Learn Morse Code by Ear: Free Trainers and Practice

Argues that dot-dash charts and letter-shape diagrams fail because you cannot map sound at 20 or 30 words per minute onto a picture. Start here if you memorized a chart and stalled.

Gives blunt do's and don'ts: try both Koch and Farnsworth, start characters at 20 WPM, consider head copying from the beginning, and practise twice daily for 10 to 15 minutes. A later section, 'So You Want to Go Faster?', waits until you need it.

A self-described non-expert's notes from the 'grind' of learning CW, with the admission that no one-size-fits-all method exists. Read it for a realistic sense of the time and consistency involved, and to shape your own routine.

Runs a Koch course in the browser, plus code groups, plain text and callsign practice, with nothing to install; a free account saves your progress. Try it first with the shared test login, or paste text into the login-free text-to-CW converter.

Downloadable Koch software with an Effective Speed setting that pads characters with silence, and a warning not to drop below the 10 WPM plateau speed. Pick it over LCWO for offline practice, and watch the author's recorded RSGB lecture on learning techniques.

Offers free classes open to anyone, anywhere, with no membership required, and separate pitches for beginners and for rusty operators. Sign up when you want advisors and mentoring rather than software alone.

Follows the CW Academy session scheme in the browser, with separate copying and sending practice and adjustable speed, Farnsworth speed and tone. Use it for course homework, or work through the sessions on your own.

A YouTube video course with 20 WPM characters and 10 WPM overall speed, where you say each answer aloud in the one-second pause. Move on at 70-90% accuracy, and aim for two 15-minute sessions a day.

Pairs W1AW practice recordings from 5 to 40 WPM with matching text files, so you can check your copy. Files update every other week, can be streamed or downloaded, and include an 18 WPM file bridging 15 to 20.

Explains why speed stalls around 10-13 WPM: each letter takes long enough to recognize that it collides with the next one. The fix is instant character recognition, so read it when progress flattens.

Recommends a straight key over iambic paddles for newcomers, while admitting it is a matter of preference, then covers checking the frequency with QRL? before calling CQ. Read it when choosing a key and building nerve for a first call.

Walks through arranging a slow, scheduled contact with a friendly partner who calls you first. It tells you to say how slowly you want them to send, and not to send faster than you are able, pausing to compose each character if needed.

One new operator's first month on the air: hunting POTA activators as soon as you know the basic characters and your own callsign. Read it for the case that you should get on air before you feel ready.

Notes from an assistive-technology team on using Morse with clients, including why a visual learning tool fits poorly for people with a visual impairment. Read it if you want Morse for accessibility rather than radio.