Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Ham Radio Base -Powered By Ham CQ DX

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Solar
SFI 128
SN 73
A 6
K 1 Quiet
X-Ray B7.8
Wind 413.7 km/s
Aurora 3
Updated 00:30 UTC HamQSL · N0NBH
Day 80/40m Fair 30/20m Good 17/15m Good 12/10m Fair
Night 80/40m Good 30/20m Good 17/15m Good 12/10m Poor

Callsign Lookup
_
Vanity Call Signs Available
Enter filters above and click Search.
ⓘ Callsign lookups are in real time via the FCC database. Vanity callsign availability is refreshed daily at 6:00 AM CST. The vanity search may be unavailable for a few minutes during this update.
Live DX spots
Live DX Spots — 70cm via PSKReporter · scroll or pinch to zoom
Band
Mode
Time
Loading map data…
MHz DX Spotter Info
Recent spots
Select a band above to load spots
Ready — select a band to fetch live spots

Koch vs Farnsworth methods - which timing approach works better?

I see a lot of debate about learning methods. Koch method says learn characters at full speed from the start, while Farnsworth timing uses high character speed but slow overall timing.

What are the practical differences? Which approach gives better results for getting on the air quickly?

  • Koch: Start with 2 chars at 20+ WPM, add more at 90% accuracy
  • Farnsworth: 18-20 WPM chars spaced out to 5 WPM overall

Anyone tried both methods? What worked for you?

  • Replies 2
  • Views 241
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Helpful Posts

  • Morse Coder
    Morse Coder

    Farnsworth timing sends characters at higher speeds with extra spacing between them - you get used to recognizing characters at speed, making it easier to increase overall speed later. Listen at 22-25

  • Packet Radio
    Packet Radio

    Neither method is wrong - it's preference. Farnsworth may be easier to learn characters initially but could hamper copying at higher speeds later. Learning CW is like learning a new language - require

Featured Replies

Farnsworth timing sends characters at higher speeds with extra spacing between them - you get used to recognizing characters at speed, making it easier to increase overall speed later. Listen at 22-25 WPM character speed using Farnsworth method.

Koch method is scientifically proven fastest - you learn characters one by one at full speed, mastering each before adding the next. I struggled with Farnsworth but Koch clicked for me after switching methods.

Neither method is wrong - it's preference. Farnsworth may be easier to learn characters initially but could hamper copying at higher speeds later. Learning CW is like learning a new language - requires consistent, disciplined approach.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Ham Radio Base earns from qualifying purchases. Some links throughout this website may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating free articles, tutorials, reviews, and resources for the amateur radio community. N0TLB © Ham Radio Base - Powered by the Ham CQ DX Community. All rights reserved.

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.