# Morse Elmer

> Morse Code learning tool using Koch Method and Farnsworth spacing with progress tracking. (iPhone/iPad app by Morgan Jones.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/morse-elmer/id414371107 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Morgan Jones](https://appshunter.io/developer/414371110)
- Category: Utilities, Education
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 187 App Store ratings · 85 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 17 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-02-03
- Data updated: 2026-08-19
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/morse-elmer/id414371107/reviews.md

## What is Morse Elmer?

Morse Elmer is an app to help you learn Morse Code. Morse Elmer uses two well established methods to help you learn: The Koch Method and  Farnsworth spacing. As you train Morse Elmer keeps track of your results, graphing them so you can monitor your progress. With Morse Elmer on your iOS device you'll have the tools to train whenever you want and the more frequently you train the quicker you'll become proficient.

Learn more at:  http://morseelmer.blogspot.com/

## Key features

- Learn Morse Code
- Koch Method training
- Farnsworth spacing
- Progress tracking
- Graphical results
- On-the-go training

## Chart rankings

- #171 in Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

## What do users think of Morse Elmer?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- 🎯 Effective Farnsworth and Koch learning methods
- 📱 Portable practice anywhere on iPhone/iPad
- ⚙️ Highly customizable speed and spacing controls
- 📊 Progress tracking and session scoring
- 💰 Excellent value for 99 cents
- 🎓 Realistic QSO-style practice scenarios
- 📈 Rapid skill improvement and speed gains
- 🔧 Flexible character set customization
- 🎵 Authentic Morse code fist quality
- 📝 Paper-based copying trains real-world skills

**Cons**

- 📝 Requires pen and paper for copying
- 🐛 Manual self-scoring system (honor-based)
- 📱 Limited to 10-minute maximum sessions
- 🔊 Low volume output on some devices
- ⚙️ Twitchy Farnsworth spacing slider
- 🚫 No keyboard input/transcription feature
- ❌ No sending/keying practice capability
- 📂 Poor file management and organization
- 🔗 Dropbox-only file loading (no standard iOS file dialog)
- ⏸️ Doesn't prevent phone sleep during practice
- 🌡️ Temperature display doesn't vary like RST values
- 🔄 Limited QTH variety in QSO mode
- 📞 Developer support links broken/unresponsive

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Incorrect Morse code for some letters
- Missing option to add letters (iOS 15+)
- Text not displaying in settings dialog (iPad Air)
- Drops last character in sequence reporting
- Volume extremely low on headphone/Bluetooth
- App compatibility issues with current iOS versions
- Support link missing from app

**Most requested features**

- Higher speed support (beyond current limits)
- Keyboard input mode for automatic scoring
- Sending/keying practice capability
- Extended session duration (30+ minutes)
- Morse code reference chart in-app
- Variable temperature numbers in QSO mode
- More diverse QTH locations
- Standard iOS file picker integration
- File deletion and organization options
- Error-based scoring option
- Practice timer reset functionality
- Head copy practice mode
- Custom word list creation

## Recent user reviews (10 of 85)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/morse-elmer/id414371107/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Helpful

*2026-01-02*

A useful App when learning Cw. I found that rather than write down what I am hearing, I use a memo device,so say out loud what you hear and play back to check in the app for your accuracy and if you really want to , check your progress (I don’t) 
A useful tool along with others to get you there

### 5/5 — Excellent for learning and improving CW

*2025-12-29*

Am a permanent fan! The only thing I wish is that the temperature numbers would change just like the RST values.  And maybe more varied QTH’s.

### 1/5 — Minimal program, there are others much better.

*2025-12-16, version 1.7.0*

Disappointed in the program. Having use other Android apps such as Morse Mentor, when I got an iPhone, I needed another app. Sorely dissatisfied with this app. There is no input while practicing, and no auto correcting capability. Not worth downloading, let alone paying for it. A waste of money.

### 5/5 — Great Training

*2025-04-24, version 1.6.2*

Really good to learn and practice cw. Many thanks to the dev for a fine and useful app!

### 5/5 — Excellent App!

*2025-03-20, version 1.6.2*

This app is excellent to help you learn how to copy Morse code.

### 5/5 — Easy to use, works great

*2025-02-11, version 1.6.2*

I’ve tried a couple other apps similar to this which were a lot harder to use, produced random words that repeated way to often, or were just too simple.  I like this one because it simulates the actual structure of CW operations in the real world and gives you the option to fill in the blank of who is calling, their name, location, etc.  It also will print the convo so that you can read along while hearing the code.

### 5/5 — Fantastic App!!!

*2025-01-04, version 1.6.2*

Really helpful!

### 1/5 — Garbage

*2024-10-20*

If you looked this app up because it says it’s like G4FON but for the iPad.
Forget it. 
It’s probably the worst CW trainer you can get.
There are better iPad CW apps unfortunately I haven’t yet found one as good as G4FON

### 3/5 — Getting back on the air

*2024-10-06, version 1.6.2*

Excellent for an 81 year old off the air for 50 years. 
W4WQQ

### 5/5 — Better Than Apps That Cost Money

*2024-08-23, version 1.6.2*

Very flexible. Great app for learning morse code.

## Frequently asked questions about Morse Elmer

### What is Morse Elmer?

Morse Elmer is a mobile application designed to help users learn and master Morse Code. It employs established learning techniques to make the process efficient and trackable.

### What learning methods does Morse Elmer use?

The app utilizes two well-regarded methods for learning Morse Code: the Koch Method and Farnsworth spacing. These methods are designed to help users learn characters and improve their speed and accuracy.

### How does Morse Elmer help me track my progress?

Morse Elmer keeps a record of your training results and presents them in graphs. This allows you to visually monitor your progress over time and identify areas for improvement.

### Is Morse Elmer free to use?

Yes, based on the provided information, Morse Elmer is a free application. There are no indications of in-app purchases or advertisements.

### Who would benefit from using Morse Elmer?

This app is ideal for anyone wanting to learn Morse Code, such as amateur radio enthusiasts, hobbyists, or individuals interested in historical communication methods. Frequent training with the app can lead to quicker proficiency.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.7.3 — 2026-02-03

This quick turn around hot fix addresses an intermittent crash discovered by one of the intrepid Morse Elmer users affecting the "Play last character of the training set" functionality on the Settings Tab in the Training Set section.  As a bonus a handful of usability and readability changes are also included.  Please be sure to review the latest documentation .pdf available at http://morseelmer.blogspot.com/

### 1.7.2 — 2026-01-29

# What's New

New features:

- **Completion Mode Setting**: Choose how training sessions end—Precise (stops at duration) or Natural (plays to completion with overtime display)
- **White Noise**: Add realistic radio static to training audio to simulate real-world conditions. Noise level displayed in dB relative to signal (0 dB = equal, +12 dB max = 4x signal amplitude). Slider uses cubic scale for fine control at lower levels
- **Prevent Screen Lock**: Keep the screen on during training sessions so you can focus on copying without the display dimming or locking

Improvements:

- Search enabled in documentation viewer
- QSO training now includes randomized weather conditions and season-appropriate temperatures
- Support emails now include optional diagnostic information with your current training settings to help troubleshoot issues

Bug fixes:

- Fixed an issue with training start delay timing introduced in 1.7.1

### 1.7.1 — 2026-01-13

ok, this was intended as a minor bug fix release, but I kinda let it run away with me...  bug fixes, new functionality, reorganized settings and documentation to help those new to Morse Elmer, I hope this is well received...

Enhanced QSO training with dual-frequency mode—caller and responder now transmit at separate configurable tones, simulating realistic on-air conditions where you track two different operators. Added optional operator silence that inserts natural pauses between transmissions, helping you get comfortable with the rhythm of real QSO exchanges.

Fixed character counting accuracy (Issue #52) so all characters heard are now properly counted. Training sessions now play to natural completion rather than cutting off mid-character, with the timer displaying any overtime. Results show both elapsed and target time for full transparency.

Reorganized the Settings tab for a more intuitive flow—first select your training set and which characters to include, then configure word structure, followed by session-specific settings like speed, duration, and frequency. Default target speed updated to 15 WPM for new installations.

Added a "How it works" onboarding button on the Train tab, giving new users a four-page walkthrough of the app's training methodology. Improved Dynamic Type support for better accessibility with larger system fonts. Documentation completely rewritten and reorganized to reflect the new settings layout.

### 1.7.0 — 2025-11-16

Modernization Update: Swift Charts and MKDocs Integration

  The Progress tab has been completely redesigned with Apple's native Swift Charts
  framework, replacing the legacy CorePlot library.

  New Features:
  • Interactive chart with smooth animations and horizontal scrolling
  • Tap table rows to highlight corresponding chart points
  • Filter sessions: Show 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or All
  • Swipe-to-delete individual training sessions
  • Modernized CSV export with native share sheet

  Bug Fixes:
  • Fixed crash when deleting pro-signs in custom sets
  • Updated deprecated iOS APIs for better compatibility

  Documentation:
  • Completely rebuilt using MkDocs with enhanced navigation
  • Mobile-friendly layout for easier access on any device
  • Future releases will include PDF versions for offline use and Desktop website support.

  Under the Hood:
  • Removed 500+ files of third-party code, modernizing with native iOS frameworks for
  improved performance and easier maintenance

  Developed with assistance from Claude Code.

### 1.6.2 — 2024-03-08

Bug Fix for QSO crash, update instructions/release notes, remove no longer maintained social media. Tweaked Progress graph colors for light and dark modes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-19.*