Everything we get asked about Mission Morse.
20+ questions sorted into 4 themes: learning, method, app and amateur radio.
Learning
How long does it take to learn Morse code?
With the Koch/Farnsworth method, expect 4 to 6 weeks at 10-15 minutes a day to master the alphabet at 12 wpm. For comfortable QSO (20-25 wpm), plan another 3 to 6 months.
Do I learn A, B, C in alphabetical order?
No. Mission Morse follows the Koch order: 2 letters per step, picked by usage frequency and code simplicity. You start with E (·) and T (−) — the two foundation bricks — then A and I.
Do I learn the visual code (dot/dash) or the sound?
The sound. Pedagogical research on Morse since the 1930s (Koch method) shows learning by ear at 12-15 wpm is faster and more durable. Mission Morse exposes you to sound before visual.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, roughly from age 8-9. The mobile-first interface, secret-agent narrative and badges make learning engaging. No ads, no chat with other players.
I learned Morse a long time ago — can Mission Morse help?
Yes. Survival mode (waves + rising WPM) is ideal to push your decoding speed. The QSO quiz drills realistic radio dialogue with Q codes and prosigns.
Method
What is the Koch method?
Invented by Ludwig Koch (1936), it teaches Morse at full speed (12-15 wpm) by ear, without going through the visual code. The brain encodes the di-daa rhythm as a global sound rather than a sequence of symbols to count.
And the Farnsworth method?
Donald Farnsworth (1959) fixed a Koch flaw: at full 5 wpm you learn a false rhythm. The fix is to keep letters fast (effective speed = 18 wpm) while extending gaps between letters (overall speed = 8 wpm). Mission Morse uses this by default.
Why 5 learning styles?
No style is universally "optimal". Cognitive-science research shows every brain encodes differently. Mission Morse offers Visual, Audio, Mnemonic, Rhythmic and Narrative — you try, keep what works.
What are Mission Morse mnemonics?
A memory hook locked to the exact rhythm of the letter. For A (·−), it's "alpha": "al" short (dot), "phaaa" long (dash). You whisper the word with its intonation, your ear catches the rhythm, the alphabet sticks.
Mission Morse app
Do I have to pay to learn the alphabet?
No. Chapters 1 to 5 (full alphabet + digits) are 100% free, no ads, no time limit. You can even learn as a guest without creating an account.
What does premium unlock?
Chapters 6 to 10 (consonants II, rare letters, punctuation, real QSO, prosigns), Story mode (encrypted narrative missions), chapter bosses, premium avatars and lifetime access without renewal. €4.99 once, forever.
Does Mission Morse work offline?
The app is an installable PWA (home-screen icon). Once opened, most lessons work without a connection. Leaderboard and referrals obviously need internet.
Is there a native Android / iOS app?
Not yet. The PWA runs natively on Android and iOS — installable from the browser in a few clicks. A store-listed native app will come later.
Is it open source?
Not the full codebase, but the Morse alphabet and Q-code glossary will be available under CC-BY via /api/morse/* (coming soon). LLMs and other apps can ingest them freely.
Amateur radio
Is Morse still used in amateur radio?
Yes, massively. CW mode (Continuous Wave) remains the most efficient at low power — an operator with 5 W and a wire regularly contacts the other side of the world. Also the favoured mode in DX contests.
What is the RST report?
The three-digit signal report: Readability (1-5), Signal strength (1-9), Tone (1-9). A perfect CW receives "599". In SSB the T is omitted ("59"). See our /qso-morse page for details.
Do I need Morse to pass my amateur radio licence?
In most countries (France, US, UK), no — Morse is no longer mandatory for the entry-level licence. But many operators learn CW because it's the most efficient mode under poor propagation.
What WPM should I aim for on a first QSO?
12-15 wpm for receiving, 10-12 wpm for sending. At that level you understand a CQ call and can answer slowly. About 50 cumulative practice hours get you there.
How do I find stations doing CW?
Dedicated amateur bands: 80 m (3.5-3.6 MHz), 40 m (7.0-7.05 MHz), 20 m (14.0-14.07 MHz). Tools like RBN (Reverse Beacon Network) and dxsummit.fi list live CQ in real time.