Getting Started
Welcome to the Koch Method Morse Code Trainer. This tool teaches you to copy CW (Morse code) using the proven Koch method, which has you learning characters at full speed from day one.
Quick Start
- Click Play (or press Space) to hear Morse code.
- Type the characters you hear in the input area.
- Click Verify (or press Enter) to check your accuracy.
- Score 90% or higher to unlock the next lesson.
- Use Settings to adjust speed and spacing to your comfort level.
The Koch Method
Developed by psychologist Ludwig Koch, this method teaches Morse code by sending characters at full speed from the very start. Instead of slowing down individual characters, you learn with Farnsworth spacing — full-speed characters with extra pauses between them. You begin with just two characters (K and M) and add one new character per lesson once you reach 90% accuracy.
Key Principles
- Characters are always sent at full speed (20 WPM recommended).
- Farnsworth spacing adds extra pauses between characters for thinking time.
- Start with 2 characters, add 1 new character per lesson.
- Advance to the next lesson when you consistently score 90% or above.
- The goal is instant recognition — hearing a character and knowing it immediately without decoding.
Training Modes
Random Groups
Random character groups drawn from your current lesson pool. This is the core Koch method practice mode. Groups are typically 5 characters long with spaces between them.
When to use: Use this as your primary training mode. It is the foundation of the Koch method.
Word Mode
Real English words built only from characters you have unlocked so far. Helps bridge the gap between random practice and real-world recognition.
When to use: Switch to word mode once you are comfortable with your current character set to build practical fluency.
Callsign Mode
Simulated amateur radio callsigns in the format prefix-digit-suffix (e.g., W1AW, K5ZD). Requires digits to be unlocked (lesson 24+).
When to use: Use this after unlocking digits to practice the most common on-air pattern.
ICR (Instant Character Recognition)
One character at a time with a countdown timer. You must identify each character before time runs out. Focuses on building instantaneous recognition without the context of surrounding characters.
When to use: Use ICR to drill speed. Especially helpful when your accuracy is high but your reaction time is slow.
Settings Reference
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Character Speed (WPM) | Speed at which individual characters are sent. Koch method recommends 20 WPM so you learn full-speed recognition from day one. |
| Effective Speed (WPM) | Overall speed with Farnsworth spacing (extra pauses between characters). Start at 5–8 WPM as a beginner, increase to 10–15 as you improve. Must be ≤ character speed. |
| Extra Word Spacing | Additional pause between groups in dit-lengths. Increase if you need more processing time. 0 = standard spacing. |
| Tone Frequency (Hz) | Pitch of the CW sidetone. 700 Hz is standard. Lower (600) is easier on ears; higher (800) cuts through noise. |
| Input Mode | Batch: listen to the full sequence, then type everything. Live: type each character as you hear it for instant feedback. Live builds faster reflexes. |
| ICR Response Timeout | Seconds to identify each character before it’s marked missed. Start at 3s, reduce as you build instant recognition. Goal: under 1.5s. |
| Session Timer | Auto-verifies when time expires. 2–5 minute sessions recommended for focused practice. Off = unlimited. |
| Characters Per Group | Characters per random group. Standard is 5. Reduce to 3 when learning a new character; increase to 7–10 for challenge. |
| Groups Per Session | Groups per practice round. 10 groups × 5 chars = 50 characters total. More groups = longer sessions. |
| Weighted Random | Prioritizes weaker and recently introduced characters. Focuses practice where you need it most. Recommended: ON. |
Keyboard Shortcuts
Character Reference
Characters are introduced in the Koch/LCWO sequence. Each lesson adds one new character to the pool.
| Lesson | Char | Morse Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K | —·— |
| 2 | M | —— |
| 3 | U | ··— |
| 4 | R | ·—· |
| 5 | E | · |
| 6 | S | ··· |
| 7 | N | —· |
| 8 | A | ·— |
| 9 | P | ·——· |
| 10 | T | — |
| 11 | L | ·—·· |
| 12 | W | ·—— |
| 13 | I | ·· |
| 14 | . | ·—·—·— |
| 15 | J | ·——— |
| 16 | Z | ——·· |
| 17 | = | —···— |
| 18 | F | ··—· |
| 19 | O | ——— |
| 20 | Y | —·—— |
| 21 | , | ——··—— |
| 22 | V | ···— |
| 23 | G | ——· |
| 24 | 5 | ····· |
| 25 | / | —··—· |
| 26 | Q | ——·— |
| 27 | 9 | ————· |
| 28 | 2 | ··——— |
| 29 | H | ···· |
| 30 | 3 | ···—— |
| 31 | 8 | ———·· |
| 32 | B | —··· |
| 33 | ? | ··——·· |
| 34 | 4 | ····— |
| 35 | 7 | ——··· |
| 36 | C | —·—· |
| 37 | 1 | ·———— |
| 38 | D | —·· |
| 39 | 6 | —···· |
| 40 | 0 | ————— |
| 41 | X | —··— |
Saving & Sharing
Auto-save (Local Storage)
Your progress automatically saves to your browser after each session. This works without any network connection but is tied to this browser on this device.
Cloud Save Code
Click Save Progress to get a short code you can use to restore your progress on any device. Enter the code or use the generated link to resume where you left off.
Shareable URL
The save feature also generates a URL that encodes your full progress. Bookmark it or share it with a study partner to sync state.
Tips & Best Practices
Daily Practice
- Practice for short sessions (5–15 minutes) multiple times a day rather than one long session.
- Consistency matters more than duration — daily practice builds strong neural pathways.
- Warm up with ICR mode for 2 minutes before doing group practice.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t count dits and dahs — listen for the overall rhythm of each character.
- Don’t slow down character speed; reduce effective speed or add extra word spacing instead.
- Don’t skip ahead until you truly score 90%+ consistently.
- Don’t practice when tired or distracted — quality practice matters.
Progression Advice
- Master each lesson before advancing. Rushing leads to weak recognition later.
- When you hit a plateau, try ICR mode or switch to Word mode for variety.
- Gradually reduce effective speed gaps — aim to match character speed eventually.
- After completing all lessons, increase character speed in 2 WPM increments.
Recommended Settings by Level
Beginner
Just starting out with Morse code
Intermediate
Comfortable with 15+ characters
Advanced
All characters unlocked, building speed
FAQ
Why start at 20 WPM character speed?
The Koch method works by building instant sound-to-character associations. At full speed, each character has a distinct rhythm. At slower speeds, you end up consciously counting dits and dahs — a bad habit that is hard to break later.
What is Farnsworth spacing?
Farnsworth spacing sends each individual character at full speed but adds extra pauses between characters. This gives you thinking time without distorting the sound of the characters themselves.
How long should my practice sessions be?
Short and frequent beats long and rare. Aim for 5–15 minute sessions, 2–3 times per day. Your brain needs time to consolidate what you have learned between sessions.
I am stuck at 80% accuracy. What should I do?
Turn on Weighted Random to focus on your weakest characters. Try ICR mode to drill problem characters individually. Consider increasing your effective speed — sometimes going faster forces your brain out of conscious decoding.
What is the difference between Batch and Live input modes?
Batch mode plays the full sequence, then you type your answer. Live mode lets you type each character as you hear it with instant color-coded feedback. Live mode builds faster reflexes and is recommended once you are comfortable.
Should I use Weighted Random?
Yes, almost always. It ensures you spend more time on characters you struggle with and newly introduced characters, making your practice sessions more efficient.
How do I save my progress?
Progress auto-saves to your browser. Use the Save Progress button to get a shareable code or link that works across devices.
Why are some modes showing random groups instead of words/callsigns?
Word mode and Callsign mode fall back to random groups when your unlocked character set is too small to generate meaningful content. Keep advancing through lessons to unlock more variety.
Troubleshooting
No audio is playing
- Check that your browser volume and system volume are not muted.
- Click somewhere on the page first — browsers require user interaction before playing audio.
- Try adjusting the Tone Frequency slider in settings.
- Try a different browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended).
My progress was lost
- Progress is stored in your browser’s local storage. Clearing browser data removes it.
- Use the Save Progress button to generate a code or link you can use to restore on any device.
- If you have a save code, add ?code=YOUR_CODE to the URL to restore.
Characters sound distorted or choppy
- Close other audio-heavy tabs or applications.
- Try lowering the character speed slightly.
- Refresh the page to reset the audio context.
- Use Chrome or Firefox for best Web Audio API support.
The trainer is not responding to keyboard shortcuts
- Make sure the input area is not focused (click outside of it).
- Keyboard shortcuts are disabled while typing in the text area.
- Space = Play/Pause, Ctrl+R = New Session, Enter = Verify.