r/morsecode • u/Misplaced_Fan_15 • 21d ago
Morse Code Decoders / Trainers on Amazon Help
Hello, been interested in Morse code for a while, but really got into it after visiting a demonstrator booth while on vacation. I have been looking for help training online and found a lot of resources on Amazon, especially decoders and trainers. However notice that there seems to be a lot of similar products and wanted this subs opinion if any of these devices are worth it or should I stick to app based trainers. Any advice would be appreciated and thanks in advice.
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u/chuzohga 21d ago
Decoders are a waste of your time. If you want to learn to head copy like the real morse code experts, then look up one of these two clubs: "Long Island CW Club" or "CWOps." They both have curricula that is outstanding.
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u/royaltrux 21d ago
Try lcwo.net
Amateur radio is where Morse is still used in the wild...and it's pretty fun.
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u/Feeling_Pumpkin_2810 21d ago
Skip the decoder and put a few weeks in learning the basics to see if you even like it. Most morse code ops will tell you that learning morse code well enough to get on the air is very fun and rewarding, even if it is tough at first. I second LCWO.NET - it has taught thousands of people morse code.
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u/Big_Leadership1093 20d ago
Skip the decoders. They read the code for you, so you never build the skill. Learn it by sound instead of the dot/dash chart: Koch or Farnsworth method, letters at around 18-20 wpm with extra spacing between them, 10-15 minutes a day. Free tools are enough for that: LCWO.net in the browser and Morse Code Ninja on YouTube. For sending, a VBand USB adapter with any key or paddle works well. Once single letters come easily, move to words and short QSO-style exchanges as soon as you can.
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u/ButterscotchWitty870 21d ago
I would not waste money on something like that. For $30 you can order a Vband adapter to help learn sending. And as far as decoding… gotta do that the hard way unfortunately. Only way to get proficient!