1. Koch method
Start with two characters. Add a new character only after two consecutive sessions reach at least 90% accuracy.
Progressive audio learning
Learn CW and Morse Code
Recognise the rhythm of each character directly, progress without counting dots and dashes, then prepare for your first CW QSO.
Koch + Farnsworth
The most effective way to begin
The Koch–Farnsworth combination avoids learning artificially slow CW and limits bad habits that are difficult to correct later.
2. Farnsworth spacing
Keep character shapes at 18–20 words per minute, but increase spacing between characters and words to obtain a more comfortable effective speed.
3. Learn by sound
Avoid visual trees and “dot-dash” wording. The answer should come from the sound rhythm itself.
4. Short sessions
Practise for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day. Stop when concentration drops instead of accumulating errors.
Avoid at the beginning
Do not reduce character speed below about 15 words per minute. Very slow CW encourages counting elements instead of recognising the character melody.
Progression
Six-phase programme
Each phase consolidates one skill before introducing the next.
1
Recognition
Two characters, then progressive additions in Koch order.
2
Groups
Copy random groups without anticipating the next character.
3
Digits and callsigns
Recognise digits, prefixes and callsign suffixes.
4
Words and Q-codes
CQ, DE, RST, QTH, QSL, QRM, QRN, 73 and common abbreviations.
5
Simulated QSO
Copy a structured exchange with callsign, report, name and QTH.
6
Real listening
Gradually introduce QSB, QRM, different tones and variable speeds.
Web Audio API
CW trainer
Set character speed, effective speed and Koch level. Listen before revealing the answer.
Initialising the trainer…
241
1535
525
400900
Available characters
Set the exercise, then start listening.
Set the exercise, then start listening.
Validation
Progress tests
The tests follow the useful skills in the order in which they should be consolidated.
Test 1 · Individual characters
25 characters from the current Koch level. Target: 90%.
Test 2 · Five-character groups
40 characters in groups of five. Target: 90%.
Test 3 · Digits
30 random digits. Target: 85%.
Test 4 · Callsigns
Eight international callsigns. Target: 85%.
Test 5 · Q-codes
Ten common Q-codes or abbreviations. Target: 90%.
Test 6 · Short message
Copy a structured radio message.
Test 7 · Full QSO
Copy a CW exchange with callsigns, RST, name and QTH.
Pratique
Advice and tools
The required equipment is simple. Consistency and listening quality matter more than hardware.
Comfortable headphones
A clean tone between 550 and 750 Hz is usually less tiring. Keep the volume moderate.
Keyboard or paper copy
Choose one medium at the beginning. Write one or two characters behind to avoid anticipation.
Keying later
Begin with reception. Add sending practice once character recognition is already stable.
Progressive real listening
After the basics, listen to real beacons and QSOs, first in good conditions and then with noise and fading.
En complément
Additional resources
Aide-mémoire
Reference table
Use it after the exercise, not while listening. Direct sound recognition remains the goal.
Letters
A
.-
B
-...
C
-.-.
D
-..
E
.
F
..-.
G
--.
H
....
I
..
J
.---
K
-.-
L
.-..
M
--
N
-.
O
---
P
.--.
Q
--.-
R
.-.
S
...
T
-
U
..-
V
...-
W
.--
X
-..-
Y
-.--
Z
--..
Digits
0
-----
1
.----
2
..---
3
...--
4
....-
5
.....
6
-....
7
--...
8
---..
9
----.
Punctuation
.
.-.-.-
,
--..--
?
..--..
'
.----.
!
-.-.--
/
-..-.
(
-.--.
)
-.--.-
&
.-...
:
---...
;
-.-.-.
=
-...-
+
.-.-.
-
-....-
_
..--.-
"
.-..-.
$
...-..-
@
.--.-.
Prosigns
AR
.-.-.
AS
.-...
BT
-...-
KN
-.--.
SK
...-.-
SOS
...---...