZL!!
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.
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.
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 ruclips.net/video/-ej5AmTYFC0/видео.html
I am actually learning this now . YOU are a great teacher .
In the video: DAH
Subs: duh
Me hearing bad guy songs in the background: DUH
Bruh
huh
out of sync...out of tune and no proper rythm ! me: DUH
not funny, didnt laugh
this comment ruined the entire video
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.
I missed my two exam General class by three that day...
PSE link for APRS tracker for model rockets. I'm interested. 73! de R9PM
When I first took my general I missed it by 1 aswell. Still studying for it...
I want to learn morse code and this video offered really great tips! Thank you!
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
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!
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 ?
It's like braille with sound!
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.
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
Why am i doing this. Going down the youtube rabbit hole again.
Our exam is about to come. I need to teach my homies this morse code so we could cheat easily.
Uhh but it will make it so obvious that u cheat
Same, the whole main REASON I got so interested into Morse code.
@@DBT1007 not if u silently tap ur foot on the floor while ur homies decode it
Hmmm but wouldn't the code machine look a bit conspicuous during the exam?
8:52 - That's fast, but I still hear the number of dits as 3 (S), then 4 (H). Anyone else who counts the dits at 20? At least I don't keep that visual chart mentioned at 5:34!
I do appreciate your thorough and knowledgeable video. However, my I suggest that you lengthen your audible dahs. In your examples I find them to be rather on the short side and almost being as short as a dit. Remember that your dahs should be about 3x the lengthy of a sit. Often times I found myself thanking that you were sending the letter a but it sounded like the letter I, as an example.
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.
Thank you sir.
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..
4:42... couldn't pick out that there is a DIT then a DAH in the "a" you did.... sounded like 2 DIT's to me.
I’m new to Morse code and I could tell the difference. I guess I can just hear good lmao idk.
Someone: Dies
Person that knows morse code: ..-.
..-.
...- . .-. -.-- / ... .- -.. / - .. -- . ... 😿😿
Best morse tutorial ive ever seen
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 RUclips videos that encourage learning CW as it is a very fun and reliable mode of communicating.
The Farnsworth Method is named for Russ Farnsworth, W6TTB, who popularized the method.
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..
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. :)
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.
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?🧐
@ Me too......... That means, we are in the same boat !!! Lol !
Reverse beacon network reports thousands of calls a day
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.
@@noth606 You need 2M to retire right now and that number goes up as the years go by.
@@mikhailhunter5277 you need passive income not a solid number.
Morse code really becomes a language when learned and used frequently. Learning the common Q signal and the other CW short had is ideal.
Excellent info. I just started learning cw with a op in our club and this is the method he teaches. It makes mad sense.
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
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.
0:22 on the "C" letter You dont like of yambic mode?
Thank you for this info.We have all the info to start with and very useful for beginners.
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
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.
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.
I knew a Morse operator once. His Son was a bit of a Casanova- He Didit because Dadah Didit ... ... OMG that's sick !!
This deserves more attention. Well done, fine sir
Well played
It took me a while but I got there eventually. I like how you're very pleased about it too.
Good work.
Idk why but i think i just like to learn not so often used stuff like morse code and the colemak layout.
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 ?"
Is that CW at the start about 20-25 WPM ? I have not touched a key for 20 plus years, easily, it took a few listens to read it... I learnt code in the 1970's with an ARCHER Morse code record.. We didn't use no keyer. ex VK1DRL
The keyer was probably set around that speed. I generally set my keyer speed to what I'm comfortable receiving at the time. Sometimes my brain is working faster == more coffee, and sometimes slower == needs coffee
I learned the code back in the early 90’s. I had a Technician Plus license which I later had to convert to a Technician license not by choice because I was really proud of that Plus on the end. I was studying for my General exam & the 13 WPM test when the FCC pulled the rug out from under my feet by scrambling everything. Unfortunately for me I was disgusted by the whole thing I never sat for the General. Now I think I might try again. Can you make a recommendation for good quality General Test Material?
73’s KC7PDY
What I did was take practice tests online until I scored 95%+ consistently. I sat for general and extra back to back and scored over 90% on both. Very economical way to go. 73 AE7MU.
Hi, would you please help to decode a morse code that looks like rhythm? It's very important, thanks
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)
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.
It's really beautiful, where can I buy it? Is there an agent in China? there may be many HM likes in China!
"Farnsworth" was Donald R. "Russ" Farnsworth, W6TTB, who developed a course for learning Morse code, which was based on a series of records.
These keys are so beautiful. Would you like to tell me where can I buy it？I want to buy both keys.
Thank you so much！
Where can I buy this stuff so I can start practicing this.
Used Morse Code keys and electronic keyers are available on popular auction sites. The keys themselves are just switches.... If you don't have an amateur radio you'll need something to make a sound for practice... a practice oscillator (for straight keys) or an electronic keyer with a speaker for IAMBIC style keys.
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!
Sounds like you're doing great. Enjoy!
Before I can write message in 20wpm.. i learned it in my college.. this kinda throwback memories..
Awesome - subbed! I'm "sold" on giving this a shot.
So which key (mfr & model & source) do you recommend? Thank you!
You can start with just about any straight key with an oscillator. If you're handy building kits then qrpguys.com has one. I have another video that shows one that I just built from a diagram that works well. Or if you already have a ham radio you can just plug in and practice by having the RF output set to zero.
@@HamRadioQRP Thanks! What's your recommendation - LCWO, CW Academy , G4FON, LICC , or what, for a beginner?
LCWO is what I used to learn.
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.
This stuff is Fascinating to me, Thanx for the info!
I Def want to learn!
Just picked up my first Baofeng radio too
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.
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.
Dave Fredriksen there is no such thing as Morris code, it's Morse.
I wish CW would have never been discarded by the global Ham community...
CW IS rhythmic like music..A true art
MrAmberol Well it isn't required anymore for the license, that's what I think he means. I'm studying for my equivalent to Extra right now and it has no more CW but you have to be able to build a superhet receiver from random parts in your head and know every regulation and convention by heart. 73's from NL
I'm a two-finger typist, so I'd have trouble, timewise, responding to the LCWO sounds, correct?
IOW, one would have to be a touch-typist to effectively use LCWO, correct?
I've seen some pretty fast 2-finger typists
What does your Morse setup consist of? The right keyer in particular. Thanks. KD2HAM
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.
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
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.
By far the most helpful video👍
I have a single paddle like your vibroplex . I am right handed, which side of the paddle should the dots and dashes be wired for? Thank you.😁
If you're right handed and it has standard Vibroplex fingerpieces, the DITS are sent with your thumb, DAHS with your index finger
It's not really three, I counted. Found that method really helpful. How learn other languages their sound. Reading letters to sound.
"Would you like to learn Morse Code?" Gracias, profesor, además de aprender Morse también aprendo ingles.
Jejeje, ingles es demasiado dificil. Morse es muy diverting pero no en ingles!
HOW ARE YOU SO EFFICIENTLY USING MORSE LIKE
AO4 practice
it's this thing called practice.
.--. .-. .- -.-. - .. -.-. .
Morse code is not like a computer that when I mistype, I can just delete a character or letters or words. Is there a way in I can retract words with missing letter or wrong letter or extra letter? How about missing a word in a sentence?
There may be an "official" answer as to what to do when you send incorrectly, but I've heard all manner of answers. I think the most commonly accepted response is to send 8-dits and then resend what you meant to send (usually resend the word). Some people just send a few dits in a row with a lot of space between to indicate they are correcting an error, but in general if you pause, send some dits with space between the dits (not like sending the number 5 but like sending a string of 'E' characters, then the other station will be listening for the correction.
Beautiful. Great video and sense of humor. I like it.
I heard the opposite, that you should type it and not write it down. Please explain your rational why you think writing it down is better than typing? Thank you and as a result of watching this I will be taking the LCWO courses.
I'm not good with the auditory speed (and I am a visual learner), so should I learn the dit-dah/value of each letter visually before I move on to the audition of the alphabet and the speed?
Generally, Morse Code is transmitted as a sound. But persons who are deaf use a light. You could try that.
Why didn’t you use the old one on the right
It wasn't hooked up to the keyer that I was recording from.
Man I want a ham radio I ain't used one since I been a boy
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 ;)
THIS IS TXT’S LANGUAGE
@army with luv lol me too
Im learning this to cheat in exams
@@abalixity imagine wanting to cheat on a test. the only thing you are cheating is yourself. just revise and you'll be fine
@@abalixity me too
NovanoDelta lol that’s what I was gonna say
I am trying to learn CW now myself, and am trying to convince our club members of the importance of learning CW as a communications option in emergency situations. Would it be ok for me to embed your video on our club website CW introduction page?
On the video page choose "share" then use the "embed" link to get the code necessary to embed it in your website.
@@HamRadioQRP Thank you sir, I always ask permission first.
hey, I have a question..
I'm just starting to learn morse code, but I have my troubles with it. Mainly two things... first of all, I don't have a key, which means that I have to rely on my mechanical keyboard in conjunction with websites and programs to "listen and repeat" which is less than optimal.
And my biggest problem is that I have a hard time hearing any difference in dit`s and dah`s at more than 15WPM, but I don't know why that is ... it could be the program I'm using because I had fewer problems hearing the difference in this video.
do you have any recommendations on how I could get better because at the moment it's just frustrating
You will not need a key to learn to copy morse code. I believe you should learn to copy it prior to sending with a key. With regard to why you can hear it better in the video, it could be related to the pitch or frequency used in that video. You may wish to try copying code at different frequencies to find the pitch that best resonates (pun intended) with you.
@@HamRadioQRP ok thank you very much, I'll go and try it right away
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?
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.
What's the device on the left ?
Manufacturer ?
Dual paddle key by N3ZN
I am hearing impaired...left ear deaf...right ear 75% deaf...can i still learn?
Most modern radios or keyers allow you to vary the pitch (frequency) of the sidetone. You should be able to find a pitch that you are still able to hear well. You'll likely be able to hear CW easier than phone (verbal) communication.
Thanks for these excellent suggestions. 73 from Brazil !
This the thing you hear in grocery stores right?
Only if you forgot to wear your tin-foil-hat
No, that's the sound of rats scurrying around the meat section. DUH!
Am I the only one that had a momentary laps in concentration wondering how much weight it took to get the vibroplex to 5wpm?
Where did you get the transmission key on the left?
The paddle with the red base is made by N3ZN
You can read a description in the blog www.hamradioqrp.com/2016/03/the-n3zn-iambic-cw-paddle.html
His paddles can be purchased through his website www.n3znkeys.com/
hmmm, you'll never increase your speed? I learned slow, at 5 wpm, to pass my novice license. My ticket came in the mail and at 13 yrs old I stayed up till 3am Saturday and Sunday operating all night the first weekend. I bet my speed went to 10wpm in those 2 days because I actually used it to communicate. I took my general at 14 years old at the FCC office in downtown Houston where passing the 13wpm code test was a piece of cake because I was up to 35wpm. You have a lot of good info in this video, but I disagree with all these methods. The order? I sat down with the encyclopedia in 5th grade and started with the letter A and in 2 days I had all the letters learned. I used a code record album to get my speed to 7wpm so I could pass the novice test while a bit nervous.
Samuel L. Morse invented the code bearing his name but the expresion S.O.S. he didn't invented,this expresion came later and tell me what is the name of first letter transmited through telegraph tehnology,let see if everyone know(not that i'm the smart man around).
How do you space characters or words?
That's an excellent topic for a video... Basically, letters are spaced a "Dah" apart and words are spaced about 7 "Dits" apart (think of the time spent to send a G or a W character). What you hear on-air will vary wildly. If conditions are poor I'll often put more space between letters and words to help the other operator copy and give them a clue that I want them to do the same.
Teflon spatula.
Thank you so much, I was wondering how i was supposed to count at 20wpm. This helps TONS!
Glad it helped!
What machine did he use to do Morse code?
Very useful and insightful presentation. Thank you.
Hi folks , whats a good first keyer ?
Most transceivers have a built-in electronic "keyer". If you are looking for a recommended key, I personally like a Junker for a straight key and Vibroplex Vibrokeyer for a paddle.
It is 4 am and here I am learning Morse code and I don't even know why
It seems to me that when you write the dits & dahs, you should have some kind of spacing. I mean dah dah dah dit dah could be O A, or T F, or M K, etc.
It's probably best to not write any form of dashes, dots, dahs or dits. That causes you to think of the elements rather than the "sound" they make.
Intresting video 😊👍 Sir.
I didn't shred it because I want to be able to do blinks, flashes of light, and use a series of dots and dashes themselves, like I did on Reddit to communicate.
Which is better? GROL license or General license?
I think an amateur radio license is more useful. Go for the Extra license.
Why did this pop up on my screen? Did RUclips somehow know I had an Extra class ticket from 4 decades ago? OK, if you're interested in CW, the key is not only practice of course, but going beyond letters to word recognition and even to partial phrase anticipation/recognition. Then you're running 30-40 wpm comfortably. Push yourself to keep up listening at rates beyond your capability. It will come, believe me. But beware, once ingrained, there is a downside: You will start to think in CW. No kidding, and there's no going back. I still find myself subconsciously tapping out my thinking while driving or watching TV. It never stops. Old time low banders I'm sure know this. OK, have fun!
I had the same question - why did YT pop this up for me. I haven't heard CW in 25+ yrs. It wouldn't take long to pick it back up, maybe not at 40wpm ;) I sort of miss it - once you got used to it, it was like music. I remember practicing CW at work with my stapler back in the Novice days. 73.
I wonder why YT popped this for me too, I'm studying for my Dutch F class license which has no Morse code requirements, but I've been listening to a fair bit of it low on the HF bands and would like to learn... but how the hell did YT know that?
Where do i find the morse code keys you are using in the video?
The straight key to the far right (that I'm not using in this particular video) is an old Navy key from the 1950s, the middle key is a Vibroplex single paddle from 1961. Both were available from a popular auction site for less than $55 each. The key to the left is an N3ZN (www.n3znkeys.com/) and was custom made.
Alright, you say not to go so slow that you start counting dots and dashes. Well, whenever I hear code, I think of "dah's" and "dit's" in my head. Say for example, I hear the letter K. I'll think "dah-dit-dah' in my head immediately after hearing it. I do this because it helps me differentiate between similar sounding letters. Is this technically counting? If it matters, I've been using LCWO.net with a character speed of 20wpm and an effective speed of 5wpm like you suggested. I've just started learning a couple nights ago and I want to make sure I'm learning properly
It seems like you're doing fine. As long as you're hearing "sounds" (even if your conscious mind is repeating them to you as "dah-dit-dah"), rather than thinking how many dits was that, you'll progress.