Learn Morse Code FAST! How to Start Sending & Receiving CW

📡 Morse code isn’t just history—it’s a powerful skill for modern ham radio operators! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your CW (Continuous Wave) skills, this free lesson from Ham Radio Basics will help you get started.

✅ What is Morse code & why is it still used?
✅ How to send & receive Morse code
✅ The best tools & training to master CW
✅ Why hams love Morse for QRP, POTA, & emergency comms

We’ll also decode real CW contacts, explore Morse code radios & keys, and help you take your first steps toward sending your own “CQ.”

Chapters:
01:01 - What Is Morse Code
02:57 - Today’s Morse Code Usage
06:22 - Equipment For CW Operations
08:32 - Learning The Language Of Morse Code
13:21 - Exercise
17:26 - Finding CW On The Bands
18:43 - You're Just Getting Started

#hamradio #MorseCode #CW #LearnMorse #HamRadioBasics #Prepping #radiocommunication

Errata: At around 12:49 in the video we show a graphic that incorrectly identifies R in morse code. It should be .-. not -.- (K).

[HamRadioPrep]

Thanks to everyone asking for a morse code app. You are really inspiring us. We'll see what we can do.

[spatialoptic]

Please definitely add content for Morse Code. Currently studying for my Amateurs Extra exam

[SPHFKevin]

I used the morse code translator for CQ and my callsign (SP2HF) to use as notification sound and my ringtone respectively. I love it! And it gets people talking when they hear it, they get curious 😅 For inexpensive radio I recommend the QRP Labs, QMX. Just got mine and I am in love with it. I'm a beginner only starting to learn CW properly. Thanks for this video 🙏🏻 73

[Billyd]

I am learning cw and have made a few pota contacts as a hunter. Glad qrp labs has a decoder on their radios.

[GOD_BLESS_THE_BEATLES]

Absolutely enjoyed your video!! Both my mom and grandfather worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad!! They were both phenomenal "coders" They would mention the sloppeniess of HAM radio operators!! I had to smile at your comment!!

[stitch]

Excellent video. One quibble, it's Zero not "O"

[JefftheDonkeyGuy]

I'm currently studying Morse Code with an app, but I'd be pleased to see you offer it. I'm very pleased with your license training.

[bdwny]

Definitely interested in Learning CW. It is next on my list after I get my General., Thanks!

[NAFKRadio]

Heads up Jim, around 12:49 the letter "R" is "diDAHdit", so the graphic is not correctly expressing the letter. What's shown is two "Ks".

[ebhardesty]

This is very helpful and I would like additional content to help learn to communicate using CW

[ElayiBanda]

Definitely interested to learn morse code

[greggweber]

I understand that fast code is audio, and slow code is thinking.
I think that slow is good for signal lights, touching, horns, whistles, and others like blinking eyes.

[kurtsteiner]

Very interesting, im in uk we may use anoter system but its still of interest.

Served in navy, many sparkers, and bunting tossers, used morse code, from sound signals to light signal not forgetting tactical flags. All a variant of morse code by wb morse in the 1800s.

[juandpadua]

Please put the description where can I find that electra transiver. Thanks 17:56

[rubensanchezescarcega]

What brand and model is the straight key you show at minute 8:22? It is beautiful!

[LB-]

A great thank you! I've heard that 'SOS' signal is not three separated letters, but it's to be transmitted as it were a single letter (..._ _ _...), at least, it was that way in ancient marine context.

[mariemccann]

The "SOS" prosign as you call it is not sent as three separate characters, it is run together as one - no gaps between the letters.

[twistedoakfarm]

I want to learn more about Morse Code.

[brianfields]

Great video, why buy a car and never sit in the backseat, why buy a transceiver and not use a third of it, learn cw.

[MLMK]

The app/program shown at the start of this clip looks like it could be a good, fun way to improve sending. Is it available? I'm already enrolled in all the Exam Prep Courses and currently studying for the Extra but would love to move onto CW after.