Koch Lesson 1: Characters K and M

Why this step

Ludwig Koch’s first pair is two dash-heavy letters that never sound like each other. K is three elements with a dit in the middle (-.-). M is two equal dahs (--). You learn contrast, not an alphabet chart.

What to hear

Listen for K as “dah-dit-dah” — the same rhythm as the invitation-to-transmit family (the letter K, not a real on-air call). M is a pair of long tones with no dit at all. If you catch yourself counting “dash, pause, dash,” the character speed is too slow; raise WPM and use Farnsworth gaps instead.

Drill

Copy only K and M. Do not add R until twenty recent copies sit at about 90% in the trainer. Drill mixed order, not KM-KM-KM. A useful check: can you name the letter before the sound finishes?

Letter groups you can type in the translator once the ear is warm: K, M, KM, MK

Pitfall

Visual flashcards of -.- versus -- train your eyes. Koch only works if the first contact is audio. Close the alphabet chart while the session runs.