Morse Code Prosigns for CW Operators
Prosigns are the grammar of on-air Morse. MorseCoder’s QSO simulator drills AR, SK, and K until they become muscle memory — once you stop spacing the letters apart.
Quick Answer: What Are Morse Code Prosigns?
Morse code prosigns are procedural signals — AR, SK, BK, K, CQ, and others — sent as one continuous character without spaces between the letters. They control the flow of a CW QSO: calling stations, handing off transmit rights, pausing, and signing clear. On the air, you send .-.-. for AR, not .- / .-.. Master these before your first HF contact; pair them with Q-codes for efficient exchanges.
What is a prosign?
A prosign (procedure signal) is a standardized Morse transmission sent as a single unbroken character. Unlike ordinary text where A-R would be .- / .-. with a letter space, prosign AR is .-.-. run together. The ITU and amateur radio tradition assign each prosign a specific operating meaning independent of the individual letter names.
Complete Prosigns Reference Table
Click any row pattern in the translator to hear it. For punctuation symbols used inside messages, see Morse code punctuation.
| Prosign | Morse Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AR | .-.-. | End of message / Over |
| SK | ...-.- | End of work / End of contact |
| BK | -...-.- | Break / Break in |
| K | -.- | Invitation to transmit (any station) |
| KN | -.--. | Invitation to transmit (specific station) |
| BT | -...- | Break text / New paragraph |
| AS | .-... | Wait / Stand by |
| CL | -.-.-.. | Closing station |
| CQ | -.-.-- | Calling any station |
Prosigns in a Real CW QSO
Here is a simplified 20-meter ragchew showing where prosigns land. Q-codes fill the content; prosigns frame the conversation.
STATION A: CQ CQ CQ DE MORSECODER K
STATION B: STATION B DE MORSECODER FB OM UR 599 BT NAME OP AR STATION B DE MORSECODER KN
STATION B: OP UR 599 ALSO BT NAME OP QTH PRACTICE LAB AR STATION B DE MORSECODER K
STATION A: TNX OP 73 SK
- CQ … K — calling any station, invitation to transmit
- BT — new thought (report, then name)
- AR — end of this transmission turn
- KN — only STATION B should reply (directed call)
- K — open invitation on the return
- SK — contact complete
AR vs SK vs BK: Know the Difference
AR .-.-.
Turn over. You finished this over; the other station transmits next. The QSO continues.
SK ...-.-
Sign clear. The QSO is finished. No reply expected unless the other station already started calling you.
BK -...-.-
Break in. Interrupts traffic — nets, emergencies, or urgent info. Not a casual "over."
How to Practice Prosigns
- 1. Copy the table above into the translator one prosign at a time — hear the run-together rhythm.
- 2. Run QSO Simulator modules in the trainer until AR/K/SK recognition is automatic.
- 3. Listen to HF CW on a WebSDR; identify prosigns in live contacts before you transmit.
- 4. Pair with Q-codes — a complete QSO uses both.
People Also Ask
How do you send AR in Morse code?
Run the letters A and R together without a gap: .-.-. (dot-dash-dot-dash-dot). Do not send .- / .-. with a space — that reads as two separate letters.
What does CQ mean in ham radio?
CQ means "seek you" — a general call inviting any station to reply. A typical opener: CQ CQ CQ DE [CALLSIGN] K.
Is SOS a prosign?
Yes. SOS (...---...) is sent as one continuous character without internal letter spacing. See our SOS guide for emergency use.