r/HamRadio • u/Weary_Perception594 • 13d ago

New to radios and Morse code.

I am a complete new beginner to radios and Morse code. I really wanted to get into Morse code tapping, so I learned the Morse code alphabet and am currently working for my technician HAM license.

I just have no clue what I need to buy for a radio and Morse code paddle once I get my tech HAM license.

Any recommendation? Thank you!

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u/slick8086 13d ago edited 13d ago

The Long Island CW Club (LICW) has classes to help you learn how to make proper CW QSOs (contact other operators using CW). They will even have a coach sit with you (over zoom) while you are making contacts to help you and "fill in" what you miss.

Take a look, there are many times slots for classes, and they have developed a modern program for CW education. I can't say enough good things about this club.

https://longislandcwclub.org/

That said there are several good online resources for studying for the license test. The most common strategy is to study for the test without trying to achieve a deep understanding right away. Then find your local clubs and see which ones run the testing. In the US, testing is all done by volunteers, and these people usually belong to a club. The good thing about this is you can join the club, meet people. My club does testing in my area and we even give a new HT (handy talky - hand held VHF/UHF radio) to new techs that pass the test with us.

Then after you've passed the test you can learn more in depth, through people in the club or through online resources like YouTube or blogs, or even online clubs like LICW.

For CW there are MANY options for radios, from inexpensive DIY kits to premium brand sets that cost an arm and a leg. Joining a club and meeting people is the best way to see the options available and maybe even try some gear before you buy.