Welcome to the SKCC's Beginner's Corner, even if you've been licensed for a while! We've pulled together some basic information to help you join the fun of using manually generated Morse code. Feel free to scroll through this page sequentially. Or use the mini menu at the bottom of this introduction to skip to the section that looks like it will answer an immediate question.
Over time, you may find you'd like to try other club-approved types of non-electronic keys. These include semi-automatic keys known as "bugs" or single-lever, side-to-side keys known as side-swippers or cooties. But for now, we'll assume you've picked up a classic straight key, have learned basic letters and numbers**, and are ready to go.
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Prosigns |
Procedural Signals |
Common Abbreviations
RST System |
Q Signals |
Typical CW QSO |
CW Etiquette |
Resources
The essential difference between electronically generated and manually generated Morse code is that you and your "fist" determine the length of the short and long tones — dits and dahs — that make up a character's basic elements. The dit also is the basic timing element. The duration of a dah should be three times the duration of a dit.
However, creating well-timed dits and dahs is just the beginning of sending good, easily copied Morse code. Proper spacing between the dits and dahs within a letter, number, or other character is very important. So is the spacing between letters and between words. The relationship between the lengths of your dits and dahs and the spacing you provide create the "magic", "music", and challenge of manually generated Morse code.
In principle:
The space between elements of a character is one dit.
The space between characters of a word is three dits.
The space between words is seven dits.
In reality, very few operators create "perfect" code manually. Falling short of "textbook" duration and spacing is not necessarily a problem if the code is still easy to copy. It's quite common for experienced CW operators to identify one another by the unique way they send code.
Think of it as having a CW "accent." If someone speaks with a very heavy accent, he or she can be hard to understand. It's the same with Morse code. For example, improper spacing in Morse code could well leave the other operator unable to decode what you're sending.
Few operators will want to (or be able to) hold a conversation when you think you've sent this:
TNX FER THE CALL OM MY NAME IS RON MY QTH IS MD
But you really sent this:
TN XFER TH ECAL LO MMY NAM EIS RONM YQT HIS MD
If you have a code-practice oscillator or your radio has a code-practice function that can send the tone to a speaker, send some text, record it, then play it back a few days later. If you can't copy your own "fist," it's safe to assume others will have a hard time as well.
That said, the presence of a slight accent also can be a delightful feature of a CW conversation.
So aim high, and be sure to take time to listen to well-crafted code, such as the code the ARRL transmits during its on-air bulletins and code-practice sessions.
**If you need to learn the basic characters, please check out any or all of the following recommended sources:
G4FON Koch Method CW Trainer
Just Learn Morse Code
K7QO's Code Course
K6RAU's Code Course - SKCC Member #11992
Before you engage in your first on-air CW QSO, you should take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with some of the CW shorthand you'll hear, as well as some common QSO protocols. If you have made some phone or digital QSOs, you already know that amateurs use a variety of Q signals. You have probably run across QSY (change frequency), QTH (location), and a few others.
Let's face it: Even if you could send and receive at lightning speeds, spelling out every word would turn an otherwise a quick exchange into a laborious rag chew. To make more efficient use of air time, especially under marginal or deteriorating propagation conditions, CW operators use prosigns, procedural signals, and abbreviations — more so than operators using phone and digital modes. And that's a good thing. Using these elements alone, you can conduct a basic exchange with a ham in another part of the world without having to know his or her language because precisely because you both are using internationally accepted abbreviations. There are literally hundreds of these in use today, but only a very small number are considered "common" or "must know." We review these fundamental ones in the following subsections.
What's a prosign? It's a special character made by running two characters together without any spacing between them. For example, the characters B (dah-di-di-dit) and T (dah) can be run together as BT (dah-di-di-di-dah) to form a new character. When written out in guides such as this one, prosigns are designated with an overscore such as BT.
AR = Means end of a transmission. It can be used instead of K until you know that the station you are calling can hear you: typically when answering a CQ; or for the initial call to a station per prearranged schedule.
AS = Wait, stand by for a short time
BT = Separation, or break, between address and text; between text and signature in a radiogram. Also used between topics in a QSO.
IMI = Yes, this is a standard CW question mark. But it also can be used to ask for a repeat of difficult words as well as to indicate a query (?).
SK = The communications is concluded or clear. End of Work
You can download a more complete list of prosigns here.
DE = Used as "FROM" after the other station(s) and before your call
ES = "&" or "and"
K = Indicates you are turning the conversation over to another station or stations.
KN = Indicates you are turning the conversation over to a specific station and no one else is to call or answer. Use this only when you wish a specific station to answer.
R = All received and understood, the telegrapher's version of "roger."
You can download a more complete list of common procedural signals here.
Long before today's teenagers were texting and using bizarre abbreviations (IIRC my BFF), amateur radio operators were using their own set of abbreviations — just to save time. The easiest rule for making just about any abbreviation is simply to remove the vowels from the word. That means a complete list of abbreviations would fill a dictionary. But but there are several that you'll run across in a normal CW QSO. We have listed some of the most common below.
AGN = Again
ANT = Antenna
BK = Break, Break in
BURO = Bureau
B4 = Before
C = Yes, Correct
CL = I am closing my station; Call
CONDX = Conditions
CPI = Copy
CU = See You
GG = Going
OM = Old Man
PSE = Please
R = Received
TNX = Thanks
TU = Thank you
VY = Very
WX = Weather
XYL = Literally "Ex-Young Lady", i.e. wife
YL = Young Lady
You can download a more complete list here.
Speaking of CW and texting, here's a head-to-head competition conducted during an episode of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Check it out here!
If you have used phone or digital modes, you are probably already familiar with the RS signal-reporting system, as in "you're five by eight here in South Snowshoe, MA."
CW operators add another component to the signal report: the "T," for signal tone. For all practical purposes, with today's solid-state radios with well-regulated and fully filtered power supplies, a "9" tone report is most common. But some hams still run tube equipment, or radios with wiggy power supplies. Give them an honest report so they can troubleshoot their radios if needed.
R: Readability
1 — Unreadable
2 — Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable
3 — Readable with considerable difficulty
4 — Readable with practically no difficulty
5 — Perfectly readable
S: Signal Strength
1 — Faint signals, barely perceptible
2 — Very weak signals
3 — Weak signals
4 — Fair signals
5 — Fairly good signals
6 — Good signals
7 — Moderately strong signals
8 — Strong signals
9 — Extremely strong signals
T: Tone
1 — Sixty cycle A.C. or less, very rough and broad
2 — Very rough A.C., very harsh and broad
3 — Rough A.C. tone, rectified but not filtered
4 — Rough note, some trace of filtering
5 — Filtered rectified a.c. but strongly ripple-modulated
6 — Filtered tone, definite trace of ripple modulation
7 — Near pure tone, trace of ripple modulation
8 — Near perfect tone, slight trace of modulation
9 — Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind
In addition, the following indicators can help another ham troubleshoot a signal-quality problem, or pat him or her on the back for having a solid signal. Back when hams built their own transmitters they were important but in these days when most of us buy rigs they are seldom heard:
X: stable frequency (crystal control)
C: "chirp" (frequency shift when keying)
K: key clicks
Here are some sample (though not necessarily common) signal reports:
559 — a perfectly readable, fairly strong signal with perfect tone
558C — a perfectly readable, fairly strong signal with a minor chirp
355K — a difficult-to-read signal, fairly strong signal with moderately bad key clicks
599X — a strong, readable signal with a perfect tone, just like a crystal-controlled transmitter.
There are a lot of possible RST reports. One way to simplify is to reduce it to just a handful
339 - The weakest signal that can still support a minimal QSO.
459 - Fair signal, copyable enough for the QSO but maybe not 100%.
559 - Fairly strong signal with no copy issues.
579 - Typical strong signal.
599 - Very strong signal.
You can download a desktop reference of the RST system here.
CW operators also use the same set of Q-Signals as phone and digital-mode operators. With CW, however, some of these appear more frequently during a contact. If the Q signal stands alone, it typically represents a statement. If it's followed by a question mark, it's a query.
QRG(?) — My exact frequency is ______. What is your exact frequency?You can download a more-complete list of Q signals here.
Whew! It seems like it took a lot of background information to get to this section. We apologize if we have provided too much information. In reality, we have tried very hard to strike a balance between providing you with enough information and overwhelming you with too much information.
Truth be known, far too many Amateurs dive into their first on air CW experience without adequate preparation. They get frustrated from the experience and end up missing out on the joys of the original Ham communications mode. Many years ago, the ARRL and other Amateur organization provided guides for RadioTelegraph operators. We have tried to recall the information that was presented in those books and summarize it here. If you have reveiwed and understood most of the preceeding information, then you are pretty much ready for an on-air CW QSO.
This section outlines a typical CW QSO. Although there are many variations possible to the basic QSO, most QSOs follow this format. If there is any way to do it, find an Elmer, friend, or any other experienced CW operator to help you with your first on-air CW QSO. The following "script" describes a typical CW QSO as it might be heard on most any HF band on any given day.
In this example, W7VC will check to see if the frequency is clear - this is a good, courteous practice, try to make this a habit in all your radio fun.
The first step is to listen for several seconds or even a few minutes. A frequency may sound quiet when you first tune to it, but a QSO may be underway and propagation allows you to hear only one of the two stations. Listening for a decent interval gives the station you can hear enough time to make itself known, saving you the need to ask if the frequency is clear.
If you hear nothing, it's still useful to check with a query on the air, using QRL. A good basic rule is to keep your inquiry as short as possible to minimize disruption to an existing QSO.
QRL? (listen for a reply. If nothing you could try again.)
QRL? DE W7VC K
Please note: If the frequency is busy, you may hear a C (for Si in Spanish), R (Roger), or QRL (Frequency IS Busy) in response. Do not respond. Simply move on and select another frequency.
If there is no response to your QRL? you may proceed to calling CQ.
CQ CQ CQ DE W7VC W7VC W7VC K
Please note: A 3x3 format is recommended. In other words, send CQ three times, followed by the DE (from/this is), followed by your call sign three times. That's enough -- take a break and see if anyone hears you and wants to call you. The K at the end means that you are done transmitting and invites anyone to respond.
In this example, N7TAT will respond to your CQ.
W7VC DE N7TAT N7TAT AR
Please Note: Although the use of AR at the end of the call is strictly correct procedure, many operators will end the call with a simple K. The argument for the use of AR is twofold:
-- K should be used only after communication has been established and that, at this point in a QSO, full two-way communications has not yet been established.
-- Many calls end with a K and depending on conditions it can be unclear if the sender has finished. AR removes any ambiguity.
In actual practice, be prepared for either K or AR.
Keep the first exchange fairly short. You don't know how well the other station can hear you.
W7VC begins the QSO by responding as follows:
N7TAT DE W7VC TNX FER CALL BT RST 459 459 QTH EUGENE OR EUGENE OR BT NAME JORDAN JORDAN BT HW CPY? N7TAT DE W7VC K
Some notes:
— Note the use of the BT prosign to serve as a break between sections or sentences of the QSO. CW operators seldom use a period in their QSOs.
— Many operators will use longer pauses between thoughts and seldom use the BT. Some operators will use more BT's as a CW version of “ummm”. Each operator will have a different style.
— While a simple K at the end will suffice, some may use the prosign KN to incicate that only the other station should answer.
— The prosign AR can also be included after the message content but before the call signs based on suggested ARRL procedure. However, the use of AR is optional and not common in day to day communications.
N7TAT now transmits and returns the basic information to W7VC:
W7VC DE N7TAT TNX FER RPT BT SLD CPY UR RST 589 589 BT NAME PAT PAT BT QTH SALEM, OR SALEM, OR BT HW CPY? W7VC DE N7TAT K
Both stations may continue to play catch by conversing back and forth as long as desired. For example, here is an additional exchange containing yet more typical information:
N7TAT DE W7VC FB PAT BT WX HR WARM ES DRY TEMP 75F BT RIG KNWD TS520S ES ANT DIPOLE UP 50 FT BT HW CPI? N7TAT DE W7VC K
N7TAT can now send the same type of info. This is the point that the QSO becomes fairly free form with suggested topics such as age, other hobbies, discussion of further topics in ham radio etc.
If you want to engage in a longer QSO, often called a Rag Chew, to get to know the operator on the other key, we have provided some tips for engaging in a conversational QSO. You can download a PDF of these hints here:Hints for RagChew QSOs
Please note: For operators in the USA, the FCC requires that you send your call at the end of a QSO and once every 10 minutes durng a QSO. It is not necessary to exchange call signs every time you hand the QSO over to the other station or as you pick up the other station's hand-off. When you take advantage of the 10-minute rule, your conversations can flow more smoothly. Sometimes operators will simply use BK (that's "BK" with a space, not a prosign) as a shorthand for “back to you”. This is mostly a contest technique but can be useful in a normal QSO for a quick exchange to and answer a question.
Exchange of SKCC numbers would be good content once the initial exchange has completed. SKCC has become a large organization with a very visible presence on the CW bands. Out of respect to those who are not yet part of SKCC, we should avoid sending unwelcome numbers. If the QSO started with CQ SKCC then an exchange of SKCC numbers is to be expected. However if it was just a regular CQ then it would be polite to see if the other operator is part of SKCC before sending numbers. Even if they're part of SKCC they might not be using the right key so an SKCC QSO may not be appropriate. Of course if they send them to you, feel free to send your back.
SKCC numbers should be sent with trailing award letters (C, T, S) and cut numbers should be avoided. Don't send 1590S as 15NTS.
Letting the other operator know what sort of key you're using is another discussion topic for an SKCC QSO.
And soon it is time to sign off.
N7TAT DE W7VC TNX FER FB QSO PAT BT HP CU AGN BT VY 73 TO U ES URS SK N7TAT DE W7VC
N7TAT would now also sign. Goodbyes are best done quickly. Like everything else in Morse operation, brevity is best. As your experience grows you will find what works best for you. Keep in mind that the prosigns and abbreviations are designed to help the conversation move along smoothly as well as help others who might be listening to understand what is happening on the frequency. Using proper procedure will make you sound like a seasoned pro to those who listen in.
Over time, it has become somewhat traditional for one station to send shave-and-a-hair-cut (dit di-di-dit dit) to which the other station can respond with two bits (dit dit). Often, both stations will simply send a dit dit as a final GoodBye.
Please note: Strictly speaking, this exchange could be considered as an illegal unidentified transmission since it comes AFTER the final transmission of your callsign. It is not presented here as a best practice, but rather as information to let you know what to expect.
— Prepare a script containing the basic information you might transmit for each exchange. This allows the beginner to concentrate completely on clean and steady keying without worrying about composing the message on the fly.
— Call CQ and transmit your initial information at the same speed you can comfortably copy. If you transmit faster than you can copy, the other station may assume you are comfortable receiving at that same speed.
— It is often helpful to listen carefully for traffic on frequency for a minute or two before asking if the frequency is in use.
— Don't be afraid to say QRS if you are having difficulty copying the other station. A good, courteous operator will slow down for you.
— Feel free to tape record your QSOs so you can review missed information. This can be helpful for the beginner who wishes to confirm the content if curious or to be sure the information is right before sending a QSL card.
— If the other operator transmits 599 or states that he is receiving you with solid copy it is unnecessary to repeat message content.
— If you have a mentor (elmer) who is a CW operator, invite him/her to join you for your first QSO. An elmer can copy along and assist you in case you get nervous.
— Don't worry about making mistakes. Remember! This is Amateur Radio, not Professional Radio. While everyone's goal should be to improve and eventually become a first-class operator, mistakes are part of the learning process. Enjoy yourself, don't worry about errors and have fun.
When checking for a clear frequency, some operators just send ? instead of QRL? This is not a good practice, but mentioned here in case you encounter it. Some operators respond to QRL? with DE and their call, which is [sometimes?] an invitation for a QSO. A better response is a simple C.
This section remains a work in progress. If you would like to contribute to this section, please contact Ron Bower, AC2C, via email at AC2C@SKCCgroup.com
Include a variety of web links to valuable information and other user guides.
This section remains a work in progress. If you would like to contribute to this section, please contact Ron Bower, AC2C, via email at AC2C@SKCCgroup.com