Many operators who began to learn Morse Code as a school exercise or in the Scouts, probably memorised the alphabet as a type of look-up list in their head. Even when proficiency at 5 to 10 words per minute have been attained, many will have problems making the transition above that 10 wpm threshold. Paradoxically, the way forward is to un-learn that technique and re-train the brain to process the higher speeds like a sound in a language. Better yet, beginners in Morse Code should jump straight to learning the sounds at 25 words per minute.

In the video below, the late Ray Burlinghome G4FON makes a presentation about how to achieve Morse Code at a conversational level with speed proficiency.

Essentially, candidates can download a CW trainer that progressively exposes high speed characters one at a time until brain recognition of the sounds slowly develops.

The clip goes further and recommends that candidates can download books as text files, insert the text into the trainer and create MP3 audio books telling stories in Morse Code.

It is also recommended that candidates develop their higher speed sending skills directly with a paddle key, rather than the classic straight Morse key.

Like learning any language, it takes time and comes easier to some people than others. Practise is paramount and time needs to be put aside on a very regular basis to build the skill. Technique is important. The process described here allows candidates to develop at their own pace, without dead-end strategies that can waste a lot of time.

The CW Trainer program can be downloaded for free via the link below. This site contains instructions on how to get the most from this program,

There is a Download button at the very end of the page

https://www.g4fon.net/