How fast should I be sending?

How fast should I be sending (and receiving)?

This question fraught, and the answer is “it depends”. If you’re in a contest or chasing DX, then you’ll almost certainly be going faster than your normal ragchew speed. In fact, if you’re chasing a DXpedition, chances are you’re copying code at least at 25 wpm. And contesting is often faster.

What you’ll inevitably find is that after a short contest effort, or chasing some DX, your brain will set a new (faster) baseline for copying CW. And most of us know our callsigns like – well – our names. Hearing our callsign in Morse code is (or should be) automatic recognition. The same goes for sending.

But back to the loaded question: How fast should I be sending?. Well, if you want to improve your morse code, then like any other endeavor, you need to stretch yourself – even just a little. That means listening to good quality morse code which is just a little faster than your comfort zone, and setting aside 5-10 minutes every couple of days to practice your sending.

Move out of your comfort zone.

Like any skill, sport, musical instrument, or craft, you will only improve with practice and by setting the bar a little higher each day (or week, or month). Applying proven methods also improves your chances of success and ameliorates frustration.

So, the next time you’re in front of the radio, have a listen to stations sending just a little faster than your comfort zone. Line up a QSO with a friend and ask them to increase their speed a few wpm – maybe suggest they increase word spacing whilst you adjust your ear to the new normal.

Everyone I’ve spoken to agrees, is that when it comes to skills development you must set your targets just a little higher, never lower. If you set your operating speed lower than your level of competence, it’s almost a certainty that your level of competence will drop also.

Check out this free resource by Kurt Zoglmann, AD0WE. It’s a great way to improve your copying skills and is a proven success for many operators.

https://morsecode.ninja/practice