There’s a certain romance to Morse code, a rhythmic language of dits and dahs that feels both antiquated and timeless. As a licensed ham radio operator and a lifelong tinkerer, I’ve spent countless hours trying to perfect my “fist”—the unique cadence of my sending. In the past, this meant being tethered to my main rig, a cumbersome setup not exactly conducive to casual practice. I tried smartphone apps, but they were a constant battle against notifications and other digital distractions. The path to proficiency felt fragmented. What I, and many others in the amateur radio community, desperately needed was a dedicated, portable, and comprehensive tool to bridge the gap between learning the alphabet and having a fluid conversation on the airwaves. The challenge is finding a device that’s more than a simple oscillator—one that can truly act as a coach, a tester, and a practice partner, all without breaking the bank. This is the precise void the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display aims to fill.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL POSSIBILITIES: Putikeeg CW Trainer helps you learn Morse code better. Select the QCW view mode to query 58 phrases; select the code view mode to query the list of commonly used Morse...
- ADJUSTABLE SOUND DESIGN: The sound of the Morse code practice oscillator can be turned off or on to set different volume levels. The code practice oscillator can also be connected to headphones for...
- APPLICABLE: Connect the Morse code practice oscillator to transmit Morse code. Ideal for radio enthusiasts, beginners, camping in the wilderness or POTA, SOTA, LOTA or for indoor use
What to Consider Before Buying a CW Trainer or Portable Radio
A specialized device like a CW trainer, which falls under the broader umbrella of portable shortwave radio equipment, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for developing a critical communication skill. For amateur radio enthusiasts, preppers, or anyone interested in off-grid communication, mastering Morse code is a rite of passage. A good trainer solves the problem of needing access to expensive, full-sized radio equipment for practice. It allows for silent, focused sessions via headphones, provides instant visual feedback to correct timing errors, and offers structured drills that are far more effective than aimless keying. The main benefit is accelerated learning and muscle memory development in a compact, go-anywhere package.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone actively learning or looking to improve their Morse code proficiency. This includes new ham radio licensees studying for their exams, seasoned operators wanting to increase their words-per-minute (WPM) speed for contesting, or survivalists who value having a non-verbal, long-distance communication method in their skill set. However, it might not be suitable for those who simply want to listen to AM/FM broadcasts or international shortwave stations. For passive listening, a traditional portable shortwave radio would be a much better fit. If your interest is purely in a nostalgic aesthetic or home audio, a tabletop radio might be the answer.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: The primary advantage of a dedicated trainer is the ability to practice anywhere. We looked for a device small and light enough to fit in a pocket or backpack without a second thought. For operators involved in field activities like Parks on the Air (POTA) or Summits on the Air (SOTA), a lightweight, battery-powered unit is non-negotiable.
- Performance & Features: A great trainer needs a wide, adjustable speed range, typically from a beginner-friendly 5 WPM up to 30 WPM or more for experts. We also analyzed the variety of practice modes. Does it just generate random characters, or does it offer listening tests, sending analysis, and libraries of common phrases (Q-codes) like the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display does? The quality of the sidetone (the audible beep) and the clarity of the display are also paramount for effective practice.
- Build Quality & Durability: While most trainers are not built to military specifications, they should withstand the rigors of daily use and travel. We examined the casing material, the quality of the buttons, and the durability of the input/output jacks. Online user feedback often provides crucial insight into long-term reliability and potential points of failure.
- Ease of Use & Connectivity: How intuitive is the menu system? While some complexity is expected, the device shouldn’t require an engineering degree to operate. We also confirmed the presence of standard 3.5mm jacks for connecting both a telegraph key/paddle and headphones. An internal, rechargeable battery is a massive convenience, eliminating the need for external power supplies and extra cables.
These considerations formed the bedrock of our evaluation, ensuring we judged the product not just on its specs, but on its real-world utility for the aspiring CW operator.
While the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display is an excellent choice for its specific purpose, it’s always wise to see how it fits within the broader landscape of portable communication devices. For a wider look at all the top models focused on reception, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Shortwave Radios for Survival and Emergency Preparedness
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First Impressions: A Compact Powerhouse with a Learning Curve
Upon unboxing the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display, the first thing we noticed was its diminutive size. It’s truly pocketable, weighing in at a mere 7 ounces and easily cupped in one hand. The plastic housing, available in a vibrant blue or green, feels sturdy enough for its intended purpose, though we wouldn’t want to drop it on concrete. The centerpiece is the bright and surprisingly crisp 1.3-inch digital display. The package is minimalist, containing the unit itself and a USB charging cable.
Here, however, we encountered our first hurdle, one echoed by many users: the complete absence of a manual. Powering it on reveals a menu system that is anything but intuitive. The buttons are multi-functional, and discovering how to adjust WPM, change modes, or even control the volume required a solid 20 minutes of trial-and-error. This initial frustration is a significant drawback. Yet, once we cracked the code of its operation, we discovered a powerful and responsive device. As one user noted, once you set your preferences, they are saved, allowing for an “instant on” experience for future practice sessions, which is a fantastic feature that gets you practicing in seconds.
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive all-in-one training modes for sending, receiving, and code lookup
- Excellent connectivity with 3.5mm jacks for both keys/paddles and headphones
- Highly portable with an outstanding internal rechargeable battery life
- Wide and fully adjustable speed range from 5 to 50 WPM
- Clear visual feedback on the bright 1.3-inch display
Limitations
- Extremely confusing menu system with no included instructions
- Some user reports raise concerns about long-term screen durability
From Dits to QSOs: A Feature-by-Feature Breakdown of the Putikeeg CW Trainer
A CW trainer lives or dies by the quality of its practice engine and the depth of its features. This is where, despite its usability quirks, the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display truly begins to shine, offering a feature set that we found comparable to units costing twice as much. We spent several weeks integrating it into our daily routine, testing every mode and pushing its limits from slow-speed drills to high-speed sprints.
The Core Training Engine: Perfecting Your Fist
The fundamental purpose of this device is to help you send clean, well-timed Morse code. We plugged in our trusty iambic paddle, and the trainer recognized it instantly. The first thing we tested was the sending feedback loop. As you send characters, they appear in real-time on the 1.3-inch display. This immediate visual confirmation is invaluable. It allowed us to instantly see if we were leaving too much space between letters or rushing the space between words—subtle timing errors that can make your code difficult for others to copy on the air.
The standout feature here is the incredible WPM range. We could dial it down to a crawling 5 WPM for deliberate practice of new characters and then crank it all the way up to a blistering 50 WPM. This vast range makes the device suitable for an absolute beginner and a seasoned expert looking to push their speed limits for contests. The sidetone is a clear, pleasant sine wave, and its volume is adjustable, or it can be turned off entirely for silent practice using the display alone. As one user aptly put it, the trainer is exceptional at “helping to smooth out key and bug sending, forcing you to send more like a keyer would.” We wholeheartedly agree. After just a few hours, we felt our timing become more precise and consistent, which is the ultimate goal of any practice session. This core functionality alone makes it a highly valuable tool for any aspiring operator.
Versatile Practice Modes and Listening Drills
Where the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display elevates itself from a simple code oscillator to a genuine “training unit” is in its multifunctional modes. Staring at a blank screen waiting for inspiration can be inefficient. This trainer provides the structure needed for effective learning. We spent considerable time in the “listening test” mode, where the device sends random characters or words at a set speed, which you then have to copy by hand. This is the single best way to improve your “head copy” ability—the skill of decoding Morse in your head without writing it down.
Beyond standard drills, it includes two particularly useful query modes. The “QCW view” allows you to look up 58 common phrases and Q-codes (three-letter codes used as shorthand in radio communication). This is fantastic for learning the practical language of ham radio. The “Code view” provides a lookup table for commonly used symbols and punctuation. Instead of having to search online or in a book, the reference is right there on the device. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re not just learning the alphabet, but the full, practical language of CW, making the transition to on-air conversations much smoother.
Portability and Power: The On-the-Go Advantage
One of our biggest frustrations with app-based trainers was the battery drain on our phones and the constant temptation of other apps. The Putikeeg trainer completely solves this. Its dedicated, single-purpose nature fosters deep focus. But its true superpower is its combination of size and battery life. We stuffed it in a jacket pocket and practiced on the bus, took it to a local park for some fresh-air practice, and kept it on the desk for quick five-minute drills between tasks.
The internal battery is, simply put, phenomenal. We charged it fully upon arrival and, after two weeks of daily use (averaging 30-45 minutes per day), the battery indicator had barely moved. One user reported having theirs for weeks without needing a recharge, a claim our testing fully supports. This endurance makes it an ideal companion for weekend camping trips, SOTA/POTA activations, or simply for anyone who doesn’t want to be burdened by yet another device that needs constant charging. The freedom from cables and power supplies, combined with its robust battery, makes the Putikeeg CW Trainer an exceptionally convenient practice partner, far surpassing the utility of any smartphone app we’ve tried.
Interface and Usability: Navigating the Quirks
We cannot analyze this device without addressing its most significant flaw: the user interface. Without a manual, the initial experience is genuinely bewildering. A combination of short presses, long presses, and simultaneous presses of the three control buttons governs everything from WPM and volume to mode selection. It is a steep and frustrating learning curve. We strongly advise any new owner to set aside a half-hour specifically to experiment and learn the controls. A community-made guide or video tutorial would be a massive benefit here.
However, there is a silver lining. Once we finally mastered the controls, we found the system to be reasonably efficient. More importantly, as confirmed by our testing and other users, the device saves all your settings upon power-off. When you turn it back on, your preferred WPM, volume, and mode are exactly as you left them. This “instant-on” capability transforms the device from a quirky gadget into a seamless practice tool. You can power it on, plug in your key, and be sending code in less than three seconds. While the initial setup is a definite con, the long-term usability, once you are over that hump, is surprisingly good. The display, once you understand the on-screen symbols, provides all the necessary information in a clean, legible format.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the general sentiment from the user community. Overwhelmingly, users praise the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display for its incredible value proposition. As one operator noted, “The closest competitor to this unit is twice the price,” highlighting its powerful feature set—visual text readout, multiple tests, and a wide WPM range—at an accessible price point.
The portability and self-contained nature are frequently celebrated. One user expressed that they found it to be “a better tool than any of the iOS apps” and loved the internal battery for practicing anywhere. The long battery life is another common point of praise, with one person stating they’d “had it weeks and still havnt had to recharge it.”
On the negative side, our frustration with the user interface is a shared experience. The most common complaint by far is the “poorly written instructions” or, more accurately, the complete lack thereof. This sentiment is nearly universal among reviewers who mention the setup process. We also must acknowledge a report from one user whose “led screen stopped working” after three weeks. While our unit performed flawlessly, this does suggest that some quality control issues may exist, which is a risk to consider.
How Does the Putikeeg CW Trainer Compare to Other Portable Radios?
It’s important to frame this comparison correctly. The Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display is a highly specialized piece of equipment for learning and practicing a specific communication mode. The following alternatives fall into the broader “Portable Radio” category but serve entirely different purposes. Your choice depends entirely on whether you want to actively practice a skill or passively listen to broadcasts.
1. Sangean AM/FM Wooden Table Radio
- Sangean WR-15WL AM/FM Table Top Wooden Radio, Walnut
- Soft and Precise Tuning with Tuning Indicator LED
- Ported speaker enclosure for rich bass
The Sangean Table Top Radio is designed for a completely different user and environment. Its purpose is to deliver high-fidelity audio for AM and FM broadcasts in a stationary, indoor setting. It excels in audio quality and features a beautiful, classic wooden enclosure that adds to a room’s decor. If your goal is to enjoy music or talk radio with rich, clear sound from a handsome device in your kitchen or office, the Sangean is a superb choice. It has no shortwave capability, no battery for portability, and certainly no function for practicing Morse code. It is a listening device, not a training tool.
2. Victrola Willow Retro Bluetooth Radio Espresso
- MORE THAN A RADIO- Listen to music through traditional AM/FM and through bluetooth wireless streaming with Victrola's Retro Radio (Walnut). With a classic vintage look and modern features, it elevates...
- GREAT QUALITY SOUND- This timeless radio (9.5 in x 6.3 in x 4.9 in) comes with built-in stereo speakers for a full range crisp sound reproduction and a vintage tonal quality without any distortions....
- WIDE-RANGE BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY – The built-in Bluetooth pairs quickly with smartphones, tablets and even laptops. Enjoy unlimited wireless streaming from your favorite streaming apps, internet...
The Victrola Willow is another device focused on aesthetics and casual listening. It leans heavily into its vintage design while incorporating modern technology like Bluetooth streaming. This is the perfect radio for someone who wants to stream a podcast from their phone one moment and tune into a local FM station the next, all from a device that looks like a mid-century heirloom. Like the Sangean, it prioritizes style and audio for entertainment. It is not designed for the rigors of field use, emergency preparedness, or the specialized function of skill training offered by the Putikeeg trainer.
3. Emgykit R11 Portable Shortwave Radio Solar Hand Crank
- 【Listen All World Sound】This emergency radio pick up channels on the NOAA/AM/FM/SW bands, you can receive signals in both manual and scanning tuning modes to meet your every need. In addition,...
- 【Enjoy Your Favorite Music】This emergency crank radio connects to Bluetooth 5.0 for use as an audio player, and the built-in 5-watt magnetic speaker provides you with superb sound quality so you...
- 【Emergency Features for Preparedness】Stay informed of weather emergencies with this emergency radio with NOAA weather alerts. With a 120LM flashlight, compass, and SOS alert, this emergency radio...
The Emgykit R11 is the closest in spirit to a “survival” radio and the most relevant comparison in this category. Its primary function is emergency reception. With AM/FM, NOAA weather bands, and shortwave capability, plus multiple power sources (solar, hand crank, rechargeable battery), it’s designed to keep you informed during a power outage or other emergency. This is the device you want in your go-bag for receiving critical information. However, it is a receiver. The Putikeeg trainer is, in essence, a transmitter simulator. You would use the Emgykit to *listen* for information, while you would use the Putikeeg to *practice sending* information.
The Final Verdict: Is the Putikeeg CW Trainer the Right Morse Code Mentor for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Putikeeg CW Trainer Morse Code Trainer with Display is a flawed but brilliant device that offers exceptional value. Its comprehensive training modes, fantastic portability, and outstanding battery life make it a powerful tool for anyone serious about learning or improving their Morse code. It successfully replaces distracting smartphone apps and the need to be tied to a full radio rig, providing a focused, effective practice environment you can take anywhere.
However, this recommendation comes with a significant caveat: you must be willing to endure the initial frustration of its instructionless, confusing menu system. If you have the patience to spend 30 minutes mastering its quirky controls, you will be rewarded with a practice partner that punches far above its weight class. It’s best suited for the dedicated beginner-to-intermediate operator who values function and portability over polished user experience. For its price, the depth of features is nearly impossible to beat. If you’re ready to commit to mastering the code and can look past its initial learning curve, we believe it is one of the best value training aids on the market today. You can check the current price and see more details right here.
Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API