How does the site work?
CW Trainer offers two main practice modes:
- RX (receive): the program plays Morse characters, and your task is to recognize them.
- TX (send): you can send Morse code using a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or a VBand-compatible USB interface.
RX – receive practice
In RX mode, the program plays random Morse characters. Your task is to identify the characters you hear.
Practice sets
- ABC (A–Z): letters of the English alphabet
- Numbers (0–9): number practice
-
Special characters:
. = , / ? : - @ * - All: letters, numbers, and special characters together
- Custom: define your own character set
- Koch method: gradual Morse learning with a predefined character order
Custom character set
In Custom mode, you can choose which characters you want to practice. Enter the characters in the Practice characters field.
At least two characters are required to start the exercise.
Supported characters:
-
letters:
A–Z -
numbers:
0–9 -
special characters:
. = , / ? : - @ *
Koch method
The Koch method is an effective technique for learning Morse code. Practice starts with two characters: K and M . When you reach 90% accuracy , the program recommends adding a new character.
This makes learning gradual, clear, and less overwhelming.
The character order is designed so that the rhythm of the characters is easy to distinguish, similar-sounding characters are less likely to be confused, and more difficult signs are introduced later.
Koch method order
K M U R E S N A P T L W I . J Z = F O Y , V G 5 / Q 9 2 H 3 8 B ? 4 7 C 1 D 6 0 X : - @ *
The
*
character is the error signal.
RX exercise settings
- Speed: the speed of the Morse code. The higher the WPM (WPM: Words Per Minute) value, the faster the sending speed.
- Farnsworth Method: useful for learning. Characters are played at the selected character speed, but with longer spacing between them, so the whole group is played at the tempo set by the “Speed” setting. This helps you recognize each character by its sound pattern instead of counting dits and dahs.
- Character speed: the playback speed of the characters. It must be higher than the Speed value.
- Character Group: one group contains 5 random characters.
- Sidetone Frequency: the frequency of the Morse tone.
- Volume: increase the volume
- Radio Noise: simulates noise commonly heard in radio reception.
- Noise Volume: controls the volume of the radio noise.
RX answer mode
- Write on paper: write your answers on paper. At the end of the exercise, the program shows which characters were played.
- Type it in: enter the characters you hear into the fields shown on the screen.
TX – send practice
In TX mode, you can practice sending Morse code.
You can send Morse code using:
- a PC keyboard
- a mouse
- a touchscreen
- a VBand-compatible USB interface
The key code sent by a VBand-type USB interface depends on the firmware or configuration of that specific interface. If your interface does not work properly with CW Trainer, please let me know.
The system recognizes dots and dashes, then evaluates the characters you sent.
TX practice sets
- ABC (A–Z): letters of the English alphabet
- Numbers (0–9): number practice
-
Special characters:
. = , / ? : - @ * - All: letters, numbers, and special characters together
- Custom: define your own character set
- Sending type: special sending practice modes
Custom character set
In Custom mode, you can choose which characters you want to practice. Enter the characters in the Practice characters field.
At least two characters are required to start the exercise.
The
*
character is the error signal.
Sending type
When Sending type is selected, three practice modes are available:
Follow me
The program plays a Morse character, and you need to send the same character. If you send it correctly, the next character follows. If you make a mistake, the program repeats the same character.
Text practice
The program displays a random amateur radio-themed text that must be sent in Morse code. The exercise follows the selected WPM setting. The upper line shows the text to send, while the lower line shows the decoded transmission. Correct characters are displayed in the normal color, while incorrect characters appear in red. A new exercise can be loaded at any time using the New text button.
Free text
In this mode, you can send Morse code freely. The program tries to recognize and display the characters you send.
Key type
- Straight key: simulates a traditional single-lever Morse key.
- Paddle: uses two-lever electronic keying.
Paddle layout
- Normal: left = DIT, right = DAH
- Reverse: left = DAH, right = DIT
PC keyboard control
Straight key mode
- short press on left CTRL = DIT
- long press on left CTRL = DAH
Paddle mode
Normal layout:
- left CTRL = DIT
- right CTRL = DAH
Reverse layout:
- left CTRL = DAH
- right CTRL = DIT
PC mouse control
Straight key mode
- short press on left button = DIT
- long press on left button = DAH
Paddle mode
Enable the “Use mouse as paddle” option.
Normal layout:
- left button = DIT
- right button = DAH
Reverse layout:
- left button = DAH
- right button = DIT
TX exercise settings
- Speed: the speed of the Morse code. The higher the WPM (WPM: Words Per Minute) value, the faster the sending speed.
- Character group: one group contains 5 random characters.
- Sidetone: the frequency of the Morse tone.
- Volume: increase the volume
Note
If you leave the browser tab, the RX / TX exercise stops automatically.