Amateur ExtraE8C05
What is the approximate bandwidth of a 13-WPM International Morse Code transmission?
C
Answer
Signals, modulation, and digital modes
Type
A
13 Hz
B
26 Hz
C
52 Hz
D
104 Hz
Answer Notes
The bandwidth of an International Morse Code (CW) transmission is directly proportional to the speed at which it is sent. A standard, widely accepted rule of thumb in amateur radio is to estimate CW bandwidth by multiplying the transmission speed in Words Per Minute (WPM) by a constant factor of 4.
Applying this simple formula to the question: 13 WPM multiplied by 4 yields an approximate bandwidth of 52 Hz. This extremely low bandwidth requirement demonstrates why CW is such an efficient mode for crowded band conditions.
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