Getting Comfortable With The Basics

Sending Practice

To practice sending, you need a tool to generate the code tones and a straight key or an iambic paddle as the input device. Code practice oscillators and more complex code trainers can generate random codes for learning to receive and the keyer function to practice sending.

One simple, versatile, and cost-effective way to practice sending Morse code is to use the Ham Radio Solutions Virtual CW Band (vBand) WEB page. You can use this Website with one of two devices to connect a Morse code key to your computer or phone. With vBand, you can practice keying on your own on the Practice Channel or communicate using Morse code with others over the Internet with any numbered Channels, improving your Morse code skills. vBand works best in the Chrome browser on ChromeOS (Chromebook), Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android.

Using vBand is straightforward. You will need a USB paddle interface or the CW Hotline, which are both available on the Ham Radio Solutions website.

USB Paddle Interface is a simple plug-and-play device.

The USB paddle interface allows sending with an actual paddle or straight key instead of the computer keyboard. The adapter connects to a computer with a mini USB cable and has a 3.5mm TRS jack for the paddle / straight key connection. I have tested it on ChromeOS (Chromebook), Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android.

CW Hotline is a full-featured CW practice and communication device.

You can use the CW Hotline connected to WIFi as a private Morse code link to friends. It is available with a built-in straight key or paddles, or neither if you use an external key. Once configured, just power up; it will link with selected peers and be ready to send and receive.

CW Hotline features include:

  • Compatibility with vBand Internet CW website.
  • A dedicated Morse code channel for remote friends to communicate and practice.
  • A stand-alone Iambic keyer with built-in paddles
  • A code practice oscillator with a built-in straight key.
  • Jacks for external key or paddles and amplified sidetone speaker.
  • LED indication of link status and keying

Powered via 5V Micro USB cable

Available as a simple kit with all through-hole components, a mostly built kit, or assembled and tested.

Choose One

  • Buy the USB Paddle Interface at Ham Radio Solution (Click on Store in the header). It is the simplest and lowest-cost option, and it is plug-and-play.
  • The CW Hotline can be factory-built and tested or purchased in kit form in Kit Style B and C (I suggest Style C for minimal soldering). It’s more complex and costly but adds much functionality. (vBand interface, Iambic keyer, Code practice oscillator, WiFi for remote communication and practice with friends).
  • Note: you only need one of the above options.
    Learn Morse Code with the Ham Radio Solutions CW Hotline – Red Summit RF

Practice QSO with a Virtual CW Bot By Marconian YouTube

 

Morse Keys

In addition to the interface unit, you will need a Morse key. The Long Island CW Club (ITCW) suggests starting with a straight key, but they do not require it. I opted to use an Iambic key. It is harder to learn initially, but it makes it easier to send good code more quickly.


A good starting hardware package:


Other Morse Code Training Aids

MCT-73 Morse Code Trainer
Kit $78
Assembled $150
Cased Mini Memory Iambic keyer   $24
Morserino-32   The new way to practice Morse code  Kit $125
Ultra PicoKeyer    KIT $40  Built $60
  Anker Soundcore 2 Speaker with Aux In

 



Videos

 

 

Tech News by Topic