Ham University

Software Review: Ham University - Morse Training and Testing

Ham University is a Morse code training and testing software that proves to be an excellent tool for individuals who aim to obtain an Amateur Radio license. The program is suitable for all levels, from ground zero to Amateur Extra, and can be used in the comfort of one's own living room.

The program offers actual Morse code lessons that can be accessed by clicking on Lessons. To begin, the user must first put together a Lesson Plan. The user can easily create a Lesson Plan following the directions guided by Morris, the Catan animated cat. Morris assists the user by describing the function indicated by each mouse pointer.

My favorite method of Morse code practice is the Exercise approach, which involves copying with the keyboard. The user's typing is displayed in the lower panel, and at the end of the exercise, the user can compare what was typed with the sent message displayed in the upper panel. The program also allows the user to manually adjust speed in words per minute, character speed, message length, and word length.

Apart from the Morse code lessons, Ham University also includes a Morse game called PENTODE. The objective of the game is to accumulate as many points as possible in a short period of time. The user gains points by connecting two or more tiles that each contain the same character, forming diodes (side by side), triodes, tetrodes, or pentodes. Although the game offers entertainment, personally, I found the speed exercise of copying Morse on the keyboard to be far more exciting.

In addition to the training and testing components, Ham University offers an educational factor. Displayed at the top of each page of the instruction booklet is a flag of a foreign country, accompanied by its latitude and longitude, CQ Zone number, and call sign prefix. This is a unique feature that adds to the program's usefulness.

In conclusion, Ham University proves to be an exceptional program for anyone wishing to use a computer as a study tool for an Amateur Radio license. However, it is recommended to use this program in conjunction with a class. This program offers everything one needs to achieve the desired results, and the additional educational and instructional components are a nice touch.