Morse Code Trainer / Morse Code II
By Fred Rodney
1984


General Tape Instructions: The cassette tape contains two programs. Side 1: 
Morse Code Trainer, and Side 2: Morse Code II (for advanced study). The tape is 
loaded with :INPUT ;RUN GO. Allow the tape to continue playing until the first 
menu (LEVEL) appears. Stop the tape and begin studying. To change an entry 
press H and RUN GO. A new test may be taken after all 25 characters are 
displayed (Test Mode). The computer will wait for you to press a number key 
before starting a new test. This allows the test answers to remain on the 
screen for as long as you need them to check your answers.

This program incorporates ideas used by the U. S. Navy and by professional code 
instructors in one self-contained tutor. Side 1 sends code at approximately 15 
wpm (words per minute) per character with programmable pauses (speed input). 
Side 2 sends code at approximately 20 wpm/character. This technique allows for 
a quick and easy progression to higher speeds. It is highly recommended that a 
key and an oscillator or a buzzer be used to practice sending code as well.

Morse Code was developed in the mid 1800's by Samuel B. Morse for the U.S. 
government.  Originally, the code involved the clicks of a key connected to a 
telegraph line.  With the advent of radio, clicks were replaced by familiar 
tonal dits and dahs that are made by keying an electronic oscillator.  In radio 
communications, the Morse Code is superior to voice to occasions any number of 
ways.  The code can be understood in some of the noisy situations.  And, 
because a single tone requires a narrower than with to transmit and receive 
intelligibly, receivers can be very finely tuned (high Q circuits) to eliminate 
even more interference.  Also, for transmitting stations can fill up a band 
when the individual bandwidth of each station is narrow. Morse Code is 
efficient and compact.  More so than any computer code such as ASCII.  All 
letters in ASCII require eight bits.  Some letters in Morse code require one 
bit (e and t).

The lesson plan that follows is recommended. Tests, whether open-book (SHOW) or 
closed-book (TEST) may be taken at any speed and on any level. Test characters 
are given in 5 rows of 5 characters. To obtain a NOVICE class license you must 
demonstrate the ability to send and receive Morse Code at 5wpm. You must also 
take a short written test on FCC rules and elementary electronics. A NOVICE 
license may be upgraded to a TECHNICIAN class license by passing another 
written test on electronics. Higher licenses require 15wpm and 20wpm code 
capability. A TECHNICIAN class license allows the holder to operate a 2-meter 
FM transceiver with VOICE communications. Some of the most advanced radio 
transceivers made are built to operate in the 2-meter band (scanning, digital 
displays, programming).


             The entire contents, program, and method
                        (c) 1984, FRED RODNEY
                        ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
      Fred Rodney, 1190 Albany Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203

             Fred Rodney Educational Software Designs


Morse Code character / Level Chart: Use this chart for reference while you 
study, at slow speeds, and the learn mode.  At faster speeds, try to name the 
character, without referring to this chart, before it appears on the screen.

Recommended Lesson Plan: follow each lesson and move on to the next after you 
have learned the current lesson material well.  Continue with Side 2 (Level 3, 
Speed 2, Mode 2, Screen 2) until you get your HAM license or until you get a CW 
(carrier wave, or Morse Code) band receiver to listen to and to practice 
decoding real messages.

[Simple Oscillator schematic]