Amateur radio is a vibrant and ever evolving hobby that has captivated enthusiasts around the world for well over a century. Within this vast realm of communication, a unique and revered art form exists – amateur radio CW (Continuous Wave), better known as Morse code. In this blog post, I will explore the rich history of CW, its current relevance, the men and women who master it, and why you should consider adding this captivating skill to your amateur radio repertoire.

The Historical Significance of Morse Code

Morse Code was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the early 1830s, and at the time Morse code absolutely revolutionized long-distance communication. Its sheer simplicity and reliability made it the primary means of communication across the globe. It included telegraph systems on land and maritime communications at sea. Morse code was absolutely crucial during times of war, enabling vital military communication during both World Wars. Despite the invention of modern digital communication, Morse code continues today to hold a very special place in the hearts of amateur radio enthusiasts.

Morse code has long been associated with encryption and code-breaking, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts interested in cryptography and clandestine communication. During World War II, skilled codebreakers were instrumental in deciphering encrypted messages sent via Morse code, ultimately helping to secure victory for the Allied forces. While the era of widespread code breaking has largely passed, the historical significance of Morse code in the realm of intelligence and security remains a fascinating aspect of its legacy.

In Morse’s genius he created his dits (dot) and dahs (dash) namesake code so that the most frequently-occurring letters or characters in our English language were assigned the shortest code, and the least used letters or characters would get the longest code which created a fantastically simple and most eloquently compact encoding system. Of course within the hobby of amateur radio we use the ‘Q’ code/letter considerably more liberally. According to the International Morse Code (ITA 1) that thrives today, the space between signal elements within one character is one unit interval, between two characters three unit intervals and the space between two words, sentences, or groups consists of seven unit intervals. A unit interval is defined as the length of the shortest signal element in a character, or the dit (dot). A dah (dash) is defined as three unit intervals.

Modern Day CW

Today amateur radio CW operators are revered as the epitome of expertise and professionalism within the ham radio community. Mastering Morse code requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the nuances of the language. These skilled operators possess exceptional proficiency in copying and sending code, often achieving impressive speeds of 20, 30, or even 40 words per minute. Their expertise in Morse code elevates them to a respected status within the amateur radio community.

Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day is a major annual amateur radio event, that happens each year on the third weekend in June. During Field Day amateur radio operators showcase the true essence of the amateur radio community in public areas to exhibit the many amazing things happening in the hobby to their local communities. As radio enthusiasts and their amateur radio clubs set up temporary stations to share the love of the hobby in the great outdoors, the captivating sound of CW often resonates through the airwaves. The rhythmic dots and dashes, are often described as hypnotizing and melodic, and create a unique and mesmerizing auditory experience. Field Day operations provide an excellent opportunity for amateur radio operators, including CW enthusiasts, to demonstrate their skills and engage in friendly competition.

Despite all of our advancements in digital communication technologies, Morse code has not lost its relevance. In fact, it remains an integral part of amateur radio, offering a reliable and efficient means of communication, especially during challenging conditions. Describing Morse code as the original digital mode may seem clever, but it is, in fact, an accurate statement. Morse code utilizes a straightforward binary state to encode and transmit information. This is precisely the same principle at work as used by the vast amount of data stored as ones and zeroes on computer hard drives. In fact many amateur radio operators still utilize CW today for low-power operations (QRP), emergency communications, and even as a really proficient contesting mode. Hardcore amateur radio DXers and contesters know that CW will get through when SSB just won’t cut it. Mastering CW ensures that you have a valuable skill at your disposal, one that connects you to a rich legacy while providing practical communication options.

Amateur radio CW, the language of dits (dots) and dahs (dashes), is a timeless skill that embodies the spirit of ham radio. Its historical significance, association with code breaking, and the mesmerizing melodies it produces during Field Day operations make it an enticing facet of the hobby. Aspiring amateur radio operators should not only obtain their license but also consider embracing the beautiful art of CW. By doing so, they will unlock a world of possibilities, connect with a community of skilled professionals, and contribute to the vibrant heritage of amateur radio.

What are you waiting for? Grab your favorite Bengali telegraph iambic paddle or straight key, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Morse code, and let the magic of amateur radio CW unfold betwixt your ears and fingertips! Don’t have a paddle or straight key? Well you can make one yourself. To make your own simple CW key to practice and learn on! I would strongly suggest Gordon West’s Twit Bit Video “Clothespin CW Keyer: Ham Nation Episode 212 to find out how. https://twit.cachefly.net/video/bits/bits1618/bits1618_h264m_1280x720_1872.mp4

As you learn and transmit Morse code messages using the fabulous CW key you’ve built, you’ll find yourself already immersed in the hobby and having loads of fun. Plus, you can take pride in using equipment that you made yourself, adding a sense of accomplishment to your fantastic amateur radio journey.

73,

N3DEZ

For more information on Morse Code and Continuous Wave (CW) I would suggest going to ARRL’s website as they have a world of resources available from connecting you to CW training courses available, audio files for training, and tips and tricks to get you started. http://www.arrl.org/learning-morse-code

Another remarkable resource worth exploring is CW Academy by CWOps. CW Academy offers a highly effective method for learning Morse code. It’s important to note that there is often a waitlist for the next class, so patience is key. Once you are assigned a course, you will require a computer with a webcam, a straight key or paddle, and a code oscillator/keyer. For Level 1, the training is conducted online, and additional cables or interfaces are not necessary. Participants typically utilize the speaker on their rig/oscillator and their computer/headset microphone. The recommended time commitment is 30 minutes per day, divided into two 15-minute sessions. If you’re interested in joining CW Academy’s classes, visit their website at https://cwops.org/cw-academy/.

For Morse Code Printable Charts I would suggest doing a google search to pick the one that resonates with you or your classroom the best. There are plenty creative and engaging renditions out there. Some are free and some are for purchase, so look around for your favorite one.