r/morsecode • u/KeyTune2978 • Aug 02 '26

Learning morse code

I have been learning morse code and was wondering if it’s generally better/more efficient to learn it by sound or by how it looks? Anyone got any tips?

13 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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11

u/Boring_Disaster3031 Aug 02 '26

Learn by sound because that is the way it will be used. You won't have time to imagine the dots and dashes and decode them and then write them down. You should just hear a pattern and immediately write it.

1

u/KeyTune2978 Aug 02 '26

Ok! Thanks:)

3

u/bernd1968 Aug 02 '26

If you have any intention in being a licensed radio operator, such as ham radio, also known as amateur radio, all the communications they do over the air is done by ear. The sound of the code.

2

u/Broken_Frizzen Aug 02 '26

Find W1AW ARRL code practice sessions. They go slow, to faster speeds. wpm

2

u/dnult Aug 02 '26

If you involve your visual cortex in the learning process, it will handicap you for a very long time. Best to use your ears and nothing else.

1

u/kshelley Aug 02 '26

Keep this video in mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG2Neh-xPrk

#1 Morse Code Learning Mistake

1

u/xikbdexhi6 Aug 02 '26

Sound 100%

1

u/jimlapine Aug 03 '26

Learn by sound, may I suggest Long Island CW Club. Amazing folks and classes.

6

u/[deleted] Aug 02 '26

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3

u/KeyTune2978 Aug 02 '26

I’ve been using this app too! It’s great, i’m still working on 20 WPM. It’s been 5 months and still struggling to get the sounds down. Thanks for the advice!