Introduction

The Agency is often asked questions relating to the use of Morse code. This information sheet gives general guidance on Morse and is intended to answer most of the questions.

What is Morse code?

A code, in which each letter is represented by a pattern of dots and/or dashes, developed by Samuel Morse in the 1880s. The signals can be sent by light beams, sound or electric pulses. A dot is a signal of short duration, and a dash is a signal of longer duration. Morse code was used to send telegraph messages before the invention of the telephone and has been used in many other ways, such as emergency and wartime communications.

This mode remains a most effective means of communication requiring the simplest equipment.

Why bother with Morse?

It is currently a requirement of the International Radio Regulations that those who work the HF bands, with the potential for long distance communication, must be able to demonstrate the ability to "send correctly by hand and to receive correctly by ear, texts in Morse code signals". Morse is very effective and is often able to provide radio contact when other modes have failed. As well as its effectiveness, the narrow bandwidth uses the radio spectrum most efficiently, allowing parallel contacts to take place within a small spectrum space. This is of great benefit in crowded band conditions.

Will Morse continue to be used?

The issue is on the agenda for discussion during the 2003 World Radio Conference (WRC). The UK has recommended that that the Morse test should cease as an international obligation. Removing it as a mandatory requirement would allow administrations a degree of flexibility. From the UK administrative standpoint, both the Radiocommunications Agency and the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) would still wish to allow use of Morse but not retain it as an examination requirement.

However, unless a general consensus is reached at WRC 2003 to delete or modify the text, the Morse test requirement for operation below 30MHz will remain. The UK would not remove this requirement in isolation.

How can I practice Morse before I take the test?

The RSGB co-ordinates a Slow Morse Transmission service to help Class B licensees practice their sending and receiving of Morse before taking the test.

If you have a Full, Intermediate, Foundation Licence or an Amateur Radio Certificate but do not have your own Morse equipment you may operate a full Class A licensee's station under his or her direct supervision using the Class A call sign.

Can a Class B, Intermediate or Full licensee use Morse other than under the direct supervision of full Class A licensee?

Yes, Full or Intermediate Class B licensees may use Morse in the amateur bands above 30MHz.

Is there an alternative way for Class B licensees (Full and Intermediate) to gain access to HF?

Yes, if they take the "Morse Assessment" part of the Foundation Course. They will then be allowed to operate as Foundation licensees once they have obtained a Foundation licence.

Class B licensees operating in the HF bands must abide by the terms and conditions of their Foundation Licence and must only use their Foundation call sign.

Details of the five words per minute (wpm) Morse test

The Morse test consists of receiving and a sending test. The receiving test is normally taken first. The text used for the receiving test will be computer generated using a pre-recorded tape, which also contains voice announcements. Up to three candidates at a time receive the same test piece. This is followed by the sending test, which is taken individually.

Receiving test

The candidate is required to receive a minimum of 120 letters and seven figures in the form of a typical exchange between radio amateurs. The test will take approximately six minutes. Each character will be sent at a speed of 12 wpm with a longer than normal gap between each character and word to reduce the overall reception speed to 5 wpm. Each character incorrectly received counts as one error. A group of characters, which could include figures in which more than one character is received incorrectly, counts as two errors. If more than six errors are made, the test has been failed. The candidate will not be permitted to write down the Morse symbols for later transcription.

Sending test

The candidate is given a text to send by hand on a straight Morse key consisting not less than 75 letters and five figures. The text should be sent at not less than 5 wpm; this should take approximately three minutes. The text will be in a form of a typical exchange between radio amateurs. There will be no uncorrected errors in the sending and not more than four corrections will be permitted.

General

The tests can include any of the following Q-codes, commonly used abbreviations or procedural characters. Note that the procedural note "CT" (commencing sign) will be sent right at the start of the receiving test but that this will not be part of the test for marking purposes.

Q-codes:

Procedural characters and punctuation: (Not used in the Foundation Morse Assessment)

The details of the tests are summarised below:

Note that figures and procedural characters are counted as two letters for timing purposes.

Will knowledge of Morse code be necessary for a Foundation licensee?

Yes. This will consist of a simple assessment sheet using crib sheets to encode messages into Morse, for example: . – is the letter A.

In practice, the Morse Assessment will consist of a simple assessment using crib sheets to encode messages into Morse, for example for the letter "A" you would look at the crib sheet, write the letter "A" as a dot and a dash and then send it. The same would work in reverse when decoding a series of dots and dashes – you write them down and using a crib sheet, translate them into letters.

The RSGB administers the 5 wpm Morse tests on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency. For further information, application forms and details of test centres, please contact RSGB.

Contact points:

For all enquiries i.e. licence/general enquiries concerning individual licences or their issue:

Radio Licensing Centre
P.O Box 885
Bristol BS99 5LG

Tel: 0117 925 8333
Minicom: 0117 921 9550

In order to comply with the requirements of the criminal Procedures and Investigations Act (CPI) 1996, all telephone calls to the Radio Licensing Centre are recorded.

For all enquiries on the Intermediate or Foundation Licensing Training course (for this please mark your envelope "Intermediate" or "Foundation" Training) or the Morse Test:

RSGB
Lambda House
Cranborne Road
Potter Bar
Herts EN6 3JE

For other enquiries on amateur radio:

Amateur Radio Services
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX

For enquiries on the IRAE (subject 773) or the RAE (subject 765):

City and Guilds of London Institute
1 Giltspur Street
London EC1A 9DD

Tel: 020 7294 2468

Further reading

Subject list of RA information sheets and application forms

RA402 March 2002