Want to learn Morse code and enjoy the thrill of CW operating? Here’s more than a little help from an operator who knows his way around a straight key and paddle.
“The CW Way of Life” by well-known Morse code enthusiast Chris Rutkowski, NW6V, is a revelation for anyone trying to learn the code. NW6V explains the techniques for familiarizing yourself with the dits and dahs of Morse code, along with presenting a look at CW (continuous wave) from a unique personal perspective.
“The CW Way of Life” provides a complete, self-contained Morse code learning system that requires no computers or special equipment. It combines techniques dating back to the early days of the code, with modern deliberate training principles to guide you toward success.
Broken into nine chapters, the 224-page paperback from the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) takes the reader on a journey that tackles theory, learning methods, and the instrument itself before moving on to code talking, reading and writing, and advanced keying. Every step is dealt with in detail, combining practical steps with practice drills that bring the code to life. NW6V also provides anecdotes about his life with Morse and shows just how all-consuming this skill can become.
It’s more than a Morse “how-to” book; it’s a deep dive into how it works and how you work when studying it.
Nothing beats practice when it comes to learning Morse code, but “The CW Way of Life” is there to provide the inspiration to do just that. This book is an easy read that is designed to encourage you to take up Morse code and perhaps adopt a “CW Way of Life.”
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Check out the full lineup of books from the RSGB available at DX Engineering. And find more insights into CW in this OnAllBands article, “Ham Radio 101: What’s the Best Way to Learn Morse Code?”
