Text to CW Converter Help

Complete guide to converting any text to professional-quality Morse code audio

🚀 Quick Start Guide

Type or paste your text in the large text input area
Click "Generate Audio" to create the Morse code sequence
Click "Play CW" to hear your text in Morse code
Expand "Advanced Settings" to customize speed, frequency, and timing
Use "Download MP3" to save audio files for offline practice

💡 Tip: Try the "Random Sentence" button to generate practice material from our library of 221 real English sentences!

📝 Input Features

Large Text Area: Up to 5,000 characters supported
Character Support: Letters, numbers, punctuation, and special symbols
Prosign Support: Amateur radio abbreviations (AR, SK, CQ, BT, etc.)
Smart Validation: Character counter with visual feedback
Random Sentences: 221 real English sentences from training library
Paste Support: Copy and paste from any source

🎵 Audio Features

Professional Quality: High-fidelity audio generation
Visual Feedback: Real-time dot/dash indicator
Progress Tracking: Current character and time display
Playback Controls: Play, pause, stop, and progress bar
MP3/WAV Download: Save files for offline practice
Mobile Vibration: Tactile feedback on supported devices

⚙️ Advanced Settings Guide

Audio Settings

Character Speed (13-40 WPM)

Controls the speed of individual dots and dashes. This is the actual transmission speed of each Morse code element. Start with 20 WPM for learning.

Effective Speed (4-40 WPM) - Farnsworth Timing

Controls the overall pace by adding extra spacing between characters. Must be equal to or less than Character Speed. Perfect for learning - hear characters at full speed but with more thinking time.

Tone Frequency (200-1000 Hz)

Audio pitch. 600Hz is the amateur radio standard. Lower frequencies (400-500Hz) are easier on the ears for long practice sessions.

Volume (0-100%)

Audio level. Default 80% provides comfortable listening. Adjust based on your speakers or headphones.

Timing & Advanced Options

Character Spacing

Standard: Normal 3-unit spacing
Tight: 30% less space
Loose: 30% more space

Word Spacing

Standard: Normal 7-unit spacing
Tight: Faster word recognition
Loose: More thinking time

Prosigns Support

Enable support for amateur radio abbreviations like AR (end of message), SK (silent key), CQ (calling anyone), BT (break), etc.

Repeat Mode

Play once, repeat 2-5 times, or loop infinitely for continuous practice.

Telegraph Sound

Adds realistic telegraph key effects with timing variations and softer attack/decay for authentic vintage sound.

Mobile Vibration

Provides tactile feedback on mobile devices - short vibration for dots, longer for dashes.

📚 Understanding Farnsworth Timing

Farnsworth timing is a proven method for learning Morse code more effectively:

How It Works

• Character Speed: Fast transmission (20+ WPM) prevents counting dots/dashes
• Effective Speed: Slower overall pace (8-15 WPM) gives thinking time
• Extra Spacing: Added between characters, not within them
• Recognition: You hear characters as complete sounds, not individual elements

Example Settings

• Beginner: Char Speed 20 WPM, Effective Speed 8 WPM
• Intermediate: Char Speed 25 WPM, Effective Speed 15 WPM
• Advanced: Char Speed 30 WPM, Effective Speed 25 WPM
• Contest: Both speeds equal at 30+ WPM

📋 Step-by-Step Usage

Basic Usage

Enter your text in the input area
Click "Generate Audio" to prepare the sequence
Use playback controls to listen
Adjust volume and frequency as needed
Download MP3 file if desired

Practice Workflow

Click "Random Sentence" for practice material
Set appropriate Farnsworth timing for your level
Generate and play the audio
Write down what you hear
Compare with the original text
Repeat with new sentences

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl/Cmd + Enter

Start playback

Ctrl/Cmd + Space

Play/Pause toggle

Escape

Stop playback

🎯 Common Use Cases

Learning Morse Code

• Start with your name and callsign
• Use Farnsworth timing (20/10 WPM)
• Practice with random sentences
• Gradually increase effective speed
• Download files for offline practice

Contest Preparation

• Practice callsigns and exchanges
• Set speeds to contest levels (25-35 WPM)
• Use tight character spacing
• Practice with common contest phrases
• Build muscle memory with repetition

Teaching & Training

• Create practice materials for students
• Generate audio files for group sessions
• Share configurations via URL
• Prepare emergency communication drills
• Create graduated difficulty exercises

🔤 Supported Characters

Letters

A-Z (all uppercase)

Numbers

0-9

Punctuation

. , ? ' ! / ( ) & : ; = + - _ " $ @

Prosigns

AR AS BT SK SOS KN CL CQ

🔧 Troubleshooting

Audio not playing?

• Click anywhere on the page first to activate audio context
• Check browser audio permissions
• Ensure speakers/headphones are connected
• Try refreshing the page

Download not working?

• Check browser download settings
• Ensure pop-ups are not blocked
• Large files may take time to generate
• Try a different browser if issues persist

Characters appearing as #?

• These are unsupported characters
• Check the supported characters list above
• Remove or replace unsupported characters
• Special characters may need prosigns enabled

Settings not saving?

• Settings auto-save with toast confirmation
• Check browser local storage permissions
• Private/incognito mode may not save settings
• Clear browser cache if having issues

Audio sounds distorted?

• Try reducing the volume setting
• Check system audio levels
• Use headphones for clearer audio
• Disable telegraph effects if enabled

💡 Tips & Best Practices

For Beginners

• Start with Character Speed 20 WPM, Effective Speed 8 WPM
• Practice with your name and callsign first
• Use random sentences for varied practice
• Don't count dots and dashes - learn the sound patterns
• Practice regularly in short sessions (15-20 minutes)
• Gradually increase effective speed as you improve
• Download practice files for use away from computer

For Advanced Users

• Practice at contest speeds (25-35+ WPM)
• Use standard timing (no Farnsworth spacing)
• Enable prosigns for authentic amateur radio feel
• Create custom practice materials for specific needs
• Use tight spacing for high-speed training
• Share configurations with other operators
• Practice with emergency communications phrases