Welcome to CW Academy

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.

📅 Semester Overview

  • Duration: Eight-weeks long and held three times per year (Jan-Feb, May-Jun, and Sep-Oct).
  • Schedule: Twice weekly sessions held on Mondays and Thursdays, typically starting at 7 PM or 8 PM.
  • Format: Virtual training via Zoom or Skype (audio/video). Students and advisors can see, hear, and send Morse to each other in real-time.
  • Grouping: Advisors and students are generally grouped by time zone.
  • Language: Most classes are conducted in English.
  • Workload: Students are given daily assignments prior to each meeting.

🛠️ Minimum Essentials

  • High-speed broadband internet access.
  • Computing device (desktop or laptop).
  • Webcam (camera, microphone) either built-in or USB add-on.
  • Key paddle (single lever or dual lever).
  • Keyer with sidetone or radio with built-in keyer and sidetone.
  • Dedication to 60 minutes of daily practice.
  • Comfortable understanding and speaking the English language.

Note: Straight keys, bugs, or cooties are not allowed for these courses.

📶 Choose Your Level

Students are organized by levels and time zones. Please review the levels below before signing up.

1. Beginner

Prerequisite: 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.
  • Goal: Learn Morse Code to 6 wpm+.

2. Fundamental

Prerequisite: Familiarity with Morse Code characters. Operating at 6 wpm+ 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.
  • Goal: Learn Morse Code to 10 wpm+.

3. Intermediate

Prerequisite: Operating 10+ 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 and recognize words as sounds.
  • Increase on-air experience with various types of QSOs.
  • Goal: Learn Morse Code to 20 wpm+.

4. Advanced

Prerequisite: Operating 20+ 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.
  • Recognize phrases as sounds and learn to copy from behind.
  • Goal: Increase contesting skills to 30 wpm+.

Ready to Start?

SIGN UP AS A CW ACADEMY STUDENT

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!

SIGN UP AS A CW ACADEMY ADVISOR