LICW Partnership
Lessons:
Introduction:
Welcome to the Long Island CW Club (LICW) section of Morse Code Ninja. LICW was founded in 2018 and has become a premier CW training organization. We have thousands of members from all 50 US states and over 50 countries around the world. We have over 100 volunteer instructors and moderators and we hold over 100 classes weekly on Zoom. Class size averages 15-20 students, which promotes an optimal learning environment where individualized instruction is received, and friendships are made.
Our club mantra is preparing students to get on the air. Our curricula, reflecting that goal are a unique blend of vintage training methods further modernized with techniques and exercises based on our collective teaching experience. Our Beginners Carousel Curriculum offers maximum flexibility. Students may begin at any time and progress at their own pace. For more detailed information, download the latest Student and Instructor Guide.
We have incorporated the Koch Method of character introduction ensuring our students learn each Morse character as complete acoustic patterns and not by visual reference to a chart. The Koch Method of character introduction has been further refined with our Character Familiarity Model.
Character sound familiarity is the foundation of accuracy in character recognition. Our approach to achieving accurate and quick recognition of characters is to focus on familiarity first (for as long as it takes) then accuracy and speed naturally follow. This is a gradual and relaxed process of exposure, practice, and reinforcement of new characters.
Practice is an integral part of the LICW teaching method. The distribution and quality of practice are the most important variables affecting student performance. LICW developed its own web-based home practice tool, the LICW Morse Practice Page. LICW also recommends the suite of innovative and effective practice sets developed by our friend, Kurt (AD0WE), the Morse Code Ninja. We have tightly integrated Morse Ninja lessons into our curricula.
LICW and Kurt are collaborating on several initiatives to help our students learn Morse Code and increase proficiency more effectively. Ninja lessons are closed captioned in direct support of our joint commitment to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.
If you would like to become a member of LICW, please go to our Membership page and click on the ‘Apply for Membership’ button. We hope to see you in our classes and forums.
Beginners Carousel 1:
In the Beginners Carousel 1 lessons, the first 18 characters are taught in a continuous loop. It is not necessary to wait before starting the carousel. Start at the current lesson being taught and continue with BC1 until you reach your starting lesson. Then progress to BC2.
The following practice set is only part of the suggested curriculum. Below is Speed-Racing practice at 18, 16, 14, and 12wpm. If you would prefer to have audio files to listen to on your device, you may download the licw-beginners-carousel1.zip file.
| Lesson 1 | R E A | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| R E A U W B H O F | Single | |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 2 | T I N | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| T I N R E A U W B | Single | |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 3 | P S G | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| P S G T I N R E A | Single | |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 4 | L C D | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| L C D P S G T I N | Single | |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 5 | H O F | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| H O F L C D P S G | Single | |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 6 | U W B | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| U W B H O F L C D | Single | |
| Dual | ||
| Triple |
Beginners Carousel 2:
In the Beginners Carousel 2 lessons, the remaining 26 characters are taught in a continuous loop. It is not necessary to wait before starting the carousel. Start at the current lesson being taught and continue with BC2 until you reach your starting lesson. Then progress to BC3 and Intermediate 1.
The following practice set is only part of the suggested curriculum. Each file includes the three new characters plus the 18 from BC1. Below is Speed-Racing practice at 18, 16, 14, and 12wpm.
If you would prefer to have audio files to listen to on your device, you may download the licw-beginners-carousel2.zip file.
| Lesson 1 | K M Y | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 2 | 5 9 Comma | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 3 | Q X Y | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 4 | 7 3 ? | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 5 | <AR> <SK> <BT> | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 6 | 1 6 Period | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 7 | Z J Slash | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 8 | 2 8 <BK> | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple | ||
| Lesson 9 | 4 0 | Single |
| Dual | ||
| Triple |
Beginners Carousel 3:
BC3 is the culminating portion of the Beginners Carousel curriculum. It is comprised of five preparatory lessons for on-air activities:
- LICW QSO Protocol
- LICW Challenge
- SKCC
- SOTA / POTA (Summits and Parks on the Air)
- K1USN SST (Slow Speed Contest)
Like BC1 and BC2, there is no designated entry point and no reset. Each lesson is comprised of a briefing followed by interactive practice of the associated protocol or exchange.
The following practice set is only part of the suggested curriculum. Each file includes all 44 characters learned in BC1 and BC2. Below is Speed-Racing practice at 18, 16, 14, and 12wpm. If you would prefer to listen on your device, you may download the files . Otherwise select the speed and type below to jump to the selected YouTube video.
| Review of Letters and Numbers | Single |
| Dual | |
| Triple | |
Intermediate 1:
Intermediate 1 proficiency objectives are CW Fluency and Fluidity. Fluency is the ability to express oneself easily and articulately without reference to a script such as the QSO Protocol or a canned exchange. Fluidity is the smooth and effective exchange of information. Communication is considered fluid when ideas and thoughts are expressed in a clear and concise manner, and the information flows seamlessly.
The focus of Intermediate 1 is receiving conversational code in context, well-paced head sending, and relaxed copy to the point things just flow.
Character sound familiarity, character recognition, and sending skills learned in the Beginners Carousel are carried forward to support the new learning objectives.
The following practice set is only part of the suggested curriculum. Each file includes all 44 characters learned in BC1 and BC2. Below is Speed-Racing practice at 18, 16, 14, and 12wpm. If you would prefer to listen on your device, you may download the files . Otherwise select the speed and type below to jump to the selected YouTube video.
| Review of Letters and Numbers | Single |
| Dual | |
| Triple | |
Intermediate 2:
Intermediate 2 proficiency objectives are increasing effective speed from 12 to 16 WPM and building the foundational head copy skill of assembling characters into words in the recognition buffer.
The underlying skillsets of Fluency and Fluidity (the ability to express ideas and thoughts in a clear and concise manner without reference to a script) are carried forward to support the new learning objectives, and the following new skills are introduced:
- Increasing Effective Speed
- Adopting a Loose Focus
- Character Familiarization
- Instant Character Recognition (ICR)
- Instant Error Recovery (IER)
- Word Building in the Recognition Buffer
Intermediate 2 students should use the Morse Code Ninja speed racing practice at 15 wpm or above depending on their proficiency. If you would prefer to listen on your device, you may download the files or listen to them using an audio podcast. Otherwise select the YouTube video below.
| Speed-Racing Single Letter | 15 to 23 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Single Letter-Number | 15 to 23 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Top 100 Words | 15 to 23 wpm |
| Single Letters | 15 wpm |
| Single Letter-Number | 15 wpm |
| Two Letter Words | 15 wpm |
| Three Letter Words | 15 wpm |
| Four Letter Words | 15 wpm |
| Five Letter Words | 15 wpm |
| Six Letter Words | 15 wpm |
| Top 100 Words | 15 wpm |
| Sets of 2 Words | 15 wpm |
| Sets of 3 Words | 15 wpm |
| Sets of 4 Words | 15 wpm |
| Sets of 5 Words | 15 wpm |
| Easy Phrases | 15 wpm |
Intermediate 3:
Intermediate 3 is the culminating portion of the intermediate curriculum. It serves as a gateway to the Advanced track. Intermediate 3 proficiency objectives are: (1) Increasing effective speed from 16 to 20 WPM, and (2) Building the foundational conversational head copy skill of retaining and subsequently recalling the meaning of what was copied in the retention buffer.
The underlying skillsets of increasing effective speed (loose focus, character familiarity, ICR, and IER) and basic proficiency in assembling characters into words in the recognition buffer are carried forward and remain a focus to support the new learning objectives, and the following new skills are introduced:
- Retaining and Recalling the meaning (gist) of what was copied in the Retention Buffer
Intermediate 3 students should use the Morse Code Ninja speed racing practice at 20 wpm or above depending on their proficiency. If you would prefer to listen on your device, you may download the files or listen to them using an audio podcast. Otherwise select the YouTube video below.
| Speed-Racing Single Letter | 20 to 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Single Letter-Number | 20 to 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Top 100 Words | 20 to 30 wpm |
| Single Letters | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Single Letter-Number | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Two Letter Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Three Letter Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Four Letter Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Five Letter Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Six Letter Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Top 100 Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Sets of 2 Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Sets of 3 Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Sets of 4 Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Sets of 5 Words | 15 17 20 wpm |
| Easy Phrases | 15 17 20 wpm |
Advanced 1:
Advanced 1 proficiency objectives are conversational head copy and sending and increasing effective speed from 20 to 25 WPM. The focus is on:
- Adopting a Loose Focus
- Word Building in the Recognition Buffer
- Retaining and Recalling the meaning
| Speed-Racing Single Letter | 25 to 38 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Single Letter-Number | 25 to 38 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Top 100 Words | 25 to 38 wpm |
| Single Letters | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Single Letter-Number | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Two Letter Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Three Letter Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Four Letter Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Five Letter Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Six Letter Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Top 100 Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Sets of 2 Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Sets of 3 Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Sets of 4 Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Sets of 5 Words | 20 22 25 wpm |
| Easy Phrases | 20 22 25 wpm |
Advanced 2:
Advanced 2 proficiency objectives are conversational head copy and sending and increasing effective speed from 25 to 35 WPM. The focus is on the foundational skills of Character Familiarization, Instant Character Recognition (ICR), and Instant Error Recovery (IER).
| Speed-Racing Single Letter | 35 to 53 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Single Letter-Number | 35 to 53 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Top 100 Words | 35 to 53 wpm |
| Single Letters | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Single Letter-Number | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Two Letter Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Three Letter Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Four Letter Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Five Letter Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Six Letter Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Top 100 Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Sets of 2 Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Sets of 3 Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Sets of 4 Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Sets of 5 Words | 25 28 30 35 wpm |
| Easy Phrases | 25 30 35 wpm |
Advanced 3:
Advanced 3 proficiency objective is QRQ, increasing effective speed from 35 to 45+ WPM.
At those speeds the code begins to sound different and letter by letter copy becomes impractical. Alternate means of word building and recognition are explored such as Phonic Copy and Instant Word Recognition:
| Speed-Racing Single Letter | 45 to 68 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Single Letter-Number | 45 to 68 wpm |
| Speed-Racing Top 100 Words | 45 to 68 wpm |
| Single Letters | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Single Letter-Number | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Two Letter Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Three Letter Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Four Letter Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Five Letter Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Six Letter Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Top 100 Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Sets of 2 Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Sets of 3 Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Sets of 4 Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Sets of 5 Words | 35 40 45 50 wpm |
| Easy Phrases | 35 wpm |
Kids Class:
| Class #1 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #2 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #3 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #4 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #5 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #6 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #7 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #8 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #9 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm | |
| Class #10 | Standard | 20 22 25 28 30 wpm |
| Speed-Racing | 20 22 25 wpm |