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The CW Geek's Guide to Having Fun with Morse Code
Dan, KB6NU has helped thousands get their amateur radio licenses, and now he aims to help them become CW operators as well. The CW Geek’s Guide to Having Fun with Morse Code is full of practical information that will help ham radio operators have fun learning and using Morse Code. Chapters
* Learning the Code. This chapter gives advice on how to learn the code, including recommendations for programs and websites that you can use for free.
* Getting on the Air. This chapter describes, in my “no nonsense” style how to tune in CW signals, how to make contact, and then what to do once you have made contact.
* Choosing a Key. This chapter describes the different types of keys available and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
* Keyers. This chapter describes the different types of keyers and how to connect them to your radio.
* References and Resources. This section includes information on Q-signals, RST signal reporting, abbreviations, CW clubs, and other resources that will be useful for amateur radio operators.
The author, Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, has been an amateur radio operator for more than 40 years and is a self-proclaimed "CW geek." He has made thousands of CW (Morse Code) contacts over the years, with other hams all over the world. His other books include the "No Nonsense" amateur radio license study guides and 21 Things to Do After You Get Your Amateur Radio License.
* Learning the Code. This chapter gives advice on how to learn the code, including recommendations for programs and websites that you can use for free.
* Getting on the Air. This chapter describes, in my “no nonsense” style how to tune in CW signals, how to make contact, and then what to do once you have made contact.
* Choosing a Key. This chapter describes the different types of keys available and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
* Keyers. This chapter describes the different types of keyers and how to connect them to your radio.
* References and Resources. This section includes information on Q-signals, RST signal reporting, abbreviations, CW clubs, and other resources that will be useful for amateur radio operators.
The author, Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, has been an amateur radio operator for more than 40 years and is a self-proclaimed "CW geek." He has made thousands of CW (Morse Code) contacts over the years, with other hams all over the world. His other books include the "No Nonsense" amateur radio license study guides and 21 Things to Do After You Get Your Amateur Radio License.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2015
64 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Dan Romanchik
11 books1 followerI've been an amateur radio operator (call sign KB6NU) for almost as long as I can remember. I love amateur radio, and even more, love sharing our hobby with others. That's my motivation for writing the books I do. The aspects of the hobby that I enjoy most include operating CW on the HF bands, building kits and homebrewing gadgets, and teaching amateur radio classes. I am currently the ARRL Michigan Section Training Manager and blog about amateur radio at KB6NU.Com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 4, 2019
Filled with lots of information and tips, my only disappointment was reviews said it was a book that would help learn Morse code, but the only “help” was a list of websites or apps to go look at. There wasn’t even a reference sheet showing the actual code alphabet. So while good for beginners, don’t expect this book to TEACH you code at all. (Also, ebook has many many typos / missing conjunctives, which disrupts reading thought process. Still legible but could have been cleaner.)
April 1, 2025
As someone who’s always been fascinated by Morse code but never quite knew where to start, The CW Geek's Guide to Having Fun with Morse Code was exactly what I needed. The tone is light, fun, and super approachable—even if you're completely new to the hobby. What I appreciated most was how the book balances technical know-how with genuine enthusiasm. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but you still walk away learning a ton.
There are great explanations about the history of Morse, how it’s used today, and why it’s still relevant. Plus, the practical tips for practicing code (with or without a key) were really helpful. I also started using a morse code translator app alongside the exercises, which made decoding and learning so much more interactive and fun.
If you're a total CW (continuous wave) beginner or just a geek looking to add a quirky skill to your toolkit, this book makes the whole process enjoyable and unintimidating. Highly recommended for hobbyists, hams, or anyone who loves the magic of turning dots and dashes into real communication!
There are great explanations about the history of Morse, how it’s used today, and why it’s still relevant. Plus, the practical tips for practicing code (with or without a key) were really helpful. I also started using a morse code translator app alongside the exercises, which made decoding and learning so much more interactive and fun.
If you're a total CW (continuous wave) beginner or just a geek looking to add a quirky skill to your toolkit, this book makes the whole process enjoyable and unintimidating. Highly recommended for hobbyists, hams, or anyone who loves the magic of turning dots and dashes into real communication!
October 5, 2019
Great book for someone wanting to get started on Morse code.
Great book for someone wanting to get started on Morse code. Very good references at the end of the book. Highly recommended. Goes over how to learn, a sample QSO and type of paddle to get.
Great book for someone wanting to get started on Morse code. Very good references at the end of the book. Highly recommended. Goes over how to learn, a sample QSO and type of paddle to get.
March 9, 2025
Great book about a great mode of communication
I can’t communicate with CW yet, but it is definitely something I am pursuing. This book is extremely helpful in understanding the mode.
I can’t communicate with CW yet, but it is definitely something I am pursuing. This book is extremely helpful in understanding the mode.
May 20, 2018
Great reference
Will keep this book handy . more than I can remember at one reading. Also an encouraging read for beginners. 73
Will keep this book handy . more than I can remember at one reading. Also an encouraging read for beginners. 73
March 29, 2019
A good read
I found this publication most rewarding..It is inspiring me to use CW more.
I passed my 12wpm Morse test in 1994. But quickly moved away from CW.
I found this publication most rewarding..It is inspiring me to use CW more.
I passed my 12wpm Morse test in 1994. But quickly moved away from CW.
May 27, 2019
Good overview of best CW practices
A good general background in the use of CW communications. Recommended for those starting out in this classic mode of radio transmission.
A good general background in the use of CW communications. Recommended for those starting out in this classic mode of radio transmission.
July 27, 2020
Interesting.
November 13, 2015
Great info but a little short.
Good introduction to Morse Code/CW for someone curious about it. Short but to the point. Would be cool to see this book expanded to elaborate more on the history of code, or more about amateur radio aspects of it such as QRP operation.
Good introduction to Morse Code/CW for someone curious about it. Short but to the point. Would be cool to see this book expanded to elaborate more on the history of code, or more about amateur radio aspects of it such as QRP operation.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews