Customer Reviews

Your Introduction to Morse Code

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Preface: Even though amateur radio operators in the U.S. no longer need to pass the 5 WPM Morse code requirement in order to move up to higher license classes (e.g., General and Extra), Morse code is still an effective mode to use on the HF bands--especially in years of compromised propagation (i.e., when there are fewer sunspots ionizing the ionosphere). It's also a ton of fun.

I've come across all kinds of people who hem and haw about the difficulty of learning Morse code; however, the key to learning Morse code is to just dive into it and get it done. Knowledge of the code doesn't just effortlessly appear in your brain. So, stop the excuses, stop overanalyzing the myriad of learning tools that are out there and just do it.

The "Your Introduction to Morse Code" CDs are the easiest, simplest, fastest and most effective way of passing the test. Here's why:

This package contains two CDs. The CD #1 takes you through all the needed letters, numbers and procedural signals ("prosigns, we call them"). Each track is a new character.

The instructor repeats the character several times and each time you write down the character, thereby reinforcing your brain to recognize the character and then have your hand write the character immediately, without giving it much extra thought.

After the first three letters are taught (A, R, and E), the instructor begins to send words using all of the characters you've currently learned. This effectively reinforces the previously learned characters so that the characters you learned at the beginning of the CD aren't just temporarily learned and then forgotten. Occasionally, the instructor will also send out sentences that use all of the characters you have currently learned. By the end of the CD #1 you will have learned all the characters needed to pass the 5 WPM exam.

The brilliance of this package, though, is in CD #2. On CD #2, you will find tracks containing the following:

--commonly used phrases on the HF bands (e.g., tnx for "thanks," cul for "see you later," and FB for "fine business").
--sample QSOs (i.e., conversations between hams).
--randomly sent characters to test your recognition abilities.
--and, most importantly, sample code tests.

It is by listening to and being able to transcribe these sample code tests that will practically guarantee you a passing grade when test day comes around. The reason being is that these sample code tests accurately reflect the same kind of test that you will be taking in real life.

You see, once you learn from CD #2 the standardized format of having the stations identify one another, state their names, their locations, their antennas, their rigs, their RST reports, the weather and proper sign-off procedures, you will simply encounter the same kind of QSO on the real test. It's like practically knowing ahead of time 85% of the test--the only things fundamentally different will be the callsigns used, equipment used, locations, etc.

As mentioned, you have to rise up to the challenge of learning Morse code. Having short but frequent learning sessions with CD #1 over a three-week time-period is what is realistically required on your part. This means listening to CD #1 once to twice a day for 20-30 minute intervals. If you stop for more than two days, you'll have to spend extra time catching up.

After CD #1 is absorbed, CD #2 can probably be mastered in another two weeks. Your mileage may vary. Keep studying all the way up to your code test and you will have no problem.

So, in closing, FB OM VY 73 DE KG6PCA AR SK

I bought this Audio CD for my Dad (Andrew Toomer, M1ETX), as a Birthday present, since he is currently learning the Morse Code for interest - it is no longer a requirement in the UK, but he always wanted to learn it.

This is a fantasic Audio CD for learning purposes and it is very clear to listen to. This gets the highest rating possible. I cannot recommend it highly enough to Radio Amateurs wishing to learn the Morse Code.

I tried to learn morse code with charts and the Koch methed, but they did not work. I had no way of knowing if i was doing it right,or if I was making progress. These cds give you a mentor; you can learn morse code in weeks and have fun doing it!

This is a great audio guide to learn morse code the easy way.
Makes learning the code a more pleasant experience.

This was a gift for my mother. She is really enjoying it. She is 86 and learning Morse Code, just for fun!

I like the cd very much, it is very informative. The only way (I believe) that it could be better is if it had a visual(dvd)effect. In other words, some feedback besides just writing down the letters and words. If there was some type of devise with which the student could also "send" the letters and words. If someone has - or can come up with a "kit" that includes both receive AND send - audio and visual - maybe using the computer and a printout to be used to better evaluate one's progress, one could learn more quickly. I would like to be able to "test" myself.

Got this about the same time as I took & passed my Technician exam. Even though Morse Code is no longer required...I got this product to learn to use it...since it was highly rated here & other places.

The only thing that can beat this is practice with a real person. I found myself reading text after the first sitting (about 45 minutes), and beng able to "translate" into code!

I have been listening to this in the car on my way home to really let the code "sink in". I got these CDs knowing that I would be slow to learn, but I have really caught on. I plan on taking the Element 1 & 3 in a few months.

I find it funny that radio operators don't have to test at Morse Code but ship operators still do when we have at least 6 other ways to communicate on our bridge. Anyway, I used this program to learn the code for my flashing light test and it worked great for me. As the tones were played, I wrote the dits and dahs on paper and visualized the light. Then at test time I copied the flashes onto paper and had no trouble with knowing the letters. I'll continue to use this product whenever I need to refresh for my license upgrades.

great program. lots of fun to work with. really helped me with my code. good price