At our May 2024 meeting, SPARC member Carol Bruegge, KE6SRN gave an overview of proper Morse code usage and shared tips for how to become proficient. (Apologies for the blurry photo above.) Fun fact: What we refer to as “Morse code” is more accurately called “Gerke code” because it was standardized by a German telegraph pioneer named Fredriche Gerke. Carol covered several topics including efficient communication and free learning tools. Below are links to the tools that Carol recommended.
- Morse Code Ninja – a website and YouTube channel (with over 1000 videos!)
- LCWO – online app
- RufzXP – Windows app
- Morse Runner – Windows app that simulates exchanges
- Morsle.fun – daily online game like Wordle
- Morse Code News – news headlines sent in code
- W1AW Code Practice – audio files at various speeds
- Iambic Master – app designed for use with a Winkeyer device to practice sending without a radio
Click here to download all of Carol’s slides (1.7 MB PDF).
After Carol’s presentation, we had a show and tell session with paddles, straight keys, and “bugs” from SPARC members’ collections.
To the left of the paddles were laptops loaded with RufzXP, Morse Runner, and Iambic Master. Attendees could compare the programs and see which ones might be worth trying at home.
At 9:13 p.m. the ham radio satellite SO-50 passed overhead, and Rick Besocke, KI6ZKM led the group in a contact demonstration. This was an opportunity to see a satellite contact in action, inspired by our February meeting on the topic.
Next month, it’s time to talk Field Day! Join us on June 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Eddie Park House.
73,
John Aboud, KK6ZVQ