Morse code trainer with Koch and Farnsworth controls
Translating once won’t stick. This trainer adds characters the Koch way (few letters at full character speed) and stretches gaps the Farnsworth way so you learn sound patterns instead of counting dits. Settings and a simple local progress note live in your browser — no account.
When to use
Daily 10–15 minute sessions; breaking a speed plateau; starting from a small Koch subset without installing desktop software; returning after a long break with honest character speed.
When not
If you only need a one-off translation, use the translator. Pure copy-from-audio drills without lesson gating: listening practice. Sending practice: keyer. License exams are not graded here.
Assumptions
Default suggestion Char WPM ≈ 20 with Farnsworth effective speed lower (e.g. 5–15) until gaps close. Accuracy before unlocking the next character is local and approximate — we don’t claim CW Academy enrollment credit.
Examples
Input
Char 20 WPM · Farnsworth 5 · set {K, M}Result
Hear short groups → type → unlock next letter near ≥90% on the set
Input
Same set · Farnsworth raised to 12
Result
Tighter gaps, same character speed — typical weekly progression
Input
Temptation: drop Char WPM to 8
Result
Avoid — lower Farnsworth instead so characters stay honest
Counting dits feels easier and teaches the wrong skill.
How it works
- Koch: start with a small set; add a character after you copy the set reliably.
- Farnsworth: keep character elements fast; stretch silence between letters/words toward Effective WPM.
- Feedback shows expected vs typed; set size can persist in localStorage on this device.
- Play schedules tones via the shared timing engine after a user gesture.
Char elements @ Char WPM · letter/word gaps stretched toward Farnsworth WPM · dit ms ≈ 1200 / CharWPM
Gotchas
- Slowing character WPM to “make it easier” teaches counting — drop Farnsworth instead.
- Marathon sessions burn you out; short daily blocks beat weekend cramming.
- People searching “morse code practice” often want this page or listen — not another translator clone.
- Clearing site data resets local progress; there is no cloud restore.
Compare
Why Koch + Farnsworth together
A sane weekly rhythm
Koch keeps the character set small and the element speed honest, so you learn sound patterns instead of counting dits. Farnsworth stretches the silence between letters so your brain has time to answer without slowing the characters into a different language.
- 10–15 minutes most days beats a Sunday marathon.
- Raise Farnsworth WPM before you raise character WPM.
- When the set feels easy, unlock the next letter — don’t inflate speed to feel productive.
Local progress
Set size can persist in localStorage on this browser. There is no cloud account and no CW Academy credit. Clearing site data resets the ladder — export nothing; just keep practicing.
Related practice
Open-ended copy without unlocks: listen. Sending: keyer. Ego check: WPM test. Beginner map: for/learn. Ham map: for/ham.
Common questions
Direct answers — no synonym padding.
Related tools
Practice tool only — not a license exam, not emergency training certification. See Methodology and Terms.