Founded, January 2006
31,110 members strong
as of 29-May-2026
Many members of the SKCC group volunteer as CW Elmers. It doesn't matter whether you are a new ham just getting interested in Morse or a seasoned veteran looking to explore the world of radio telegraph keying and operation more deeply. As a group, the members listed below bring hundreds of years telegraph experience.
To request help, send an email to one of these members with "Elmer Request" in the subject line. Be sure to tell your Elmer something about yourself: how long you've been a ham; the kind of equipment you have; type of key; any special problems or difficulties you're having learning and using Morse, etc. They, in turn, will contact you with details about how and where to meet on the air for your first session. Afterwards you and your Elmer will agree on a regular schedule and frequency to meet on.
If, after a while, you decide you've gone as far as you care to, or are ready to head off on your own, simply send a thank-you message to your Elmer. It's that easy!
If you would like to be a SKCC Elmer, contact the SKCC Elmer Manager at elmer_manager@skccgroup.com
The list is organized by call region for the US and Canada, and by country for DX Elmers. Use the index below to jump to your call region. If your region has no Elmer listed, hunt through the adjacent call areas for alternates. Note: The numeral in a US call may not match the region number if the licensee moved and opted to keep his or her old call.
Bill, W0EJ - SD - w0ej@goldenwest.net
I am Bill Nixon W0EJ SKCC #10440S and since I am retired, I can be available weekdays and evenings for helping you, just drop me an email and we can work out a schedule. We meet via SKYPE where we discuss issues you may be struggling with: as examples, practice copying, head copy, sending and work our way into practice QSOs and getting on the air. I'll be glad to work with you if you are willing to put in the time. There is no magic bullet for learning Morse or increasing your proficiency, but we do have some very successful techniques to assist you.
No Elmer currently listed for this region. Please check adjacent regions.
Ed, W2LCQ - NY - w2lcq@yahoo.com
I have been licensed since 1961 and operate almost exclusively CW. I operate at speeds which emphasize proper keying technique and the quality of character formation. I use bugs and straight keys for rag chewing. I'll work with you at the speed at which you are most comfortable, however you must be willing to progress to higher speeds. Contact me via email to set up a sked. I'm available days and nights.
Jim, K2PHD - NJ - phdad262@optimum.net
Anyone wanting to learn or enhance their Morse skills is more than welcome to send me an e-mail. I'm good at any speed between 5 and 16 wpm. I have capability on all bands, 80 through 10 meters. Being retired I have late mornings, afternoons and some evenings. Also, I am an NTS Official Relay Station for anyone looking to get involved with CW traffic handling.
Matt, KB2WGQ - NY - KB2WGQ@usa.com
I'm a General class operator. However, I passed the 20wpm test for Extra years ago. I can send/receive up to about 25wpm, but any speed is fine with me. Also I was a Navy Radioman, (68-74) and did mostly code. My sked would depend on the person requesting a contact. All times are fine. Contact me, I'd be glad to work with you.
Tony, KA3BPN - PA - tcamillocci@verizon.net
I am retired so I am pretty much around all the time. I have been a Ham since 1979, and an avid CWer. I am also an NCS for the OMISS nets (20 m Friday and 17 m Saturday). I am happy to help new hams improve their cw skills.
Dan, W3DF - MD - danflan49@gmail.com
I am a retired electrical engineer and ex-Navy CTR. I am available most days of the week for CW practice. I can do 80M to 6M (and 160M from November through March). I got interested in radio in the early 1960s but did not get my novice ticket until 1968. I unsuccessfully attempted to learn morse code several times on my own without an Elmer. It wasn't until I got into college and met people who knew CW and showed me the correct way to learn morse, that I was able to master the code. Learning morse code takes perseverance and regular practice. Drop me an email (good on QRZ.com) if you would like my help.
Larry, AH6AX - MD - lpwandel@comcast.net
I'm available to help with your Morse-code practice most days, just send me an email or use the sked page to arrange a sked. I primarily use Cooties now, due to arthritic wrists but can also work straight keys. I can help with practice at speeds up to 18-20 wpm. When sending at slower speeds, I prefer to still send the individual CHARACTERS at approx 18-20 wpm speed and increase character SPACING between the letters for the speed which you are working. This method, I believe, is the best way to get beyond the dot/dash counting. When you can hear the entire character 'sound', you are well on your way to increasing your ability to copy.
Sam, KB3DNZ - PA - kb3dnz@p1s.com
While there are lots of great programs for learning Morse code, nothing beats getting on the air! Straining to hear a faint signal through snaps, pops and static crashes, and actually getting the message, can be a real thrill! I'm happy to work with any operator wanting to develop proficient "in the head" copy of the code. I copy 1-35 wpm. Look for me on the SKCC Elmer frequency 7.114 by sending "CQ SKCC ELMER?" and your call. Or send me an email and we'll work out a frequency and schedule. I'll be listening for you!
Frank, KB4T - FL - kb4t@kb4t.us
I use straight keys and bugs. Now that I'm retired, I have great time flexibility. Email works best to reach me. I can operate on 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, and 15 meters. For folks trying to improve their speed, I recommend the G4FON software which uses the Koch method. I have found the program to be very helpful. Daily practice for up to 30 minutes will usually provide consistent improvement.
Cathy, W4CMG - TN - w4cmg.dx@gmail.com
I like to give back to the cw community the encouragement that my Elmer gave me when I was starting out. I am a retired "night-owl", which means we can extend our time into the later hours when the bands aren't quite so crowded, and take our time to help you go from finger-fright to a relaxed long QSO. I use Straight Keys, Sideswipers and Bugs. I like to get to know your goals so we will spend some on- and off-the-air time to work through some strategies to help you get you toward your CW Goals. Email me and we'll get started!
Pete, WM4Q - TN - wm4qtn@gmail.com
I became interested in amateur radio back in the winter of 1984-85 with my carpool. We were all CB operators and shared an interest in two way radio and Amateur radio seemed the next step. I had a patient Elmer who was a General class license. He encouraged me to get my General class. I would like to help you get going on the air with code. I can be found mostly on SKCC Sked Page. I have seen several email comments from folks getting started saying that the speeds on air are TOO fast for them. You can get to regular stress free cw conversation with help on air. Send me an email or better yet hit me up on the SKED Page and lets find a spot to get together.
Bruce, K5TEN - AR - k5ten@aol.com
I've been a ham since 1981. I love CW, especially 40 meters. I specialize in helping those who may be hesitant about using CW because of their slow speed. Slow is just fine! I'll help you get some confidence (and some speed!) in no time. I am very much an "old school" CW operator with emphasis on proper pro-signs, procedure, and how to work break-in. I have always been one to leave a tad more in spacing, making it even easier to copy. I can also help you graduate to "ditching the pencil" and start copying in your head. I have a full-sized elevated ground plane 43' vertical on a mountainside and routinely work both coasts during the day as well as at night on 40 meters. Simply email me and we'll work out a sked based on your location, license class, and propagation that is convenient for us both.
Dana, AD5VC - LA - ad5vc@yahoo.com
I got my license in 2005 after hurricane Katrina. I recall well the on-air nervousness of my first tries at CW. It was hard to spend 5 minutes trying to decode a callsign sent at 18+ wpm and then call and ask for QRS, or have brain freeze and have to ask for repeats. However, there were people who would take the time to work with me, and with practice it got better, surprisingly quickly. I'd like to pay forward the patience that others showed me. Therefore, I particularly like to help new ops get over that hump. I am available in the evening and on weekends.
Louis, AG5XU - TX - lwoff@sbcglobal.net
I have been a ham since 1971. CW is a great way to communicate. It takes some practice to both send and receive while having fun at the same time. Speed is not as important as proper code that others can understand. Will be available for CW schedules mostly evenings or nights. I can send via manual key anywhere from 5 to 15wpm emphasizing correct timing and using standard code abbreviations that facilitate the process. Just drop me an email to work out a schedule.
Rick, N6IET - CA - n6iet@arrl.net
I've been an avid CW operator since I got my Novice license in 1960 as KN5FMF. I enjoy using a straight key (10-14 wpm) and a bug (15-19 wpm). Check out my QRZ.com bio for more detailed information about my amateur radio history and interests, including some hints about sending good code and learning head copy. I get on 80-meter CW from my apartment building near UCLA almost every morning. I can make skeds with new CW operators certain evenings or midday on various bands, but mornings on 80 or 40 meters are best for me, 7 days a week.
Bob, WL7WH - AK - wl7wh@alaska.net
I am available most any time (retired) and can usually meet anyone's time frame. Band conditions now will make some contacts difficult, but hopefully if you are located on the West Coast there will be no problems.
Dave, N6XJP/7 - AZ - dfairchilds@sbcglobal.net
I have been a ham since 1989. I love Code. Enjoyed learning it. Enjoy practicing it. Love doing it on the air. My shack is north of Tucson in Oro Valley at about 2800 feet. I can send on 10 through 40 meters, including 30, 17, and 12. I hang out on the SKCC freqs and favor 7.100-7.120 as well as 14.100-14.120 and 10.100-10.125. My antenna supports mainly NVIS and ground propagation due the stealth nature of the mounting in an HOA. Sending and receiving 15-20 wpm, but would love to do 3-8 wpm to help bring someone along if necessary. Retired now, best times are 0900-1500 local, but I can adjust to anyone's schedule.
Andy, N7TP - NV - n7tp@amargosavalley.com
Novice in 1965. General in 1966. 20 WPM Extra in 1980. Now that I'm retired I hope to get proficient with my Vibroplex Lightning Bug. Otherwise, I pound brass with one of my straight keys. 20 WPM is pretty much the top end. For someone just starting out on CW, or even ham radio, I can help with all the proper procedures and things you need to know.
Russ, WD7JS - russfishk7ina@gmail.com
I was first licensed in 1959 and have been active ever since. My favorite mode is CW and I am comfortable with speeds from 5 to 65 WPM. My first Elmer was not a CW operator but he had knowledge to pass on to us "newbies". I believe I have knowledge to pass on to assist others in CW or basic amateur radio operating procedures. Retired Washington State Patrol Sergeant, no family left so I have time to spend in helping others. 73, Russ, WD7JS
Ted, K8AQM - MI - k8aqm1629t@gmail.com
I have been an amateur radio operator for 59 years, since I was 13. My love of the hobby has sent me around the world as a DXpeditioner with 99% of my operation as a cw enthusiast. I had a lot of help through the years and it's time for me to pay it forward. I enjoy using a straight key, a bug and in the last two years a cootie. I am available most days between 9 am and 3 pm and then after 7 pm. I can do any band when propagation suits.
John, K8JD - MI - k8jd@yahoo.com
I live in the Detroit metro area and have a flexible schedule. I have been an active CW Ham since 1961 and use straight keys, bugs and electronic keyers. I have taught classes to prospective hams in clubs and public-school adult-education settings, including Morse training. I have a station capable of giving on-the-air Morse training to local hams as well as distant ones. 73, John, K8JD
Andy, K2OO - OH - thall@thall.net
I have been a CW op for over 40 years and would love to join your Elmer brigade. I am retired, so I can help at almost any hour of the day.
Jason, KB8PVQ - OH - kb8pvq@hotmail.com
I have been a ham since 1993. One of my main interests is working with new CW ops to help them learn, gain confidence and become more proficient. I spend most of my time on the HF bands. I enjoy meeting people, sharing experiences, and learning as much as I can about this great hobby. If you're into CW, learning CW, or want to start, I urge you to check out the Straight Key Century Club. SKCC is a great group of CW ops; the club promotes the use of manual CW keys (straight keys, cooties (sideswipers) and bugs). I would be happy to help (be an "Elmer") to anyone who wants to work on improving cw skills.
Ernie, K9QAG - IL - edbrown3448@att.net
I was originally licensed in September of 1957. Over the years I spent a lot of time on Morse code. Today, it is my primary source of communication. I operate mainly 40 meters through 17 meters but can go on any frequency up to 6 meters. I can work any speed comfortably up to 20 wpm, but speed does not bother me. Accuracy is the important thing. If I can be any help send me an e-mail and we can set up a time and frequency to practice cw.
Dan, W9DLN - WI - W9DLN@protonmail.com
My name is Dan Nyman and I live in Crivitz, WI. I have been a ham since 1977 when first licensed as WD8JTQ. I would be happy to serve as an Elmer. I would like to share my experience with others to help them become better CW operators. I can work any speed up to about 20 WPM with my straight key. If you use a bug we can go faster. I am available most evenings and weekends. I'm not retired and still have a day job. If I can be on any help send me an email or call me at (715) 854-3690.
Jack, KK0I - WI - sabaideejack@gmail.com
I am a "renewed" amateur since returning in 2006 and am enjoying CW even more this "second time around." You can generally find me operating in the mornings between 5:30 until around 7:30 a.m. Central time getting my CW "fix." During the winter months especially, I'll hang around the 3.550 to 3.560 area on 80 meters or the 7.050 to 7.060 on 40 meters. You'll also find me hanging around the old Novice portion of the 40 meter band (7.100 - 7.125 MHz) looking for those new and "renewed" CW operators. Fun is the name of the game. It's not about the speed. Accuracy is what it is about...speed will always follow. If you'd like to give it a try, I've certainly got the patience and I'm willing to push you if you want. But you have to let me know, otherwise I'll match your speed. Let's have fun pounding brass together. Send me an email and let's see what we can do. I'll be there.
Fred, VE3FAL - ON - flesnick@tbaytel.net
I've been playing with radio since age 12. I started operating ham radio at VE3SEC in high school. From there the bug bit and bit hard. I use Morse code 95 percent of the time. I can operate all bands from 160-10 meters. My first love has been and will always be CW. Email me to set up a sked.
Tony, VE2KM - QC - ve2km@ynotsailing.com
CW has always been a passion with me. I prefer to use a straight key but reluctantly used a paddle and a keyer for the CW Academy sessions. On some occasions I would use the straight key in the session and my sending was always more accurate than with the paddles.
Bernard, F5DE - FRA - f5de@wanadoo.fr
I learned CW at 15 and became F5DE in 1964. I have always done CW traffic by pleasure, more than 90 percent on HF and the most possible on VHF. I am QRV from 3.5 to 28 MHz bands. I use about 50 watts and a GP antenna. This is not a very powerful station but powerful enough to do a good QSO depending on propagation. Generally, I can be active around 2100 to 2400 UTC. Do not hesitate to ask me for a sked via an e-mail. I can arrange a date/time for a QSO try. This is also possible when I am connected to the SKCC Sked page.
Bert, F6HKA - FRA - f6hka@aol.com
I've been ham since 1981 and really love CW my main mode of traffic. I use straight keys and bugs, and can help with practice at speeds between 5-30 wpm. As I'm retired, I'm very available and connected on sked page almost every day. Don't hesitate to send a PM or an e-mail. I'm QRV on all bands 160-6m.
Gerard, F6EEQ - FRA - f6eeq@wanadoo.fr
Operate cw only. Contact me, I would be happy to help you improve your cw.
Hiro, JJ1FXF - JA - jj1fxf@gmail.com
I was licensed in March 1976 when I was 13 years old. Ham radio sparked my interest in English communications. I was QRT for some decades due to study, work, marriage, and raising three kids. And finally, I came back to HAM radio after my kids graduated from their schools. I mostly use a straight key or bug key, and sometimes a cootie key. I'm not an enthusiast of contesting nor award hunting, but I am interested in chatting over CW under thrilling QSB. Very glad to help new hams and slow speed operators improve their cw.
Alex, PA1FOX - NL - pa1fox@home.nl
For more than 22 years, I have known CW but was too scared to use it. Recognize it? Or just started learning? With the help of the SKCC I managed to conquer it and really enjoy CW now. I would like to Elmer any new or old (re-?)starters and can help you with any speed up to 20 wpm with straight key, sideswiper, or paddles. Apart from using radio we can also practice using internet CW if we can not get our signals through. Skeds around 21:30 to 23:00 UTC would be perfect. Please send me a mail if you need help. Plenty of patience and willingness are waiting here for you!
Stan, ZL2BLQ - NZ - zl2blq@gmail.com
It would be my pleasure to assist newcomers and others develop their confidence in the use of CW. I can be found most days on 14.051 to 14.055 MHz. Best times are 0200-0300 UTC. I will match any slow CW speeds, because accuracy comes before speed.
Neil, ZL1NZ - NZL - neil@zl1.nz
Licensed since 1970. Operate cw only. Contact me, I would be glad to help you improve your fist and your code speed.
Rico, PZ5JW - Suriname - pa3bvk@gmail.com
I am retired as an Electrical engineer. During a period of independence of Suriname I moved to Holland. There I got my Novice, and I started to learn the Morse code. There was an elderly man who lived alone so I give him the key of my house; he taught me morse code. His teaching started around 1980 and until now I have the privilege to teach lot of people and all passed the exam for Morse code. Right now I am back home in PZ-Land and I can work from 30, 40 and 20 meters. I can help teach you morse code.