What Frequency Is Morse Code?

Morse code has no single frequency. It's a way of switching a signal on and off, so it can ride on any radio frequency, and the tone you hear is set by your receiver, usually somewhere around 500 to 800 Hz.

Where hams send it

On the radio, Morse is called CW (continuous wave). FCC rules let US amateurs send CW on any frequency their license allows, but by convention it lives near the bottom edge of each band. The ARRL's own station, W1AW, sends its code practice on these frequencies:

Band	W1AW CW frequency
160 m	1.8025 MHz
80 m	3.5815 MHz
40 m	7.0475 MHz
20 m	14.0475 MHz
15 m	21.0675 MHz
10 m	28.0675 MHz

The ARRL band plan is the voluntary guide to which modes go where. For example, it sets aside 50.0 to 50.1 MHz on 6 meters for CW and beacons. Your license class also limits where you can transmit, so check both before you key up.

The pitch you hear

A CW signal is silent until your receiver mixes it into an audio tone, and you choose the pitch. Most operators settle between about 500 and 800 Hz. Try different tones in the audio translator, or read more on what Morse code sounds like.

Off the radio

Because Morse is just timing, anything you can switch on and off can carry it: a flashlight, a buzzer or a tapped finger.