🎯 CW Echo Trainer Help

Master morse code with instant accuracy and timing feedback

📖 What is CW Echo Trainer?

The CW Echo Trainer is an advanced morse code training tool that tests both your receiving and sending skills. You listen to morse code audio generated by the system, then send it back using your Morserino-32, WinKeyer, VBand paddle, or keyboard. The system scores your response based on both text accuracy and keying timing precision.

💡 Pro Tip: Echo training is one of the most effective ways to improve your CW proficiency because it combines listening comprehension with muscle memory and timing skills.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Select Training Mode

Choose from five training modes on the left sidebar:

2. Connect Your Device

Select and connect your hardware device:

3. Configure Audio Settings

💡 Farnsworth Timing: Set Farnsworth lower than WPM to practice character recognition at speed while having extra time to think between characters.

🎯 Training Workflow

Step 1: Generate Prompt

Click Generate & Play to create and hear a new prompt. The system will:

  1. Generate content based on your selected mode
  2. Play it as morse code audio using your configured settings
  3. Display the text (unless Blind Mode is enabled)

Step 2: Listen Carefully

Focus on the audio playback. You can:

Step 3: Send Back

After the audio finishes, send the code back using your connected device. Watch the timing strip fill with your keying pattern (blue for dits, orange for dahs).

Step 4: Submit & Review

Click Submit Answer when done. You'll receive instant feedback with:

⚙️ Training Options

Blind Mode

Enable this to hide the prompt text until after you submit your answer. This forces you to rely entirely on your listening skills, simulating real-world operating conditions.

Auto-Continue

When enabled, the trainer automatically generates and plays the next prompt 2 seconds after you submit an answer. Great for intensive practice sessions!

Code Group Options

When using Code Groups mode, adjust the Group Length slider (2-7 characters) to control difficulty. Start with shorter groups and gradually increase length as you improve.

⌨️ Keyboard Controls

When using keyboard input mode:

Default Keying:
  • K or . - Dit (short element)
  • N or - - Dah (long element)
  • Space - Word separator (optional)
💡 Timing Detection: The system uses adaptive timing detection based on your WPM setting. Elements shorter than 2× dit length are classified as dits, longer ones as dahs.

📊 Scoring System

Text Accuracy (80% weight)

Calculated using Levenshtein distance algorithm. Every character substitution, insertion, or deletion reduces your score. Perfect match = 100%.

Timing Score (20% weight)

Measures how closely your element durations match the expected timing for your WPM setting:

Overall Score

Combined score with color-coded grades:

💡 Focus on Accuracy First: Text accuracy contributes 80% to your score, so prioritize getting the characters right. Timing precision will improve naturally with practice.

📈 Analytics & Progress Tracking

Your session data is automatically saved and can be viewed on the Echo Trainer Analytics page, where you'll find:

💎 Tips & Best Practices

For Beginners

  • Start at 15-20 WPM with Farnsworth at 12-15 WPM
  • Use Words mode with blind mode OFF to see what you're hearing
  • Practice 15-20 minutes daily rather than long occasional sessions
  • Don't rush - accuracy is more important than speed initially

For Intermediate

  • Gradually increase WPM by 2-3 when consistently achieving 90%+ accuracy
  • Enable blind mode to simulate real operating conditions
  • Practice with Callsigns and Sentences modes
  • Focus on improving timing score alongside accuracy

For Advanced

  • Train at contest speeds (30+ WPM) with blind mode
  • Use Code Groups mode with max length (7 characters)
  • Enable auto-continue for intensive practice
  • Aim for 95%+ accuracy with 90%+ timing scores
⚠️ Avoid Overtraining: If your accuracy drops below 70% consistently, reduce your speed or take a break. Practicing with poor accuracy can reinforce bad habits.

🔧 Troubleshooting

Audio Not Playing

Device Won't Connect

Timing Strip Not Updating

Decoded Text Incorrect

💬 Need More Help?

If you're experiencing issues or have questions not covered in this guide, please visit our Contact & Support page or check the General Troubleshooting Guide .

Happy training! 73 de Morse Trainer Pro 📻