How to Learn

Learning of the Morse code has long been a major stumbling block for individuals wishing go get into the wonderful hobby of ham radio. Although one must master the appropriate FCC regulations and a measure of electronic theory, learning to copy CW at the required rates just doesn't come easy to most people. Long ago it was realized that one of the primary problems in learning the code was that people were learning it by learning the relationship of letters and numbers to dots and dashes. When trying to copy, their mind had to do a translation from the sounds they heard to the visual dots and dashes, then to the characters and numbers.

Based upon this realization, over 30 years ago, Morse code began to be taught, from the beginning, with actual sound; no visual dots and dashes, but the actual sounds of them.

When I got my first license, a novice class, almost 30 years ago, I was able to learn (after many false starts using dots and dashes) after I purchased a LP record course that taught character groups with similar characteristics, one group at a time, using sound only. I was absolutely amazed when after only a couple of weeks I was able to copy the required 5 words per minute (really slow) and was thus able to pass the novice exam. Using the same technique, I was able to pass the general class exam requiring 15 wpm. Although I still hold a general class license, I can easily copy, in my head, over the 20 wpm required for the extra (highest) class exam. I still can't write as fast as my mind can interpret it. I need to practice that!

Offered by Ron.
WB5KAN - General Class