HAM radio operators not only use Morse Code to communicate quickly, they use "chat words" to abbreviate the words you will most commonly hear. In association with LICW, we have chosen a few key chat words to set to music, to help you recognize them when you get on the air with Morse Code.

Three Letter Sets

LICW teaches Morse Code in sets of three letters. There are nine sets of letters to be learned. In this section, each set of three letters is presented along with a memorable bass line.

Why Morse Code?

Tapping out the simple Morse Code message such as "ditditdit – dah-dah-dah – ditditdit" (SOS) on a pipe can save your life, if you're trapped and your voice tires from calling out to search and rescue crews. Also, medical professionals are finding Morse Code useful as assistive technology for people suffering conditions that interfere with speech or make speech difficult or tiring. And, in times of local emergency, where normal lines of communications fail, Ham radio operators sending out Morse Code messages can be useful in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) effort. Morse Code can also be fun, such as when we created The Lord's Prayer in Morse Code, or, if you love a good mystery plot, you want insider information about the clues embedded in old BBC "Inspector Morse" episodes.

Where Can I Learn Morse Code?

The Long Island CW Club is a brilliant resource for learning Morse Code. Their website is filled with practice materials, and they're especially helpful to beginners. They suggest you avoid memory aids but instead practice recognizing letters and then recognizing common words and phrases.

Morse Code Breakdown Chart