CW Academy Options

Note: We encourage you to read this page completely. It contains important information that we think you’ll find worthwhile.

CW Academy is a program put on by the CW Operators’ Club aimed at increasing the number of competent CW operators on the HF CW sub-bands. It addresses all levels of enthusiasts: from those aspiring to become licensed operators who want to learn and use Morse code; to veteran operators who are intent on increasing their CW skills, speed and activity.

CW Academy semester description:
- Eight-weeks long and held three times per year (Jan-Feb, May-Jun and Sep-Oct).
- Twice weekly sessions are usually held on Mondays and Thursdays each week typically starting at 7 PM or 8 PM.
- Where possible, advisors and students are grouped together by time zone, although some students in adjacent time zones may be grouped with others.
- Most of the classes are in English.
- Students are given daily assignments prior to each meeting, and the twice weekly meetings are held online using Zoom or Skype group calling (audio/video).
- During the online meetings, students and advisors can all see and hear each other, as well as the Morse being sent by any of them. Using Zoom or Skype creates, in effect, a virtual training room.

- - Minimum essentials:
    1. High speed broadband internet access
    2. Computing device (desktop, laptop)
    3. Webcam (camera, microphone) either built-in or USB add-on
    4. Key paddle (single lever or dual lever. Straight keys, bugs or cooties are not allowed)
    5. Keyer with sidetone or radio with built-in keyer and sidetone
    6. Dedication to 60 minutes of daily practice
    7. Comfortable understanding and speaking the English language

Those who wish to participate will register below by clicking on “SIGN UP AS A CW ACADEMY STUDENT.” Please provide all requested information. We use the sign-up data to organize the upcoming training sessions. Students are organized by levels and time zones.

Students are grouped into one of four levels:

- Beginner – Limited or no prior experience with Morse Code
  - Class Objectives:
    - Learn Morse Code characters (letters, numbers, and some punctuation)
    - Learn to head copy and send Morse Code
    - Learn on-air protocols of a basic QSO
    - Use skills for on-air basic QSOs
    - Learn Morse Code to 6 wpm plus

- Fundamental – Familiarity with Morse Code characters. Operating at 6 wpm plus and desire to increase proficiency
  - Class Objectives:
    - Increase head copy and send skills using Instant Character Recognition
    - Increase skills for on-air conversational QSOs
    - Introduction to contesting skills
    - Learn Morse Code to 10 wpm plus

- Intermediate – Operating 10 plus wpm and desire to increase proficiency for contests, DX, and ragchews
  - Class Objectives:
    - Increase copy and send skills by use of contesting tools
    - Increase head copy skills
    - Recognize words as sounds
    - Increase on-air experience with various types of QSOs
    - Learn Morse Code to 20 wpm plus

- Advanced – Operating 20 plus wpm and desire to increase proficiency for higher-speed on-air activity
  - Class Objectives:
    - Increase head copy and send skills for higher-speed on-air activity
    - Increase on-air experience with various types of higher-speed QSOs
    - Increase contesting skills to 30 wpm plus
    - Recognize phrases as sounds
    - Learn to copy from behind
    - Increase overall skills to become considered for CWops membership

Once you have signed up, we will confirm your sign-up by the next day and send you a “Class Verification” email about a month prior to the beginning of your requested semester. If you have not received a confirmation message within two days of signing up, select “CW Academy Class Resolutions” below. Please use “CW ACADEMY” in the Subject line of your email.

For CW Academy Class Resolutions HERE

STUDENT

Please Note: CW Academy training and mentoring for Beginners and those with Morse Code experience needing help are offered three time a year, in two-month segments: Jan-Feb, May-Jun, Sep-Oct.

SIGN UP AS A CW ACADEMY STUDENT HERE

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS HERE

ADVISOR

If you love CW and want to join us in our mission to ensure that CW remains relevant and continues to prosper, please consider joining the Academy’s elite team of Advisors. All it takes is a love of CW and a desire to help aspiring students learn to use CW. It’s fun and rewarding and you will make many new lifelong friendships at the same time!

Please Note: CW Academy training and mentoring for Beginners and those with Morse Code experience needing help are offered three time a year, in two-month segments: Jan-Feb, May-Jun, Sep-Oct.

SIGN UP AS CW ACADEMY ADVISOR HERE

RESOURCES FOR ADVISORS HERE