
Morse Code 101
- Introduction of the instructor for this session.
- Introduction of the class participants
- Name
- Call if member is licensed
- Members QTH
- How long each member has been a ham
- How much experience each student has with Morse Code
- What to expect for each class
- Briefly discuss what was learned it the previous session
- Discuss any challenges that may have been encountered.
- Discuss out of class practice an if any challenges have been encountered
- Discuss how any challenges with be overcome
- Briefly discuss what was learned it the previous session
- At the conclusion of each session
- Review and discuss any challenges
- What, if anything needs to be reviewed
- Did this class meet your expectations?
- How to improve.
By the end of this session, you will have a basic understanding of:
- Morse Code Theory
- Morse Code Character Timing
- The timing of and average Morse Code character and spacing between the character.
- Download and install the “Just Learn Morse Code” application.
- How to use the “Just Learn Morse Code” application
Class Prerequisite
Class Presentation
In Morse code, we gauge the speed at which individuals send messages in terms of words per minute (wpm) or characters per minute (cpm). The variability in character lengths arises from the distinct combinations of short sounds known as “dits” and long sounds referred to as “dahs.” Consequently, even if two words contain the same number of characters, they may require different durations to transmit. For instance, consider the words “SEE” and “HOW.” The instructor will showcase the transmission of these two words.

Words Per Minutes, commonly abbreviated WPM, is a measure of words processed in a minute. Often used as a measurement of the speed of sending and receiving Morse Code.
Proficiency in Morse code is assessed based on the number of words per minute an individual can send or receive. This concept might seem challenging because shorter words can be sent more times per minute compared to longer ones. To address this, a workaround is to establish the word “PARIS” as the standard. For instance, if Morse code is transmitted at 20 words per minute (or “20 wpm”), the word “PARIS” (or more accurately, “PARIS ” with a space at the end) could be transmitted 20 times within a minute.
The rules of Morse Code
The duration of the dash is 3 times of dot.
Each dot of dash is followed by the blank period which equals to the dot duration.
Space between letters is 3 dots duration.
Space between words is 7 dots duration.
The most frequently occurring letter has shorter expression than others. (E has only one dot)

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Learning Morse code can be both enjoyable and challenging at times. Here are a few tips that can enhance your experience, increase your enjoyment, and prevent discouragement when copying code.
Utilize a speed of 20 words per minute (wpm) or higher for individual characters, and slow down the speed between characters. This method helps users view each character as a whole rather than focusing on dots and dashes separately.
Grasping each character as a complete entity is essential for enhancing your ability to write or type the received characters automatically. To improve your overall words per minute (wpm) rate, gradually decrease the spacing speed.
Learning Goals
- Develop a basic understanding of Morse Code Theory.
- Master Morse Code Character Timing.
- Master the usage of the “Just Learn Morse Code” application, covering installation and configuration settings.
- Learned how to load messages for playing.
- Try to insert spaces between characters but down worry if you miss them. It is easy to see where they should be.
- Master copying each letter character pair until a 90 percent accuracy is achieved.
Letter Pairs
Learn each letter pair in the order shown below. The sequence in which the letter pairs are learned was established based on the order in which they are presented by the Morse code practice program “Just Learn Morse Code.”
Class 1 – K M
Class 2 – R S
Class 3 – U A
Class 4 – P T
Class 5 – L O
Class 6 – W I
Class 7 – . N
Class 8 – J E
Class 9 – F 0
Class 10 – Y V
Class 11 – , G
Class 12 – 5 /
Class 13 – Q 9
Class 14 – Z H
Class 15 – 3 8
How to select Character Pairs in Morse Code Program
Select the desired character pair from the list above.

In Summation
Practice as often as possible. Each practice session should be at least 15 minutes in duration. You will know when it is time to take a break. W1AW has practice files that can be use with the “Just Learn Mores Code” program. The files can be found here: W1AW Practice Morse Code Files
It is better to do shorter practice sessions more often rather than one long session where you get tired. Find a location where and when you can practice without interruptions. Its difficult to learn if you are at work and the phones are ringing and people are interrupting your practice at work or at home when the kids are arguing and the dog wants to go for a walk!
Good luck and remember to not get discouraged. Like with everything, you will have your ups and down. Just stick with it and be patient!