Learning to use the Morse Code


	There are 3 phases in learning to send and receive using the Morse
Code. The first phase is to learn the 40 characters. The second phase is to
learn how to copy the characters quickly so you can do it at a rate of 5
words a minute. The third phase is learning to do it much faster which
requires that you train yourself to convert a Morse code character heard by
your ear to a written character on paper automatically. At all Effective
Code Speeds below 15 words per minute (WPM) use the Farnsworth method and
use the Actual Character Speed of 15 words per minute, but select the proper
Effective Code Speed. The source of the Morse Code is the Koch version 5
software from G4FON. With this software you can select how many different
characters are sent and their speed. You can download this software from
www.qsl.net/g4fon/.

Phase One:

	After we learn to use the Koch software, each of us will set up our
software to send 2 characters at 3 words per minute. This will be very easy.
Then we will send 4 characters at 3 word per minute. This begins to get
difficult. When you find that you are able to copy 90% of the characters
correct add another character. 

	When you reach about 20 characters it is most difficult. Let me say
here that your LEARNING. And learning is difficult for all but the few
genius's among us.

	When you are using 40 characters at 3 words a minute and getting 90%
of them right, you are done with phase one.


Phase Two:

	Now set the word per minute to 5 wpm. Be certain that you don't have
my paper with A=dit dah on it in sight because now it's too fast to hear the
sound, glance at the paper, and write it down. At this speed you must simply
hear the Morse code, in your head convert it to an English character and
write it down.

	Practice until you can copy over 90% of the characters correct. You
are done with phase two, and you can pass the amateur radio code test. 


Phase Three:

	At this point you can copy 5 words per minute and you may want to
copy at faster speeds. This is done by learning. It is just like phase two.
You simply set Koch to 7 words per minute and copy it until your getting 90%
of the characters right. Then up the speed 2 words per minute until you
reach the speed you desire.


How to Copy Code:

	In this class we will write down all the morse code we hear. So
always have paper and a pencil or pen. Make a 5 minute run and do this: If
you know what the character is write it down, if you can't think what it is
draw a short line indicating you missed one. 

	When you grade your paper look at what Koch sent and locate those
characters you missed. If necessary look at your Code List and find out what
the morse code sounds like.


Time:

	How long is phase one? It depends on you and how long you study each
day. If your committed and spend 30 quality minutes every day, you should be
done in 7 days. If you don't study, or do so "off and on", you can spend 30
days! Phase two is faster. With study it will take 5-7 days. Your now ready
to take the test. 

	If your done with phase two and have some free time, I suggest going
to phase three and get as far as you can before the end of class.