How to Make Your First CW Contact (With Sample Audio)

Making your first CW (Morse code) contact on ham radio is one of the most satisfying moments in the hobby. There's something deeply connecting about communicating with another person using only a simple on-off signal — the same method that operators have used since the 1840s.

CW also has practical advantages. A CW signal can be copied through noise that would make voice communication impossible. QRP (low power) CW operators routinely make contacts across oceans on 5 watts — the power of a Christmas tree bulb. And CW operators are among the most welcoming communities in amateur radio.

Step 1: Get licensed. In most countries, you need at least a basic amateur radio license. The good news: since 2007, no country requires a Morse code test for licensing. You can get licensed first, then learn CW at your own pace.

In the US, the Technician license is the entry point. The General license opens up the HF bands where most CW activity happens. The exam is multiple choice and can be taken at any ARRL-affiliated club. Study materials are free at arrl.org.

In the UK, the Foundation licence is the entry point, followed by Intermediate and Full. The Full licence gives access to all bands and maximum power. The RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) administers all UK licensing.

Step 2: Find the CW bands. CW activity is concentrated at the bottom of each amateur band: 3.500-3.600 MHz (80m), 7.000-7.040 MHz (40m), 14.000-14.070 MHz (20m). The 40m band (7 MHz) is the best starting point — active at all hours with stations at moderate speeds.

The QRP calling frequency on 40m is 7.030 MHz — the frequency shown on the radio dial in Morsely's Amateur Radio pillar OG image. This is where you'll find the most patient operators, many of whom are also learning or returning to CW.

Listen before you transmit. Spend several sessions just listening. You'll hear stations calling CQ (general call), exchanging signal reports (RST 599), names, locations (QTH), and signing off with 73 (best regards). This is the standard QSO format.

A typical CW QSO follows a predictable format. Station A calls CQ: "CQ CQ CQ DE W1AW W1AW K." Station B responds: "W1AW DE K3LR K3LR K." Station A replies: "K3LR DE W1AW UR 599 599 NAME JOHN JOHN QTH NEWINGTON CT NEWINGTON CT HW? K." Station B responds with their own report, name, and location.

The exchange ends with both stations sending "73 SK" (best regards, end of contact). If you're going off the air entirely, add "CL" (closing station). These prosigns are universal — every CW operator worldwide uses the same format.

At your first contact, don't worry about speed. Send at whatever speed you can copy. Most experienced operators will match your speed automatically. If they're going too fast, send "QRS" (please send more slowly) — they'll slow down without hesitation.

For your first CW contacts, a straight key is the most forgiving option. It's the same type of key used since the telegraph era — a simple lever that you press to send dots and dashes. Timing is entirely manual, which is harder but more educational.

Once you're comfortable with a straight key, consider a paddle key with an electronic keyer. The keyer automatically generates dots and dashes when you press the left or right paddle — you control the timing, the keyer handles the mechanics. This allows much higher speeds with less fatigue.

Morsely's Practice Key feature lets you practice sending with your keyboard before you invest in hardware. Hold the spacebar to send — the timing is up to you. This is a great way to develop your sending rhythm before getting on the air.