Actually, apart from their call sign, name, QTH, and mnemonic aids for the answer, radio amateurs don't need to write anything else down. They should focus entirely on the acoustic Morse code signals. Writing things down is an additional function that is not needed and tends to hinder the Morse speed, typically around 80 BpM. (At most, use writing occasionally for self-monitoring).

Therefore, amateurs should start head training early and repeatedly. You should work without or with only a small Farnsworth character spacing. Initially, for head training, choose a large word spacing of 2-3 seconds. Speed as desired, but never go below 80 BpM. Let the character or word repeat 1-2 times. Repetitions are key to memory training.

First, use short, only interpretable words , abbreviations, Q-codes, or words that can be composed of the letters already learned. If practicing with groups of letters or numbers, use a maximum of three letters per group . (In practice, this corresponds to RST, suffix of call signs, serial numbers, abbreviations, etc.). You can keep three letters in your head.

Later, when practicing plain text, you use extended word spacing. You can also listen to the same word several times in a row. Don't write anything down, just listen, think along in your head, and also try to recall the text from memory, as described in the recommendations for memory training and in " How to proceed and tips ." As an advanced telegraphist, you will increasingly receive telegraphy directly from your head like a ticker tape! As you get better, you reduce the word spacing!

All memory training exercises are fully supported by HB9HQX Morse 8 and the Android app "Learn CW 8" by HB9HQX. The HTC Morse test, with mixed text, can also be used for a 4-minute memory training session. There are only 3-letter groups left that you can keep in your head. These correspond to a suffix, or if they are numbers, a serial number.