Receive and decode CW

CW mode receives Morse signals with a narrow passband. The optional decoder shows received text in a strip between the spectrum and the waterfall.

Tune a CW signal

Select CW in the mode control.
Tune the signal until its audio tone is clear.
Select a passband that rejects nearby signals without cutting off the tone.

Enable the decoder

Select CW, then turn on CW decoder in the RADIO section of the left control column. The CW strip shows decoder lock, estimated speed, and received text.

The RADIO section of the Radio Bench control column in CW mode, showing the mode chips, the folded Pass-band and CW groups, and the CW decoder switch with its WPM hint, WPM mode, and Decode offset controls. — The decoder controls appear in the RADIO section after you select CW.

Select Auto under WPM mode for automatic speed tracking. Select Manual to set the WPM hint yourself.

Adjust Decode offset when the decoder target does not match the received tone. The decoder clears its live state when you change this setting.

Check decoded text

Treat decoded text as an operating aid. Noise, fading, interference, and uneven sending can produce errors.

Compare uncertain text with the received audio. Improve tuning and passband selection before you change the speed hint.

Send CW through CAT

A connected Hamlib rig can send CW text. See Configure CAT rig control for connection and error behavior.

Connect CAT and confirm the rig frequency.
Prepare the radio for a low-power test into a suitable dummy load.
Select CW, then open TX AUDIO > Keyer.
Enter a short message in CW text.
Select Send and confirm that the radio sends it.

Radio Bench requests CW mode before sending text, regardless of the rig mode preference. The radio backend must support CAT Morse. A send error reports the failure without necessarily disconnecting CAT.

For a receive check, tune a steady CW signal and compare the audio with the decoder text. If letters fragment, refine tuning and passband before adjusting WPM.