Learning Morse Code as a Language

Jack Ritter WUCE

Version 2.2 - September 10, 2012

The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of a unique method for teaching and learning Morse
Code. Learning Morse Code as a language is a teaching and self learning method developed by WUCE that
enables students to quickly hear and understand letters, words and phrases in Morse Code strictly by their
unique sound and rhythm versus traditional methods that require memorizing or counting individual character
components. This method is highly effective as students learn to immediately recognize and understand what is
being sent in Morse simply by listening. There is no need to write or type anything as students learn to copy
and understand Morse Code as a language. The method, tools and references listed herein are also applicable
for those who have some degree of proficiency in using Morse Code but want to increase speed or overcome
receiving or sending problems. As with all teaching methods, the degree of success in learning or improving
Morse Code proficiency is totally dependent on the amount of dedication, perseverance and practice students
put forth to reach their goals.

Children learn to understand and speak native language words during their first two years of life. During the
second month of life infants start making random sounds then start to babble and by month four to five random
sounds become real words, "mama" and "da da" are typically the first words infants speak. Between years one
and two infants repeat and associate single words they hear them then quickly migrate to combining words into
two to three-word sentences. Infants learn, retain and associate word meanings by sound, some may learn as
many as ten or more words a day especially those who have parents that spend time teaching word sounds and
associated meanings. The same is true regardless of which native language is spoken.

In similar fashion, simple single words are used when training dogs; "sit, stay, wait and outside" are typical of
the first words dogs learn to understand by associating the sound of a complete word with an action or desired
command. With word association training, there is no doubt dogs could learn the command "Sit" in Morse Code
just as easily as the spoken word.

The WUCE teaching method enables using Morse Code as a language from day one through the end of a
training period which averages one to two months depending upon the amount of time devoted to learning. This
method starts by learning to hear and recognize just three letters T, E & A then immediately progress to two
letter groups, three letter groups, three letter words, short phrases then on to longer phrases and complete
sentences. Students learn to hear, recognize, understand and retain what is being sent without need for paper or
pencil to write anything down thus, they become conversant in Morse Code at a faster pace than any other
teaching method. Students start at a 20 word per minute minimum speed which is quickly increased in small
increments. Most students become proficient in receiving and sending Morse Code in the 25-30 wpm range in
sixty-days or less. Individual success is based on several requirements:

Students must have a sincere desire to learn and become proficient in receiving and sending Morse Code
Students must dedicate themselves to 30 minute training sessions three or four days a week
Students must commit to at least three ten minute homework practice periods a day, seven days a week
Students will be encouraged to forget and ignore previous learning methods they may have tried

Learning Morse Code as a Language eliminates the agony of memorization, counting dits or dahs or frustrations
associated with slower Morse Code teaching methods. Students learn on an interactive basis, just as infant learn
to talk and immediately use Morse Code as a language which prevents and overcomes a number of common
problems and frustrations associated with learning at slow speed, listen only methods.

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Learning Morse as a language also improves proficiency for those with experience but may have problems to
include:
Inability to distinguish spacing and timing Increasing speed Anticipating what is being sent
Dit and Dah Transposition Counting Dits and Dahs Memorization vs. hearing words
Mental fatigue Lack of confidence Inability to break old habits
Writing each letter as it is heard Inability to copy behind Attention loss, lack of accuracy

The letter teaching sequence used in this teaching method is based on the most common letters by frequency of use in
English language:
Sequence One: T, E, A,O,N,I,R,S
Sequence Two: H,D,L,U,C
Sequence Three: M,W,F,Y,P,G,B,V
Sequence Four: K,J,X,Q,Z

English language letter combinations

Most frequently used first letters
T, A, S, O, I, C, W, P, B, F, H, M

Most frequently used last letters

E, T, S, D, N, R, Y, O, F, L, A, G

Double letters by frequency of use

ll, ee, ss, tt, oo, mm, ff, pp, rr ,nn, cc, dd

Most used two letter combinations by frequency of use

th, he, in, er, an, re, on, en, at, es, ed, te, ti, or, st, ar, nd, to, nt, is, of, it, al, as, ha, ng, co, se, me, de
Note: The thirty most frequent digraphs comprise one third of all letter usage

Digraph reversals by frequency of use

er-re, es-se, an-na, it-ti, on-no, en-ne, ot-to, ed-de, st-ts, at-ta, ar-ra, in-ni

Trigraphs by frequency of use

the, and, tio, ati, for, tha, ter, res, ere, con, ted, com, hat, ent, ion, nde, has, ing

Teaching Beginners Elmering CW Operators with Experience

Character component sounds (T) Determine problems, objectives and goals
Character component length (E) Forget prior teaching methods
Character and word spacing (T E) Character speed and spacing by individual
Unique letter sound (A) Unique Letter Sounds
Unique letter rhythm (T E A) Unique Double and Triple Letter Sounds
Unique letter combination sounds and rhythm T, E, A Learning to listen to what is being sent
Unique word sound and rhythm Tea Letter Number Combinations (Callsigns)
Minimum 20 wpm character speed Copying words, phrases and sentences by ear
Minimum extra spacing between letters to start Copying behind prevents anticipation
Copy only by listening Note taking with pencil and paper
Copy entire word before speaking and sending Using QSO and Contest Logging Programs
Progress to normal 3 x 1 x 7 spacing Sending techniques: Hand Key, Bug, Keyer
Sending letter sequence One QSO Conversation
Receiving letter sequence One Chasing DX
Single Letters, Double Letters, Mixed three letter Grps Contest exchanges
Three letter words, phrases, QSO Text, Note Taking Overcoming Speed Bumps

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Letter teaching sequence Segments One - Four, Numbers & Punctuation

SEGMENT ONE LETTERS: T E A O N I R S

LETTERS TWO LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER WORDS
E T A TE AT EA TTA TTE TAA AEE ATT ETA ETT TEA ATE EAT TEE
O OA OE OT EO TO EO AO OO OTA OEO OTO OET OAE OTE TOO TOE OAT ONE
N NT NE NA NO ON AN TN NT NEA NOE NTE NTA NOO NNO NIT NAT NOT NET ONE TEN ANT
EON NON
I IT IA IE IN IO NI OI AI TI TE TEI IAO NOI ION IAE ITO ITA TIO TIN NAT NON EON
R RE RT RA RO RN RI RTE REO ORA RNT RTA RNE RIN RAT RIO EAR ROT
S ST SE SA SO SN SI SR SS RS ES SA SRI SNS SIO STE SES SSE SRN SSO SIN SET SAT SIR SON

SEGMENT TWO LETTERS: H D L U C

LETTERS TWO LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER WORDS
H HA HO HN HI HR HS HSR HRI HNO HTA HET HAT HOT HEN HIT HAS HAD HER
HIS HID
D DE DA DO DN DI DR DS DH DET DAO DNA DIR DST DHE DOT DIN DAN DID DUE DON DIT
DOA DOE DEN
L LD LH LS LR LI LN LO LA LT LE LAE LTE LON LRS LHD LLC LOE LED LAD LET LOS LIT LID
U UE UT UA UO UN UI UR US UH ULD UHS URI UNL UOA UET UEI URN USE DUE NUT SUN HUT
UD UL
C CU CL CD CH CS CR CI CN CO CET CAO CNI CRS CHD CUL CCS CAN CAD CUT COT COD CAT
CE CT CA CUD

SEGMENT THREE LETTERS: M W F Y P G B V

LETTERS TWO LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER WORDS
M MA MO MN MI MR MS MC MU MCU MUL MDH MSR MIN MNO MAP MIT MOP MAN MAR MAT
ML MS MEA MET
W WE WA WO WN WI WR WS WH WEA WTE WNI WOR WRS WHU WIN WAR WET WON WED WAN
WCD WAD
F FD FH FS FR FI FN FO FA FT FE FWM FCU FLD FHS FRI FNO FTA FAT FOR FIN FUN FID FAR FEE
FEM FLY
Y YE YT YA YO YN YI YR YS YH YFW YMC YUL YDH YSR YIN YES YOR YEN YAP YIP YUP
YD YL YOT YUM YET
P PU PL PD PH PS PR PI PN PO PE PPY PFW PMC PUL PDH HSR PNI PIN PAN PET PAD PIT PUP PIC
PT PA PAE POP PIP
G GI GE GA GO GR GU GF GY GP GEA GAO GNI GRS GLU GIL GUN GAD GET GOT GEM GAD
GG GT GUO GOA GIN
B BE BA BO BI BR BU BB BT BTA BTE BON BIR BSD BLU BET BAT BOP BIN BUS BIG BAG
BHC BGA BOG
V VE VA VI VU VO VE VBG BPY VFP VWM BCU VLA VET VAT VAN VUE VIE VFW
VIN VUI VIA VEG

SEGMENT FOUR LETTERS: K J X Q Z

LETTERS TWO LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER GROUPS THREE LETTER WORDS
K KV KB KG KP KY KF KW KM KC KTA KON KIR KSH KDD KLU KOI KIP KAF KEA KID KIF KOS
KU KE KCM KEI
J JK JV JB JG JP JY JF JW JM JC JU JHS JRI JNO JAT JES JOK JUN JUT JAR JET JIB JAB JAG JOE
JL JD JED JIS JAW
X XJ XK XV XB XG XP XY XF XW XCU XLD XHS XRI XNO XAT AXE BOX HEX FAX NIX PIX
XM XE XEX SOX SAX
Q QU QR QV QJ QK QB QG QP QY QXJ QKV QBG QPY QFU QRS QAT QIS QUA QUE QAT
QF QL QSO QTR
Z ZQ ZX ZJ ZK ZV ZB ZG ZP ZY ZF ZCU ZLD ZHS ZRI ZNO ZAT ZEZ ZOO ZAP ZIT ZIP ZAG ZIN ZIG
ZW ZM ZZI BIZ WIZ

Numbers and punctuation teaching sequence

1 9 2 7 5 6 4 8 3 Period Comma Question Mark Slash
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Teaching and self learning steps

Using Morse Song MP-3 Files to teach, learn or overcome problems to use Morse Code as a language with
Sequence One through Four Letters.

Morse Song
There is a direct relationship between music and Morse code thus Morse Song MP-3 files provide an enjoyable
Morse Code second language learning experience set to music. The original Morse Code Song created by
Andrew Crawford, VE1VAC, combines the unique sounds of all twenty-six letters of the English language with
rhythmic cords which makes learning Morse simple and enjoyable.

Morse Song Letter Sequence Groups

VE1VAC's original Morse Song has been digitally rearranged and converted to four MP-3 teaching aids and
self learning tools. The MP-3 files are arranged to play letters in sequence as they most frequently appear in
English language words. Morse Song Groups are useful tools for learning to copy, send and also to overcome
letter confusion and related learning problems. Morse Song MP-3 Files are available for download at:
http://www.cwops.org/cwa-student-res.html

Self learning and interactive teaching

It makes no sense to learn Morse Code at slow speed then go through the drudgery of having to learn to increase
speed. Beginners should first learn to send with a hand key before progressing to a bug or electronic keyer.
Morse Song Sequences are an excellent tool to help develop a smooth, rhythmic sending fist by simply listening
then sending along with MP-3 sequence files as they are played.

Beginners will need a hand key and code practice oscillator or transceiver sidetone can be keyed. As an
alternative, Morse Translator, an online application at: http://morsecode.scphillips.com/jtranslator.html can be
used by simply entering letters, two, three letter groups and three letter words then click "Play." Instructors and
students are encouraged to set the Speed and Farnsworth Speed selections at 20 words per minute to start then
gradually increase character speed and reduce spacing between letters, groups, words and phrases as student
proficiency improves.

Morse Song and Letter Sequence as teaching resources for instructors

Every Morse Code instructor has a personal preference for teaching or mentoring others to help overcome
problems. Morse Song and use of the Letters, Groups and Words in the WUCE method as well as Morse
Song MP-3 files can be incorporated and personalized to complement other methods.

OOVOO Audio / Video Conferencing

OOVOO is a free high-quality Internet based audio/video chat and conferencing application that has proven to
be an effective teaching tool for instructors and students. OOVOO provides a live face-to-face teaching and
learning environment for one-on-one sessions or up to six people in a virtual classroom. OOVOO is available
for PC, Mac, Android based Tablets and Smartphones. If a computer does not have an internal webcam, an
inexpensive USB webcam will provide suitable audio video capability.

Instructors can send Morse over-the-air and students can reply over-the-air or by OOVOO. Sending Morse over
the audio portion of OOVOO provides adequate quality when code practice oscillators and radio side-tone is
used. The application also provides an excellent media for individuals to practice with others if propagation or
conditions do not permit on-the-air sessions or if someone does not have HF capabilities.

When teaching beginners, OOVOO and Morse Song can be combined by simply using Media Player or another
MP-3 device to play Segment One, Two, Three and Four Morse Song MP-3 files over the audio link.

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Real-time audio/video conferencing offers a tremendous advantage for instructors because students can be
monitored both visually and audibly. Student facial expressions and body language often reveals issues or
problems that can be immediately addressed by the instructor. OOVOO, Morse Song and Morse Translator also
enables instructors to teach or mentor students anywhere in the world over the Internet when propagation
precludes establishing or maintaining on-the-air Morse training sessions. OOVOO is available for download:
http://www.oovoo.com/home.aspx

The following items are required in order to participate in a CWops Academy Internet Training Course
1. Reliable broadband Internet service
2. OOVOO Video Chat Application
3. Webcam
4. Hand Key, Bug or Paddles for use with electronic keyer
5. Code Practice Oscillator or ability to key transceiver sidetone

Online training classes are typically conducted three to four times per week, students are also given homework
assignments and are required to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Students are also encouraged to get
on the air and also conduct OOVOO QSOs and interactive homework assignment practice sessions.

Cut Numbers Used in Morse Code

Full Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Cut Numbers (Note 4) A U W V S B G D N T
Cut Numbers common in Ham Radio
Commonly used in Rag Chew QSOs (Note 1) N
Commonly used in DX QSOs (Note 2) N T
Commonly used in Contests (Note 3) A E N T
Note 1 RST 5NN N
Note 2: RST 5NN - Especially by Dxpeditions N
Note 3: RST & Serial Numbers A E N T
Note 4: Seldom used in Ham Radio QSOs U W V S B B D

Commonly Used Q Signals and Meaning

QRL Is the frequency busy? The frequency is busy. Please do not interfere.
QRM Interference from other signals.
QRN Interference from natural or man-made static.
QRO Shall I increase power? Increase power.
QRP Shall I decrease power? Decrease power.
QRQ Shall I send faster? Send faster (WPM).
QRS Shall I send more slowly? Send more slowly (__WPM).
QRT Shall I stop sending? Stop sending.
QRU Have you anything more for me? I have nothing more for you.
QRV Are you ready? I am ready.
QRX Standby.
QRZ Who is calling me?
QSB Abbreviation for signal fading.
QSL Received and understood.
QSO Communications between two or more participants.
QST General call preceding a message addressed to all amateurs.
QSX I am listening on ___ kHz.
QSY Change to transmission on another frequency (or to ___ kHz).
QTH What is your location? My location is ____.
QTR The correct time is. What is the correct time?
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 Abbreviations & Prosigns
8 Es Error GA Go Ahead SASE Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
73 Best Wishes GA Good Afternoon SIG Signal
88 Love and Kisses GE Good Evening SKED Schedule
AA All After GM Good Morning SRI Sorry
AB All Before GND Ground SSB Single Side Band
ABT About HI Laughter STN Station
ADR Address HR Here SVC Service
AGN Again HW How TFC Traffic
ANT Antenna K Invitation to transmit TKS Thanks
AR End of Transmission KN Invitation to transmit specific call TMW Tomorrow
AR N No more to follow LID Poor Operator TKS Thanks
AS Wait MSG Message TNX Thanks (Short for Thank You)
B4 Before N No more to follow TU Thank You
BK Break NIL No More TX Transmitter
BUG Semi Automatic Speed Key NW Now TXT Test
C Yes OM Old Man UR Your
CFM Confirm OP Operator VY Very
CK Check OT Old Timer WA Word After
CL Clear PBL Preamble WB Word Before
CLD Cleared PDL Paddle WDS Words
CLG Calling PSE Please WKD Worked
CQ CQ - Calling any station PWR Power WUD Would
DLVD Delivered R Roger "Received OK' XCVR Transceiver
DR Dear RCVD Received XMTR Transmitter
DX Foreign Station RCVR Receiver XYL Wife
ES And RIG Radio Station Equipment YL Young Lady
FB Fine Business RX Receive

Teaching and self practice resources and tools:

CW Operators' Club (CWops) Academy: http://www.cwops.org/cwacademy.html

CWops Academy Student and Advisor Resources: http://www.cwops.org/cwacademy2.html

AA9PW Morse Code Practice and Online Exam Tool: http://aa9pw.com/morsecode/

RUFZ Call Sign Pile Up Trainer: Excellent practice tool for Letter/Number combinations and call
signs: http://www.rufzxp.net/

Morse Runner: Self teaching and practice tool - Excellent practice for homework assignments:
http://www.dxatlas.com/MorseRunner/

Morse Translator: Online Java application for translating text to Morse code:
http://morsecode.scphillips.com/jtranslator.html

OOVOO: Free Internet Audio Visual Conferencing application: http://www.oovoo.com/home.aspx

Zen and the Art of Radio Telegraphy. http://www.qsl.net/ik0ygj/enu/ZART_r20101008m.pdf